AUGUST 2015
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ACCELERATED GENETICS
OUR VISION
TO BE THE PRODUCER’S TRUSTED FIRST CHOICE Grow Your Dollar
First Day Formula® CR
Booming Jersey Program
The Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics August 2015 Vol. 67 No. 2
EDITORS Kate Welter Chelsey Johnson 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 Make sure your calves don’t miss the most important meal of their life...the first one! A recent study validates First Day Formula® CR as a replacement for maternal colostrum when this vital nutrient is not available in sufficient quantity or quality.
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MESSAGE from the CEO brothers. Enjoying the beautiful summer weather, baling hay, or chopping haylage, which seemed to last the entire summer, are just a few of my most distinct memories. Now these particular jobs could have been very monotonous, but we, my brothers and I, always seemed to make them a competitive situation. How fast could we go, how quickly could we bale a load of hay, how many bales could we put up in a day? It certainly made the task-at-hand seem less monumental.
ave you ever heard the phrase H “memories last a lifetime?� Well, for me, that is so true. Growing up on a dairy farm in south central Minnesota, some of my fondest memories are working alongside my father and
Another fond memory of mine is how hard our family worked to get second crop hay in the barn, as well as catching up on all other farm tasks, so we could go to Camp Onomia near Onamia, Minn. This experience was something my family and I truly looked forward to and worked hard to achieve. It was an opportunity for us to put the hectic farming pace aside and spend quality time with each other creating the memories we enjoy reminiscing about today.
In the hustle and bustle of this world, how can Accelerated Genetics help you create lasting memories with those who matter most? Our goal is to assist in creating greater efficiencies so you, too, can enjoy making special memories with loved ones. Whether your focus is nurturing calves to be the future generation milk producers, or to feel more confident about your genetics investments, Accelerated Genetics has the people, and products in place to ensure your success. Thank you for partnering with Accelerated Genetics and for making us your trusted first choice.
JOEL GROSKREUTZ President & CEO
Save the Date COOPERATIVE INITIATIVE JANUARY 19-20, 2016 | THREE BEARS LODGE | WARRENS, WISCONSIN
///
BORN 1941
75 years.. Let the story continue
800-451-9275 | INFO@ACCELGEN.COM | WWW.ACCELGEN.COM AUGUST 2015 < GENETIC TRENDS < 3
quality genetics:
MAKING YOUR DOLLAR Written by: Chelsey Johnson, Digital Communications Coordinator, Accelerated Genetics
Do you put a dollar value on each decision you make to impact your operation? Making a ration change, reducing the stocking density of a pen or changing a milking procedure can often yield a visible effect on milk production within days. For these types of decisions, in a short period of time, one can measure if the cost of making that choice was outweighed with a positive return on investment. When it comes to purchasing a straw of semen, it takes more time to see your return on investment. The genetic impact of this decision can’t be directly analyzed until the calf produced from that straw enters the milking herd. But that does not mean you can’t predict the potential return on investment for the genetics you purchase today. With the help of a sire’s proof, you can make a wise investment in the future of your herd.
YOUR CRYSTAL BALL Although a sire proof can’t give you the ability to fast-forward and see the actual performance of an offspring, it should not be underestimated for its ability to serve as a crystal ball to predict results.
44>>GENETIC 20152011 GENETICTRENDS TRENDS>>AUGUST NOVEMBER
Nobland Airlift Eyelash VG-85 (Reversed). Image© Nick Sarbarker
Following the December base change, PTA (Predicted Transmitting Ability) values now represent a prediction of how that sire’s daughters will perform compared to the average cow born in 2010. Therefore, the PTA values provided in a genetic proof are showing a relevant prediction of that sire’s transmitting ability. In an analysis of four southwestern United States herds, Accelerated Genetics set out to prove that purchasing quality genetics today, with the help of PTA values, is a wise investment for your future. We reviewed four large herds (ranging from 2,200 to 5,000 cows) under the same owner with similar management styles. All four herds have been using A.I. for more than 15 years and have similar facilities, feed sources, and climate. However, each herd had a different manager and used a different method for sire selection.
