Genetic January 2008
® Vol. 60 No. 1
INSIDE SCOOP • Health Trait Series: Fertility & Mastitis Resistance • Dairy Cow Nutrition: Importance of Trace Minerals • Value of a Pregnancy • Sire Feature: AIRRAID
RESEARCH REPORT
DNA Tools Coming of Age
popular Crime Scene Invest CSI” TV series dazzles viewers by the seemingly unsolvable, uncov smallest piece of eviden culpr
and de an ever growing role in t Modifications in the basic of DNA are used as s animal identity and tracea of undesirable genes, accessing the caliber of young sire progeny added quality control in and provides the foundation for research projects that will expand our understanding genetic and environmental factors. Many dairy and beef producers are of DNA tests that focus on a single gene. Black/Red coat color, BLAD, CVM, and DUMPs are examples. Blood, hair or semen provide a DNA quickly answers if an individu copy of the red coat color allele or an animal has a known lethal rece gene. Lets explore some other applications of DNA tools in our industry. Accelerated Genetics invests significant time and funds testing each young sire. We often have a choice between full brothers. When we do, we will utilize further tests including DNA. When a bull arrives at Accelerated Genetics, it is tested again to ensure that this is the one we selected from the farm. Sometimes its not, as mistakes happen. Pedigree-wise the bull may qualify, but it still may not be the one we selected on the farm. That is why we also re-check the first semen collected of each bull and compare it with results obtained on the farm to confirm it is the correct sire, before semen is released for progeny testing. In the future with ‘DNA marker adjusted pedigrees’ receiving the correct bull will be even more important. When semen is released for young sire progeny testing, the sire misidentification rate in test herds can greatly influence the 2
Daughters of the most promising res in herds with high sire tion rates are more likely to be ferent sire and vice als appear ng in
stimated. Ideally, eliminating all the identification errors will result in the most accurate evaluation. Attempting to remov all the sire identification error for al d is not practical nor ever, when herd heritability is negatively impacted the herd is a candidate for review as a test herd. Accelerated Genetics has used DNA to spot check progeny test herds for many years. New DNA technique means to rapidly sc mber of animals. Quality control. While there are many and cross checks in the semen p occasionally que t
fro unique DNA series of DNA straw should known sour Bulls that are twins are in A.I. programs. Roughly 90% of cattle twins are ch conta its’ fraternal twin. When determining parentage or conducting some other type of DNA tests on fraternal twins, it is important to use a DNA source other than bl get a true genotype the power to detect very small amounts of added DNA. For example, when heifer blood is tested for the Freemartin condition, blood samples containing 1% or less ma DNA An A.I. organization’s future depends on its young sire program, find the most promising young bulls,
potential by accurate progeny evaluations. Pedigree selection has been the primary tool. Accelerated Genetics through it’s wholly owned research subsidiary, Genetic Visions, Inc., have shown that a single DNA marker linked to traits such as milk or component yield can improve the chances of finding superior young sires beyond pedigree ection alone. Moreover, DNA marker ion is the only way to distinguish full siblings. However, most of Visions’ current knowledge and focuses on associations largely within individual sire families. Larger genome-wide studies are needed to broaden marker-assisted selection in cattle. genome is the most complete genome sequenced to date. This n used to find tens of thousands cleotide polymorphisms, SNPs. s at the USDA Functional Lab and a company that develops genetic research have teamed to e a device that can genotype samples up to 60,000 SNPs. Currently, bovine ome-wide screens of several thousand s used in A.I. are underway. The goal is P map for each chromosome and methodologies for genetic ncorporates marker data o economic traits. “DNA marker adjusted pedigree estimate” for individual animals. Armed with this new information ble to double our accuracy of redicting the true level of genetic value of an animal before progeny test or performance testing. As such, the greatest value of DNA techniques may lie with estimating the
DNA technologies are not just a good story line for TV. As our knowledge and avail
more commo the dai Dr. C. Michael Cowan and Vice President of Research and General Manager of Genetic Visions, Inc.
Genetic Trends - January 2008
Genetic
®
Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics January 2008
Vol. 60 No. 1
Features and News
Editor: Kari A. Stanek Genetic Trends (USPS#: 638-680) is published five times a year by Accelerated Genetics, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, WI 53913 and other offices. Mailing List Updates Postmaster Send Address Corrections to: Genetic Trends, c/o Diana Shaffer, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913 If you are receiving multiple copies of Genetic Trends or are no longer in need of this publication or it is being sent to an incorrect address, please call us at 1-800-4519275, ext. 266, or cut out your mailing label and return it with a note of intent to the above address.
Board and Officers Chair of the Board: Brian Brown Belleville, WI - District 8
First Vice Chair: Gary Eibergen Granton, WI - District 3
Second Vice Chair: Doug Thesing Winona, MN - District 10
Secretary/Treasurer: John McClelland, Jr. Viroqua, WI - District 5
Dave Score
Page 2: DNA Tools Coming of Age Page 4: The Story of AIRRAID Page 6: The Value of a Pregnancy Page 7: Can We Improve Fertility and Mastitis Resistance Through Selection? Page 8: The Importance of Trace Minerals for Dairy Cows Page 9: 2008’s First Dairy Sire Summary Report Page 10: Passion For Dairy Industry Keeps Wenzel Motivated Photo Contest Rules For 2008 Page 11: A Peek At Bulgaria’s Dairy Industry Page 12: Exceptional Sales Personnel Honored for Their Successful Year Page 13: New Beef Sires Burst Into the Headlines Page 14: Dedication Leads Allemann to 150,000 Cow Club
Boyceville, WI - District 1
John Pronschinske Arcadia, WI - District 2
Carol Anderson Whitehall, WI - District 4
Dennis Bell Gays Mills, WI - District 6
Allen Abraham Darlington, WI - District 7
On The Cover Talking ‘bulls’ with a customer is one of Accelerated Genetics’ many Top Sales Representatives, Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis. Check out articles on pages 10, 12 and 14 for more information about Top Achieving Sales Representatives and A.I. Technicians. Photo by: Kari Stanek.
Pete Kirchner Clintonville, WI - District 9
President & CEO: Roger Ripley Accelerated Genetics Vision Statement We are a global provider of bovine genetics and research, reproductive services and solution-based animal health products. Our vision is to be the forerunner in developing innovative technologies and exceptional services that will aid our customers in achieving their ultimate herd goals. Genetic Trends - January 2008
Administrative Headquarters E10890 Penny Lane • Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone: 1.800.451.9275 • 608.356.8357 Fax: 608.356.4387 Email: info@accelgen.com • Website: www.accelgen.com 3
SIRE FEATURE
THE STORY OF The story of 014HO04026 Sildahl Airraid did not begin with a farm trip to find an elite cow for contracting. It did not involve identifying Dave Erf a high index cow with Sire Analyst super type potential. No, the beginning of the story of Airraid coming to Accelerated Genetics started with a phone call from Cesar Silveira, the Accelerated Genetics sales representative for the state of Washington. Cesar called me with information on a young 014HO02090 Manfred daughter that had recently calved at Sildahl Farm. The exact words of the conversation I cannot
4
AIRRAID remember, but I did pick up the excitement Cesar had from seeing this young cow. He relayed to me that she had a BW Marshall son and looked great and he thought it was something worth following. Now Cesar is a hard working, soft spoken salesman and he has not often called me about cows or bull calves. As he has told me on several occasions, ‘Contracting and bull buying is the Genetics division’s concern, while taking care of customers and helping them reach their goals are mine.’ So, the phone call from Cesar told me that this indeed was a bull that needed more investigation.
