AUGUST 2013
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ACCELERATED GENETICS
OUR VISION
TO BE THE PRODUCER’S TRUSTED FIRST CHOICE A Team Approach to Herd Management
Successfully Tackle the Heat
Healthy Cows Equal Profitable Cows
Designing Facilities with Reproduction in Mind
The Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics August 2013 Vol. 65 No. 2 EDITORS Angie Lindloff Kari A. Stanek Breinne Hendrickson 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 Find us on Facebook: Accelerated Genetics Follow us on Twitter: AccelGen
ON THE COVER Johnson Hill Farms, LLC uses a team approach to ensure their herd health and genetics. For more on this story, flip to page 4.
FEATURES 6 NEW PRODUCTS Focused on the Future by: Angie Lindloff 8 HEALTHY COWS Equal Profitable Cows by: Kari Stanek 10 MANAGING THE HEAT Utilize tools to Beat the Heat by: Breinne Hendrickson
Genetic Trends is published by: Accelerated Genetics E10890 Penny Lane Baraboo, WI 53913 Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Genetic Trends, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913 If you are receiving multiple copies of Genetic Trends, are no longer in need of this publication or it is being sent to an incorrect address, please call us at 1-800-451-9275, ext. 5466, or cut out your mailing label and return it with a note of intent to the above address.
BIG ENOUGH TO SERVE YOU...
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
SMALL ENOUGH TO KNOW YOU You’ve heard that phrase many times, but with Accelerated Genetics, no truer words have been said. We are indeed large enough to serve you, yet small enough to know you. In today’s world, the competition is fierce and unrelenting. We know it takes great effort on our part to gain your trust. That is why we are focused each and every day on producing the highest-quality product possible and ensuring its delivery. It all starts with you! Without you we have no need to be Accelerated Genetics. Your needs are our driving force. But how can you be assured that we know it all? Well, I’m here to tell you that if we don’t know it – we will find the answer for you! Technological advancement is at a pace that is way beyond what one person can maintain. When you purchase that computer, like a new car,
the minute you get it up and running, new technology is in its wake. We recognize it is a challenge to keep up with that pace. That is why when you call on us to help find solutions we are more than ready to partner with your team of professionals in all aspects of your business. In this issue of Genetic Trends, you’ll read about how one progressive customer took advantage of this approach in their dairy. It takes a team effort to make sure your business thrives to its fullest potential. Taking a team approach and relying on your Accelerated Genetics Representative to work with your herdsmen, veterinarian, and/or nutritionist is one step that we as a company are doing to ensure your herd goals are being met. Not only are we there to help you with your current needs, but we also offer support and advice to those considering
expansion or building new facilities. Did you know that when designing your new facility or making upgrades to your current operation, you should keep reproduction in mind when developing your plan? Dr. Humberto Rivera, one of Accelerated Genetics trusted Reproduction experts, explains how your facility really affects the total genetic potential of your reproduction program. So you see, although our core business suggests we are just a product sales business, you will quickly discover, when partnering with us, you get so much more. You get a teammate who is truly passionate at helping you succeed in your business. Thank you for your continued support and for being a part of a very special family we call Accelerated Genetics.
OVER 70 PEOPLE-DRIVEN,
PRODUCT-FOCUSED, PRIDE-FILLED YEARS. AND WE’LL SEE YOU AROUND FOR ANOTHER 70.
JOEL GROSKREUTZ President & CEO
A TEAM APPROACH
A INTEAM APPROACH HERD MANAGEMENT Story and Photos by: Chelsey Johnson
Since expanding in 2006, Johnson Hill Farms, LLC relies on a strong team philosophy to ensure cow health. The breeding program has excelled with the help of their technician and veterinarian. Johnson Hill Farms, LLC located near
A willingness to learn, asking questions, and
Veterinary Clinic. Working together with
Valders, Wis., has a problem with its breeding
communication helped the farm grow in many
Amy, this team found a knack for getting cows
program—the dairy is running out of room
areas since Craig, Amy and Ken took over
pregnant and breeding quality genetics
for the number of quality homebred heifers
seven years ago. The Johnsons are quick to
into the herd.
entering its herd.
point out the dairy’s team philosophy. They
“It is a good problem to have,” said Craig Johnson, the farm’s Manager. “We can’t wait to
admit their progress and success is due to several key players.
see how our breeding program will improve
“It begins with us owners working every day
when a new barn is added this fall.”
with our animals,” explained Amy. “But, the
Craig is involved with many aspects of managing the family 480-cow dairy. However, Johnson Hill Farms, LLC doesn’t
reason we have happy cows is due to a team effort of our nutritionist, vet, breeder, and employees.”
