Genetic
®
December 2010 • Vol. 62 No. 4
Dairy Sire Summary Highlights page 6
Kolton’s Genetics are Golden page 8
Millionaire Hall of Fame page 10
2010 Photo Contest Winners page 12
More info at www.accelgen.com
Features
fEAt EA UrEs & nEWs EAt 100,000 Cow Club............................................................4-5
Loyalty, Excellent Service Lead Lindgren to 100,000 Cow Club bby David Jones Caring for Customers, Cows Gets Seebecker to 100,000 bby David Jones
Dairy Sire News...................................................................6 New Year Brings New Sire Options for Your Genetic Future bby Gregg Topp
Sire Feature..........................................................................8 Kolton’s Golden Genetics bby Gregg Topp
News..............................................................................10-12 Millionaire Hall of Fame Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest Results 2010 Photo Contest Winners
International Corner..........................................................13 Tour Day During World Dairy Expo Highlights Top Sires T
Genetic
®
Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics December 2010
Vol. 62 No. 4
Editor: Kari A. Stanek Graphic Artist: Kelly Kendall Genetic Trends (USPS#: 638-680) is published four times a year (February, April, August and December) by Accelerated Genetics, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, WI 53913 and other offices. POSTMASTER OSTMASTER Send Address Changes to: Genetic Trends, c/o Diana Shaffer, 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.
Innovative Resources..........................................................14 K Knowing the Causes for Calf Scours Helps Determine Treatment bby Frontline Milk Products LLC.
Repro Connections.............................................................15 ReproConnections: A New Management Tool bby Humberto Rivera
on thE covEr Accelerated Genetics strives to be your number one choice as a reproductive partner. From this simple A.I. toolbox grasped in an A.I. technician’s hand, Accelerated Genetics can provide a variety of services, a large selection of breed-leading sires, solutionbased farm products and cutting edge technologies. Furthermore, this technician is supported by a team of experienced specialists ready to assist you with benchmarking and utilizing your herd’s genetics to the fullest potential. Photo by Amy Stocklein.
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 Find us on Facebook: Accelerated Genetics or follow us on Twitter: AccelGen
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Genetic Trends - December 2010
AccElErAt A Ed GEnEtics At BoArd And officErs President & CEO Joel Groskreutz Board Chair, District 8 Brian Brown, Belleville, WI 1st Vice Chair, District 1 Dave Score, Boyceville, WI 2nd Vice Chair, District 3 Gary Eibergen, Granton, WI Secretary/Treasurer, District 10 Doug Thesing, Winona, MN District 2 John Pronschinske, Arcadia, WI District 4 Andy Dejno III, Independence, WI District 5 Nick Butzler, Cashton, WI District 6 Dennis Bell, Gays Mills, WI District 7 Rick Carlson, Hollandale, WI District 9 Jeff Styczynski, Pulaski, WI
Accelerated Genetics’ fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, and, I don’t need to tell you, it was a challenging year for the dairy industry. This is also true for your cooperative, as we ended in the red for a second consecutive year. We began our fiscal year being compared to very strong milk prices. This left us at the end of our first quarter (OctoberDecember) with a loss. But, I am happy to report we not only made up that deficit, we increased in sales the last nine months. We ended the year with over a $1 million growth, with the majority of that coming from international sales. With the streamlining that was done, along with increasing sales, we are looking for a positive 2010-2011 in both sales and profits. However, we will continue to be very conservative as to where and how we spend our money. The state of your cooperative is like the rest of the dairy industry; we continue to
persevere and look for that silver lining in everything we do. Our role in the industry is important as we assist you in feeding the world. The foundation of your cooperative is the sires we offer. We have the best genetics available with a large variety of offerings, which allows you to choose sires for the way you want to breed your cows. The most recent sire summary attests to the high quality lineup of sires that we deliver. Accelerated Genetics backs up our genetics with a superior brand of services including ReproConnections. This support tool incorporates some of our highly trained personnel to assist with any of your herd’s reproductive needs. In this issue, we celebrate the achievements of a number of our sales personnel for their outstanding service and sales efforts. Two more of our technicians attained the recognition of the 100,000 cow club, and three
By: Joel Groskreutz, President and CEO sales representatives have joined our ‘Millionaire Hall of Fame’. As I have previously stated, our core values as a cooperative are listening to our customers’ needs and using their input in our company decisions. In January, we will be providing cooperative members an opportunity to participate in their county division meetings. More information about these meetings and other cooperative events can be found on our website at www.accelgen.com under the “Company” tab.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
The State of Your Cooperative
The state of your cooperative is bright as we move into the new year. I am very optimistic that everything that has been done to position your cooperative will spell success for your dairy business as well in the next year. Together we can accomplish great things!