Sildahl Farm, Stanwood, Wash., is owned by Fred Schoenbachler and his family. They had just enjoyed success with another bull at Accelerated Genetics, 014HO02958 Dutch Boy. I called Fred and asked him about the young Manfred daughter named Sildahl Manfred Air Attack. As he always is, Fred was straight forward and honest. Fred told me that Air Attack was perhaps the most correct cow he had calved in, but that she was only medium-sized. With a son by BW Marshall, a bull known for size and stretch, it made sense that this
Genetic Trends - January 2008
SIRE FEATURE was probably a good cross. I came to an agreement with Fred on the phone for a purchase price pending my inspection of the cow on my next trip to Washington, which was due to be the next month. Upon arriving at Sildahl, Fred took me to the cow yard and there was Air Attack just like Fred had described her to me. She was a medium-sized cow but there were no faults to be found. What even impressed me more was the tenacity this cow showed for eating. She was devouring the ration at the bunk and acted like she needed to eat her share as well as those of her neighbors on either side. In fact I was so impressed by this Manfred daughter that I contracted her for an additional son. 014HO04750 Sildahl Airbase is a sire in waiting in the PACE program. He is a Finley son out of Air Attack. Currently Air Attack is scored VG-87 VGMS and has an outstanding production record at 5-00 2x 365 37,760 3.9% 1468 2.9% 1080.
“The Airraid daughters in our herd were a huge improvement over what their dams were. Airraid improved their udders tremendously, gave them good feet and legs, and they can make milk. One of our Airraid’s was the highest milking 2-year-old we’ve ever had on the farm. Further, the Airraid’s are easy calving too.”
“We use 100% PACE young sires and when our current top cow in the barn was born, an Airraid daughter, she stuck out. We see a lot of calves, she has always stood out amongst her herd mates. Currently, she is in her 3RD lactation on track for another great record. We are so confident in Airraid, that we are breeding him to 75% of our heifers now.”
Mark Heinze Heinze Farm Portage, WI – 275 Holsteins
Arnold Eisenhut Herdsman, Milk Train, Inc., Sprakers, NY – 650 Holsteins
So, in December 2001 Airraid was health tested and brought to Wisconsin. He entered the PACE young sire program in the fall of 2002 and the results speak for themselves as he made active line up in February 2006 as a top sire!
have adequate strength and width and are quite dairy. They have very correct leg set, steep foot angle and track extremely well when viewed from the rear. They have tremendous rear udders, long smooth fore udders and close front teat placement. If there is a place to watch when using Airraid it is making sure not to use him on a cow that is high in the pins or perhaps long in the teat.
Airraid matured nicely, as he definitely received his mothers balance and the size and stretch of his sire. His most recent classification is Excellent-92. He seems to transmit this superior type as his high PTAT shows. The Airraid daughters are above average for stature,
The amazing thing about Airraid is his ability to transmit high production with that outstanding type. Few bulls in the breed can boast the high production and type that Airraid combines. Add to top production and outstanding type, the fact that Airraid is a calving ease sire that can be used on heifers and this completes the fact that he is a bull that can be used in many places. The story of Airraid will continue to be told by his daughters that will enter herds around the world and by his sons that will be sampled through the PACE program and other sampling programs across the globe over the next few years.
Genetic Trends - January 2008
Breitsprecker photo by Lea McCullough; Sildahl photos by Frank Robinson
5
REPRO CONNECTIONS
The VALUE of a Pregnancy In dairy farming, like every other business, profit is the difference between expenses and revenue. The simplicity of this statement hides two problems. First, expenses occur before revenue is realized. Second, it is almost always easier to estimate expenses than it is to predict revenue. Unfortunately, it is necessary to spend money to make money. It is not a goal to maximize expenses, but neither is it a goal to minimize expenses. Reproduction on a dairy farm is a dramatic example of this concept. Reproductive expenses occur months-to-years before the revenue is realized. On many dairies, these expenses are carefully tracked and include: 1) semen and/or bulls, 2) labor and technicians for inseminations, 3) labor and drugs for treatments and synchronization, 4) labor for pregnancy examinations, and 5) facilities for sorting and handling these animals. It is not difficult to accurately estimate each of these expenses. Some dairies have even further analyzed these total expenses to estimate the cost per cwt of milk, the cost per cow per year, or even the cost per pregnancy. These efforts are misguided unless there is a simultaneous attempt to estimate the revenue that accrues from these expenses.
Estimating the Value of a Pregnancy Estimating the future revenue from reproduction is extremely difficult. In short, we need to estimate the value of a pregnancy. A large number of known and unknown factors affect this estimate. Some factors are specific to the cow (i.e., her future production potential, age, and days-in-milk) and others factors affect all cows (i.e., milk price, feed price, and heifer and salvage costs). Even the ‘value of a pregnancy’ can have multiple meanings. A cow that never becomes pregnant will exit the dairy at the end of her
NATIONAL HOLSTEIN CONVENTION HEADS TO THE DAIRY STATE Accelerated Genetics, as a convention sponsor and Wisconsin-based agricultural business, wants to welcome Holstein enthusiasts to Wisconsin this summer for the 2008 National Holstein Convention to be held June 23-26 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. 6
current lactation, if not sooner. In simple terms, she will produce milk and consume feed until that day, then she will be sold for beef price, and a replacement will then occupy her space. That estimate might be the difference between replacement price and beef price. However, a more appropriate question is ‘what is the value of getting a cow pregnant TODAY?’ This approach will help quantify the return on reproductive interventions, realizing that she might become pregnant in the future if she does not get pregnant today. Although there is considerable value in achieving a pregnancy, it is clear that establishing a pregnancy does not increase the value of individual cows equally.
Variables to Estimate the Value of a Pregnancy for an Individual Cow 1) Future Expected Production: Future expected production has an impact on the value of a pregnancy. For example, compare two pregnant cows that are identical in stage of lactation, age, health, and in all other ways except their expected future production. The cow with the higher future expectation is more valuable in nearly all cases. 2) Age of the Cow: Age of the cow has an impact on the value of the pregnancy. A young cow will be expected to survive in the herd longer, and although younger cows tend to milk less in the current lactation, they can be expected to milk more in subsequent lactations. As cows age, they appear to be more prone to certain diseases, and they are more likely to be culled than younger cows, so achieving pregnancy may not have as much long-term benefit as in younger cows.
Photo by: Kari Stanek
the production of the cow. Therefore, most of the difference in pregnancy value among cows due to disease is reflected in milk production. 6) Price of Milk: The price of milk affects how much incremental milk is required to offset the cash expense of replacing the cow. When milk prices are higher, it takes less milk to justify replacements. However, using current elevated milk prices as predictors of future revenue is probably a mistake for making management decisions.
