TPI, LPI, PRO$, Net Merit and many more… With so many selection indexes available, how can you decide which is the best option for your herd? To maximize genetic progress on your farm should you be using only the very top bulls from one of these indexes? Should you reference multiple indexes at once? The truth is, your breeding goals likely do not 100% fit in line with any national selection index option.

We have all had the experience of seeing a new number one bull for LPI, TPI or any other index and saying “This bull just doesn’t fit my herd’s needs, how did he get to number 1?” This can be frustrating and confusing; it can make you question the value of a national selection index entirely. The reason this happens is that national indexes are based on national averages, and a set formula on which traits the national dairy herd should be focused on improving. In reality, each of our herds is far from average! A bull that works well in your neighbor’s barn may not be a good option for your herd. Every herd has different strengths, weaknesses and goals. You may want to focus on improving different traits from what LPI or TPI are formulated to improve.

Your herd is unique. Your herd has its own strengths and weaknesses, and you have your own vision for where you would like to see improvement in your cows. A customized selection index based on your own herd and your own goals is the logical step to select a group of bulls that will put you on track to faster genetic gains in the areas you want to improve! Working with your Westgen Rep to formulate a custom farm index is quick and painless. SemexWorks offers an incredibly valuable tool to create your own index and rank bulls according to your own specific herd needs. Custom genetic progress in areas that matter to you! Drive your own genetic progress with SemexWorks!

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