Presenting the newly elected 2010-2011 Board of Directors for Accelerated Genetics. Front row (l-r): Dave Score, Brian Brown, Doug Thesing. Middle row (l-r): Gary Eibergen, Dennis Bell. Back row (l-r): Andy Dejno III, John Pronschinske, Rick Carlson, Jeff Styczynski, Nick Butzler.
Genetic Trends - December 2010
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100,000 Cow Club Recognition
Loyalty, Excellent Service Lead Lindgren to 100,000 Cow Club By: David Jones, Marketing Communications Intern ensure that their herd is reproductively sound. “We’re really happy with Pat,” Don says. “He watches these cows like they’re his own.” In fact, when Pat walks through a herd of his customer’s cows, he can recognize and provide details on a surprising number of animals, recalling numbers, dispositions, breeding status, and many other bits of information.
Pat Lindgren’s attention to detail helped him earn the 100,000 cow club recognition earlier this year.
P
at Lindgren joined the prestigious group of technicians to reach the 100,000 Cow Club this past year. Pat began working with Accelerated Genetics in 1987 and serves the Colfax, Menomonie, Wheeler and Elk Mound, Wis. areas. After growing up on a 40-cow dairy with a few beef animals, Pat graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in Animal Science. In 1991, Pat relocated to Colfax when the technician position opened up and has been breeding cows there ever since. “I learned how to breed cows right out of college,” Pat said. “I enjoyed that I didn’t have to sit at a desk. This is a seven-daya-week job, but the nice thing is that you can schedule your life around the needs of your customers.” Customer service is an important part of Pat’s daily routine. He goes above and beyond to add value to his services for his customers. “You’re more than just a technician these days. You have to be a breeder, a consultant, a part record-keeper and help out in any way you can,” Pat
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Genetic Trends - December 2010
explains. “I’ve always told my customers that you need to surround yourself with people who will help you, not sell you.” Along with providing excellent service to his customers, Pat draws from a tremendous amount of experience in reproduction. “Pat is always on the go and he covers a lot of ground in a day,” explains Pam Hendel, Regional Sales Manager. “Pat’s experiences in all areas of reproduction are an asset to his customers. He’s knowledgeable in a wide range of programs including Dairy Comp 305. This makes him a vital component in monitoring his customers’ reproductive herd health.”
Over the years, Pat has developed a very diverse customer base ranging from both small and large dairy herds to organic dairies and even beef cattle. “It’s harder to get away for longer periods of time when you have larger herds as clients,” Pat says. “But no matter the size of the farm, the most satisfying part of my job is when my customers are satisfied with my service.” In his spare time, Pat enjoys golfing in the summertime and bowling in the winter. His family, including his wife, Lisa, and two daughters, Sarah and Amanda, proudly support Pat.
This loyalty Pat displays to his friends and clients have made him an indispensable asset to many producers. “Pat goes above and beyond,” explains customer Dan Johnson. “I expanded my herd a few years ago, and Pat helped me find some used headlocks. He’s been very good to us.” Don Clark agrees. As part owner of Clarkridge Farms with Dave and Nathan Clark, Don frequently works with Pat to
Lindgren visits with a customer about his herd’s breeding needs during a farm stop this summer.
