NZS 8100:2024 Dairy herd testing helps farmers produce the best generation of cows

In 2001 the NZS 8100 Dairy Herd testing standard was formed building on decades of data collection and testing procedures. While dairy herd testing has been done in various forms since the early 1900’s eventually giving farmers essential information about cow’s production, somatic cell counts and herd ranking, today’s testing and accompanying standard integrates modern technology, science, and selective breeding practices. 

The committee responsible for developing the latest version of NZS 8100 was chaired by Wendy Harker, a dairy farmer, dairy breeder, cattle inspector and former President of Holstein Friesian New Zealand, a 114-year-old association of 750 farmers and breeders. Wendy, based in Te Awamutu, in Waikato, explains the important role the standard plays in the industry.

‘As a farmer we test cows to find out which are the most productive and efficient. Not all cows are created equal and when a farmer has hundreds of cattle, dairy herd testing and maintaining good genetics can help them improve their breeding decisions.

‘Quality data from herd testing also benefits the dairy industry by calculating the performance of individuals, both male and female, providing information for dairy farmers to select bulls that will pass on good production traits. Bulls selected each season have a significant impact on the future production of the NZ herd. It is important that the information used to select these is accurate and reliable.’

Measuring milk matters

‘Herd testing is voluntary, however the practices involved are regulated under the Dairy Industry (Herd Testing and New Zealand Dairy Core Database) Regulations 2001. Each season, the farmer decides the frequency, timing, and type of herd testing and engages Certified Herd Testers (CHTs) and Herd Record Providers (HRPs). CHTs and HRPs use the standard to ensure accuracy and consistency along with meeting the regulatory requirements concerning the end-to-end processes, from the collection of data and milk samples on farm to the supply of data to the core database.

‘In this version farmers will now be given opportunity to identify different management groups of animals that are treated differently within the herd. These might be younger or lower condition scored animals that are on a different diet or feeding regime. Comparisons of production can then be made to animals that have the same opportunities to feed to establish the most efficient producers for their age within those herds.

‘Another major change is that this standard now includes the requirements for the use of On-farm Milk Analyser (or OMA) equipment installed on a farm that collectively measures the volume, components, and characteristics of milk for individual cows.  The aim of the committee was for farmers and the industry to be able to utilise the data from the latest technology.’

Why a New Zealand standard?

‘Farming is so different from country to country. In New Zealand our farming is very seasonal, and we have many different milking regimes such as twice-a-day, once-a-day, three-in-two-days, and various other options. We need parameters for accurate herd testing recording to allow the different timing of milkings over a 24-hour period.

‘New Zealand cows also have a predominantly grass-based grazing diet and can be asked to walk long distances. With herd sizes increasing, herds in New Zealand can be split into management groups to assist with managing condition score and health of animals. We needed a Standard that allowed New Zealand farmers to still collect accurate herd testing data no matter what feed or milking regime they were using on farm.

‘Wherever possible, New Zealand aligns with the ICAR standards – a global provider of independent guidelines, standards and certification for animal identification, recording and evaluation based in the Netherlands, however we do need to have data and data collection standards that works for New Zealand farmers.

There are two main providers of herd testing services - LIC, a NZ farmer-owned agri-tech and herd improvement co-operative, and CRV, based in the Netherlands. However, having an accessible standard means any other provider can access and understand the requirements recognised under the regulations (Dairy Industry (Herd Testing and New Zealand Dairy Core Database) Regulations 2001). Most farmers will not know the detail of the standard that sits behind the practices as it doesn’t apply directly to their daily work, but they need accurate information from the testing to help them to make wise economical choices.'

One standard, millions of cows

‘Around 60% of New Zealand herds are tested on a regular basis and this gives vital information for the industry. With dairy farmers milking 3.8 million cows and mating nearly four million each year, famers have a large opportunity to increase profitability and reduce environmental impact by milking the most efficient cow possible.

'They need to supply and receive accurate data to achieve this. It has been a good collaboration between industry stakeholders to achieve a balance of good data and match the commercial needs, while providing a good easy to use service to farmers.

‘So, while the detail of NZS 8100 is only going to be used by CHTs and HRPs, it impacts the quality of New Zealand’s herds and indirectly contributes towards a massive industry bringing in over $25 billion annually in export value*. Dairy herd testing helps New Zealand maintain our global reputation for producing good quality milk products through good quality cows.'

DairyNZ says ‘Improving the rate of genetic gain in New Zealand is essential so that our dairy sector can remain internationally competitive and increase farm profitability and sustainability.

Stakeholders across the sector have agreed that updating the standard is important to ensure the reflection of new technology and the need for high quality data to be used in Animal Evaluation. Farmers will then have access to better information to support their on-farm decision making, as it aligns better to their specific management systems, including the selection of future sires.’

NZS 8100:2024 is available from Standards New Zealand’s webshop

NZS 8100:2024 Dairy herd testing(external link) 

*https://www.dairynz.co.nz/news/report-highlights-dairys-economic-contribution