Neogen® Introduces New Genomic Index, Lifetime Dairy Dollars (LD$)
Lincoln, Neb., Dec. 10, 2024 — With immense focus placed on progressing the dairy industry to
new heights, Neogen® Corporation (NASDAQ: NEOG) announces its launch of proprietary dairy
genomics index, Lifetime Dairy Dollars (LD$).
Addressing the complex demands of modern dairy farming, LD$ was developed by Neogen to
promote genetic improvement, resulting in the continued advancement of the dairy industry. The
index strategically weights key areas such as Production (44%), Health (21%), Fertility (17%),
Longevity (12%), and Functional Type (6%) — elevating selection for productivity, health, and
longevity in the milking herd. Backed by scientific research, LD$ impacts lifetime profitability,
ensuring that selected animals not only produce more but also live longer, healthier lives.
“The introduction of Lifetime Dairy $ exemplifies Neogen’s dedication to the improvement of dairy
animals,” says Anthony Ling, US Dairy Marketing Manager at Neogen. “The breakdown of the
relative emphasis on each major category demonstrates our commitment to helping producers
create cattle that excel in all phases of performance.”
By leveraging LD$ in selection and breeding decisions, producers can genetically achieve cattle
that produce more milk, breed back more quickly, and have improved health.
“Focused on longevity, health, and fertility, yet still strongly emphasizing profitability, the LD$ index
was designed to optimize multiple aspects of dairy cow performance,” says Victor Pedrosa, PhD,
Director of Technical Genomics and Innovation with Neogen. “The index has a significant focus on
health traits to help promote disease resistance and reduce veterinary costs. It is this balance
between both output and sustainability that sets LD$ apart.”
LD$ Data Demonstrates Operational Impact
A study using Igenity® Select data from 1,199 Holstein females born between 2019 and 2023 on a
Midwest farm in the United States demonstrated how LD$ increased on-farm advantage by an
average of up to $96 more than lifetime net merit index (NM$), focusing on health and fertility while
still aiming for profitability.
This LD$ case study data demonstrates benefits attained by operations regardless of current herd
performance. As exemplified, herds in the lower quartiles realized significant financial gains, with
the bottom 25% gaining $62 per cow. Overall, an additional $75 on average was added per animal
when using LD$ in comparison to NM$. This could represent an additional $75,000 per generation
in a 1,000-cow dairy herd. LD$ provides dairy producers a clear pathway to enhance the health and
performance of Holsteins, empowering strategic on-farm decision making.
Added Value for Dairy Producers
LD$ is delivered as part of an Igenity Select profile for Holstein cattle, with no additional tiered
product purchase required. It is helping to provide dairy producers with a clear pathway to
enhancing the health and performance of Holsteins, empowering strategic on-farm decision
making, maximizing lifetime profitability, and improving the animal’s productivity and reproductive
success over time.
To learn more about LD$, visit https://www.neogen.com/dairy-genomics/ or contact your Neogen
representative.
About Neogen
Neogen Corporation is committed to fueling a brighter future for global food security through the
advancement of human and animal well-being. Harnessing the power of science and technology,
Neogen has developed comprehensive solutions spanning the Food Safety, Livestock, and Pet
Health & Wellness markets. A world leader in these fields, Neogen has a presence in over 140
countries with a dedicated network of scientists and technical experts focused on delivering
optimized products and technology for its customers.
Media Contact:
Aimee Robinson, Senior Marketing Manager – Livestock
arobinson@neogen.com