We are very happy to report that the first team of JerseyGenome heifers have aquitted themselves extremely well as trailblazers for the programme. The 39 team members named at last years conference to begin the JerseyGenome programme, achieved selection based on both pedigree and genomic information. This combined information was used by the Working Group to narrow the team down from the 106 that were sent away for genotyping. 35 have completed the season, and as you all know, their progress during the lactation has been well documented in the monthly JerseyNews

• BOP 3%
• MANAWATU 20%
• SOUTH ISLAND 14%
• TARANAKI 23%
• WAIKATO 40%

In order to further strengthen JerseyGenome’s development into the future, identification of the top females from this already heavily selected group of heifers is the programmes next step. A breeding initiative to create extra progeny from them will help ensure that the original aims and objectives of the JerseyGenome programme are met and further expanded. JerseyGenome Working Group members have designed a series of status levels that recognise the high performers within the programme. ELITE status being the ultimate goal and offering some exciting opportunities and rewards to the heifers owners.
 

The Working Group has designed a scoring system that earns each heifer points based on the percentile within which her index or Breeding Value sits, so that all team members can be ranked according to their total score. These percentiles are calculated from the 2008-born Jersey statistics in May 2011, so this is an excellent contemporary group from which to be basing comparisons. Traits of importance for the selection process have been finalised and also weighted according to their relative value.

Traits of importance

• Protein BV
• Udder Overall BV
• Fertility BV
• Liveweight BV
• Capacity BV
• Somatic Cell Score BV

This initial criteria development work is looking very useful as a tool towards a formal index for this Jersey breeding programme.Remember that part of the JerseyGenome goal is to create diversity for breeders. The measure of co-ancestry is a tool used for this purpose Co-ancestry is a measure of how related an individual is to a population. A maximum of 4.5% co-ancestry is sufficiently un-related to the Jersey population to have benefits within this programme to further the target of diversity.

Must be;

• In-calf to AB
• 7,7 (UO & DC) minimum
• Top 5% for BOTH NZMI & BW
• Top 10% (for low co-ancestry heifers)
• Top 25% for AT LEAST 4 of the 6 traits OR
• Top 25% for AT LEAST 3 traits for low co-ancestry 

This stage of the criteria will ensure that the heifers that gain an ELITE status are well balanced across the traits that are most valued within the programme. A maximum of 6 heifers only can achieve ELITE status in any season. If more than 6 heifers do meet this criteria, the 6 with the highest total scores will earn ELITE status.
 

JerseyGenome ELITE Owners

• Each ELITE heifer is offered MOET and/or TVR work
• Costs are covered by the Joint Venture partners
• Bull calves enter Jersey Genes consideration
• Heifer calves have automatic entry to JerseyGenome
• Each ELITE heifer will also be professionally photographed during her ELITE season

Must be;

• In-calf to AB
• 7,7 (UO & DC) minimum
• Top 5% for BOTH NZMI & BW
• Top 10% (for low co-ancestry heifers)
• Top 25% of maximum total points OR
• Top 30% for low co-ancestry

Diversity within the JerseyGenome programme and the Jersey breed in general is becoming increasingly important.
We all know to to obtain out-cross genetics we have to pay with lower indexes & BVs, so taking a carefully considered lower criteria for the low co-ancestry animals is realistic to ensure the creation of diversity continues.
 

Must be;

• In-calf to AB
• 7,7 (UO & DC) minimum
• Top 5% for BOTH NZMI & BW
• Top 10% (for low co-ancestry heifers)

HILLSTAR NEVVYS AVIS S3J  John & Ann Ellis (Hillstar Jerseys)

KELLAND KC SERENA  Kelvin & Sandy Tosland (Kelland Jerseys)

MERRIDOWNS CRISMA LUDO  Eric & Colleen Bocock (Merridowns Jerseys)

UPLAND PARK JONOS BRITNEY  Andy & Nicky Walford (Upland Jerseys)

PUKEROA TRICKS BRACETTA  Alan & Vivienne Lockwood-Geck (Pukeroa Jerseys)

ASHVALE EXPORT TRUMP ET  Rodney & Jocelyn Dobson (Ashvale Jerseys)
Graduates Outcross Elite

HAWTHORN GROVE TOPAZ  Ron & Jackie Monk (Hawthorn Grove Jerseys)

SHINARRO MUNGA KENDEL S3J  Brian & shirley & Ross & Karena Carter (Shinarro Jerseys)

A detailed report on the 2008 born team will be included in the September Jersey Review as a follow-up to the presentation made at the Jersey New Zealand Conference, so that all members can have the opportunity to share in the success of the JerseyGenome programme.

Congratulations to all breeders participating already in this exciting venture – we hope more members will get involved as the success of JerseyGenome continues to grow!
 

Figures in the graph/photo below are from the animal Evaluation Run on 14th May 2011