December 2014 Genetic Trends

DECEMBER 2014

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ACCELERATED GENETICS

OUR VISION

TO BE THE PRODUCER’S TRUSTED FIRST CHOICE Base Change & New Index

Reproduction Management

Genetics & Programs

Producers focused on advancing their herd’s genetics choose GEM, Genetic Evaluation and Mating program, from Accelerated Genetics.

Read more about GEM on Page 9.

The Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics December 2014 Vol. 66 No. 3 EDITOR Kate Welter ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS E10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone: 1-800-451-9275 or 608-356-8357 Fax: 608-356-4387 Email: info@accelgen.com Website: www.accelgen.com

ON THE COVER Cold weather calf care not only applies to locations with snow on the ground.

The fact is, cold weather stress affects calves all across the country.

Find out how you can focus on calf care management on pages 10-11.

FEATURES 4 DAIRY BASE CHANGE

by: Karen Bohnert 8 REPRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

by: Dr. Gláucio Lopes 10 ANIMAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

by: David Jones

QR CODES - WHAT ARE THESE? QR Codes can be scanned with any free downloaded barcode scanner on your smart phone or tablet and it will directly link you to a website.

Visit www.accelgen.com today!

Genetic Trends is published by: Accelerated Genetics E10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913 Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Genetic Trends, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913 If you are receiving multiple copies of Genetic Trends, are no longer in need of this publication or it is being sent to an incorrect address, please call us at 1-800-451-9275, or cut out your mailing label and return it with a note of intent to the above address.

Accelerated Genetics 2014-15 Board of Directors

BACK ROW(L to R): Jeff Styczynski, District 9; Andy Dejno III, District 4; Scott Daulk, District 8; Carey Tweten, District 10 FRONT ROW (L to R): Gary Eibergen, First Vice Chair, District 3; Nick Butzler, Second Vice Chair, District 5; Rick Carlson, Secretary/Treasurer, District 7; John Pronschinske, District 2; Ken Levzow, Distrct 6; FRONT RIGHT: David Score, Board Chair, District 1

O

n behalf of the Accelerated Genetics Board of Directors, I thank you for the trust you have placed in us to help move your business to new heights. Coming off a modest but profitable year, we look forward with great anticipation to what lies ahead in the New Year.

Having recently been elected Chair, I am honored and humbled to serve as leader of this talented group of individuals who, in all reality, walk in the very same shoes as you. Each Board member understands the importance of the job they have been elected to serve and do not take it lightly. Every day we are faced with the same joys and challenges of farming as you. So, when we enter the boardroom, it is our sincerest intent to do what is right at all times for you and this great cooperative.

Of great benefit to me in my ten years on the Board is the opportunity I have had to meet, and be in close contact with those who’ve committed their daily lives on the success of Accelerated Genetics, the employees. These hard-working dedicated individuals

drive me to do my very best and are a great source of inspiration and motivation. It is truly both a privilege and a pleasure to be among such accomplished individuals.

The philosophy I have maintained from day one of my Board tenure has been this, “A healthy cooperative is dependent on engaged, active, and informed producers.” As an enthusiastic proponent of the farmer-owned cooperative way of doing business, I challenge you to become more involved in Accelerated Genetics so you, too, can reap the benefits.

Merry Christmas and I wish you a successful 2015 and beyond.

DAVID SCORE Board Chair

Upcoming Events Cooperative Initiative January 20-21, 2015 Three Bears Lodge, Warrens, WI

Winter Get-Away February 7-8, 2015 Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Leadership Conference March 20-22, 2015 Three Bears Lodge, Warrens, WI

Contact ProducerProgram@accelgen.com to register today!

Dairy Base Change & New Indices Story by: Karen Bohnert for Accelerated Genetics

At a press conference held during World Dairy Expo, João Dürr, Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding stated, “The magnitude of change will reflect the genetic progress of the previous years.”

NET MERIT$ WHAT IS THE CHANGE OF NET MERIT$?

CCR (Cow Conception Rate) & HCR (Heifer Conception Rate) are being added in fertility which means DPR has a smaller weighting.

More weighting is also being put on components.

NM$ 2010

Genetic evaluations are required to be published with an updated genetic base every five years due to rapid genetic improvements.

Basically, the index change is an adjustment to the Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTA) of all animals to balance for genetic change; keeping PTAs from becoming extreme over time.

Conformation 17%

Production 35% Fertility 11%

NM$ 2

010

Progress has been made in several traits and the genetic bases have been modified accordingly. Average PTAs for sire-identified cows born in 2010 will be set to zero except for calving ease and stillbirth rate, which will be set to the breed average, and in addition Somatic Cell Score, will be centered at 3.0.

Health 32%

“There is always a lot of anticipation going into index base change and wondering how the changes will affect bull proofs,” says Devan Funk, Director of Sire Procurement for Accelerated Genetics.

Dürr stated the revised Net Merit index places more emphasis on milk component traits than before and slightly less on Somatic Cell Score, body size and productive life.

Visit www.cdcb.us for more information on these changes.

Health 27%

Conformation 16% Production 42% Fertility 10%

4

During the World Dairy Expo press conference, Dürr also announced changes in lifetime merit indices. Not included in 2010, two additional fertility traits have been added.