3) Current Days in Milk: The normal decline in milk production after peak milk means that non-pregnant cows in later lactation have lesser value than identical cows in earlier lactation due to decreased income in the current lactation. Therefore, within any given cow a pregnancy that occurs later in lactation usually has lesser value than one that occurs earlier in lactation.
7) Value of Cull Animals and Cost of an Average Replacement: When a cow is replaced, there is a cash cost involved. This cost is the difference between the cash received for the culled cow, and the cash necessary to bring the average replacement into the milking herd. This cost should include some factor for death loss and housing and feeding springing heifers until they freshen.
4) Stage of Pregnancy: The value of a pregnancy increases as gestation ensues. A cow later in gestation is closer to the beginning of a new lactation. One reminder of this would be the comparison of the fate of a cow that aborts at seven months in gestation versus one that aborts at 60 days in gestation.
The Economics of Improving Preg Rate There are three primary sources of economic gains that are the result of improvements in reproductive efficiency. The first (and the greatest) is the amount of marginal milk that should be realized. The second is the value of the additional calves that are born. And of course, there is a cash expense when the nonpregnant cow is replaced. The value of the additional marginal milk depends primarily on milk price and to a lesser degree, on the
5) Disease, Somatic Cell Count: While certain diseases or conditions may seal the fate of the individual cow, in many or most cases the impact of disease will be reflected in
ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 11. Genetic Trends - January 2008
HEALTH TRAIT SERIES In the past decade, a great deal of emphasis has been put on developing and refining methods to improve ‘fitness’ traits or ‘health’ traits through genetic selection. This effort has involved scientists, breeding companies, and producers; both domestically and overseas. For a dairy cow, it’s hard to imagine any traits that are more critical to fitness and health than fertility and udder health. In fact, mastitis and infertility are the leading reasons for culling on U.S. dairy farms, and collectively these two problems account for more than half of the annual turnover rate in the national dairy herd. Can we improve these traits through selection, or do we just need to do a better job managing our cattle? When I was in graduate school 17 years ago, the popular line of thinking was that ‘low heritability’ traits, like fertility or mastitis resistance, should be addressed through changes in management, not selection. If a trait has low heritability, that means that most of the differences we see between animals are due to management or environmental causes, rather than genetics. But in recent years we’ve learned that large differences do exist between sire families in these traits. It’s true that producers with reproduction or milk quality problems should review their management practices and protocols first, but once these issues are corrected they can make additional gains by considering such traits during sire selection as well. Why would anyone want to use a bull whose daughters are known to be prone to infertility or mastitis based on progeny testing in dozens or even hundreds of other herds?
Can We Improve Fertility And Mastitis Resistance Through Selection? the DHI milk recording program. Genetic evaluations for SCS have been provided by the USDA-ARS Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory since 1994, and some example bulls are shown in Table 1. As you can see, daughters of the best and worst bulls for SCS differ by nearly a full point. Average bulls, like Wrangler, will have daughters with around 3.00 SCS in first lactation, which corresponds to a somatic cell count of about 100,000 cells/ ml. First lactation daughters of the best bulls, like Billion, will have somatic cell count of approximately 75,000 cells/ml, whereas first lactation daughters of the worst bulls for SCS, like Mission, will have somatic cell count of about 134,000 cells/ ml. Research shows us that a 1-unit change in SCS corresponds to a 13% change in the lactation incidence rate of clinical mastitis, so the infection rate of first lactation daughters of Mission should be about 11% higher than that of first lactation daughters of Billion.
Direct selection for mastitis resistance isn’t yet possible in the U.S., because we don’t have a national system for recording clinical episodes of this disease. However, in Somatic Cell Score (SCS) we have a very good indicator trait that can be used for the purpose of ranking dairy sires according to their daughters’ propensity to mastitis infections. The genetic correlation between mastitis and SCS is very high – around 70%, and somatic cell score is recorded on the vast majority of U.S. dairy farms as part of
The ARS Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory introduced sire rankings for Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) in 2003. Data consist of insemination records, pregnancy examination outcomes, and calving dates reported within the DHI milk recording program (often electronically through transfer of data that were recorded previously in on-farm herd management software programs). Genetic evaluations are expressed in terms of 21-day pregnancy rate, which refers to the percentage of eligible cows (i.e., non-pregnant cows that have passed the voluntary waiting period) that become pregnant during a given 21day period of time. Some example bulls are shown in Table 2.
Table 1.
Table 2.
NAAB Code 014HO04099 014HO04131 014HO04048
Short Name Billion Wrangler Mission
Genetic Trends - January 2008
PTA for Somatic Cell Score 2.59 2.98 3.42
NAAB Code 014HO03451 014HO03964 014HO03913
PTA for Daughter Short Pregnancy Name Rate Alfie 3.10 Bob -0.30 Harry -2.70
From the example bulls shown in Table 2, you can see that daughters of the best and worst bulls differ by more than 6% in daughter pregnancy rate. Producers who are more comfortable using days open as a measure of reproductive efficiency can take advantage of the fact that a 1% increase in daughter pregnancy rate corresponds to a 4-day decrease in days open. Average bulls, like Bob, will tend to have daughter pregnancy rates around -0.40. Production and reproduction are negatively correlated, therefore, the average active A.I. sire is slightly less than zero. The 21-day pregnancy rate for daughters of the best bulls for DPR, like Alfie, will be about 3% above average, which means that they will have about 12 fewer days open per lactation than the average cow. Daughters of the worst bulls for DPR, like Harry, will have 21-day pregnancy rates that are about 3% below average, so they will have about 12 additional days open per lactation than the average cow.