Figure 1: DAIRY A
GROW Our comparison looked at 2nd lactation cows sired by Accelerated Genetics. The reason 2nd lactation animals were selected was to allow less biased comparisons in reproductive outcomes. In addition, cows with milk production below 15,000 pounds per lactation or with greater than six times bred, were not taken into account in these analyses. All data included in the comparison was extracted from Dairy Comp 305 backups. Since overall production and efficient reproduction are key drivers to profitability, our analysis focused on two traits: PTAM and DPR.
A 1,000-POUND REWARD When evaluating PTAM, data was sorted into three groupsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a high group sired by high PTAM sires and a low group sired by low PTAM sires, and a group sired by herd bulls. Worth noting in this evaluation is that dairies A, B, and C selected sires based on milk production, while dairy D focused selection criteria on reproduction. Figure 1 shows the difference between each of these two groups in all four herds. On average, daughters of sires with high PTAM produced about 1,000 pounds more per standardized 305-day lactations as compared to daughters from sires with low PTAM values and herd bulls. What difference does that 1,000 pounds really make? You may have already penciled out that at $15/cwt this could equate to $150 per lactation, per cow. Consider what that investment could do for you if your entire herd saw that additional $150. For a 1,000cow dairy, selecting high PTAM sires could equate to a $150,000 added revenue.
EVERY DAY COUNTS In terms of reproduction, it is no secret the more days a cow is open, the fewer days she will be contributing to your milK check. Therefore, our analysis also looked at the value of investing in sires with high DPR values. Figure 2 displays our findings. In terms of reproductive performance, sires with positive DPR conceived about 10 days sooner as compared to daughters of sires with negative DPR and daughters from herd bulls. Can 10 days really impact your bottom line? If each day open is valued at a cost of $5* per day, that cost can add up quickly. For an individual cow, the reduced number of days open would return $50 per cow, per lactation. For a 1,000-cow herd that number would total $50,000.
PTAM
# OBSERVED
CORRECTED 305 MILK EQUIVALENT
BULL
230
27,224
HIGH
180
28,152
LOW
673
27,855
PTAM
# OBSERVED
CORRECTED 305 MILK EQUIVALENT
BULL
35
29,467
HIGH
84
30,469
LOW
230
29,905
PTAM
# OBSERVED
CORRECTED 305 MILK EQUIVALENT
BULL
237
26,308
HIGH
12
28,482
LOW
81
25,699
DAIRY B
DAIRY C
DAIRY D PTAM
# OBSERVED
CORRECTED 305 MILK EQUIVALENT
BULL
59
26,735
HIGH
94
26,316
LOW
257
26,256
PTAM
# OBSERVED
MEAN CALVING INTERVAL
BULL
230
374
HIGH
180
376
LOW
673
376
Figure 2: DAIRY A
DAIRY B PTAM
# OBSERVED
MEAN CALVING INTERVAL
BULL
35
378
HIGH
84
382
LOW
230
372
PTAM
# OBSERVED
MEAN CALVING INTERVAL
BULL
237
383
HIGH
12
391
LOW
81
376
PTAM
# OBSERVED
MEAN CALVING INTERVAL
BULL
59
360
HIGH
94
367
LOW
257
371
DAIRY C
DAIRY D
AUGUST 2015 < GENETIC TRENDS < 5
MAKING YOUR DOLLAR GROW One dollar can go a long way when investing in the future of your herd. In this analysis, dairy B was paying one dollar more per straw of semen than dairy A and C and two dollars more per straw than dairy D. However, this herd also excelled above the group with the highest overall milk production. Figure 3 displays the weighted average milk production advantages per lactation for dairy B over the other dairies.