A NEED FOR CHANGE Johnson Hill Farms, LLC is a sixth generation farm dating back to 1850. From 1982 to 2005, the operation was an 80-cow tie-stall dairy owned and operated by Keith and Brenda Johnson. In 2005, Keith and Brenda’s sons, Ken and Craig, quit their trucking jobs and began working on the farm full time. Craig’s wife,
take an individual approach when it comes
The success of Johnson Hill Farms, LLC’s
Amy, gave up running a daycare to work full
to management. Craig’s wife, Amy, is the
breeding program is attributed to the
time on the farm, as well. In 2006, the dairy
herdsperson and closely manages the herd
professional assistance they receive from
began its first expansion.
health and reproduction programs while his
Accelerated Genetics Technician, Bryce Fisher
brother, Ken, oversees the feeding program.
and local veterinarian, Erica Sheets, of Kiel
4 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2013
“We wanted to see the family farm continue,
but first we needed to spend time
Accelerated Genetics was already
off the farm,” explained Craig.
mating cows for the operation
“When the opportunity came for
through the GEM mating
us to take over, our goal was to
program. Today, Accelerated
make the farm a more appealing
Genetics Regional Services
size so our kids could consider
Specialist, Cody Carpenter
coming back to join the family
continues to mate the herd.
operation.”
Bryce helped improve
The Johnsons recall long days and
reproductive efficiency by starting
many busy months during the
the herd on an ovsynch/presynch
first expansion. Craig and Ken
program. In addition to the tail
began traveling and purchasing
chalking already being done
cows to grow the herd. The
on the cows, he introduced tail
milking herd grew from 80 cows
chalking of heifers into their
us to stick to the ‘if it isn’t broken
to 220 cows milked in the 80-stall
keep going well, everything will
program.
don’t fix it’ strategy.”
remain where it is today, but
“We saw a huge change,” said
Today, Johnson Hill Farms, LLC
Bryce. “This program helps get
is using genetics from the top 10
everything timed in so we know
to 15 percent of the Accelerated
Today they are operating at
when to start the right cows. Our
Genetics and GenerVations
On January 17, 2007, the herd
maximum capacity. The free stall
numbers are consistent and about
line-up. Sixty percent of the bulls
was moved into a 350-stall, sand
barn is generously stocked and
where we want them.”
selected are daughter proven bulls,
dry cows are housed in a bedded
while 40 percent are genomic
pack barn. All young stock is
bulls. They select for bulls that
raised onsite, and then far off
are above +1000 for PTA Milk,
heifers are housed offsite a mile
and +100 PTA combined Fat and
down the road.
tie-stall barn. The cows were housed in a bedded-pack barn and switched in and out during milking.
bedded free-stall barn and milked in a new double-eight parallel parlor. In 2008, Johnson Hill Farms, LLC was established.
Johnson’s veterinarian, Erica, has played an integral role in implementing the synch protocols. She works with Amy
“It was after Ken and I began
weekly on herd checks and
buying cows that we realized our
ultrasounds at 30 days bred and
genetics needed to be stepped
again at 60.
up,” pointed out Craig. “We had purchased a lot of good cows and wanted to keep that quality in our herd.”
“Amy and I have developed solid herd health protocols which are working well in this herd,” explained Erica. “We address
In August of 2008, Bryce took
problems when they come up, but
over full responsibility for
we haven’t needed to make any
breeding the herd. At that time
major changes. It works well for
Protein. Udder Composite, Type, Productive Life, and Daughter Pregnancy Rate are also taken into consideration.
added facilities will take them to a new level.”
This fall, Johnson Hill Farms, LLC will break ground for a new 300-stall free-stall barn. This addition will provide more space
“When the first cows that Bryce
for dry cows and a separate two-
started breeding began calving
year-old group.
we called them ‘Bryce’s babies’, ” joked Amy. “It was a big day when our first Trump hit the ground.” Currently, the herd is consistent with a 77-day voluntary waiting period and a 13-month calving interval. The conception rate is about 50 percent and they average
COMMUNICATION IS KEY Johnson Hill Farms, LLC is a cowfocused operation. With a cowfirst mentality at the forefront, communication plays a key role in maintaining healthy productive animals.
1.7 services per conception.
“Everything is all about the
The Johnsons hope to see more
cow here,” said Ken. “We make
progress in these numbers when
decisions to help us better manage
added facilities allow for more
the cows. For example, this
space per cow.
year we decided to custom hire
“I always say this farm is teetering on the edge,” explained Erica. “The Johnsons have reached a plateau where as long as things
chopping to ensure consistency of our forage. That decision has helped the cows tremendously.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 AUGUST 2013 < GENETIC TRENDS < 5
NEW FROM ACCELERATED GENETICS
Individual feeding is key to success in modern calf management. Automatic calf feeders make the day-to-day feeding of calves easier and minimizes the routine tasks involved in raising calves. Every calf will be recorded and monitored from the day it is born.