Supplementing the traditional Net Merit (NM$), Cheese Merit (CM$) and Fluid Merit (FM$) indices is a fourth index, called Grazing Merit (GM$), is being launched. This index will include Heifer Conception Rate (HCR) and Cow Conception Rate (CCR).

NM$ 2014

201

“However, producers adjust fairly easy to the changes that occur.

There is more emphasis placed on yields and daughter fertility that could slightly alter ranks. But all in all, rankings will pretty much stay the same, even though the numbers will change.”

Calving Ability 5%

NM$

With genetic bases previously updated eight times since 1965, including the 2010 update, another genetic index change occurred in December.

However, this is the first index chnage to take place during the age of genomics.

Calving Ability 5%

GRAZING MERIT$ WHAT IS THE ADDITION OF THE GRAZING MERIT$?

A new index – Grazing Merit (GM$) was added to the genetic evaluations. GM$ is geared toward herds on pasture systems, with those breeders often demanding higher fertility, compared to conventional systems, due to seasonal calving requirements.

4 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2014

HOLSTEIN

TPI

® WHAT IS THE CHANGE IN TPI? The calculation for TPI will now have two new components added to the TPI Equation: FE = Feed Efficiency Increased Fertility Index: FI = Fertility Index = 18% HCR (Heifer Conception Rate) + 18% CCR (Cow Conception Rate) + 64% DPR (Daughter Pregnancy Rate) The TPI number will not drop with the base change, as it will add a constant to the end of the formula.

JPI

BROWN SWISS

JERSEY

™ WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE FOR JPI?

The calculation for JPI will now have more weighting on production with the addition of CCR & HCR. DPR now has a lower weighting but will still have an overall heavier weighting on fertility.

WHAT IS FTI? FTI = Functional Trait Index, comprised of all the Jersey linear traits

JUI

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE FOR JUI? The biggest change is how JUI is expressed in the range and presentation of this number as the weighting that JUI has in JPI. For example, if an animal has a JPI of 150 and a JUI of 20.5 this indicates 20.5 JPI points are due to JUI. Whereas, if another animal has a JPI of 150 and a JUI of -10.5 this indicates JPI was lowered by 10.5 points due to JUI. Bulls are expected to be approximately 35.9.

PPR UDC

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE FOR PPR? The following changes to the Progressive Performance Ranking (PPR) Formula weights will emphasize the impact of reproduction. (See chart below.)

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT WILL TAKE PLACE FOR UDC? The following changes to the Udder Composite Formula weights were made to better reflect increased herdlife with a much higher weighting on rear udder widths. (See chart below.)

Rolling-Green Enry 1023 GP-82 VG-MS Rollin Green Dairy, Brooklyn, WI

Barlass Vegas Pasadena VG-81% Barlass Jerseys LLC, Janesville, WI

Riedland Faust Megan GP-83 VG-MS Dan Rieder, Monroe, WI

Indices Changes by Breed HOLSTEIN TPI JERSEY JPI & JUI

BROWN SWISS PPR & UDC

DAIRY FORM

UDC

FLC

PL

SCS

DPR

8

-1

11

6

7

-5

10

-1

12

6

9

PROTEIN

FAT

FE

TYPE

New % (Dec 2014)

27

16

3 --

FTI

CCR

HCR

FI

DCE

DSB

--

13

-2

-1

-5

11

--

-2

-1

MO

2010%

27

16

New % (Dec 2014)

43

15

15

10

6

7

2

2

2010%

42

15

15

12

6

10

--

--

New % (Dec 2014)

44

18

10

10

4

10

4

2010%

44

18

10

12

8

4

4 DECEMBER 2014 < GENETIC TRENDS < 5

WORLD JERSEY CONFERENCE

ROUNDTABLE Story by: Karen Bohnert for Accelerated Genetics

Jersey breeders and industry leaders gathered earlier this year in South Africa for the 20th World Jersey Conference of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau (WJCB). The group explored South Africa’s breathtaking country-touring Jersey dairy farms, talking about genomics, milk marketing, breed analysis and much more. Accelerated Genetics is the Jersey Source and our genetics can be found worldwide, including South Africa. working group charged with developing a World Jersey Youth Congress for the 21st International Conference.

R DR. CHERIE ,BOAhiYoE Reynoldsburg

Bio: Director of Development for American Jersey Cattle Association and National AllJersey Inc., and just completed two terms as Vice President-North America of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau.

What inspired you to attend the 2014 World Jersey Conference in South Africa?

I had the privilege of traveling in South Africa when it hosted a WJCB annual meeting in the fall of 2003. I was impressed by the country, its Jersey breeders and their approach to progressive dairying, given their resource base (land, climate, etc.), but was particularly impressed by the quality of the Jersey herds that we visited during that trip. The return visit gave me an opportunity to see breed progress across the intervening decade.

Explain your role in attending the World Jersey Conference?

I was one of the three voting delegates the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) sent for the WJCB Council meetings, participated in committee meetings, one particularly concerned with the strategic direction of the WJCB, the other a 6 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2014

What did you learn from this trip?

Continued appreciation of the challenges of Jersey dairying in the U.S. are shared worldwide: breeding for efficient, profitable production; finding genetically diverse bulls that also improve productivity and productive life, the importance of being involved in milk marketing and pricing policy wherever Jersey milk is sold.

What was your most memorable moment during the World Jersey Conference in South Africa?