By: David Jones, Marketing Communications Intern
A
fter completing one year of a short course, Rick Seebecker was approached by a classmate who asked if he might be interested in taking a relief technician position. Accepting that position was the beginning of a successful career for Rick and helped him reach the elite 100,000 cow club milestone this year. “I planned on coming back to finish up the short course, but I liked what I was doing too much,” Rick says. “I’ve been at these dairies for a long time now. At a lot of these farms, the cows I work with every day are products of my breeding.” Part of the reason Rick has been so successful in his area can be contributed to strong working relationships with customers and great friendships. “I play softball with some of my customers. Some have watched my kids,” Rick says. “The nice thing about my area is that it’s all pretty close. I interact with my customers more than just on the farm. Since a lot of my customers are around my
age, they have kids the same age as mine. It makes it easy to relate.” Along with semen sales and breeding cows, Rick also offers and sells a variety of animal health products. Customers are impressed with the quality of service he provides and the individualized treatment they receive.
100,000 cow club recognition
Caring for Customers, Cows Gets Seebecker to 100,000
“I don’t know how Rick does it, but he knows these cows like his own,” customer Matt Wipperfurth says. “We recently sold some cows to a guy he breeds for down the road, and Rick noticed they were cows from our herd right away.” Along with keeping a watchful eye on the animals at his different herds, Rick knows that in order to maximize profitability and fertility, he needs to work with the entire management team. “It’s important to maintain good relationships with everyone involved with the health of these animals,” Rick says. “I keep an open line of communication with
Rick Seebecker reached the milestone of breeding 100,000 cows earlier this year. the nutritionists in this area. If there’s a problem, we work together to fix it.” Rick feels fortunate to work with a large variety of customers. “I work with commercial guys, type breeders, organic herds and others,” Rick says. “I even breed for guys that have contributed to our bull line-up at Accelerated Genetics. I love looking through the sire summary after it comes out and seeing pictures of animals that belong to my customers.” Not only do his customers appreciate his dedication, so does his Regional Sales Manager, Dave Calvert. “Rick combines outstanding service with great product knowledge. He had big shoes to fill in his area, but he hit the ground running and never looked back.”
Seebecker checks which cows he needs to breed during a farm visit. For each of his herds, Seebecker strives to maintain good relationships with the dairy producer and the entire management team in order to maximize each herd’s profitability and fertility.
Rick is proudly supported by his wife, Elizabeth, and three daughters, Kamarie, Kianna and Victoria. Rick was honored this past fall at the 2010 Annual National Association of Animal Breeders Convention. Genetic Trends - December 2010
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Dairy Sire News
NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW Sire OPTIONS FOR YOUR GENETIC FUTURE By: Gregg Topp, Dairy Sire Analyst
T
he December genetic evaluations introduced many new choices from the PACE program to your herd. New bloodlines, health trait specialists, type sires and milk improvers highlight our recent sire graduates. PROVING THEIR WORTH Three current sires, 014HO5434 Trump, 014HO5399 Kolton and 014HO05300 Micah, continue to impress producers. A balanced bull from an extremely popular cow family, 014HO5434 Trump can add profitability to your herd through production and type. His new proof information highlights his elite type (+2.55 PTAT), good udders (+1.96 UDC) and improved feet and legs (+1.58 FLC). He also added 31 new daughters in his production evaluation and 51 new daughters in his type evaluation. Recently, Trump’s classification score was raised to EX-94. 014HO5399 Kolton has emerged as one of the special Goldwyn sons in the industry. Kolton brings the extreme type that you would expect from his dynamic pedigree while maintaining a high net merit value of +$406 NM. He is also an improver of productive life (+2.7 PL), somatic cell score (+2.57 SCS), and daughter pregnancy rating (+1.1 DPR). Kolton added 31 daughters for type and
Stoner-Dairy Kade GP-83 6
Genetic Trends - December 2010
Neldell Distinctive 1776 GP-83
increased in final score, udders, and feet and legs. 014HO05300 Micah remains one of the most balanced Shottle sons available. Micah specializes in high milk (+1579 PTAM), superior rear udders (+1.63 UDC) and service sire calving ease (8% SSCE). NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION SIRES FOR TYPE With a power-packed pedigree that caught the attention of many through the GeneFORCE® program, 014HO05431 Distinctive is breeding true to his expectations. At 5% service sire calving ease with 92% reliability, Distinctive ranks right at the top of the list for calving ease bulls available worldwide. Distinctive is also a fat improver that will add productive life (+3.9 PL) while maintaining high type (+2.04 PTAT).
