ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCE OF PARASITE LOADS AND SELECTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARASITE RESISTANCE IN ORGANIC DAIRY CATTLE

The long-term goal of this project is to enhance the sustainability of organic dairy production by reducing economic losses from parasites and through development of genomic selection and crossbreeding programs designed specifically for organic production. Our supporting outreach objectives will facilitate adoption of genetics tailored organic production by engaging producers in the collection of data and development of selection indexes unique to their management system.The objectives of our project are to1. Quantify the effects endoparasite and ectoparasite load at different life stages on current and future performance.2. Determine breed, crossbreeding, and within-breed genetic effects influence parasite load.3. Develop and deliver project outreach activities to advance knowledge enhancing parasite resistance in organic dairy cattle.4. Engaging producers through an innovative and comprehensive web and mobile app-based outreach program.