The opportunity to meet South African breeders during the Overberg Jersey Club’s welcome “function” – quite the gala dinner; plus conversations too numerous to mention, but especially memorable with Elsabe Badenhorst during the visit to Soutkloof farm. She is a true Jersey woman in every sense, and was a “behind-thescenes” force for the Overberg club as it worked with leadership and staff of Jersey South Africa to make the week very memorable.

Plus, I am always keenly interested in the biennial World Jersey Cheese Awards conducted by the Bureau because it displays the range and excellence of cheeses that are being made from 100% Jersey milk. Olde Remeker, made by Jan Dirk van de Voort from the Netherlands was best of show at first judging in 2008 in the island of Jersey, and returned to claim that award in South Africa.

SS BRIAN BARLcoAns in

Janesville, Wis

Bio: Sixth generation farmer, farming with his parents, Bill and Marion. They have had registered Jerseys since 1927. They milk 400 cows and farm 1200 acres. Married to Nicole, and has a son, Jack. Barlass is also a customer and delegate of Accelerated Genetics.

What inspired you to attend the 2014 World Jersey Conference in South Africa?

In 1986, my parents took our family to South Africa for the World Jersey Conference. I saw my first rotary parlors, sugarcane harvesting, diamond and gold mines. Since then, I have always wanted to go back. When I found out about the Jersey Educational Travel Awards (JETA) and that the conference was in South Africa, I applied and was fortunate to be selected as one of the JETA recipients. It was an amazing opportunity to get to take that kind of trip with my wife and son. My brother and his girlfriend went along, too.

Explain your role in attending the World Jersey Conference?

As a JETA award winner, I gave a presentation to the conference on our farming operation and dairy industry. I also served as a delegate for the AJCA.

What did you learn from this trip?

In many ways the most meaningful things that I learned was to look introspectively and be thankful for what we have, both as a nation and as an industry and breed.

What was your most memorable moment during the World Jersey Conference in South Africa?

The most memorable part of the conference for me was the set of conference presentations on using Jersey cattle and Jersey genetics to improve the lives of impoverished people in Eastern African countries. There is a group that has started a program to donate a Jersey heifer to families in need, and then provide them with training on how to care for the heifer and maximize her production. That family then donates their first heifer calf to another needy family in their area, thus empowering them to help others.

What inspired you to attend the 2014 World Jersey Conference in South Africa?

I was invited to speak on milk marketing and how to market all-Jersey milk to the consumer.

RD JAMES HUFFA inia Crockett, Virg

Bio: Owns and operates Huffard Dairy Farms with brother, Jon and son, Trey. They milk 370 registered Jersey cows in a free-stall operation and also bottle a portion of their milk as Duchess All-Jersey® milk for regional customers. Huffard is also an Accelerated Genetics customer that uses high genomic sires and is the breeder of 014JE00658 Rayon-P.

Explain your role in attending the World Jersey Conference?

Not only was I an invited speaker, but I was also a voting delegate to the World Jersey Conference representing the United States.

Furthermore, as a breeder of several bulls used in the A.I. industry and a breeder of registered Jerseys, I represented the United States as an association member and for the genetics we supply to the world market.

What did you learn from this trip?

The trip was a great experience to visit with Jersey leaders and breeders worldwide.

Jersey folks are genuinely nice people and very interested in the Jersey and milk business. I have found they are abreast of what is going on in the dairy industry and also with the AJCA. Many herds in South Africa are using U.S. genetics and are very happy with the results. It was interesting to note the grain and milk prices worldwide are influenced by prices in the U.S. Also, world market prices of both grains and dairy products are very similar as forces, affecting prices are increasingly more global and less regional.

What was your most memorable moment during the World Jersey Conference in South Africa?

There were many memorable moments during this visit. A highlight for me was nearly every herd we visited had daughters of bulls bred at Huffard Dairy. It was nice to see these dairy producers happy with daughters of these bulls and to realize most breeders worldwide like the high producing, profitable kind. Being able to roam the countryside and enjoy this beautiful part of the world with such a great group of Jersey breeders made the whole week most memorable.

Accelerated Genetics’ Jerseys making a lasting impression in South Africa Accelerated Genetics’ hoof marks on South African soil emphasizes their global leadership in bovine genetics.

Joe W. Stanek, Accelerated Genetics Sire Analyst, traveled the South African countryside and saw firsthand the cooperative’s genetics has on that region’s dairy farmers. “I arrived to South Africa a week prior to the WJCB Conference and traveled to several farms to see their cows, facilities and also enjoy their culture and hospitality. I also met our World Wide Sires team in the Southern Cape,” says Stanek.

Joe W. Staneenketics Accelerated G

Bio: Sire Analyst with Accelerated Genetics, where he is responsible for making all Jersey sire acquisitions. He has served as a GEM Manager, Regional Services Specialist, Herd Analyst and has been trained as a ReproConnections Advisor.

Stanek said the first big impact bull in South Africa was 014JE00306 MOLLY BROOK BERRETTA FUTURE. “Farmers bought thousands of doses and many said FUTURE made no-nonsense cows, that milked well and looked great.”

Wade Pringle, World Wide Sires distributor in South Africa, agreed with Stanek and said clients are also extremely happy with 014JE00473 LOUIE daughters. “LOUIE daughter have powerful bodies and are not shy to milk. The South Africa market is a type driven market, even though criteria may on paper lean towards components and functional type,” says Pringle. “The farmers like bulls with good udders and type, assuming they have enough milk.”