With over 100 milking daughters, 014HO05430 Ray graduates with honors, being an elite Goldwyn son for milk (+1060 PTAM) and excelling in type (+2.00 PTAT), udders (+1.41 UDC) and feet and legs (+1.85 FLC). Ray adds a familiar influence through his dam, who is sired by former PACE superstar 014HO02736 Ito. Ray’s productive life (+1.8 PL), somatic cell score (+2.84 SCS), service sire calving ease (7% SSCE at 85% reliability) and daughter calving ease (4% DCE) make him an attractive genetic solution for your herd in 2011. The Potter sons have arrived! Made in the same pattern as their sire, this group of bulls boast great health traits, low somatic cell scores and fine udders. One of the highest Potter sons for type (+1.81 PTAT) is 014HO5398 Jess. This bull also has impressive udders (+1.80 UDC) and strong feet and legs (+2.02 FLC). At 7% SSCE, Jess is a great service sire calving ease selection. Another +2.00 PTAT type sire, 014HO05461 Kade has an outcross pedigree (Garrison x Blitz) that should
014HO05380 Bruce adds another dimension to the unique pedigree grouping with high components, calving ease and high type. Bruce’s foot and leg composite of +3.25 FLC rates off the chart, and his sire, Burt, is well-respected around the world for siring components and great feet and legs. In addition, Bruce’s family has produced many popular bulls that have graduated to active A.I. status over the years. The final type sire is 014HO05424 Tornado, a Shottle son who sires high production, low somatic cell score and elite calving ease. NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION SIRES FOR HEALTH TRAITS AND NET MERIT With a pedigree free of Durham, O Man, Potter, Lynch, Shottle, Goldwyn, Bolton, Marion or Boliver, 014HO05639 CM is a great sire choice to add profitability to your herd. A Sharky son from an EX-91 Outside daughter, CM adds milk and fat without losing productive life (+4.0 PL) and daughter pregnancy rating (+1.0 DPR). CM’s early type information shows his daughters to be slightly above average for stature with sound feet and legs and snug, firmly attached fore udders with close teat placement. CM is one of the highest new release bulls that has milking daughters. Combining a pair of two former PACE sires, 014HO03597 Potter and 014HO03300 Vixen, and a cow family well known for success with bulls such as 014HO04876 Paxton, 014HO05392 PEP is an elite net merit sire at +$471 NM. Pep’s elite traits of high fat (+.08%; +43 PTAF) along with exceptional productive life (+4.3 PL), daughter pregnancy rate (+1.3 DPR), low somatic cell score (+2.86 SCS) and 8% service sire calving ease
make him a solid choice for any breeding program.
pedigree, Promotion’s daughters are tall, strong and dairy.
Another extreme fat improver with exceptional health traits is 014HO05560 Emerald. A Marion son from an excellent
The final graduate is 014MS00112 Royal Treble, a unique addition to the Milking Shorthorn lineup. Royal Trebel is an internationally sampled son of Red Monarch from a Champion of the Royal Brisbane show in Australia.
Sierra-Vista Tornado 6116 GP-81
Lynch daughter, Emerald’s net merit of +$439 NM stands out, as does his outstanding fat levels (+.20%; +74 PTAF). His health traits for a Marion son are also impressive at +1.5 productive life, +0.3 daughter pregnancy rate and 8% service sire calving ease.
Dairy Sire News
appeal to many herds. Kade is an extreme butterfat improver at +.09% PTAF and adds productive life (+1.7 PL) and service sire calving ease (8% SSCE) with tremendous feet and legs (+2.44 FLC).
As the new year arrives, it’s important to evaluate your herd’s genetics. With a diverse, deep and strong genetic lineup for all breeds, Accelerated Genetics can help dairy producers looking a variety of traits, from high type to high health traits. The dedicated and knowledgeable sales and service force at Accelerated Genetics is ready and willing to make your herd more profitable in 2011 and beyond! Each year, Genetic Trends is required to print the following USPS forms.