Figure 3: Dairy B milk production difference compared to other herds B vs. Â A
2,225 pounds per cow
B vs. C
3,760 pounds per cow
B vs. D
3,659 pounds per cow
Just looking at B vs. A comparison, the advantage dairy B has in milk revenue dollars per cow per lactation is $334. Based on 1,000 cows and 2.5 services per conception, that extra dollar adds up to a $2,500 additional semen cost. When compared to dairy A, dairy B would see an additional $334,000 per 1,000 cows based on increased milk revenue in one lactation. So what does that one-dollar represent? For dairy B, investing an extra dollar in semen equated to an additional $133.60 return per unit. If two dollars per unit higher, it would still be a $1.00:$66.80 return. Accelerated Genetics is committed to being the Producerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trusted First Choice. As a part of that promise, we want to ensure every dollar you invest in your operation can grow to its greatest potential. This example demonstrates that purchasing better genetics today translates to improved performance tomorrow. To learn more about how Accelerated Genetics can help you develop a genetic plan that will grow each dollar you invest, talk to your Accelerated Genetics representative today.
*de Vries, A., R. Giesy, L. Ely, A. de Araujo, A. Andreasen, B. Broaddus, S. Eubanks, D. Mayo, P. Miller, T. Seawright, and C. Vann. 2003. Dairy Business Analysis Project: Financial Summary for 1995-2001 UF/IFAS Extension Document DS174. Available on http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/DS174.
6 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST NOVEMBER 2015 2011
Nobland Airlift Eyelash VG-85 Nobland Farms, Lancaster, WI
Jenniton Airlift Peg VG-86 Jenniton Registered Holsteins LLC, Barneveld, WI
Kingsway Airlift Gosling 3rd Int. Calf 2015 Canadian 4H Classic, Kingsway Farms, Hastings, ON, Canada
Neldell Airlift 2653 Neldell Farms LLC, Wisconsin Dells, WI
NOVEMBER AUGUST 2015 2011<<GENETIC GENETICTRENDS TRENDS<<77
better start, better future
WITH FIRST DAY FORMULA CR ®
Written by: David Cook, PhD, Technical Services Manager, Milk Products, Inc.
Maternal colostrum is an important source of nutrients and immune factors; however, it can also represent one of the earliest exposures of dairy calves to infectious agents. Harvesting and administering highquality colostrum requires diligence, decision-making and ongoing training for everyone involved in the process on a dairy. The goal of feeding colostrum is to achieve successful passive transfer. Passive transfer is when the antibodies are absorbed by the calf from the colostrum to increase the calf’s immunity. In the course of every freshening, there are multiple factors that can negatively affect the 8 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2015
efficacy of colostrum before it reaches the calf. First Day Formula® CR colostrum replacer is derived from maternal colostrum and provides 150 grams of IgG (Immunoglobulins) with every feeding. Compared to colostrum, First Day Formula® CR colostrum replacer is convenient and provides consistency in the following areas: Quality – The same amount of IgG is fed every time to every calf. (150 grams IgG) Quantity – Correct volume delivered to every calf, regardless of how much the dam produces. Quickness – Replacer simply needs to be opened, mixed and fed, increasing the likelihood that it will be delivered in the critical four-hour window after birth. See label for proper mixing instructions.
Cleanliness – Sanitary packaging and immediate mixing and feeding reduces the potential for bacterial contamination. Biosecurity – Unlike maternal colostrum where risk exists to transmit diseases like Johne’s disease, BLV, mycoplasma, salmonella, and cryptosporidium, First Day Formula® CR is tested free of these pathogens. Also available: • First Day Formula® CR Deluxe Colostrum Replacer (Contains First Defense Technology™) • First Day Formula® CS Colostrum Supplement Until now, research studies comparing colostrum replacers to maternal colostrum have been conducted on small treatment groups and lower IgG level colostrum replacers. Many of these studies have demonstrated colostrum replacers to be inferior to maternal colostrum.