In Summary, Consider These Key Points. • Genetic differences in udder health between sire families are large – under similar management conditions daughters of the best and worst bulls will differ by up to 1 unit of somatic cell score and 13% mastitis incidence rate per lactation. • Genetic differences in female fertility between sire families are also large – under similar management conditions daughters of the best and worst bulls will differ by up to 7% in 21-day pregnancy rate and nearly 30 days open per lactation. • There is a slight negative correlation between milk yield and these health traits – sires that transmit high milk yield will tend to have daughters with more mastitis and poorer fertility, but there are many sire families that excel for production, fertility, and udder health. • Genetic selection for these health traits can be effective, but it will take time–make sure that you troubleshoot your management programs first when addressing problems in reproductive performance or udder health. Kent Weigel
University of Wisconsin 7
INNOVATIVE RESOURCES We as an industry are continuing to find ways to push the performance of dairy cattle to higher levels and to reach their genetic potential. With Rick Volten Vice President of these gains also come Products and Product challenges – particularly when it comes to getting Development cows bred. I’m often asked by dairy producers if feeding a trace mineral supplement to their herd will improve reproductive performance. It’s usually difficult to give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to this question because of the number of variables that affect reproduction. I usually focus on the overall importance and role that trace minerals have for health, production, and reproduction in dairy cows. A successful nutrition program combines a proper balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Most producers are feeding proper levels of energy, protein, and macro-minerals - those minerals required in gram quantities such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium and sulfur. However, often they overlook the trace minerals – those required in milligrams or micrograms such as cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc. This may be because producers often do not see the clinical signs of trace mineral deficiency described in text books. In many herds trace mineral levels are not deficient enough to cause these outward signs – but it is the sub-clinical deficiencies that may be the most costly to the producer because they often go unnoticed since they do not
ACCELERATED HEAT Designed to enhance reproductive performance in dairy cattle, including embryo transfer donors and recipients. Contains 100% chelated trace minerals for increased bioavailability, high levels of beta carotene and vitamins A, B12, D, E and K. Crumble form makes it ideal for top dress feeding. Feed mature dairy cow daily beginning 10 days before calving and continue until 30 post partum, then increase feeding rate until bred. Available in a 30 pound pail. 8
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACE MINERALS FOR DAIRY COWS have an immediate impact on milk yield or growth and may take several months before reduced reproductive performance or impaired health appears. The minerals that affect reproduction are generally found within the trace mineral group. Let’s take a closer look at these trace minerals and the role they play in cattle health and performance. Cobalt is essential for the rumen microbial production of vitamin B12, which if deficient can impair protein and energy metabolism. Deficiencies may result in loss of appetite, anemia, reduced milk production, lower quality colostrum, and rough hair coat. Cobalt is usually supplied through commercial supplements. Copper is needed for formation of blood and enzymes, plus integrity of the central nervous and immune systems. Deficiencies may result in diarrhea, reduced milk production, stiff joints, rough or bleached hair coat, and reduced reproductive efficiency. Higher levels of copper have been reported to reduce the severity and duration of mastitis and improve hoof hardness. Of all the trace minerals, copper is the one to be toxic if overfed with Jersey cattle, they being more sensitive to copper toxicity than any other dairy breeds. Copper is usually supplied through commercial supplements. Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones which regulate energy metabolism. Deficiencies may result in an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) especially in calves which may be born with an enlarged neck. Iodine is usually available through
iodized salt and commercial supplements. Iron is necessary for formation of blood and enzymes, cellular respiration and oxygen transport. Anemia and low blood hemoglobin are signs of deficiency. Iron is usually supplied through forages, grain and commercial supplements including phosphorus sources and meat/bone meal. High levels of iron in feed or water can reduce absorption of other dietary elements. Manganese is required for growth, bone formation and enzyme production. Deficiencies can result in delayed or decreased signs of estrus and poor conception. Manganese is usually available through commercial supplements. Selenium is necessary for the production of enzymes that is an important for immune system development. Deficiencies may lead to white muscle disease, lameness, poor growth, retained placentas, cystic ovaries, metritis, udder edema and increased severity and duration of mastitis. Selenium is available through oil meals, alfalfa, wheat, oats, corn and commercial supplements. Zinc is involved in enzyme systems through the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates. Virtually every phase of cell growth involves zinc. Signs of deficiency may be poor feed utilization, weight-lose, poor wound healing or skin problems. Zinc is available through forages and commercial supplements. Guidelines for feeding trace minerals have been established by the National Research
ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 14. Genetic Trends - January 2008
SIRE NEWS
The Wait Is Over This summary brings to close the longest interval between proofs in many years. It has been five months since the last release of information in August 2007. With so much time between summaries, a large amount of data has been added. There is much new with Accelerated Genetics’ lineup with exciting new PACE releases and new data on previous releases. The PACE program has produced many great bulls over the past years – this summary is no exception. Many top Jersey sires have graduated recently and this proof run produced another one. 014JE00431 Grieves graduates among the Top 10 JPI bulls of the breed. He enters the Accelerated Genetics lineup as our #1 Net Merit bull at +411 NM$. Grieves is an early Jace son from an Excellent dam. At +57 PTAP, he is Accelerated Genetics top bull for protein. The Grieves daughters are tall, strong and wide with outstanding rear udders. He joins an already strong Jersey lineup. 014JE00406 Blueprint increased +50 NM$ mainly on improved health trait information. 014JE00414 Fox made great gains on production and jumped +37 on JPI to +189. Headlining the new releases in Holsteins is 014HO04438 River. A truly astounding combination of production and type makes
River quite unique. At +2841 PTAM, +67 PTAF, +64 PTAP, and +2.46 PTAT, he provides an impressive opportunity to increase production levels in your herd as well as adding a great source of size, depth and strength. River daughters also have outstanding rear udders and at 8% Service Sire Calving Ease (SSCE), he can be used on heifers. At +1758 TPI River will rank among the top 25 bulls of the breed. River is a Morty son from a Very Good Manfred daughter that has produced many outstanding daughters. If you are looking for more milk, River has the ability to make it flow! Another top production sire graduating from the PACE program is 014HO04452 Grumpy. At over a ton of milk and +56 for both fat and protein, he can definitely transmit profit. Grumpy is a Timlynn Adam from an EX91 Mtoto daughter. He is positive for health traits at +1.5 Productive Life (PL) and +0.3 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and is a nice calving ease sire at 7% SSCE. The highest Net Merit new release PACE sire for this proof run with +464 NM$ is 014HO04460 Carl. He is a Machoman out of an Excellent Charm daughter. Carl is a health trait and component specialist. At +3.9 PL, +2.7 DPR, and 7% for both sire (SSCE) and daughter calving ease (DCE), he sires trouble-free cattle. Carl is also +.19% fat and +63 PTAF as well as +.03% protein.
Latham and Gilbertson photos by Cybil Fisher and Dupat photo by Frank Robinson.
Another sire that transmits high fat components and great health traits is 014HO04481 Terminator. An Outside son from an EX-91 Rudolph daughter, he also is nearly two points on type and is 8% SSCE. Terminator is +3.5 PL, +1.0 DPR and is a low cell count sire at +2.83 SCS. He is +.09% fat and +46 PTAF. Terminator
Top left, 014JE00431 Grieves daughter: Dupat Grieves 3107, Wickstrom’s Jersey Farm, Hilmar, Calif. Above left, 014HO04470 Doc daughter: Latham Doc 1682 GP-80, Latham Dairy, Boscobel, Wis. . Above right, 014HO04438 River daughter: Gilbertson River Jellybean GP-81, Gilbertson Farms, Inc., Elk Mound, Wis.
