Taking a long-term view, trusting the process and believing in the gains are key to ensuring breeding technology takes herds forward.  

For many producers, investing in genomic testing can feel like a step into the unknown and represents an upfront cost with benefits that can take time to realise. 

But for Scotland-based producers David and Nicola Waugh embracing genomics has not only transformed their herd, but also helped to continue dairying.

When the couple took on the family unit, near Gretna, in 2019, the outlook for the business was far from encouraging. The 200-cow herd was difficult to manage, profitability was poor and their confidence in the future was low.

“We were fed up with being kicked in the parlour and not making any money,” David recalls. “In 2019 we were on the brink of giving up.”

The turning point came when ongoing issues with stock bulls, namely infertility and lameness, forced a complete breeding rethink. The bulls were sold and the herd switched to AI. 

“This was an opportunity to do something different,” says David. “With AI, you can pick the best bulls in the world from a catalogue. With a stock bull, you just don’t know what you’re going to get.”

While AI brought immediate improvements in terms of control and choice, the real step change came shortly afterwards, when the Waughs began genomic testing with Cogent Breeding.

At the time, it was not an easy decision. The idea of investing heavily today for gains that will only be realised several years down the line required a shift in mindset.

“There are lots of bills at the beginning and no immediate payback,” explains David. “So you have to take a long-term view and have a vision. It’s investing in something three or four years ahead, and that can be hard to get your head around.”

Support from Cogent played a key role in making that leap possible. Working closely with the company’s Sarah Robertson, the Waughs were able to align genomic testing results, cow assessments and sire selection into a clear, progressive breeding strategy.

“This helped us look at each of the stepping stones in the journey and how to get to our destination,” says David. “It tied everything together and supplied the whole package.”

Measurable gains 

That joined-up approach has delivered measurable and meaningful results. Since 2019, the herd has seen a 10-litre increase in daily milk yield per cow, while maintaining and improving milk solids. At the same time, concentrate use has halved, reflecting a significant gain in feed efficiency.

Milk from forage tells an equally powerful story, improving more than 3 fold, in just seven years. And cow health has also improved noticeably. Mastitis incidence has reduced, lameness is less of an issue and calves are stronger and more robust.

“Seeing that level of improvement in such a short time is phenomenal,” says David. “And it’s not just production, it’s everything that comes with it; healthier cows, easier management and better efficiency.”

The underlying driver has been better decision-making. Genomics has enabled the Waughs to identify their best animals early and to breed from them with precision. This has been combined with the use of sexed semen to accelerate genetic gain and ensure a steady supply of high-quality replacements.

“Before, it always felt like the wrong cows were being served with the wrong bull,” he says. “Now each mating is tailored and we’re correcting faults and building the herd we actually want.”

The remainder of the herd is bred to beef, creating an additional income stream and improving calf quality. The move to easy-calving beef sires has reduced intervention at calving and helped cows recover more quickly. The latest beef sire being used on the Waughs’ herd used is Cogent’s homozygous polled British Blue CBL Thor PP.

Visible transformation

Importantly, the benefits are now visible not just in the herd’s performance figures, but also in the cows themselves.

“You can see the difference,” David says. “The older cows – the ones bred before we introduced genomic testing – stand out compared to the younger ones we’ve bred strategically. Fertility has improved significantly and the herd is more uniform, with better structure and temperament.”

The herd is beginning to show real consistency in the traits that matter most to their system. In this case that means efficient, robust cows with good structure that can milk well off grass.

The Waughs’ grass-based system demands an all-round efficient cow. Breeding decisions continue to focus on yield and components, as well as confirmation, health, body condition and temperament.

“We need a cow that delivers everything,” says David. “Not too tall, not too lean, but able to graze with good udders and strong feet and legs.”

The long-term ambition also remains clear; to future-proof the herd through continued genetic improvement and efficiency gains.

Looking back, David says that belief in the process has been crucial to its success. “It’s easy to think that the next generation if heifers will be better than the cows already milking in the herd, but genomics significantly accelerates that progress.”

He acknowledges that starting out can feel daunting, but stresses the importance of commitment. “You have to dive in head first and trust the technology. When it starts to work, you just think ‘wow’.”

Just as importantly, the transformation has injected joy back into running the herd and dairy business. “Milking cows is a pleasure again,” David says. “I’m so pleased we kept going. If we did it all over again, we’d change nothing – apart from having more confidence at the start and fewer sleepless nights.”

Looking ahead, genomics will remain central to the herd’s future. The focus will be on refining traits such as stature and strength, while also exploring traits such as EcoFeed to further improve feed efficiency.

For the Waugh family, genomics has not simply improved their herd – it’s secured their future in dairying.

“People can spend a lifetime building a good herd,” says David. “Genomics makes the process quicker and more achievable. With the right support, it’s technology that anyone can tap into.”

He says that producers should take a long-term view, trust the process and believe in the gains, because genomics can make the difference between standing still and moving forward.

“While our herd is not yet the finished article and there is still significant room for improvement, with genomic testing we are confident we are on the right track and will reach our goals more quickly,” he concludes.

To discuss how genomic testing can help you get the most out of your dairy herd get in touch with your local Cogent Genetics Consultant, or call us for free on 0800 783 7258.