research supports ® FIRST DAY FORMULA CR Recently, a research trial was conducted at a large southwest United States commercial dairy operation. Alfonso Lago, DVM, PhD, Dairy Experts, Tulare, CA, was the principle investigator. The purpose of the study was to compare the passive transfer efficacy and resulting calf health and performance of calves receiving First Day Formula® CR versus the dairy’s normal maternal colostrum feeding protocol within two hours after birth. KEY PARAMETERS: • Large study with statistical power – 1200 calves total (600 per treatment group) • IgG – Quantified (via. Immuno –diffusion assay) in 600 calves (300 per treatment group) – for accurate passive transfer, apparent efficiency of IgG absorption determination • Serum IgG concentration correlated to serum total protein and serum Brix Refractometer measurements when First Day Formula® CR is fed vs. maternal colostrum • Large sample size resulted in a scientifically valid comparison of First Day Formula® CR to maternal colostrum unprecedented in the literature
KEY RESULTS PROVE: • First Day Formula® CR calves demonstrated virtually 100% (99.9966% - 299/300) successful passive transfer determined by serum IgG quantification statistically equivalent to calves fed maternal colostrum. • First Day Formula® CR calves demonstrated apparent efficiency of IgG absorption determined by serum IgG quantification statistically similar (34.4%) to calves fed maternal colostrum.
• First Day Formula® CR calves demonstrated fewer sickness episodes compared to calves fed maternal colostrum. • First Day Formula® CR was determined pathogen-free while maternal colostrum used in the study had coliform bacteria evident in samples taken.
CONCLUSIONS: • Study is scientifically valid with a large sample size . Two abstracts were presented at ADSA-ASAS JAM in Orlando on July 12, 2015: W32 Efficacy of feeding First Day Formula® CR versus maternal colostrum on calf serum immunological parameters. 630 J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93, Suppl. s3/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 98, Suppl. 2. Alfonso Lago*1, Claudia Leonardi1, Cedric Blanc2, David Cook3, Michael Socha4, and Humberto Rivera5, 1DairyExperts Inc., Tulare, CA, 2 Pacific Rim Dairy, Corcoran, CA, 3Milk Products Inc., Chilton, WI, 4Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN, 5 Accelerated Genetics, Baraboo, WI.
W33 Relationship between serum total proteins and immunoglobulin G for calves fed either First Day Formula® CR or maternal colostrum. 630 J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93, Suppl. s3/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 98, Suppl. 2. Alfonso Lago*1, Claudia Leonardi1, Cedric Blanc2, David Cook3, Michael Socha4, and Humberto Rivera5, 1DairyExperts Inc., Tulare, CA, 2Pacific Rim Dairy, Corcoran, CA, 3Milk Products Inc., Chilton, WI, 4Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN, 5Accelerated Genetics, Baraboo, WI.
Both of the above topics warrant publication (Fall 2015) in peer reviewed articles and will contribute to the scientific database for bovine colostrum and colostrum replacer use. • To determine if positive passive transfer has occurred in the calf, producers often use a Brix Refractometer reading of the calf’s serum 24 hours after colostrum is fed. The Brix reading is correlated to serum total protein, which in turn is correlated to the concentration of IgG in the blood. Because of the consistent pathogen-free source of IgG in First Day Formula® CR, the vast majority of calves fed First Day Formula® CR, in a timely manner, will exhibit successful passive transfer; however, due to the fat and casein being extracted from the colostrum ingredient source in First Day Formula® CR, passive transfer is achieved at a lower serum total protein, thus a lower Brix Refractometer reading. Typically, a serum Brix refractometer reading of 7.8 at 24 hours after maternal colostrum is fed is used to determine successful passive transfer. This data indicates that when First Day Formula® CR is fed, a serum Brix reading of 7.0 indicates successful passive transfer. • First Day Formula® CR colostrum replacer should be considered as an alternative to maternal colostrum for dairies when:
• Labor necessary to collect maternal colostrum properly is an issue • Maternal colostrum feeding protocols have been inadequate or not followed completely due to equipment failure • Labor resources are focused on crop production • Labor resources are stretched during peak calving periods • Maternal colostrum is not available in sufficient quantity or quality First Day Formula® CR has proven to be a valid maternal colostrum replacer when compared to a stellar maternal colostrum feeding protocol on a well-managed dairy operation. Make sure your calves don’t miss the most important meal of their life - the first one! Contact your local Accelerated Genetics representative today to start your calves out right on the first day.