Stanek noted other impressionable bulls in South Africa were: 014JE00365 REBEL, 014JE00366 BLAIR, and 014JE00460 EPIC. Stanek said the farmer favorite genomic bulls at this time include: 014JE00611 AMAZING, 014JE00614 PAGEANT, 014JE00635 ECHO, 014JE00642 MANTIS, and 014JE00664 NEVIN. DECEMBER 2014 < GENETIC TRENDS < 7

TOP 3 TIPS BREEDING & REPRODUCTION Story by: Gláucio Lopes – DVM, MS., Reproduction Specialist, Accelerated Genetics

Reproduction management in a dairy herd is consistently a subject that brings attention, the constant search to maximize efficiency and is always a hot topic among producers. The 21-day Pregnancy Rate is the index we typically use to measure reproductive performance, where we can see how fast eligible cows become pregnant after the voluntary waiting period (VWP).

Many strategies can be used to improve reproductive success. Following three points of interest that all producers should take into consideration when measuring their reproductive numbers and setting up future goals for their herd.

Transition period

The transition period is the period of three weeks before calving to three weeks after calving, where the cows switch from a stage of late-pregnancy, non-lactating to non-pregnant and lactating. Meeting the requirements to overpass these events is one of the major challenges faced by the lactating dairy cow.

It is known that cows usually struggle in the period right after calving. An intense negative energy balance with high loss of body condition score and incidence of diseases will delay the resumption of cycling activity, reduce fertilization rate, affect embryo quality and reduce pregnancies 15 and 30 days after insemination, as well as increase the risk of pregnancy loss.

Recent research has also shown a correlation between loss in body condition score during the pre-partum period (dry period) with impaired immune function, leading to higher risk of development of post-partum diseases. So, special attention to nutrition, environment, grouping strategies and health monitoring of cows in the transition period is necessary to ensure they will enter on the reproduction phase of their productive life at full potential.

Heat detection rate

The 21-day Pregnancy Rate is determined by the combination of Heat Detection Rate (HDR) and Conception Rate. As cows reach the herd’s VWP, they are eligible to be inseminated and become pregnant for the next 21 days. It’s simple math: for a cow to have a chance to become pregnant, 8 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2014

she needs to be inseminated! How aggressive you find cows in estrus, plus the timed A.I. (TAI) program you use to submit cows not observed in estrus for insemination, will determine your HDR. So, it doesn’t matter what heat detection method you use (tail chalk, pedometers or accelerometers, etc.) or synchronization protocol for TAI; the important aspect is to be aggressive on finding eligible cows to receive A.I..

Compliance to synchronization protocol in place

Synchronization protocols for TAI are an important portion of many herds that use this tool to submit their cows to an A.I. breeding program. In this case, compliance to the protocol is key to a successful TAI program. Even when all injections of the program are given at the right time and place, by trained personnel, with the indicated syringe and needle, containing the proper dosage, it is estimated only 85 percent of cows will synchronize to the protocol.

Unfortunately, cows do not respond to all injections 100 percent of the time. But even worse, an estimation of the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council shows that in a five-injection program, only 77 percent of cows will have a chance to be synchronized if the compliance to the protocol decreases from 100 percent to 95 percent.

If the number of cows receiving the right injection drops to 90 percent, the scenario is even worse. Only 59 percent of these cows will have a chance to be synchronized at the end of the protocol. *Published in Progressive Dairyman. This is a ‘Top Most Read’ article for Progressive Dairyman in 2014--ranking #7 overall.

: The Profitable Choice

for Genetic Progress Story by: Amy Ryan for Accelerated Genetics

The world of genetic progress is moving quicker than ever! Producers focused on advancing their herd genetics efficiently choose GEM, Accelerated Genetics’ Genetic Evaluation and Mating program. They use GEM with confidence, investing in profitable genetics for their operation’s future.

Genetic Evaluation & Mating Program GEM is the industry trusted solution in creating a uniform group of profitable cows. Herds around the globe use GEM exclusively for their mating needs because they realize the benefit of this efficient management tool. The program is highly flexible to meet the operation goals of any size or milk market.

Using this industry leading sire selection tool allows producers to work with a regional genetics specialist, take control and develop the type of herd they desire. Corrective matings can be recommended using pedigree analysis, genomic evaluations, or by having an Accelerated Genetics’ specialist analyze the cows 17 linear traits individually, using the data and your records to fit your goals.

GEM considers seven generations of pedigree information for inbreeding, as well as performs a complete recessive and haplotype check on each potential mating. Utilizing this advanced technology has the potential to benefit you, our valued customer, in your bulk tank, in longerlasting, healthier cows and, ultimately, to affect your bottom line. Invest in your genetics wisely with GEM to meet your goals; whether it is increased production yield, improved functional type, enhanced fertility and or herd health protection. Let us help you develop a herd you can be excited to milk!

Identify Areas of Opportunity Charles and Wayne White, partners in C.W. White Brothers LLC, of Ashland, Ohio, know what they want for the future of their herd: to improve genetically while increasing profits.

Their ideal cow is mid-sized, with the ability to thrive in a freestall environment, and last multiple lactations. Wayne White said they began using the GEM program in their 165-cow herd about 15 years ago as a tool to improve the areas of the herd that were falling short of their standards, to monitor inbreeding and produce the type of cow they wanted to see in their parlor.