Genetic Trends - January 2008
daughters are tall, strong and wide with outstanding feet and legs. Two new high type, calving ease PACE releases are 014HO04470 Doc and 014HO04493 Racer. Doc is an Outside son out of an Excellent Durham. He is +2.55 PTAT and 1.95 UDC along with high ratings for longevity (+3.5 PL) and reproduction (+1.2 DPR). Racer is a Stormatic out of an EX-91 Durham. He is a high type (+2.65 PTAT) sire with high milk and protein. Three new Alliance sires have been added to the lineup. 210HO00105 Ralstorm*RC and 245HO00075 Royalist*RC are high component red-carrier sires. 202HO00246 Braveheart is a BW Marshall son that is a high type and foot and leg specialist. Two sires released last run made some nice moves up on type. 014HO04372 Billy Bob increased nicely on PTAT and now is a Top 100 bull for TPI at +1674. He continues to be a great production sire at over +1800 PTAM and over +50 for both fat and protein. 014HO04368 Sage made increases for type, udders and especially feet and legs. He is now among the top udder composite bulls at Accelerated Genetics at +2.68 UDC. 014HO03571 Dutch Score started adding second crop information and made some good increases for both type and production. He increased to +1666 TPI and remains in the elite company of second crop sires on the TPI list. In Brown Swiss, we added the Italian bull 206BS00021 Prodigo. He is an Even son from an Emory. Prodigo is a high component bull that sires great feet and legs. He will rank in the Top 5 for PPR in the Brown Swiss breed. 014BS00304 Acclaim made great health trait increases. He is now +6.6 PL, +0.7 DPR and +410 NM$. Add 206BS00019 Scipio at +405 NM$ and this gives Accelerated Genetics the most Brown Swiss sires over +400 NM$. The next sire summary is scheduled for the 1st of April, no fooling, so we will not have a long wait for new data. Accelerated Genetics does have a very interesting group in-waiting, so the future looks bright. A special thank you to our PACE herds, as without their help and cooperation we would not have this Dave Erf outstanding offering of Sire Analyst breed leading genetics. 9
500,000 UNIT RECOGNITION
PASSION FOR DAIRY INDUSTRY KEEPS WENZEL MOTIVATED A few weeks ago I had the honor of riding with Todd Wenzel, Membership Sales Representative for the counties of Brown, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Kewanee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan in northeastern Wisconsin. Recently, he reach a milestone in his career by selling 500,000 units of semen. In August, Todd will be honored by the National Association of Animal Breeders for this achievement. I knew the day with Todd was going to be a great one before I even hopped in the truck, because of my first experience riding along with him. Todd was the first sales representative that I rode with when I started with Accelerated Genetics almost 10 years ago. That day is one I’ve never forgotten, as it was filled with great conversations about the dairy industry, Accelerated Genetics and countless stops at different types of dairy farms. Todd’s passion for the industry just flows from him and ultimately keeps him motivated.
2008 Photo Contest ‘Caught In The Act’ Kari Stanek Communications & Public Relations Coordinator
I enjoy any opportunity to ride with sales representatives because I am intrigued by each one’s sales style – how they work with and help their customers. The first thing I noticed about Todd is his organizational ability and positive attitude. Todd shared with me a few things that have helped him be successful, “First be flexible, yet efficient; make sales with service – keeping producer’s needs in mind; and have a positive attitude which includes a smile.” Todd credits his success to those he learned from when he began his career in A.I., “I learned from the best and they are still working for us.” When Todd stops at a farm, he asks questions, then spends a lot of time listening. When I asked him about this Todd said, “Listening to customers key to learning about what is going on and then I try to find solutions that will help producers be more successful.” After selling 500,000 units of semen, I knew Todd had to have a few favorite bulls, and currently they are: Nifty, Billion, Scoop, Airraid and Potter. At the end of the day, I asked Todd what keeps him motivated in his career, he replied, “In the 20 years I’ve worked for Accelerated Genetics I still enjoy going to work day after day. Every day is a good day when you can get up and work with great people and talk about something you love!”
The 2008 Photo contest theme is ‘Caught In The Act’. We want photos of producers, employees or their families caught in the act of farm work. Whether they are milking cows, feeding animals, pushing animals through a chute, rounding up the herd or any other farm labor activity is fair game for this year’s contest. We want the photos to include both people and beef or dairy cows conducting ‘farm business’ throughout the various months of the year. Multiple photos can be entered in the contest, but we want you to send in your best, so before you send them think about these things: • Is the photo clear and crisp, not foggy or cloudy. • Do the animals look healthy and reasonably clean. • Are the people in the photos clearly captured at work, not posed. And is their clothing suitable for farm work, yet relatively clean. All photos entered should be color. Digital Images are preferred and need to be sent as a high resolution (300 dpi) JPEG image with photo size at 8” x 10” or larger. Digital images can be send via email or on a CD. If you send a Printed Photograph, please make sure the image is printed from a photo center, as at home printers do not print high enough quality photographs that can be utilized in print. Printed photographs will ONLY be accepted at the sizes of 5” x 7” or 8” x 10”. Other photo sizes will not be considered for the contest. The entry deadline is SEPTEMBER 1, 2008! For each photo entered, please write on the back of each photograph or include in the email : your name, address, phone number and the photo’s title. Then send your entries to: Accelerated Genetics, Kari Stanek-Editor, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913 or email kstanek@accelgen.com. If you have any questions, please call 800.451.9275 ext. 222. Photographs will NOT be returned, so remember to make a copy for yourself. CAPTURING THAT PERFECT MOMENT IS CHALLENGING, SO WE HAVE INCLUDED SOME QUICK PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS! • Natural outdoor lighting produces good images but watch out for shadows and the angle of the sun. Try using a flash outdoors, but know your flash’s range. • Move in close on your subject and get on its level or change your level to create a unique angle. • Move the subject slightly off center and create more interest in your photo. • Try taking vertical pictures, some subjects look better sideways. • Capture your subjects in their element or in action. Candid shots typically produce better results than staged. • Be aware of your surroundings and the background behind your main subject. (i.e. reflective objects or other distractions) • Take lots of pictures to capture that perfect one!
Above Todd Wenzel, Membership Sales Representative, visits with a customer about sires, while filling a tank with liquid nitrogen. In August, he will be recognized by NAAB for selling 500,000 units of semen during his career in A.I. At right, Todd is filling an order for Milk Replacer, which in addition to semen sale is a huge part of his farm products business. Photos by: Kari Stanek
10
Genetic Trends - January 2008
INTERNATIONAL CORNER The Republic of Bulgaria, located in southeastern Europe, is bounded on the north by Romania, the west by former Yugoslavia, the southwest by Macedonia, the south by Greece, the southeast by Turkey, and the east by the Black Sea. Two mountain ranges and two great valleys mark the topography of Bulgaria, with the Maritsa being the principal river, and the Danube also flowing through. Bulgaria is about the size of Tennessee.
Accelerated Genetics, through its ownership of World Wide Sires, Ltd., has a strong representation of its’ sires sold in Bulgaria, specifically through ET Selekt/World Wide Sires-Bulgaria, owned and operated by Plamen Penchev. Over sixty different bulls have been marketed there including many headliner sires from Accelerated Genetics. In 2006, USDA reported that the Bulgarian genetics market has undergone significant changes over the last two years.1 The reason for this change is the move by Bulgarian
The VALUE of a Pregnancy Continued from page 6. price of feed. Additionally, if we assume that the shape of the lactation curve is similar across different levels of production, higher producing herds have the most to gain from improvements in reproductive management due to the higher levels of milk that can be produced in early lactation compared with lower producing herds. Therefore, the economic gains from reproductive management are greatest during periods of high milk prices and are greater for herds with high levels of milk production.