GEA AUTOMATIC CALF FEEDER FOCUSED ON CALF MANAGEMENT Story and Photos by: Chelsey Accelerated Genetics is proud to announce its partnership withJohnson GEA Farm Technologies that offers an automatic calf feeder. The GEA Calf Feeder is designed to help ensure the growth of your calves from day one. Automatic calf feeders make the day-to-day feeding of calves easier and minimizes the routine tasks involved with raising calves. Special monitoring functions give you a targeted control of all important data from birth. “It’s all about the calves,” states Minnie Ward, Calf and Heifer Consultant. Minnie owns and operates her own calf raising operation in Minnesota. She states that she uses an automatic calf feeder because she can spend more time focusing on the health and welfare of her calves rather than mixing and feeding. “You don’t spend less time with your calves, you just spend it focused on management and observations to watch for diseases.” The GEA Calf Feeder can be programmed to suit your operation´s requirements for a balanced diet every time. A choice of feeding profiles ensures that each calf is given exactly the right portion. Contact your local Accelerated Genetics Representative to learn more about meeting your calf management goals. JOHNSON’S CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Every two months a team meeting is held with Craig, Amy, Ken, Bryce, Erica and the farm’s nutritionist, Jennifer Meyer of Badgerland Nutrition. During these meetings the team looks over records and discusses what is going well and issues that need to be addressed. “It has been a rough ride for us at times. But when we look at where we came from, it has been a good ride,” explained Amy. “We are a group of people trying to make this herd better rather than just settling for good enough.” Although team meetings take place on a bi-monthly basis, communication is frequent and often daily between team members. Bryce is on the farm almost every day, and he occasionally fills in on milking shifts. In fact, this past year when the Johnsons traveled with their kids to Florida on a band and choir trip, Bryce stepped in to make sure the farm ran smoothly while they were gone. “It’s about more than breeding cows,” explained Bryce. “I know the cows here, and I keep a close eye on them when I am in the breeding pen. When I see something that isn’t right, I let them know. I want to see this farm excel.” 6 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2013
YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE: • • • • • • • • •
Time saving calf rearing Healthy calf growth Optimum networking between calf feeders and computers 1-4 feeder stations with calf-friendly teat drinks Variable milk powder and/or milk mixture Thorough mixing for uniform powder suspension Compact heat exchanger and boiler with a set minimum temperature ensuring the optimum temperature for the calf Optional fly protection package Optional additive dispenser
ACE PROGRAM LAUNCHED ACCELERATED GENETICS FOCUSED ON FERTILITY Now being introduced is a fertility evaluation program designed to ensure everyone that when it comes to fertility, Accelerated Genetics stands behind every cow it breeds. Accelerated Conception Evaluation (ACE) is a sire fertility index developed by Accelerated Genetics, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, by collecting data from dairies across the United States. ACE uses a complex statistical model that accounts for both cow and environmental factors such as parity, number of inseminations, season of breeding, level of milk production, year of breeding, farm and days in milk; the response variable is sire fertility. The reproduction results included in the analysis are based only on actual pregnancy checks, rather than non-return rates. The ACE program is not new to Accelerated Genetics. For over four years, the company has been in development of this program. In *July 2011, ACE was presented
at the American Dairy Science Association annual meeting in collaboration with Dr. Victor Cabrera from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Along with being published as whitepages and being supported by other agricultural experts, the ACE program is one that every producer can rely on. ACE scores are assigned according to standard deviations (SD) from the mean conception of the entire data set, ranked from 1 star to 5 stars, with 5 stars being excellent. For easier interpretation, a star ranking is available. *Dairy Sci. Vol. 94, E-Suppl. 1, Souza Et. Al. 2011
Standard Deviation
*****
Excellent
> +2.0
****
Superior
+1.1 to +2.0
***
Average
-0.4 to +1.0
**
Fair
-1.4 to -0.5
*
Low
< -1.5
LEADING ACE SIRES FROM ACCELERATED GENETICS (RATED WITH 4 OR 5 STARS-HIGH FERTILITY): HOLSTEIN 014HO06429 Man-O-Man 2 ***** 014HO03831 Marion **** 014HO06665 Dancer-Red **** 014HO04916 Jake **** 014HO06677 Val **** 014HO05016 Wilk **** 014HO05095 Alando-Red ***** 014HO06971 Election **** 014HO07040 Champlain **** 014HO05382 Contact **** 014HO05560 Emerald **** JERSEY 014HO05617 Mystic **** 014JE00470 Chief-P **** 014HO05647 Davis ***** 014JE00472 Alexander **** 014HO05681 Loto **** 014JE00533 Vito **** 014HO06047 Farve ***** 014JE00544 Dazzle **** 014HO06060 Fabio **** 014JE00572 Vegas **** 014HO06090 Bowser **** 014JE00581 Hebo **** 014HO06107 Kieffer **** 014JE00582 Hardwood ***** 014HO06132 Digger **** AUGUST 2013 < GENETIC TRENDS < 7
Sweet-Meadows Rok Paris, John Jr. & Patty Bikowsky, Madison, NY
SIRE SPOTLIGHT
HEALTHIER COWS ARE MORE PROFITABLE COWS
Story by Kari Stanek and Genetics Team, Photos by Lea McCullough & Nick Sarbacker
Health and Fitness traits have been part of genetic evaluations for some time. It is very evident that the predictions for these traits can help improve not only the health of your herd, but also can improve the profit levels of your herd. Net Merit weighs heavily on the health and fitness traits, as it stresses the benefits of long lasting 014HO06301 ROK
cows that breed back quickly and produce high quality milk. This article will feature some of the proven sires at Accelerated Genetics
that specialize in making the kind of daughters that can be classified as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;excellentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for health and fitness traits. 8 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2013
‘ROK’ YOUR HERD
HEALTHY COWS
014HO06301 ROK bursts onto Accelerated Genetics proven scene as a great bull that excels in mobility, high productive life and components. He is sired by Jeeves, the highly reliable fitness and udder specialist Outside son.