Another new Holstein release is an alliance sire from Italy, 198HO00113 Prince. A Britt son, Prince has +$582 net merit with high components, +4.9 productive life and 6% service sire calving ease. NEW YEARS RESOLUTION SOLUTIONS FOR PROTEIN BREEDS 014BS00331 Dollar is a valuable commodity if you are looking for a Brown Swiss sire with high components (+.12%; +56 PTAF and +.02%; +29 PTAP) from a deep cow family recognized around the world. Dollar’s sire combination of Dynasty and Denmark also captures attention. Dollar sires tremendous rear udders and outstanding feet and legs. At +.70 Type and +131 PPR, Dollar is a logical choice to excite the Brown Swiss breed. 014BS00329 Promotion brings lots of milk (+1102 PTAM) and protein (+28 PTAP) from a world-renowned cow family. As expected based on his Genetic Trends - December 2010
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sire Feature
N
amed the 2010 Premier Sire at both World Dairy Expo and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Braedale Goldwyn is now expanding his influence through his sons. One of his most uniquely-bred sons is PACE graduate 014HO05399 Hammer-Creek Gold Kolton-ET.
kolton’’s G kolton Gold oldE old En GE GEn nEtics By: Gregg Topp, Dairy Sire Analyst
Born in the heavily populated dairy area of eastern Pennsylvania, 014HO05399 Kolton comes from a modest sized dairy. Lavern and Frances Martin of Lebanon, Penn., bred Kolton They milk 80 registered Holsteins and have a herd average of over 24,000 pounds of milk. Much interest has been generated from Kolton’s cow family and has accelerated the Martin herd’s genetic marketing. Kolton’s dam is a first crop daughter of Futuraland Zade-ET, a Parker Aero Wade son, who specialized
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Genetic Trends - December 2010
in productive life, somatic cell score and daughter pregnancy rating prior to the huge movement in the industry for breeding for these traits. She is classified Very Good-88 being Excellent in feet and legs and Very Good in her udder at seven years and nine months of age. She is still in the herd after receiving recognition as a Gold Medal Dam and Dam of Merit. Her production credentials include four high milk records with a pair over 37,000 pounds of milk, and her lifetime totals are in excess of 170,000 pounds
of milk, which she is adding to every day. She has a pair of Goldwyn full sisters to Kolton that are classified Very Good-86 along with Hammer-Creek Gold Klassy-ET classified Very Good88. Klassy is the dam of 014HO06263 Kody, a high genomic opportunity released through the PACE program this past year. Kolton’s grandam is Excellent-90 with Excellent feet and legs and mammary
The third dam is a Gold Medal Dam Formation daughter with four tremendous records – the best being 53,440 pounds of milk, 1,753 of fat and 1,468 of protein. She has lifetime totals over 236,000 pounds of milk. The fourth dam is the legendary WaDel RC Blackstr Martha-ET, who is 2E Excellent-93 Excellent across and has recognition as a Gold Medal Dam and Dam of Merit. Her lifetime production totals are over 103,000 pounds of milk. Siring a similar pattern to his sire, Kolton’s daughters are tall, long, dairy and stylish. At +406 Net Merit, +2.7 Productive Life, +2.57 Somatic Cell Score, and +1.1 Daughter Pregnancy Rating, he stands out as one of the most balanced Goldwyn sons. His type proof of +2.51 PTAT, +2.42 UDC, +1.66 FLC and +1923 GTPI along with his unique sire combination have made him very
attractive in the marketplace. Kolton sires fantastic udders that are snug and well attached with tremendous rear udder width and height. Further, they have superior udder quality with a strong udder cleft and great teat placement. He also sires outstanding feet and legs that track well from the rear. Kolton is an ideal mating for many of the popular current bloodlines, such as O Man, Scoop, Shottle, Tredway, Airraid, Bolton, Toystory, Billion, Lon, Marion, Boliver, Sailor, Nifty and Burt. Kolton’s overall balance makes him an easy option for most mating programs around the world. Released through the PACE program in the spring of 2007, Kolton currently has over 70 daughters milking and will add more as the winter moves on. He also has 57 daughters in his type evaluation and will continue to add more in the April genetic evaluation. A great compliment to 014HO05411 Palermo, Accelerated Genetics’ other elite Goldwyn son who sires a different type of cow, Kolton can add the perfect
blend of everything without siring any weaknesses. 014HO05399 Kolton is a great choice for your herd’s future.
rEdmAn dAUGhtEr Wins sUprEmE EA At thE roYA Y l YA
sire Feature
system. She is an Mtoto daughter with four elite records with the top surpassing 44,000 pounds of milk. Her lifetime production is 153,500 pounds of milk. She also is recognized as a Gold Medal Dam.
