New manager for genetic improvement body

Media Release

For immediate use

Tuesday 14 August 2012

New manager for genetic improvement body

DairyNZ scientist Dr Jeremy Bryant is the new manager of New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL), the independent body that has the responsibility for setting the direction of dairy cattle breeding to optimise genetic improvement in the national dairy herd.

Dr Bryant, who has a doctorate in quantitative genetics from Massey University, takes on the role from this week. He says he is looking forward to leading NZAEL in the setting and implementation of an improved Breeding Worth Index that meets the needs of New Zealand dairy farmers.

“Over the next year and beyond, NZAEL will be working with stakeholders to ensure that the genetic evaluation system, including the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database is world leading and allows New Zealand dairy farmers to confidently select genetically superior animals that maximise farm profit. Building genetics understanding and capability is a definite focus area,” says Dr Bryant.

NZAEL Chairman, Warren Larsen, says the appointment of a new manager is a key milestone for the organisation.

“We are very pleased to have secured someone of Jeremy’s calibre and experience.

“Genetic gain in dairy cattle has a proven track record in delivering higher productivity and profitability to farmers. Having NZAEL as an independent body setting the direction for commercial delivery has the potential to significantly lift those returns for the industry,” he says. “We need to ensure that what we do is of the highest quality.”

About NZAEL
New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of DairyNZ, which manages the National Breeding Objective (NBO) for New Zealand dairy cattle. It aims to develop, promote and deliver technologies that optimise genetic improvement in the national dairy herd. NZAEL exists to ensure relevant on-farm data is captured, data quality is high, data is analysed accurately using world leading analytical methods and outputs are then applied in an appropriate manner. Visit www.nzael.co.nz for more information.
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