AUGUST 2015 < GENETIC TRENDS < 9
GeneFORCE
OUTCROSS STANDOUTS Written by: Ethan Giebel for Accelerated Genetics
014HO07638 Game Changer Dam: Stantons Observer Extreme
Breeders have become accustomed to the increasingly common pedigrees between top ranking genomic sires. With the advent of intensive selection and genomics, it has become more challenging to find high ranked genomic young sires with a unique sire stack. Accelerated Genetics is excited to be offering GeneFORCE sires with no Robust or Mogul in their pedigrees. 014HO07638 GAME CHANGER is one of the newest additions to the GeneFORCE lineup, available for the first time in August. A complete package, GAME CHANGER boasts a great combination of production (+1232 Milk) and components (+128 Combined Fat and Protein) with strong fertility traits (+3.5 DPR) and low calving ease at 6.2%. Stanton Bros. Ltd. of Ilderton, ON, Canada is the breeder of GAME CHANGER. “We love the cow family behind this bull,” shares Jim Stanton. “We’ve used him extensively in IVF, as of late. His dam, Stantons Observer Extreme, is one of our best Observer daughters, she has a really good udder and set of feet and legs.” “We are a commercial 750-cow dairy with many high genetic merit females,” states Stanton. “Raising cattle in a commercial setting gives us an advantage because they last the test of time. Our goal is to create cows that will produce 30,000+ pounds of milk, high components and score well for the classifier.” “GAME CHANGER is the first of many high caliber young genomic sires to come from Stanton Bros. Ltd., available 10 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2015
014HO07461 Crank It MGD: Jenny-Lou Toystory 2071-ET EX-92
through Accelerated Genetics,” said Ryan Weigel, Sire Analyst at Accelerated Genetics. “Look for more to come in the near future.” 014HO07461 CRANK IT is an outstanding total performance sire with an excellent balance of health, production and type traits. He is at +2546 GTPI, with +1307 Milk and +109 Combined Fat and Protein. In the type category, this sire sits at +2.62 PTAT. “CRANK IT calves are beginning to hit the ground,” comments Weigel. “He continues to be one of our most popular sires as dairy producers appreciate the complete package this bull offers.” CRANK IT comes to Accelerated Genetics from Mystic Valley Dairy LLC in Sauk City, Wis. “CRANK IT is the product of our two best cow families on the farm,” says Mitch Breunig. “His MGD, Jenny-Lou Toystory 2071-ET is classified at EX-92 and is in her sixth lactation, producing 150 pounds on her most recent test. Just two weeks before genomic tests on CRANK IT were received back, I sold his dam, Jenny-Lou Iota 3157 to Jacob Brey at Cycle Farms Holsteins in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. He ended up with a great cow to work with and further develop. I’ve used over 70 units of CRANK IT on my farm already, so a lot of my next calves are going to be sired by him.” 014HO07573 JOAB is another outcross sire providing dairy producers with a pleasing combination of production, fertility and health traits. While looking at this young sire’s proof, it should be noted he carries an outstanding +6.7 Productive
014HO07581 Mozaic MGGD: Pine-Tree Missy Miranda-ET
Life. Sire Calving Ease ranks well at 7.5%. JOAB will be a well-known health and fertility expert at 2.73 SCS and +3.7 DPR. JOAB comes to Accelerated Genetics from David and Henry Granskog of Stephenson, Mich. “After many years in the industry, our philosophy has been to make breeding selections based on DPR and PL,” states Henry. “I would encourage every dairy producer to conduct a profile of their herd. You will most likely find a majority of the aged cows in your herd that have produced well with few issues came from sires with a notable DPR or PL score. Like many in the dairy industry, we are looking for functional type, positive production traits and high DPR and PL numbers. In our opinion, those traits are where the dollars are generated. Who can argue with trouble free cows?” 014HO07581 MOZAIC is another newly released young sire in the GeneFORCE lineup. MOZAIC comes in at +2537 GTPI and is the product of a unique sire stack, (Jabir x Shamrock x Die-Hard). Phenomenal is an understatement for MOZAIC in the fertility department at +5.6 DPR, +4.7 HCR and +6.7 CCR. Another elite Productive Life bull, he comes in at +6.8. A 7.0% Sire Calving Ease helps separate this bull to the top when choosing for health traits. As a package, MOZAIC’s fertility and health traits make him a homerun for use in your heifer pens. MOZAIC comes to Accelerated Genetics from Marshfield Farms in Marcellus, New York.