Improving Pregnancy Rate Since Pregnancy Rate (PR) is a function of both service risk and conception risk, attempts to improve reproductive performance must consider both factors. Estrus detection efficiency refers to the risk for finding cows in estrus. In reproductive management, the better term to consider is submission risk (SR) since only the cows that are found in estrus and inseminated affect our goal of more pregnancies. As previously mentioned, any attempt to improve PR must consider both SR and CR. SR can be easily manipulated with the implementation Genetic Trends - January 2008
Photos supplied by: World Wide Sires, Ltd.
Bulgaria’s dairy industry is known for the production of yogurt and cheese. There are about 350,000 dairy cows in Bulgaria. The sizes of dairy farms vary from farms with 5 cows to farms with 1,000 cows. The number of dairy farms is about 90,000, as the country has a lot of smaller-sized producers with the trend of these farms either growing in size or going out of business.
A Peek At Bulgaria’s Dairy Industry
The cows are from Penchev Dairy, owned by Plamen Penchev, in Tvarditsa, Bulgaria. The center photo is the cover of Agro Business magazine with Plamen holding the 2006 Bulgaria Euro Farmer of the Year award he received. dairy producers to expand and improve their doses within the next three years provided operations in response to European Union the market remains open and unobstructed1. entry in January 2007. ET Selekt/WWS-Bulgaria fields a marketing ET Selekt/WWS-Bulgaria completed its team, which calls on clients in throughout the first semen import by mid-2003 and began country. And through international and local extensive marketing operations. Today creamery contracts they have an efficient it dominates the semen import market in means to market to the smaller dairies which Bulgaria. At current sales levels of 10,000 dot the Bulgarian countryside. doses per month, ET Selekt/WWS-Bulgaria holds an approximate fifty percent of the ET Selekt/WWS-Bulgaria will continue to estimated 200,000-dose active semen play a leading role as the semen market in market in Bulgaria. USDA estimates that Bulgaria matures and expands. USDA FAS GAIN Report, 12/08/2006, Number BU6013 this market is anticipated to grow to 600,000 1
of estrus or ovulation synchronization protocols, but CR is, in most circumstances, much more difficult to positively impact. Implementation of a synchronization protocol on a dairy can be achieved by answering two simple questions: 1) how will cows be submitted for first service, and 2) how will cows that fail to conceive to first service be re-enrolled for second and subsequent services.
Programming For A.I. Service Use of a controlled breeding program such as Presynch/Ovsynch for initiating first AI service exposes all cows in the herd to the risk of becoming pregnant at or very near the end of the VWP. Aggressive reproductive management comprises three strategies that can be implemented early during the breeding period of lactating dairy cows: 1) submit all cows for first postpartum A.I. service at the end of the voluntary waiting period, 2) identify non-pregnant cows postA.I., and 3) return cows failing to conceive to first AI service to second AI service. Timely rebreeding of lactating dairy cows that fail to conceive to first A.I. service is essential for improving reproductive efficiency and profitability in a dairy herd.
Protocol Compliance is Key The physiology that underlies the hormonal protocols that allow for timed A.I. such as Ovsynch and Presynch has been researched extensively and continues to be a topic of active investigation among dairy scientists studying reproductive biology. Both scientific research and anecdotal evidence supports the idea that Ovsynch and Presynch work well for high producing dairy cows in North America managed under confinement systems. Many factors affect reproductive performance, and many consultants have observed a wide range of performance among farms that have adopted the exact same protocol. Reduced performance of these protocols is rarely due to physiologic responses of individual cows to the hormonal protocol, but almost always can be attributed to compliance issues at the farm level. To achieve success with these hormonal protocols, each farm has to develop a system to administer the correct injections to the correct cows on the correct days, then subsequently AI the correct cows. Thus, nothing less than 100% protocol compliance should be considered acceptable. Paul Fricke- University of Wisconsin ARTICLE CONDENSED FROM PREGNANT VS. OPEN: GETTING COWS PREGNANT AND THE MONEY IT MAKES, FRICKE ET AL.
11
ACCELERATED NEWS
EXCEPTIONAL SALES PERSONNEL HONORED Accelerated Genetics recognized top sales representatives in December for their achievements in sales and service at the annual Top Achievers Banquet held at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Thirty-seven sales representatives, servicing customers across the U.S. and Mexico were honored. Five individuals took home the top honor bestowed upon each sales position, the prestigious President’s Award given by the Accelerated Genetics President and CEO, Roger Ripley. Winning the President’s Award from each sales position included: A.I. Technician – Jason Goke, Belleville, Wis.; Membership Sales Representative Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis.; District Sales Manager – John Merrill, Sulphur Springs, Texas; Independent Sales Representative – Scott Brim, Roswell, N.M. and International Sales – Juan Martinez, Torreon, Mexico.
Clark, Howell, Mich.; Cesar Silveira, Arlington, Wash.; and Larry Kimball, Jerome, Idaho. A.I. Technicians – Dave Holzinger, Lancaster, Wis.; Bruce Patnode, Arkansaw, Wis.; and Ken Montsma, Brandon, Wis. Independent Sales Representatives – Benny Cotta, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Edwin Correia, Patterson, Calif.; and Wallace Garcia, Merced, Calif.
President’s Award Runner’s Up were presented to: A.I. Technician – Gary Hansen, Richland Center, Wis.; Membership Sales Representative – Dennis Thompson, Mondovi, Wis.; District Sales Manager – Ivan Smith, Middleton, Idaho; and Independent Sales Representative – Frank Cody, Farwell, Texas.
Many Accelerated Genetics sales representatives were also presented with Top Achiever Awards for the following Individual Categories: 100,000 Unit Achievement Awards: Ivan Smith, Middleton, Idaho – District Sales Manager; John Merrill, Sulpher Springs, Texas – District Sales Manager; and Terry Gowin, Marana, Ariz. – District Sales Manager; Greatest Retail Dollar Increase Awards: Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis. – Membership Sales Representative, Ivan Smith, Middleton, Idaho – District Sales Manager; and Frank Cody, Farwell, Texas – Independent Sales Representative; Largest Product Sales Volume Awards: Richard Johnson, Canton, Minn. – A.I. Technician; Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis. – Membership Sales Representative; John Merrill, Sulpher Springs, Texas - District Sales Manager; and Edwin Correia, Patterson, Calif. Independent Sales Representative.
The Award of Excellence recognition was given to District Sales Managers – Tim
Crystal Bull – Largest U.S. Sales Volume Awards: Ken Montsma, Brandon, Wis. -
A.I. Technician and Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis. - Membership Sales Representative; International Sales Excellence Awards: Dr. Eduardo Herrera, Torreon, Mexico; Carlos Cortes, San Jose Iturbide, Mexico; Dr. Ricardo Garnica, Lagos de Moreno, Mexico; Juan Martinez, Torreon, Mexico; and World-Wide Sires, Ltd., Visalia, Calif. NAAB 500,000 Unit Award: Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis. – Membership Sales Representative; and Terry Gowin, Marana, Ariz. – District Sales Manager; NAAB 1,000,000 Unit Award: John Merrill, Sulphur Springs, Texas – District Sales Manager; NAAB 150,000 Cow Club Recognition: Leonard Allemann, Abottsford, Wis. – A.I. Technician. In addition to the above awards, other A.I. Technicians, Membership Sales Representatives and District Sales Managers were honored for their sales achievements throughout the year, they included: A.I. Technicians: Steve Bolduan, Caledonia, Minn.; Kenneth Kohlmeyer, Reedsburg, Wis.; Benjamin Slack, Viroqua, Wis.; and Darin Klevgard, Osseo, Wis. Membership Sales Representatives: Marty Tesch, Waldorf, Minn; Tony Mayer, Chili, Wis.; Harvey Stieve, Dodgeville, Wis.; and Jim Iverson, Mindoro, Wis.; and Dan Esch, Dodgeville, Wis. District Sales Manager: Gerald Feikema, Brookings, S.D.