A sire that is a shining example of what a true health trait specialist can do is 014HO06107 KIEFFER. He excels in Productive Life (PL), Somatic Cell Score (SCS) and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR). At +4.2 PL, 2.56 SCS and +0.8 DPR, KIEFFER sets the bar very high when it comes Gilbertson Kieffer 2483, Gilbertson Farms, Inc., Elk Mound, WI to health traits. Combine these impressive numbers with solid production data and KIEFFER is truly an all-around top performer. In addition, KIEFFER’s pedigree of Colby X Bret, offers a different source of genetics to use on many of today’s popular bloodlines.
Rok hails from a family that has already produced high health trait PACE bulls. He is from the same maternal line as Accelerated Genetics’ lineup favorite, 014HO04916 JAKE. ROK is Accelerated Genetics first Jeeves son. He hails from the respected Lot-O-Rok herd and is a son of Lot-O-Rok Goldwyn Alanis-ET EX-91. She was an extreme components cow as she produced an impressive 34,650M, 4.4%, 1,529F, 3.7%, and 1,275P. His next dam is a full sister to JAKE and was sired by O-Man. She is scored VG-87 and finished her 305-day record with over 30,000M and high components to match. Rok’s third dam was sired by Marshall scored EX-90, produced 39,500M, 3.7%, 1,460F, 3.3%, 1,308P and is recognized as a Gold Medal Dam. ROK combines high components with super health traits as he is among Accelerated Genetics’ best for Productive Life (+5.6) and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (+2.8). He boasts high Net Merit (+602) and is a high TPI (+2112) sire. Additionally, ROK brings an increase in components, especially in fat percentage (+.10%) and high Cheese Merit. He tests negative for all Haplotypes and genetic recessive traits. Look for ROK to follow in JAKE’s pattern of creating highly profitable, trouble-free cattle that dairymen appreciate more with every lactation. His daughters will grab your attention with great feet and legs (+2.71 FLC) with a very steep foot angle, and cows which track very straight on their rear legs. ROK daughters have a strong fore udder attachment blending smoothy into the body wall with a high, wide rear udder to match. He will straighten the leg slightly and add some slope to the pin bones. ROK consistently transmits trouble-free cows with great mobility, longevity and positive udder traits.