Blondin Redman Seisme VG-89
070HO09954 REDMAN-RED daughter, Blondin Redman Seisme VG-89, was named the 2010 Supreme Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Just a month earlier, she was selected as the 2010 Reserve Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo. Seisme is owned by Morsan Farms, Alberta, Canada.
mAn-o-mAn, BoWsEr, dotson dAUGhtErs top list of hiGhliGhts from rEcEnt cAt cA tlE sAlEs 2010 SALE OF STARS T TARS , THE ROYAL
Daughters of 014HO04929 MAN-OMAN dominated the recent Sale of Stars held during the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada. Twelve ManO-Man daughters sold, including MS C-Haven Oman Kool, a July 2010 Man-OMan daughter that was the second highest selling animal at $76,000 CAN. Two Dotson heifers were also featured as lots three and four in the sale. Some sale highlights include ($CAN): $76,000 MS C-Haven Oman Kool
#3 GTP GTPI Man-O-Man x VG-88 Shottle
$64,000 RockyMountain Manoman Dimple
$19,000 RockyMountain Manoman Dabble Man-O-Man x Goldwyn M
$18,000 UFM-Dubs-I Shegreat
Man-O-Man out of former #1 CTPI cow M
$18,000 Calbrett Man O Man Lalita
Man-O-Man x Shottle from Lila Z M
$17,000 Pellerat Man O Man Leonor Man-O-Man x Goldwyn M
$15,000 Delaberge Oman Doilee Man-O-Man x Goldwyn
$14,000 Calbrett Man O Man Lemonade Man-O-Man x Toystory M
$14,000 Calbrett Manoman Lola Man-O-Man x Toystory M
2010 N NA ATIONAL HOLSTEIN ATIONAL LSTEIN CONVENTION $91,000 First Choice Man-O-Man from three ffemales born in Feb. & Apr, 2010
$32,000 Misty Springs Man-O-Man Satin
2010 WORLD CLASSIC SALE,, USA $60,000 W Welcome Bowser Paige-ET
$31,000 Cherry Crest Manoman Rosie
$35,000 Cherry Crest Manoman Roz-ET
$21,000 Farnear-TBR Wanna Party-ET
$11,000 Hendel Bowser Maddy 3157-ET
Gdm: Ronelle Outside Dabble-ET EX-91
Man-O-Man x Shottle, #6 heifer in Canada Man-O-Man x Elegant from Outside Roz M Man-O-Man x Shottle from Outside Pledge M
Man-O-Man daughter, MS C-Haven Oman Kool, sold for $72,000 in the Sale of Stars at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Canada.
JJune 2010 Bowser heifer, #5 GTPI
Jan. 2010 Man-O-Man, Gdm: Outside Roz Bowser x Shottle
Arcadia D Dotson Doris (above) and Donnaview A Dotson Donna sold as lots three and four in the Sale of the Stars.
Genetic Trends - December 2010
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news
million illionAirE
Hall of Fame
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o honor exceptional team members and sires, Accelerated Genetics created a “Millionaire Hall of Fame”. The Hall of Fame honors elite employees who sell over one million units of semen. It also recognizes elite sires from Accelerated Genetics that reach the important milestone of producing one million units of semen.
“This is a very unique milestone for both Accelerated Genetics and Potter,” says President and CEO of Accelerated Genetics, Joel Groskreutz. “The impact
Potter has had on the Holstein breed across the globe is just phenomenal. Potter’s legacy will endure the test of time.”