AUGUST 2015 < GENETIC TRENDS < 11
migration towards efficiency:
JERSEYS BOOMING Written by: Karen Bohnert for Accelerated Genetics
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We mostly focus on positive components, good udders, feet and legs, and cheese merit...We use primarily all genomic young sires to get the latest in Jersey genetics moving forward.â&#x20AC;? - Curtis Gomes, Blue Mist Dairy -
12 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2015
As the Jersey breed is becoming more and more popular, Accelerated Genetics is responding to this trend. When looking for a wellbalanced line of Jersey sires, producers are looking to Accelerated Genetics for their solid line-up of sires that excel in JPI, Cheese Merit, Udders and more. Neal Smith, Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association says, “Jerseys are changing the color of the U.S. dairy industry. Jerseys are the fastest growing breed in the U.S. and are projected to make up at least 25% of the dairy cow population by 2025.” Throughout 2014, the National Association of Animal Breeders consistently reported record sales of Jersey semen with a market share of 1 of every 7.9 units sold. The Accelerated Genetics Jersey program continues its progressive trend to meet the future demands of the market. “Why the increased demand for Jersey sales? It’s simple economics and reproduction,” says Allan Hanselman, District Sales Manager at Accelerated Genetics. “Jerseys are super efficient in both categories.” Dairy producers are quickly realizing that Jerseys produce a pound of milk components at a lower cost compared to other major breeds. “With 70-80 percent of all milk turned into a manufactured product, it only makes sense to have higher solids yields and less fluid,” says Hanselman. “And, more producers are turning to Jerseys due to this fact.” For more than two decades Hanselman has worked for Accelerated Genetics with nearly half his sales from Jerseys. “It is awesome to have such top-line bulls; ones I consider to be the best in the breed.“ One of Hanselman’s customers, Sun Valley Jerseys, Cloverdale, Ore., home to 500 registered Jersey milking cows, has relied on Accelerated Genetics for the past 15 years.“Our breeding program is simple; produce the maximum amount of milk solids from cows that are attractive, with udders that are strongly attached, and age well,” says Dave Seals, a partner at Sun Valley Jerseys. “We want cows that are deep ribbed with high, wide rear udders.” Sun Valley Jerseys has several milking daughters from 014JE00473 LOUIE,
014JE00581 HEBO and 014JE00582 HARDWOOD. “The second lactation Louie daughters are easily our top producing three-year-olds,” Seals says. “They are also classifying well, with Sun Valley Louie Augusta scoring EX-90% on our last appraisal.”Not only do these daughters produce well, Seals says recently, two of their Hebo daughters scored VG-85% and VG-86% and are real “head turners.” Current Accelerated Genetics bulls used in the Sun Valley Jersey herd include: 014JE00662 REGENCY, 014JE00670 LEMONHEAD, 014JE00630 JUMBO, 014JE00600 DECOY, 014JE00581 HEBO, and 014JE00684 GRAVITY. “We like to use high JPI bulls, and will always use bulls that will sire the kind of cows we want in our herd,” Seals says. Curtis Gomes, manager/herdsman at Blue Mist Dairy, located near Tillamook, Ore., breeds for a good balance of all traits. “We mostly focus on positive components, good udders, feet and legs, and cheese merit,” Gomes says. “We use primarily all genomic young sires to get the latest in Jersey genetics moving forward.” The Gomes family moved to Tillamook in 1998 and switched their herd from all Holsteins to all Jerseys based on the cheese pay price their milk cooperative, Tillamook County Creamery Association, offers. Today, Blue Mist Dairy is home to 340 registered Jerseys with an RHA of 17,401 Milk, a 5.0% Fat and a 3.7% Protein and a somatic cell count of 68,000 CFUs. Blue Mist Dairy began using Accelerated Genetics more than a decade ago. “When 014JE00365 REBEL was a hot bull to use, we began working with Accelerated Genetics,” Gomes says. “I like that Accelerated Genetics offers well-balanced bulls to fit my criteria. Today, our herd is 40% Accelerated Genetics sired.” Gomes says he has seen a lot of Accelerated Genetics milk daughters that he likes, including those sired from 014JE00576 SAMSON, 014JE00600 DECOY, 014JE00582 HARDWOOD, 014JE00572 VEGAS, and 014JE00586 MAZING.