TOP PERFORMERS - HEALTH TRAITS (8/13/2013) Productive Life 1. 014HO06033 2. 014HO06090 3. 014HO06132 4. 014HO06301 5. 014HO05980
MASSIVE BOWSER DIGGER ROK MERLIN
6.4 6.2 5.8 5.6 5.2
Daughter Pregnancy Rate 1. 014HO06058 TEST PILOT 2. 014HO06301 ROK 3. 014HO05954 DOUGLAS 4. 014HO06239 PLUTO 5. 014HO05980 MERLIN
2.8 2.8 2.5 2.5 2.4
Somatic Cell Score 1. 014HO05980 MERLIN 2. 014HO06107 KIEFFER 3. 014HO06132 DIGGER 4. 014HO05954 DOUGLAS 5. 014HO05399 KOLTON
2.52 2.56 2.6 2.61 2.64
Great health and fitness traits do not mean a sire can’t make a high type daughter that is pleasing to the eye. 014HO05962 ROYCE, 014HO06033 MASSIVE, 014HO06018 HAZELNUT and 014HO06133 DENALI are examples of great health traits with sires that make exceptional daughters. ROYCE, a Baxter from an Ito dam, combines positive health traits and great type (+2.09) while maintaining high production (+1171 Milk, +55 Fat). MASSIVE sires breed leading longevity at +6.4 while also transmitting high fat (+51) and great feet and legs (+2.12). His moderate sized frames make him a must use for any type of operation. Exceptional components and positive health traits with great type make HAZELNUT a great bull to use to improve many things at one time. DENALI brings a well-known cow family to the table as well as great ratings for type (+2.37) and SCS (+2.75). Many sires that rank great for health and fitness traits are ones that sire more average size frames. It is well-proven that average size cows live longer and breed back quicker than their larger framed counterparts. Four sires in the Accelerated Genetics lineup that fit this bill are 014HO05954 DOUGLAS, 014HO06074 DRYDEN, 014HO06056 RAMBLE and 014HO06173 VERNAL. DOUGLAS combines the great health traits and moderate frames with an exceptional rating on Sire Calving Ease. In addition, DOUGLAS is over +900 milk and is a great udder transmitter, as well as siring very correct feet and legs. DRYDEN also is great for feet and legs (+1.97 FLC) as well as udders (+1.46) and is a great fat improver (+.15%). His pedigree of Nifty X Outside offers many opportunities to use on todays popular bloodlines. RAMBLE also offers an outcross chance being a Ramos X Lookout and he sires exceptionally high fat (+.16%) test, as well as very correct feet and legs (+1.25 FLC). VERNAL is a special sire. He offers breed leading DPR (+2.4) values while also transmitting high milk (+1359 Milk) production. Among the top bulls for DPR, few can also transmit production like VERNAL. Accelerated Genetics’ lineup is filled with many health trait bulls that will make you healthier and more profitable cows. However, the group above is a great place to start making your herd one that is full of long lasting, quick breeding and trouble-free cattle. Our goal at Accelerated Genetics is to provide you with the best genetics possible and if you are looking to improve the profitability of your herd, this group of bulls is second to none at doing just that. So, help yourself and your bottom line and try a few of these health and fitness trait specialists. AUGUST 2013 < GENETIC TRENDS < 9
IN THE HERD
TACKLE THE HEAT SUCCESSFUL TIPS FOR YOUR HERD Story and Photos* by: Breinne Hendrickson
Family photo supplied by Kellercrest Registered Holsteins, Inc.
It is vital to implement a dairy management strategy during extremely high temperatures for cows. High temperatures cause heat stress in animals, affecting their dry matter intake, their milk production, in both volume and components, and reproduction. Cows don’t have to be a victim of dangerous heat stress effects if a heat abatement system and products from Accelerated Genetics are utilized to their full potential. Kellercrest Registered Holsteins, Inc. of Mount Horeb, Wis. are able to maintain a rolling herd average greater than 32,000 pounds by doing just this. The system and products they have introduced on their farm allows the Keller family to keep cows cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. 10 > GENETIC TRENDS > APRIL 2013
Kellercrest consists of a partnership between Tim and Sandy Keller and Tim’s brother Mark, along with his wife Kareen. Also involved on the family farm are Tim and Sandy’s children, Kimberly and Andrew.
THE KELLERCREST HEAT ABATEMENT STORY When Kellercrest expanded thirteen years ago, building larger facilities and growing their herd to 315 cows, they did not have any fans. Shortly after their expansion they placed basket fans over the freestall headlocks. “It was a nightmare,” Tim expressed. “All the cows would pool to one end.” Mark added, “half of the barn would be empty and clean, while the other half would group together at one end.” Shortly after MacroAir came out with MacroAir HVLS fans, the Keller family decided to upgrade their fans. They purchased six 24-foot fans, having three on each side of the freestall barn. The cows spread out and were more comfortable after the installation of these new fans, which also kept the freestall barn exceptionally clean. After adding the fans, the Keller family applied a sprinkler system for their cows to further control thermal conditions and minimize production loss. The sprinkler system is set on a hydrostat, automatically turning on when the temperature rises above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. After the Kellers saw the progressive benefits the new sprinkler system provided in the main barn, they added it to the fresh cow barn. Another major key for the comfort of their cows was the addition of pack mats and the use of sand for bedding, as well as upgrading the stalls. “It all went in phases,” explained Tim. “Go look around and ask a lot of questions, ask people what works for them and sort it out yourself, then prioritize the things you can do.” In addition to cow comfort, the Kellers maintain their cows’ health and productive milk yield through the use of Accelerated Genetics products, Bovine AccelLyte II and Tri-Mic 1:50. Bovine AccelLyte II is an electrolyte for adult cattle and Tri-Mic 1:50 is a direct-fed microbial. Last year, in the middle of the summer’s highest temperatures, Dan Esch, Keller’s Accelerated Genetics sales representative, recommended they use Bovine Accellyte II, as they were struggling to maintain a consistent milk production due to the extreme heat. “Dan brought it up and we said, ‘let’s give it a whirl,’” stated Tim. “We are always willing to try something as long as it makes sense.” And good sense it was as Bovine Accellyte II allowed Kellercrest to make it through the remainder of the summer’s heat snaps, without sacrificing intakes, thus maintaining consistent milk production. This summer, Kellers plan to use Bovine Accellyte II as soon as the temperature starts rising.