“Our Accelerated Genetics Regional Services Specialist (RSS) is another set of eyes for us to identify traits that need improvement,” said Wayne. “We look for a balance of components, milk, type, and feet and legs, while also watching Net Merit. Fertility is also important, especially during the summer months.”

Wayne meets with his RSS to develop a custom index in GEM and choose sires that meet his criteria. In creating a personalized C.W. White Brothers LLC index, he can place emphasis on the traits that are most important to them. The sires are then ranked according to which ones meet their dairy’s needs best and then matched with cows for the most accurate mating.

Beyond the gains in genetic improvement, Wayne also cites time savings as another advantage. When using GEM, he goes to breed a cow, he can quickly look her up on his GEM report and is confident with the sires.

Outside Perspective Much of the same is true when talking with Beth Hamm, Hamm Dairy, Owen, Wis. She and her husband, George, milk 55 Holsteins and have been on the GEM program since it first became available to producers.

They use GEM-recommended matings on cows and heifers as it is an opportunity to get an outside perspective. They recognize the benefit of consulting with someone who specializes in dairy cattle genetics and sees many types of cows from various styles of operations.

“Stephani North has been our Accelerated Genetics Regional Services Specialist for more than four years. She knows we place great emphasis on feet and legs and udders, along with calving ease on our heifers,” said Hamm.

“We are seeing better animals every generation and I enjoy the ease of sire selection. When the technician comes to breed, I just check the sire selection sheet.”

Hamm also appreciates the assistance GEM provides in protecting against inbreeding, and improving identification. GEM will store three generations of pedigree information on

each animal to assist producers in maximum protection in their herd.

Increase Marketability Coastal View Dairy, Inc., is a 320-cow Holstein herd near Tillamook, Ore., owned by Greg and Elaine Myers. They prefer mid-sized cows that earn their place in the freestall by milking well and producing offspring lactation after lactation.

Filling the barn with cows that keep coming back fresh is important to the Myers business plan. They want to maintain herd size and market the extra offspring in registered sales.

“We feel it is very important to make the right mating as it improves the next generation of cows and their value,” said Greg. “Our Accelerated Genetics Regional Services Specialist, Brian Nelson, and our Accelerated Genetics Sales Representative, Allan Hanselman, bring a wealth of knowledge – they know what we want and help us identify sires they think match our philosophy. The GEM program has helped build our herd faster.”

Jorge Martinez, retired Accelerated Genetics Herd Analyst, worked with Costal View Dairy for numerous years. The results of his matings can be seen today and have assisted in progressing the herd’s genetics.

Greg also uses Progressive Action through Cooperative Efforts (PACE) young sires. The depth of quality in their herd as a result from PACE and GEM has attracted many Accelerated Genetics daughter tours and have produced progeny photo candidates that can be found in many Accelerated Genetics sire directories.

Any Operation, Any Goals Accelerated Genetics customers from all areas of the world, who have used GEM have come to realize the benefits this program has created in their herds. While each herd may have different goals, GEM has served as a trusted and efficient management tool to improve herd genetics and profit.

DECEMBER 2014 < GENETIC TRENDS < 9

Accelerated Genetics is an authorized dealer of Calf-Tel. Contact us for your indoor or outdoor housing needs.

COLD WEATHER CALF CARE Story by: David Jones for Accelerated Genetics

Cold weather calf care not only applies to locations with snow on the ground. The fact is, cold weather stress affects calves all across the country.

A calf ’s thermal-neutral zone is between 50° and 80°F. For every degree the mercury drops below 50°F, calves require 1% more energy. A 100-pound calf requires 1.1 pounds of dry matter just for maintenance at 50°F. Calves below three weeks of age, liquid calories become even more important as they are not likely to be consuming enough grain to support their energy requirements.

There are a few options to bring the calorie count to an appropriate level when temperatures dip. Consider increasing the amount of milk replacer powder fed. Another option is to incorporate a third feeding, with the time being as close to late evening as possible. A late feeding ensures the calf is armed with extra calories for the cold overnight hours. The third option is to add a fat supplement, like Accel Energy, to boost fat content and calories.

High quality colostrom is a critical component to ensure the calf gets a healthy start. This doesn’t just apply to cold weather, but it is especially true at times when animals can experience greater stress, like during the cold season. Calves are born without antibodies to protect them from disease. After the calf is born, its ability to absorb immunoglobulins 10 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2014

steadily decreases and ceases after 24 hours. It is recommended calves be fed as soon as possible after birth, ideally within four hours. A simple and convenient way to ensure all your calves get adequate, high-quality colostrum is to use First Day Formula® as a replacement.

Calf coats are another must when it comes to the coldest months. The benefits of using a calf coat could include a higher rate of gain, less sickness and overall less stress. Calf coats, like AccelCoat, are most cost effective when used over short periods of time. When dealing with a limited number of coats, give priority to the younger and smaller animals.

A few simple steps during the winter months will ensure your calves reach weaning with satisfactory health and an appropriate weight. Take a look at some of the animal health products Accelerated Genetics offers on page 11, that can help get your calves through the stresses of winter weather.

For a complete list of calf and cow products available from Accelerated Genetics, visit www.accelgen.com.