Accelerated Genetics is also proud to have three employees accomplish a feat that only 24 people within the artificial insemination industry have achieved – selling one million units of semen. John Merrill, Sulphur Springs, TX, Alan Pereira, Bakersfield, CA, and Dennis Thompson, Mondovi, WI earned recognition from the National Association for Animal Breeders (NAAB) for reaching this exceptional milestone.
The first sire to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is 014HO03597 Keystone Potter EX-90. This past year at the age of ten years and nine months, Potter became the first sire from Accelerated Genetics to reach the milestone of producing and selling one million units of semen.
Accelerated Genetics congratulates the new members of the Millionaire Hall of Fame!
014ho03597 kEYstonE pottEr Ex-90
John mErrill
sulpher springs, tx 10
Genetic Trends - December 2010
dEnnis thompson mondovi, Wi
AlAn pErEirA Bakersfield, cA
News
Iowa State University Tops 17th Annual Dairy Judging Contest I
owa State University took home the top honors and the coveted Brown Swiss Canton III Traveling Trophy on September 19, 2010, after winning the 17th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. The Iowa State University team coached by Jessica Tekippe and Lee Kilmer included team members Megan Kregel, Zach Duetmeyer, Amy Maxwell, and Jessica Peter. In the overall individual competition, Krysty Kepler from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville won the top spot. Thirteen teams participated in the contest this year from across the United States. The contest was held at the Vernon County Fairgrounds in Viroqua, Wis. During the contest, each participant placed ten classes and gave five sets of oral reasons. They judged at least one class of each of the following breeds: Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. Another portion of the Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest was the leadsperson showmanship contest. Every year, the youth of Vernon County assist the contest by leading the cattle. This year, 26 youth participated. The overall showmanship winner receives the David Larson Memorial Showmanship Award in memory of David Larson, who worked very closely with the Vernon County youth and the judging contest. This year’s winner was Michele Gutenberger. Winning the junior division was Ryan Gutenberger, and Heidi Petersheim placed first in the senior division. Overall Team 1. Iowa State University 2. University of Wisconsin-Platteville 3. University of Minnesota Overall Team Reasons 1. University of Minnesota 2. University of Wisconsin-Madison 3. University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Iowa State University captured High Team Overall award at the 17th Annual Accelerated Genetics Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest. Back row from left: Jessica Tekippe, coach, Zach Duetmeyer and Amy Maxwell. Front row from left: Megan Kregel and Jessica Peter. Overall Individual 1. Krysty Kepler, Univ. of Wisc.-Platteville 2. Megan Kregel, Iowa State University 3. Jacob Brey, Univ. of Wisc.-Madison 4. Julie Cooper, Univ. of Wisc.-Madison 5. Emily Achen, Univ. of Minnesota 6. Caitlin Durow, Univ. of Minnesota 7. Paul Lippert, Univ. of Wisc.-River Falls 8. Dan Nicol, The Ohio State University 9. Zach Duetmeyer, Iowa State University 10. Stephanie Aves, Univ. of Wisc.-Platteville
Overall Showmanship Winner, David Larson Memorial Award 1. Michelle Gutenberger
Individual Reasons Overall, James Crowley Scholarship 1. Elizabeth Olson, Univ. of Minnesota 2. Caitlin Durow, Univ. of Minnesota 3. Chelsea Brander, Univ. of Wisc.-Madison
To obtain a Youth Scholarship application, download it and/or fill it out at www.accelgen. com, call 1-800-451-9275 or email kstanek@ accelgen.com.
Youth Showmanship Competition Junior Division 1. Ryan Gutenberger 2. Brianna Hall 3. Micayla Lepke Senior Division 1. Heidi Petersheim 2. Thomas Larson 3. Arlisa Landis
SCHOLARSHIPs Deadline: FEBRUARY 15, 2011 Youth Scholarship: Accelerated Genetics awards four (4)–$500 scholarships to high school seniors planning to major in agriculture at a short course or four-year university.