The Keller family has done business with Accelerated Genetics for as long as they can remember. “We are loyal to people who treat us well,” explained Mark. “It’s a two-way street.” “Our sales representative [Dan] treats us well. If we need product, all we have to do is call and he’ll deliver promptly,” Tim expressed. After the use of Tri-Mic 1:50, the Keller family noticed improvement in the overall health of their cows, and with continued use, their milk components followed the same pattern. “It exceeded our expectations on butterfat,” stated Mark. “Their manure seemed more consistent and the cows had less upset stomachs,” further explained Tim. In just one year’s time, and with the addition of three-time-a-day milking, Kellercrest increased their herd’s milk production by 2,000-pounds. In addition, their conception rate had significantly improved. “Once you neutralize things and have a good base, other things will follow,” expressed Mark. The Kellers use Tri-Mic 1:50 year-round and mix it in with the TMR. “We enjoy seeing healthier cows and we pride ourselves in having high components,” stated Mark. “If you have healthier cows, the other things will take care of themselves.”
SIMPLE PRACTICES TO CARRY OUT ON YOUR FARM • • • • • • • •
Provide animals with proper shade. Generate proper ventilation by the use of fans. Have fresh, clean water available at all times. Use supplemental cooling by implementing water sprinklers. Feed cows during the cooler parts of the day - early morning and/or late evening. Increase push-up of feed to promote higher dry matter intake. Avoid overstocking animals. Use Tri-Mic 1:50 and Bovine Accellyte II from Accelerated Genetics. With the use of these two products, milk production won’t be sacrificed because your cows will continue to eat and stay hydrated. Contact your local Accelerated Genetics Sales Representative for these two products.
AUGUST 2013 < GENETIC TRENDS < 11
REPRODUCTION
DESIGNING A FACILITY KEEP REPRODUCTION IN MIND Story by: Dr. Humberto Rivera, Photos by: David Jones and Kari Stanek
Many factors on dairy farms will affect cattle fertility. Facilities are yet another factor to consider. Production and reproduction objectives, as well as management program style, must be reflected upon from the initial facility design for any dairy. Functional facilities will have a long lasting Story by: Dr. Humberto Rivera and rewarding impact on an operation as a whole. This articleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal is not to give technical recommendations for building, but rather to highlight crucial elements of a buildings design to consider from the reproductive standpoint. Regardless of the type of housing being built (tie-stall, box-stall, free-stall, bedding pack, dry lots, etc.), cow comfort and employee efficiency should be the focus for the process. Realize that the purpose of building dairy cow facilities is to maximize production through cow comfort. This includes the ability for farm employees to safely, easily and efficiently manage animals. 12 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2013
COW COMFORT The respective breed and maximum number of cows expected to have in the building at any given time directly affects the size and capacity of a facility. The comfort level of an environment is critical. Cow comfort goes further than just animal welfare. It will influence productivity, reproduction, and, ultimately, profitability. Common sense advises that 100 percent occupancy corresponds to maximum occupancy. This should be the limit for number of cows allowed in a pen. However, most producers tend to exceed this with 110-120 percent occupancy in production groups. The threshold limit should only be breached when cows have enough space at the bunk, fresh feed and available drinking water 24 hours a day. Give special attention to transition and fresh cow facilities. These occupation rates should never exceed 85 percent of the pen capacity. To realistically maintain this goal, build transition facilities for 140 percent of the maximum number of freshening cows you are expecting to simultaneously have in the pen. Note that in open feedlots, 100 square feet should be the minimum laying space per cow for maximum comfort.
FLOORING For years, research has proven the benefit of dirt over concrete flooring to increase estrus expression in lactating dairy cows. The difference comes from a fear of slippery floors and, perhaps, past painful experiences of falling. This can stop a cow from freely mounting other cows and openly displaying estrus behavior on concrete floors. Thus, making heat detection much more difficult. Unfortunately, concrete flooring is a must in most free-stall housing designs. Therefore, it is important to implement anti-slip aids. The most common means is deep grooving for high traffic areas, such as thruways, holding pens and feed alleys. Rubber mats are another great option for walkways and feed lanes.
Producers might see this management practice an onerous expense for dry cows because they will not yield an immediate return on the investment. However, several studies have shown an economical advantage of using heat abatement systems in dry and transition groups. The subsequent lactations yielded higher milk production and reproduction performance.