DIRECT FED MICROBIALS

Tri-Mic WD

COLD WEATHER

ENERGY

Tri-Purify

A probiotic source for use in whole milk, or milk replacer, to improve digestive microflora.

Promotes the early establishment of beneficial digestive bacteria necessary for proper digestion of milk and grain diets. Available in 500 gram jar or 5 kg. pail.

Accel Energy

STIMULATE

COLOSTRUM

FEED INTAKE

Tri-Start Jr. A direct-fed microbial (DFM) bolus that benefits both the rumen and intestinal tract of dairy and beef calves. Helps stimulate feed intake during periods of stress. Available in 36 ct. jar.

ENHANCE DIGESTION

An energy supplement containing 60% fat and 7% protein with added vitamins and minerals.

Add to milk replacer or whole milk during cold weather stress. Available in 25-lb. bag.

REPLACER

First Day Formula® First Day Formula® contains dried, natural bovine colostrum. This product contains 150 grams of bovine globulin protein per 500 gram package (60 grams per 200 gram package). The ingredients are instantized and First Day Formula® is free of organisms causing major colostrum-transmissable diseases including Johne’s. Available in 500 gram packet or 20 lb. pail. First Day Formula Deluxe including First Defense Technology also available.

Combat scours and enhance the digestive tract of your calves. Tri-Purify is a dietary feed supplement that provides pure, natural essential oils that have a strong antibacterial effect to improve the natural immune system.

Available in 36 ct. jar.

COLD WEATHER COMFORT

AccelCoat AccelCoats are made with a high-quality insulation, which wicks moisture away from the calf and provides superior thermal capabilities. The outer shell is made of high-strength polyester with a urethane back, making the AccelCoat water resistant and durable against the harshest conditions.

Available in two sizes (Small or Large).

DECEMBER 2014 < GENETIC TRENDS < 11

BREED WITH THE BEST

Today’s GeneFORCE and Proven Sires Story by: Ethan Giebel for Accelerated Genetics

A complete lineup of sires at Accelerated Genetics offers something for all producers. Whether you are looking for young genomic sires, proven sires, or the polled gene, some of these standouts should fit the bill for your genetic program.

High-Profile GeneFORCE Sires Young sires of the highest genomic values enter the GeneFORCE program. This group of highly sought after sires gives breeders an opportunity to focus on top bulls early in order to generate the next generation of elite daughters and send new bulls to A.I. faster.

014HO07449 OCEAN PP is a highly anticipated sire new to the Accelerated Genetics GeneFORCE lineup. He comes in at +2216 GTPI, making him one of the top homozygous polled sire in the world! OCEAN PP comes from the popular Hickorymea Man-O-Man

014JE00678 GR Faria Brothers Revolution-ET

Prominent Proven Sires 014HO07461 CRANK IT is an outstanding total performance sire with an excellent balance of type and production. CRANK IT comes to Accelerated Genetics from Mystic Valley Dairy LLC, Sauk City, Wis. He is +2565 GTPI and +679 Net Merit $. In terms of production, this sire is near the top at +1629 Milk, +66 Fat and +58 Protein. Cheese Merit is through the roof at +701! At +3.7 PL, 2.77 SCS, 7.3% Sire Calving Ease and 5.2% Daughter Calving Ease,

014HO07449 Ocean PP-ET Dam: Hickorymea Manoman Opine-P VG-87

Opine-P cow family, but stands in Germany as he was purchased as an embryo. He is a Parker-P x Man-O-Man x Shottle and has no direct relationship to Lawn Boy! Parker-P is a Garrett x Goldwyn x Paradox-RED that comes from the Hickorymea Goldwyn Ought-P PO family.

Not only does this homozygous polled bull have elite GTPI, he also comes in at just under +1.96 PTAT, with a UDC of +1.44 and an FLC of +1.88. Coming in at 6.7% on Calving Ease makes OCEAN PP ideal to use in heifer pens.

014HO07461 Jenny-Lou Mcutchen Crank It

CRANK IT has the health traits most desired.

In terms of Type, he is +2.31 PTAT with a UDC of +2.11 and +1.92 FLC. Superior linear scores across the board are indicative of the tall, strong, open ribbed cows CRANK IT is well known to produce.

12 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2014

014JE00678 REVOLUTION is the number one ranked genomic Jersey sire in the United States at +263 GJPI and for Milk at +2183! He is also ranked number one for Protein at +63. This oustanding production also comes with +125 combined fat and protein! It is no surprise that his Net Merit $ sits at +599 all while improving fertility and udders (+10.1 JUI). It should be noted that REVOLUTION carries +1.30 PTAT.

Progressive Action through Cooperative Efforts (PACE) is Accelerated Genetics’ young sire proving program. Wide distribution of PACE sires ensures reliable data coming from a variety of farms and environments. Data points such as calving ease and conception rates are gathered to determine if a sire can be released for further use. Not only does this program provide producers with new sires of high genetic merit, it is a cost effective solution in reproductive plans because producers receive payment based upon the data collected on farms. Once a bull’s

014HO05434 Jenny-Lou Shottle Trump-ET 2nd Lactation: Midway Trump Dallas VG-87 & Denver VG-85 Midway Dairy, Cloverdale, OR

numbers with+330 Milk, +34 Fat and +31 Protein. To top it off, LATROY brings a Sire Calving Ease of 6.8%. “I used LATROY early on as a young genomic bull with one of my best Shottle daughters,” said Joel Gerke, Bangor, Wis. “The results have been positive. She is my first LATROY daughter to calve and is one of my highest producing two-year-olds in the herd with high Fat and Protein, as well. LATROY is a solid bull, ideal for use in a commercial setting.”

percent reliability is high enough, and customer satisfaction is present, the sire can graduate to proven status.

