Business Details
Dairy Genetics & Herd Improvement Services
Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is a farmer-owned co-operative dedicated to advancing dairy farming productivity and sustainability globally. Established over a century ago, we pioneered New Zealand's first routine herd test service and now export world-leading dairy genetics to 20 countries. Our Sire Proving Scheme, operational since 1961, produces genetically superior bulls for artificial insemination. We combine genomic science, data analytics, and tailored breeding solutions to help farmers achieve genetic gains, improve herd efficiency, and meet environmental goals. Our team of experts collaborates with farmers to develop innovative strategies for herd improvement, ensuring access to elite genetics and cutting-edge technologies.With a focus on research and development, we deliver tools like the HoofPrint environmental index and Variable Milking Selection Index to address modern agricultural challenges. Our commitment to quality, transparency, and farmer prosperity underpins every service we offer, from sexed semen to organic bull genetics. By integrating genomic evaluations and sustainability metrics, we empower farmers to breed cows that thrive in diverse systems while maintaining profitability and environmental stewardship.
Services
Artificial Insemination
Genomic Selection
Organic Semen
Sexed Semen
Herd Improvement
Sire Proving
Genetic Evaluations
Crossbreeding Solutions
Environmental Index
High Input Systems
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of expertise in dairy genetics and herd improvement.
- Our Sire Proving Scheme delivers genetically superior bulls since 1961.
- We integrate genomic science to accelerate genetic gain and sustainability.
- Our tailored breeding tools address diverse farming systems globally.
- We prioritise environmental efficiency with innovations like the HoofPrint index.
Associations and certifications
- BioGro New Zealand
Services
Artificial Insemination
Our artificial insemination services utilise genetically superior bulls to enhance herd productivity and genetic diversity. By selecting sires with proven traits for fertility, milk solids, and longevity, farmers can improve profitability and sustainability. Our AI programs are tailored to diverse systems, including pasture-based and high-input environments, ensuring optimal genetic gain.
Genomic Selection
Genomic selection accelerates genetic improvement by identifying elite sires at a younger age. Our Single Step Animal Model combines ancestry, phenotypic, and genomic data to predict breeding values accurately. This technology enables farmers to breed cows with enhanced milk production, robustness, and environmental efficiency, driving long-term profitability and sustainability.
Sexed Semen
Sexed semen technology offers a 90% chance of producing heifer calves, allowing farmers to breed replacements from high-genetic-merit cows. This reduces male dairy calf numbers and creates opportunities for beef-cross calves. Our Ultraplus sexed semen, processed with advanced equipment, ensures high conception rates when used with proper management practices.
Environmental Index
The HoofPrint index ranks bulls on environmental efficiency, focusing on lower methane emissions and nitrogen excretion. By selecting sires with higher scores, farmers can reduce their herd's environmental impact while maintaining productivity. This tool aligns genetic progress with global sustainability goals, supporting eco-conscious dairy farming.
Crossbreeding Solutions
Our KiwiCross sires combine Holstein Friesian and Jersey genetics to produce efficient, high-solids daughters. This program leverages hybrid vigour for improved fertility, longevity, and milk production. Farmers benefit from complementary traits of both breeds, enabling targeted crossbreeding strategies without compromising genetic merit.
Questions
What is LIC's Sire Proving Scheme?
Our Sire Proving Scheme is a 4-year program producing genetically superior bulls since 1961. Bulls undergo rigorous testing to ensure traits like fertility and milk solids are passed to offspring.
How does genomic selection benefit my herd?
Genomic selection accelerates genetic gain by predicting breeding values earlier, enabling faster improvements in milk production, robustness, and environmental efficiency.
What are the advantages of sexed semen?
Sexed semen allows breeding more heifer calves from high-genetic-merit cows, reducing male dairy calves and creating beef-cross opportunities for additional profit.
How does the HoofPrint index support sustainability?
The HoofPrint index ranks bulls on environmental efficiency, helping farmers reduce methane emissions and nitrogen excretion while maintaining productivity.
Can I use LIC services in organic farming?
Yes, our BioGro-certified organic semen meets international standards, ensuring compliance with organic dairy systems globally.
What crossbreeding options do you offer?
Our KiwiCross sires combine Holstein Friesian and Jersey genetics, offering hybrid vigour for fertility, longevity, and milk solids in diverse systems.