PRODUCTION GROUPS In production groups, self-catching headlock gates are extremely useful. These devices make reproduction management, and other veterinary work, much easier. They will be especially helpful for routine practices that require intensive individual animal handling on a regular basis, such as heat synchronization for timed A.I. programs. Although palpation rails are convenient options for veterinary work and pregnancy check evaluations, either by rectal palpation or ultrasound, self-locking gates are a better choice for hormonal treatments. They have greater practicality for application procedures, as well as for increased protocol compliance. Automatic sorting gates will also allow sorting for breeding or veterinary work. However, these gates are not practical in large herds due to the high volume of cows that might be sorted for breeding in a single day. Another point to note, in sorting for breeding based on tail chalk, is that the heat detection program should allow for evaluation of secondary signs of heat. Consideration can be given to the installation of fully computerized integrated dairy equipment as well. This may very well be the direction that the future of large dairies is moving. These tools allow producers to monitor every area of the productive system, encompassing traits such as milk yield, milk quality, health, nutrition, feed intake, reproduction, and pre-fresh and fresh cows. Potential programs include milking parlor technology, individual cow data management computer programs, feeding software and activity devices for heat detection.
SUMMARY
Open feedlots do not typically need special considerations, as they have an advantage of a soft dirt surface where animals interact. The exception would be a high moisture floor concentration that creates a muddy environment. This not only affects feet and legs, but overall fitness and udder health.
Regardless of the unquestionable benefits these advanced technology systems have, do not discount the usefulness of self-locking gates. Automatic head gates do have a place in facility setups for individual cow evaluations. Groups can be easily and safely restrained for insemination in pens with self-locking gates, they are tremendously efficient.
TRANSITION GROUPS
Daily reproductive work involves detailed observation of all eligible cows for heat detection in order to optimize reproduction outcomes in a dairy. Realize that heat detection should not be entirely replaced with heat detection aids. The active reproduction procedures of insemination and hormonal treatments are difficult to perform in a vet room or palpation rail. Facilities should allow these proceedings to take place in-group cow pens in order that milking routines, farm chores and cow comfort are not affected.
The fact that any source of stress will have a negative effect on the already depressed dry matter intake (DMI) for transition cows is widely accepted. Additional stress triggers include: limited bunk space, inadequate resting space, mixed parities of cow status and temperature (heat stress). Highly focused facility and management strategies for transition groups can be aimed towards diminishing the drop, or even possibly increasing DMI during this critical period. In general, groups should not have any space limitations for eating, drinking or resting. Specific recommendations related to production and reproduction should also be noted, in addition to the previously mentioned stocking rate. Spacing for water availability should be three inches of lineal free space per cow. In regards to space at the feed bunk, assume at least 30 inches of lineal free space per cow.
Properly designed facilities for reproduction management will have a strong, positive impact on reproduction performance and overall farm profitability.
Self-locking gates are not ideal for transition groups. Stanchions may limit the number of cows that can be eating at a given time, causing diminishing DMI. A good starting point for making improvements in transition cow DMI is separating groups based on age. Sorting out first lactation heifers from mature cows will greatly reduce feed bunk competitiveness. Strong emphasis also needs to be on heat stress abatement systems. AUGUST 2013 < GENETIC TRENDS < 13
GENOMICS
Genervations Liquid Gold VG-87
Dam: Oconnors Planet Lucia-ET VG-86, #1 GLPI cow Dec-April & August 2013 in CDN
GENOMIC POTENTIAL:LIQUID GOLD THE FUTURE OF GENOMICS...WHAT IS YOUR Story by: Breinne Hendrickson
Accelerated Genetics has a unique partnership with GenerVations, based out of Ontario, Canada. With this partnership, Accelerated Genetics has been able to market 250HO01049 GenerVations Liquid Gold semen. When his price was first announced as $750 per unit for the first six months many dairy producers probably thought the company was crazy to price a bull’s semen extremely high. However, Dave Eastman, the CEO of GenerVations, knew exactly what he was doing when pricing the semen of 250HO01049 Liquid Gold. “Liquid Gold is ranked high in the United States and Canada, so he’s ranked high on both sides of the border, which not many bulls are,” stated Eastman. “The bull himself is a tremendous individual. He went 87 points as a yearling in July and also has a great family pedigree. It’s a complete package. Therefore, the value of his offspring should be higher.” The dam of 250HO01049 Liquid Gold is Oconnors Planet Lucia-ET VG-86, who is a granddaughter of Lylehaven Lila Z EX-94. 250HO01049 Liquid Gold’s dam, Lucia, is also a maternal sister to the former number one GPA-LPI bull, Genervations Lexor, a Long-Langs Oman Oman-ET son, marketed by Accelerated Genetics. The family pedigree of 250HO01049 Liquid Gold is strong and his brothers, Genervations Willpower, Genervations Fuzion and Genervations Gizmo, who sold for $500 dollars at the same time as 250HO01049 Liquid Gold, are additional examples to the strength his family package transmits. According to Eastman, many companies want to restrict the bull for a period of time; meaning producers cannot use certain semen for usually five to six months. Since producers are now able to test their own bulls, the value in sire contracts has decreased. Eastman believes semen should be available to everyone at the same time. “There is value to people who want to use the semen because the very first calves are worth a lot of money, especially if they have high genomics,” explained Eastman. “The people who want to use it are prepared to pay the money to get it. The people who didn’t want to pay $750 a unit could wait until the semen was cheaper. It’s all about having a choice.”