Photo by: Kari Stanek
The Accelerated Genetics President’s Awards given to (from left): International Sales – Juan Martinez, Torreon, Mexico; A.I. Technician – Jason Goke, Belleville, Wis.; District Sales Manager – John Merrill, Sulphur Springs, Texas; Membership Sales Representative - Todd Wenzel, Menasha, Wis; Independent Sales Representative – Scott Brim, Roswell, N.M. and award presenter Roger Ripley, President and CEO.
12
Genetic Trends - January 2008
SIRE NEWS
NEW BEEF SIRES
BURST
INTO THE HEADLINES The year 2008 brings a new Beef Sire Summary featuring new sires and once again showing that Accelerated Genetics is the source for breed leading beef sires.
ANGUS A number of new sires burst onto the scene for 2008. Leading the way is 014AN00270 Performer. He is living up to his name by siring exceptional performance in his offspring. His weaning weight EPD of +57 ranks in the top 5% while his yearling weight EPD of +115 ranks in the top 1%. He saw a dramatic increase in his %IMF EPD to +.25 while his ribeye area EPD of +0.89 is in the top 1%. His $Beef rose to +51.54 (top 3%). Performer offers an outcross pedigree to many of the breed’s popular lines. Look for Performer to be the replacement for his sire, 099AN05307 338. A trio of sires from TC Ranch in Nebraska offer superior performance, strong maternal traits and carcass merit. 014AN00262 Power Stroke is the number one weaning weight EPD sire at Accelerated Genetics. At +69 WW, he is the highest son of Bushwacker in the breed. 014AN00261 Rito 416 offers a wide birth to yearling spread of +0.1 to 101. His +0.58 %IMF and +0.30 REA are a unique combination for sons of Rito 1I2. 014AN00298 Boom Time offers explosive performance with WW and YW EPDs in the top 1% of the breed. 014AN00257 Net Present Value solidified his position as a new generation calving ease sire. His CED and BW rank in the top 3% of the breed. His performance and maternal traits rank in the top 30% or higher while his carcass traits are in the top
014AR02027 GOOD ONE
Genetic Trends - January 2008
014AN00270 PERFORMER 20%. His $Wean at +32.88 ranks in the top 3%. NPV is becoming the bull of choice for many progressive breeders. 014AN00231 Alliance 9126 continues to be a breed leader. He ranks in the top 1% for WW, YW, Milk, $Wean and $Feedlot. He offers superior performance with a calving ease in the top 25%. 014AN00223 New Frontier is the breed standard for an all-around sire. As new EPDs are developed and released, New Frontier continues to be a breed leader. In the newly developed EPDs for Heifer Pregnancy and Docility, New Frontier has once again risen to the top. He ranks in the top 15% for DOC and the top 5% for HPG. 014AN00272 Bando 1961 added substantial data this fall and saw his BW rise to a modest +2.2 (breed average), while his WW and YW EPDs held in the top 5% of the breed. He also saw his %IMF and REA increase as well. His offspring are exceptional and will sure to be some of the highlights of the spring sale season. Look for exciting things from a pair of sires from Connealy Angus in Nebraska. 014AN00266 Foundation and 014AN00300 Reflection are exciting young sires on the horizon. Another exciting sire, 014AN00258 Keystone, is the #2 bull in the Angus breed for $Grid at +40.31. For customers looking for the best in carcass value, Keystone is the bull of choice. An exceptional group of young sires join 014AN00250 Rito 2V1 as leaders for
$Beef. They include 014AN00287 Casino, 014AN00291 Grade Up, 014AN00294 Satisfaction, 014AN00303 Reward, 014AN00304 Online and 014AN00305 Sum Total. Overall, 26 sires smashed the +100 pound barrier for Yearling Weight EPD, with 38 ranking in the top 10% and 55 in the top 25%. Compliment this with 34 sires ranking in the top 25% for Calving Ease, and the Angus sires at Accelerated Genetics are truly at the forefront of the breed.
RED ANGUS Four young sires rose to the forefront of the breed with the new sire evaluation report. Leading the pack is 014AR02027 Good One. He is a leader in performance, maternal and carcass traits. Joining him is 014AR02028 Conquest. He offers a wide birth to yearling spread of -3.1 to +75. He, too, excels in carcass merit. 014AR02034 Makin Hay is the logical replacement for his sire, 014AR02022 Make Mimi. With superior calving ease (+11 CED and -2.6 BW) and exceptional performance (top 30% WW and top 20% YW), he is the new generation of curve bending sires. Add to this his maternal traits in the top 25% and marbling in the top 20%, he is sure to be on the breeding list for many progressive breeders. 014AR02032 Flat Iron rose to the top of the breed for calving ease with his first calf crop. His +17 CED (top 2%) and -3.9 BW (top 10%) make him a logical choice to use on heifers for outcross genetics this spring.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 15. 13
COW CLUB RECOGNITION
DEDICATION Leads Allemenn To 150,000 Cow Club Award
Dedication–That is one word that describes Leonard Allemann, one of only eleven of the Accelerated Genetics employees to be inducted into the prestigious 150,000 Cow Club. This award is a huge accomplishment that not only recognizes company A.I. Technicians but also signifies an outstanding goal that is not easily reached by people in the A.I. industry. That is why Leonard will receive a special award from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) in August 2008. Leonard grew up on his family dairy farm near Mondovi, Wis. He began his career with Accelerated Genetics in 1970. Since that time, Leonard has been a dedicated A.I. technician, providing producers with timely service and outstanding genetic selection for over 37 years in the Abbotsford, Dorchester, Colby, Curtiss, Athens and Stetsonville areas of Wisconsin. “He always comes no matter what,” said producer Richard Feldbruegge, owner of the 150,000 cow that Allemann bred on A.I. Technician Leonard Allemann, who recently reached the 150,000 Cow Club level, diligently pulls a semen straw from his tank.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRACE MINERALS FOR DAIRY COWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8. Council (see Table 1). Most feeding programs follow this recommendation but the amount fed is not always what the animal utilizes. Absorption rates, or what is sometimes referred to as bioavailability, may vary from near zero absorption to above 90%. This variability may be due to the type of trace mineral fed or the presence of antagonistic elements. Inorganic traces minerals such
ACCEL FORTIFIER 1:50 A concentrated source of chelated and inorganic trace minerals with vitamins intended to be mixed into premixes minerals supplements and total mixed rations. Can be added to diets for dairy and beef cattle (including dry cows and bred heifers) during periods when added nutrients are required such as: calving, peak production, breeding or during environmental challenges. Available in a 25 pound bag. 14
as carbonates, oxides and sulphates have traditionally been added to diets. During digestion, these mineral salts are broken down to free ions and then only absorbed in the small intestine.