Not only does LATROY bring type traits but he also comes with a solid set of production

NEW! Holstein Sires

NEW! Jersey Sires

NAAB

NAME

TPI®

NAAB

NAME

TPI®

014HO06677 014HO06678 014HO06671 014HO06647 014HO06720 014HO06649 014HO06640 014HO06547 014HO06598

Val Clay Benson Leo Eon Patterson Clint Machman Curt

+2300 +2203 +2192 +2144 +2140 +2133 +2126 +2105 +2026

014HO07461 014HO07471 014HO07358 014HO07542 014HO07538 014HO07464 014HO07472 014HO07511 014HO07469 014HO07498 014HO07347 014HO07454 014HO07539 014HO07475 014HO07449

Crank It Terrific Tallyho Century Estate Dusk Doubleshot Daybreak Clair Parkplace Monty Grunt County Rory-Red Ocean PP

+2565 +2528 +2525 +2520 +2514 +2502 +2477 +2477 +2455 +2454 +2445 +2406 +2359 +2354 +2216

GeneFORCE

Proven

NEW! Holstein Sires

progeny. “We have a pair of LATROY daughters in the herd that scored VG-86 and VG-87,” said Seth Wadsworth, herdsman at Eildon-Tweed Farm, West Charlton, New York. “I admire the LATROY daughters because of their dairyness and good udders. They are clean boned and exhibit good feet and legs. We used LATROY on some other cows, as well, and look forward to seeing the results as they begin to calve,” states Wadsworth.

Tom Kugler has been in the dairy industry for 35 years and has worked as an Independent Sales Representative for Accelerated Genetics the past 25. “I personally have two LATROY daughters in milk,” said Kugler. “Those daughters are strong, produce well and exhibit good feet and legs. I have seen a ton of interest in this sire from my customers because of his flawless linears and type. He features a notable pedigree that includes an EX-90 Toystory and an EX-92 Stormatic. Due to his high type, outcross pedigree and impressive components, this bull is in demand.”

GeneFORCE

New to the proven lineup in August was 014HO06627 LATROY is PACE proven and available in ACCESS Sexed Semen. Hailing from four generations of Excellent dams, LATROY is sure to impress in terms of type at +1.74 PTAT. A pleasing FLC (+1.24) and good linear scores across the board will make for sound

014HO06627 K-Star Latroy-ET Eildon-Tweed Lat Rowing-ET VG-86 David Wood, West Charlton, NY

Proven*

Scoring EX-95 himself, 014HO05434 TRUMP has been a customer satisfaction sire for several years. There are currently 3,991 daughters in over 1,200 herds with more freshening every day. TRUMP is another sire at Accelerated Genetics that originated from the works of Mystic Valley Dairy LLC, Sauk City, Wis. He is a high production sire at +1279 Milk and +314 Net Merit $. This PACE proven sire carries pleasing health traits with a 2.79 SCS. Additionally, a solid set of linear scores back up this popular sire. “TRUMP was a successful PACE sire, genomic sire and now a strong proven sire,” said Devan Funk, Accelereated Genetics’ Director of Sire Procurement.

NAAB

NAME

JPI®

014JE00678 014JE00679 014JE00673 014JE00675 014JE00660 014JE00649 014JE00572 014JE00683 014JE00565 014JE00568 014JE00600 014JE00582 014JE00573 014JE00564

Revolution Czar Avon Mackey Wildfire Don Eladio Vegas Lanny Kyran Lou Decoy Hardwood A-Team Lotto Winner

+263 +213 +212 +202 +191 +179 +172* +170 +150* +149* +144* +124* +112* +103*

BOLD sires available in Access Sexed Semen. *Proven sires.

DECEMBER 2014 < GENETIC TRENDS < 13

INSIDE Story by: Ethan Giebel forAccelerated Genetics

ACCELERATED

GENETICS

Have you ever taken time to think about the effort that goes into supplying genetics from some of the best bulls available on the market today? It starts behind the scenes with Accelerated Genetics’ highly experienced team who works with the customer in mind.

“Many sires available today are the product of a contract mating agreement,” said Devan Funk, Accelerated Genetics’ Director of Sire Procurement. “Females and males of high genomic value are mated. In most cases, these parents are young, with heifers 10 to 15 months of age and sires one to two years old.” Once their offspring are born, resulting bulls are nominated for genomic evaluations. Genotyping takes place through Accelerated Genetics whollyowned subsidiary, Genetic Visions Inc., and results are submitted to the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding. Once genomic evaluations are complete, a decision is made and communication with the breeder as to whether the bull will commence with health testing once old enough or will no longer be needed.

After health testing and transport, over 200 dairy bulls, between the ages of 4-6 months enter isolation at the Accelerated Genetics Production Facility near Westby, Wis., on a yearly basis. With animals coming from all corners of the U.S., veterinarians on staff oversee implementation of the Certified Semen Services (CSS) isolation protocol. If bulls pass CSS parameters, they enter the collection facility at 11-13 months of age. “Biosecurity and health are of the upmost importance,” said Dr. David Brown, Accelerated Genetics Senior Veterinarian. “In my role, I focus on making sure our bulls are safe to produce semen of the highest quality.”