14 > GENETIC TRENDS > AUGUST 2013
Currently in Europe, the continent is behind in genomics because with the use of restricted contracts, semen cannot be exported for five to six months. “If they do the same thing to us then we are going to be at a disadvantage,” expressed Eastman. “If they decide not to sell their semen to us for five or six months what could that do to us?” 250HO01049 Liquid Gold is the primary example to avoid this problem with Europe because they are able to buy embryos right away. “I really believe in open market and free market,” said Eastman. “It’s also like anything else, supply and demand dictates the price.” “At the end of the day it helps farmers gain superior bull contracts,” expressed Eastman. “Most guys use semen to IVF, so when a producer buys a vile of semen he uses it across three or four cows. That means the semen is really only $250 a cow, which is cheap.” There had to be some restrictions from the early purchase of 250HO01049 Liquid Gold semen as well. People had to buy the semen for their own cows. For example, if the farmer owned three cows he could use one unit on all of his cows, but he could not sell it or let someone else have a portion of the semen. Bill Peck of New York purchased 250HO01049 Liquid Gold semen for his herd, “I purchased Liquid Gold at $750 because I liked his genomic profile. He was one of the highest bulls available.” “My philosophy in genomics is to use bulls early and quickly, then move on to the next set of genomic bulls,” explained Peck. “When you look at the original sticker value, it’s a lot of money,” stated Eastman. “But if it works it’s worth the money. For example, he is a good flush bull; people were obtaining around 16 fertilized eggs. However, I really believe you have to create the value of the bulls upfront,” continued Eastman. The price of $750 looked like a very large number; however, in the long run the reason behind this large price was worth it to producers. GenerVations and Accelerated Genetics together will continue to satisfy the needs of their customers, even if it takes a big sticker number of $750 to create a more beneficial investment in the long run.
TRANSITION DOESNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL. NEITHER DOES HER LACTATION.
TRI-MIC 1:50
DIRECT-FED MICROBIAL FOR ADULT CATTLE Improve feed intakes and feed utilization for maximum production and reproductive performance with Tri-Mic 1:50. It contains research levels of ruminant-specific bacteria and is formulated for whole herd application as either a top dress or as part of your total mixed ration (TMR). Ideal for allowing a smooth transition from the dry diet to the higher-energy, concentrated diets required for high milk production. It's also effective for countering the negative effects of heat stress, poor quality feed, calving stress, metabolic disorders or other negative environmental conditions. Contact your local representative or call 800-451-9275 to order.
AUGUST 2013 < GENETIC TRENDS < 15
Photo: O.F. Vito Audrie VG-87% ©Lea McCullough. Source: 8/13. AJCA Genomic.
NAME
JPI
NM$ CM$
PTAM PTAF
014JE00539 MADDIX 179 372 422 1544 85 014JE00572 VEGAS 190 472 521 1419 84 014JE00634 MARIACHI 221 496 518 1547 79 014JE00533 VITO 167 280 301 2386 54 014JE00509 LIAM 156 344 391 1294 68 014JE00555 ROY 193 519 612 757 70 014JE00576 SAMSON 208 472 507 1370 65 014JE00606 PRINCE 218 507 561 1422 53 014JE00595 PATRIOT 171 396 428 1176 62 014JE00574 DENNIS 187 467 489 1344 60
PTAP CFP
MREL
61 146 92 52 136 70 52 131 56 74 128 95 50 118 93 43 113 65 47 112 68 54 107 61 43 105 67 45 105 67
PL
SCS DPR PTAT
-0.2 3.32 0.4 0.7 1.9 2.89 -1.2 1.0 3.1 3.14 0.5 2.1 -0.8 2.94 -3.4 0.6 0.9 3.06 -0.6 0.5 3.5 2.87 0.5 1.0 2.8 2.89 -1.0 2.7 3.9 2.98 -0.1 2.1 2.1 3.08 0.2 1.4 3.2 3.03 0.2 1.6
GENETIC TRENDS < 80191