Table 1. Dairy Trace Mineral Guideline Parts per Million in Total Ration Dry Matter Heifers Dry Cows Milk Cows Cobalt .10 .10 .10 Copper 10.0 10.0 10.0 Iodine .25 .25 .60 Iron 50.0 50.0 50.0 Manganese 40.0 40.0 40.0 Selenium .30 .30 .30 Zinc 40.0 40.0 40.0
Another reason for this variability in absorption is that inorganic trace minerals interact with other elements and become difficult to absorb. Copper deficiencies may be due to higher levels of iron, sulfur or molybdenum. To overcome these obstacles, elements can be bound or chelated to organic compounds – such as amino acids – which have additional pathways for absorption than inorganic minerals. Additional benefits of chelates are higher intestinal absorption and they are protected from the adverse reaction to other elements. By supplementing a ration containing inorganic trace minerals with chelated elements we may increase the total amount utilized by the animal and overcome deficiencies.
Source: NRC Dairy Cow Trace Mineral Guidelines.
So getting back to our original question, ‘Will feeding a trace mineral supplement to my herd improve reproductive performance?’ Trace mineral deficiencies, whether a result of inadequate intake or by interference in absorption, can have an effect of growth, production, reproduction and immune system. If you notice any signs of deficiency you should consult with your veterinarian and nutritionist. But you may also find that by using a high quality supplement you can see a profound impact on animal performance and herd profitability. Genetic Trends - January 2008
The Feldbruegge’s have been very active in Accelerated Genetics cooperative over the years. They currently use the Accelerated Genetics PACE young sire program and the GEMpc mating program. Richard has been active as a county delegate and a county chairman for the Accelerated Genetics cooperative. Both of the Feldbruegge’s spoke highly of Leonard’s dedication and knowledge of the dairy industry along with his reputation to complete his calls no matter what the weather or road conditions. Leonard is proud and excited to see results of genetic progress throughout his years as an A.I. technician. “I really like seeing the second generation daughters,” stated Leonard, who prides himself in working with producers to select the best genetics to improve their herds. He especially likes working with his customers. When asked what is the best thing about your
NEW BEEF SIRES BURST INTO THE HEADLINES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13. 014AR02020 8000 continues to be the ultimate Curve Bender in the Red Angus breed. No active sire can match his spread from -1.9 BW to +46 WW and +81 YW. In addition, he ranks high for Heifer Pregnancy at +14. And 014AR02025 Ribeye reigns as the #8 bull in the breed for Ribeye Area EPD at +0.59. His progeny are deep bodied and powerful.
HEREFORD Accelerated Genetics offers the breed’s most powerful 1-2 punch with World Class and Prospector. Both sires are multiple trait leaders in the Hereford breed. 014HP01009 World Class continues to solidify himself as the class of the Hereford breed. He is 11-way Trait Leader, excelling in nearly every EPD in the Sire Summary. He ranks in the top 10% for CHB and BII, top 2% BMI and CEZ indices. Few sires in the Hereford breed can match the balance of performance, maternal and carcass traits that World Class offers. 014HP01007 Prospector is the number one YW sire at Accelerated Genetics at +104.
Genetic Trends - January 2008
Photos by: Angela Lindloff
September 5, 2007. Richard, along with his wife Mary Ann, own and operate a 50cow Holstein dairy between Abbotsford and Dorchester, Wis., and has been a loyal customer to Accelerated Genetics since 1977.
Leonard Allemann, left, takes a moment to pose for a photograph with customers Richard and Mary Feldbruegge. job he stated, “The people!” Many of his producers are long-time customers, some of which are third generation customers. Throughout Leonard’s dedicated time with Accelerated Genetics, he has seen many changes. While driving through the countryside, he noted some of the empty barns that he used to stop at, that no longer contain milk cows. Even though he stated that there are fewer producers than once before, Leonard still has close to the same number of cattle to breed since some farmers have expanded their herd size over the years. This is exceptional for a bull that also ranks in the top 15% for Direct Calving Ease and Birth Weight. His daughters pushed his Milk up to +25 and his M&G to +54. A multiple Trait Leader, he ranks in the top 15% or higher for BMI$, CEZ$ and CHB$ 014HP01010 Oak is a balanced trait sire whose EPD’s mirror World Class. Oak offers superior carcass merit with a REA EPD in the top 25% and %IMF in the top 5%. 014HP01011 Kudzu was the featured and high selling bull at the 2006 Tennessee River Music’s Dixieland Delight Sale in Alabama. He offers an outcross pedigree to the “517” lines, being sired by Phase 121 and out of an Embracer daughter. His first data saw his performance rise to the top of the breed. His +61 WW (top 3%) and +93 YW (top 10%) are a powerful combination. Add to this his maternal strength and carcass merit, the interest in Kudzu will be high this spring.
SIMMENTAL New genetics are leading the Simmental sires at Accelerated Genetics. A pair of red sires offers a unique genetic package to breeders this spring. 014SM03040 Red
But even with those changes, Leonard also makes a joking memory, “The roads are much better than they used to be.” Putting 40,000 plus miles per year on his vehicles, he appreciates a good road and good weather. As producers and Leonard know, whether it’s rain, sleet, or snow, animals still need to be bred. Leonard and his wife, Bernette, live inAbbotsford, Wis. They have two grown children and one grandson.
Angela Lindloff Electronic Media Coordinator
Caesar is a moderate-framed, muscular son of the breed legend, Red Coat. His dam is a featured donor at Ankony, Inc. in Georgia. He is balanced with his performance traits and excels in maternal and carcass merit. 014SM03031 Real Deal is a high growth, high maternal sire who is a breed leader for muscle. His REA of +0.93 is second only to his sire in the Simmental breed. An exciting trio of young black sires entered the lineup this past year. For carcass genetics at the forefront of the breed, look at 014SM03042 Escalade. A curve bending sire with high marbling genetics would describe 014SM03046 Kaboom. 014SM03041 Too Black is a black, Red Coat son from the same family as the Denver Champion, 014SM03028 Venom. 2008 is poised to be another record year for Accelerated Genetics beef sires. For additional information on these sires and the complete lineup at Accelerated Genetics, call and request our 2008 Beef Sire Directory or go to www.accelgen.com. Don Trimmer, Jr. Beef Genetics Manager 15
©2008 Accelerated Genetics
AT THE OREFRONT OF ERTILITY INNOVATIONS. Put FERTILITY FIRST with superior fertility technology that gets your cows and heifers pregnant on time. Reduce breeding costs and avoid having to cull your top performers. Depend on Accelerated Genetics’ products and service, including Bovitel™ gender-biased semen and Affirm™ technology.
Contact your Accelerated Genetics representative at 1-800-451-9275 or visit accelgen.com.