14 > GENETIC TRENDS > DECEMBER 2014

“Feed quality has a direct impact on semen quality,” said Arden Sherpe, Accelerated Genetics Farm and Barn Manager. “Testing feed and balancing rations according to the specific needs of the bulls keeps them in top condition.” Much of the diet fed to the bulls is grown right on the 800-acre farm where Accelerated Genetics is located.

The farm and barn team consists of 26 individuals who do everything from bull care to semen collection. “It takes a great deal of skill and experience for the barn crew to handle all the bulls safely,” said Sherpe. “It also takes tremendous effort under all kinds of conditions to make everything come together. When we hear positive feedback from technicians, sales representatives and customers on the outstanding results being achieved on the farms, it makes it all worthwhile.”

Starting early in the morning, bulls are collected and semen is delivered to the laboratory.

Operating in a state-of-the-art laboratory, a veteran team works closely to process upwards of 20,000 units of semen each day. This past year, it added up to over 3.7 million units. “A stringent quality control program is in place to evaluate semen and test for a number of parameters including morphology and motility,” said Roger Hanson, Accelerated Genetics Laboratory Manager. “Semen quality doesn’t improve as we

process it, therefore starting with high quality semen is important.”

“From this warehouse, Accelerated Genetics sends genetics to over 120 countries worldwide through World Wide Sires, Ltd.,” said Rick Williams, Accelerated Genetics Semen Warehouse and Distribution Supervisor.

Ensuring orders are safely and accurately sent to Accelerated Genetics representatives and customers is one of the final steps in the production and distribution of bovine genetics. “It is satisfying being part of a team that aids producers in achieving their goals,” said Williams. “We are very appreciative of our customers and their dedication to feeding the world.”

As you can see, being the “producer’s trusted first choice” isn’t always easy. It takes a commitment to excellence and attention to detail in every part of the process to bring the highest quality genetics to your operation.

“We are very appreciative of our customers and their dedication to feeding the world.”

- Rick Williams

What’s all the hype on

SOCIAL MEDIA?

Story by: Karen Bohnert for Accelerated Genetics

Many people thought social media would be just a fad, but it has come and stayed and rapidly turned into a vital ingredient aiding to businesses’ success. In this day and age, managing a flexible presence online allows businesses to directly talk with their customers.

Need better proof social media is here to stay? Debuting more than a decade ago, Facebook has an estimated 1.28 billion monthly active users and is growing. Founded in March 2006, Twitter reports to have 271 million monthly active users who send 500 million tweets daily, 78% of which are done through mobile devices.

Carter comments, “I do encourage producers to friend each other in social media, but I also hope they go outside their circle to build their network with consumers. I like Dairy Carrie’s recommendation I read in the #dairychat conversation, stating for every one farmer you follow, follow two non-farmers.”

“People ask me all the time if social media is effective,” says Don Schindler, Senior Vice President, Digital Initiatives, Dairy Management, Inc. He says many people tell him their business doesn’t use social media or blog, but he responds, “I bet you are wrong!”

Like Accelerated Genetics, many vital dairy companies have a presence in social media. “Social media is a great way to connect and interact with our patrons on a different level,” says Kari Stanek, Industry Relations Coordinator for Accelerated Genetics. “Today, in this fast-paced world, many people crave for immediate genetic information. Through the power of social media, and of course, with the assistance of our fantastic website, we are able to bring information to people faster than ever before.”

Schindler says if he doesn’t know about something, he Googles it. “And, I’m sure you do, too. Google your business interest. Go search Facebook and Twitter. You’ll find them.”

And, while a growing online population are those tied to production agriculture, many farmers are still skeptical questioning, “Why should I engage in social media?”

“Social media is a shift in how people communicate,” says Samantha Carter, Communications Program Manager, Midwest Dairy Association.

“Producers have the opportunity to share what they do online; reach the masses where they are. Anyone can claim to be an expert on food, but people who produce it have built-in credibility. As producers share and engage with others, they can build trust. A high level of trust in products benefits everyone in food production.”

Dairy farmer, Carrie Mess, better known as Dairy Carrie, recently stated, “Social media is only bad for agriculture if we don’t take part in it.”

Producers benefit from engaging in social media by: • Building trust with consumers

“Through the power of social media, and of course, with the assistance of our fantastic website, we are able to bring information to people faster than ever before” -- Kari Stanek Both Schindler, Carter and Accelerated Genetics encourage producers to interact with other producers online; becoming friends with them via Facebook or Twitter, debate issues and have fun.

If you have questions about how you and your dairy can be a part of the online social media world, contact Don Schindler at don.schindler@rosedmi.com.

FOLLOW ACCELERATED GENETICS!

• Sharing their stories 24/7; combating the misinformation online • Establishing a community with people interested in learning more about where their food comes from • Sharing their voice; influence the conversation, whether it’s about animal practices, food production, land conservation, etc.

• Efficiently connecting with your neighbor down the street or someone 10,000 miles away simultaneously, and so much more!

DECEMBER 2014 < GENETIC TRENDS < 15

Focused on the things that matter:

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