Blue Mist Dairy’s herd standout right now is Blue Mist Decoy Pocahontas, VG-85% with a 305 M.E. of 19,580 Milk, 6.0% Fat and 3.64% Protein. Gomes says he is currently using 014JE00670 LEMONHEAD, 014JE00662 REGENCY, 014JE00666 METHOD, 014JE00694 TALENTS, and 014JE00652 MARLO. “I like these bulls for their overall good type, milk, components and high index numbers.” With the dairy industry migrating towards greater efficiency, US Jersey projects 1 in 4 dairy units sold by 2020 will be Jersey. The ten-year growth trend for Jersey semen focuses on efficiency, sustainability and profitability. “Jersey growth will continue to expand at a rapid rate, so we must continue to stay at the top of our game at Accelerated Genetics,” says Hanselman. Both Sun Valley Jerseys and Blue Mist Dairy agree that Accelerated Genetics is doing just that. “I feel that Accelerated Genetics is helping grow the Jersey breed by having a diverse pedigree line-up of overall good bulls,” Gomes says. “I enjoy working with the Accelerated Genetics staff, including Joe Stanek, Sire Analyst, and Allan Hanselman, who are good people, who know Jersey cows, as well as understand what type of cows I like in my herd.” Seals whole-heartedly agrees. “Our sales representative, Allan Hanselman is always willing to go the extra mile for us, and is part of the reason we continue to use Accelerated Genetics. I feel Accelerated Genetics is helping the Jersey breed by buying and marketing bulls from diverse pedigrees that are well rounded, high indexing individuals.” For more information on Accelerated Genetics’ Jersey line-up, go to www.accelgen.com or talk to your Accelerated Genetics representative today.
“We also have older cows I really like that are sired by Accelerated Genetics bulls, such as 014JE00365 REBEL, 014JE00366 BLAIR, 014JE00472 ALEXANDER, 014JE00537 LOTTO, 014JE00408 JIMMIE, 014JE00555 ROY, and 014JE00473 LOUIE.” AUGUST 2015 < GENETIC TRENDS < 13
breed the perfect
ROBOT HERD Written by: Shelby Rogers, Marketing Communications Intern, Accelerated Genetics
Accelerated Genetics has nearly 75 years experience assisting dairy producers through many dairy industry changes. The goal is to provide a wide range of genetic choices to ensure each customer has options available to breed the cow that will bring success to their herd. One example of a newer industry change is the emerging technology of Automatic Milking Systems commonly called robotic milkers. “Robots change so many aspects of herd management. Dairy producers have to re-evaluate their nutrition program, how they sort animals, and how to manage somatic cell count, to name a few,” explains Michael Schmitt, Genetic Information Analyst for Accelerated Genetics. “It is just as important to prepare their herd’s genetics to ensure cows will thrive in this type of automated system.” Accelerated Genetics has experience providing the specially tailored genetics needed to help a robot herd maximize results. Following is the perspective of two customers who are just beginning their transition into the robot world.
PLANNING FOR AN ADVANCED FUTURE Averill Farms, Tillamook, Ore., has worked with Accelerated Genetics for more than 12 years. They recently added a robotic milking system to their program having converted from a 600 Holstein cow parallel parlor. 14 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2015
Don Averill, Jr. said the DeLaval Voluntary Milking System was implemented because there was adequate space for the number of cows they wanted on the new system. Plus, robotic milkers require less labor, which equals greater profitability. Their new milking system consists of six robots on 300 cows. Each robot can handle up to 60 cows so they are not quite at full capacity. The Averills plan to increase their milking herd to 500 cows and eight robotic milkers in two years. “We used to milk cows twice a day and the robotic milker changes that cycle,” Averill said. “Robotic milkers have a controlled flow system and once the cows get used to how it runs, the milking process will be much smoother.” After the cows are adjusted to being milked more times a day, the Averills won’t need to push them towards the holding pen anymore. Averill states they are currently milking about 2.6 times a day, but once the cows adjust from the two times cycle it should be closer to the three range. This should help increase the profitability rate. As Averill adjusted to the robotic milking system, he realized the importance of breeding for quality udders on his cows. Robotic milkers are challenged at times in finding all the teats if placed on the inside of the quarter. To help alleviate this challenge Averill looks for traits that can improve teat length, udder depth and teat placement.
“A wider udder is crucial to the robots,” Averill commented. “I am more concerned about that than milking speed being an issue.” “Using bulls recommended by Accelerated Genetics for robotic milkers is a huge asset in creating an ideal cow,” Averill said. When the Averills moved to the new robotic facility, they brought 300 of their best uddered cows. Since a portion of their herd is still milked in a parallel parlor, the Averills have a back-up plan for cows that aren’t ideal for the robot. Hence, after three unsuccessful robot attachments, the cow is returned to the old parallel system. “It was not a surprise to learn the Averills would be implementing robotic milkers into their program,” stated Allan Hanselman, District Sales Manager at Accelerated Genetics. “They have advanced their breeding program so this technology advancement was a no-brainer. I will continue to work closely with them on genetically improving the quality of udders in their herd to be more suited for the robotic milkers. I want them to be very successful with this new milking technology.”
HAPPIER COWS MAKE HAPPIER FARMERS
worked with this family for 27 years and they always make great decisions on herd improvement. It’s exciting to watch their success and to assist them in creating the perfect robot cow to achieve their goals.” Accelerated Genetics has a long history of providing a wide range of genetic choices to producers. With a goal of being the producer’s trusted first choice, the Accelerated Genetics line-up will continue to offer the specially tailored genetics needed for all types of dairy producers. To find the sires that are best suited for a robotic milking herd, talk to your Accelerated Genetics representative, visit accelgen.com or call 1-800-451-9275.
“It is free choice for the cows... That makes for happier cows that will produce more and, in turn, we are more profitable.” - Chad Naedler, Naedler Farms
When Naedler Farms in Granton, Wis., began looking at expanding their herd, the first type of facility that came to mind was a parlor. Chad Naedler and his family visited farms that used robotic milkers and appreciated how comfortable the cows appeared in this type of system. They decided to install five robots for their 300-cow herd. In just two short months of operation, the Naedlers were amazed at the improvement they noticed. “It is free choice for the cows,” Naedler said. “They eat when they want and can be milked when they want. That makes for happier cows that will produce more and, in turn, we are more profitable.” In just two short weeks of using robotic milkers, the Naedlers witnessed an increase in milk production of 12 pounds per cow. Naedler said this improvement in milk production already justifies the robotic system investment. “The milkers are great because it allows a fresh cow to be milked four times a day,” Naedler said. “We used to milk twice a day and now we get nearly three times a day per cow.” Naedler said proper teat placement has been a challenge for his milking herd. He plans to use bulls Accelerated Genetics recommends to throw wider teat placement, making the teats easier for the robots to find and attach. Another trait they are looking to improve is teat length since extremely short or long teats can be difficult for the robot to find. Naedler Farms hopes as the robotic milkers become more advanced, the labor involved will lessen, allowing them more time to focus on animal health and take care of other jobs on the farm. “The Naedler family is great to work with,” said Tony Mayer, District Sales Representative at Accelerated Genetics. “I have AUGUST 2015 < GENETIC TRENDS < 15
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