Collegiate Scholarship: Two (2)–$1000 scholarships are awarded to students currently enrolled in a short course, vocational technical college or four-year university degree program and majoring in agriculture. The National FFA Foundation organizes this scholarship program. The Collegiate Scholarship application can only be completed online at www.ffa.org under the “Scholarships 2011” link. Applicants or their parents must be active customers of Accelerated Genetics to be eligible for either scholarship. The application deadline for both is February 15, 2011. Genetic Trends - December 2010
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news
2010 photo contEst The 2010 photo contest had two themes: “Change of Seasons” and “Youth in Action.” Congratulations to this year’s winners!
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Winners
chAnGE of sEAsons First Place: “Sunrise on the Ridge” Claire Tousley St. Anthony, ID Second Place: “Me and Momma” Beverly J. Donovan Benton, ME Third Place: “Let it snow” Barb Wilson Port Royal, PA
3rd
YoUth in Action
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First Place: “A Winner” Judy Tuthill Lee Center, NY Second Place: “Making Friends” Lisa Russell Russell Springs, KY Third Place: “Fun at the Fair” Judy Tuthill Lee Center, NY
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Genetic Trends - December 2010
Accelerated Genetics, partnering with World Wide Sires, Ltd., proudly hosted over 150 international guests from around the world on September 30th, during the 2010 World Dairy Expo. The group toured two Accelerated Genetics customer farms, located in Darlington, Wis. At each farm, tour guests viewed daughters from Accelerated Genetics top sires, stopped at various booths to learn about different aspects in the company and networked with people from around the world. The event kicked off at Highway Dairy, owned and operated by the Jay and Jean Stauffacher families. At this stop, international guests learned about the Accelerated Genetics ReproConnections program from Dr. Humberto Rivera and saw proper handling techniques of A.I. equipment. Dr. Aziz Siddiqui also updated guests on recent upgrades to facililties, policies and protocol at the Accelerated Genetics semen processing warehouse and laboratory in Westby, Wis. After the first farm stop, guests moved to
Redrock-View Dairy, home of the Steve and Lisa Carpenter family. Guests at this farm learned about tail chalking and heat detection, the Accelerated Genetics GemPC mating program and viewed an Accelerated Genetics USA sales truck.
At the end of the day, international guests gathered at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis., for a banquet sponsored by Accelerated Genetics and partner, World Wide Sires. Over 400 guests attended this annual appreciation event.
After a luncheon and socializing, tour guests toured the picturesque town of Darlington, Wis. and the Lafayette County Courthouse. This courthouse was featured in scenes from the recent Johnny Depp film, “Public Enemies.�
Accelerated Genetics would like to thank the farm hosts, employees, guests and all other participants in the 2010 World Dairy Expo Accelerated Genetics Day.
International Corner
Tour Day during World Dairy Expo Highlights Top Sires
Accelerated Genetics Hosted Mexican Distributor Accelerated Genetics Donates Semen to Conference in October Pakistan Flood Victims Accelerated Genetics hosted a conference in mid-October for 21 Mexican distributors in San Jose Iturbide.
Accelerated Genetics, along with World Wide Sires, have joined forces to support the many people of Pakistan who became victims of a major flood this past summer. A quantity of 5,040 units of Holstein semen, as well as a new semen tank, were donated to the people of Pakistan in early October, 2010.
This two-day conference was filled with presentations on various aspects of Accelerated Genetics. Topics included genetics, reproduction and social media. Attendees also participated in a round-table discussion to talk about how Accelerated Genetics could better help its distributors in Mexico. At the conference, Accelerated Genetics recognized the country of Mexico as the third highest seller of
014HO03597 POTTER semen in the world. Only the United States and Italy sold more units of Potter than Mexico.
The semen will be dispersed to farmers who experienced mass devastation due to the flooding. Accelerated Genetics knows the donated genetics will greatly benefit those farmers and hopes the donation will boost the morale and spirit of farmers affected by this terrible tragedy.
Genetic Trends - December 2010
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Innovative Resources
Knowing the Causes FOr Calf Scours helps Determine correct treatment By: Frontline Milk Products, LLC.
T
he period immediately after birth and the first few days of life are critical times for calves.1 Attention to details during this time can reduce death losses and lower the incidence of disease. Early detection is essential for effective treatment and to prevent disease from spreading to other calves.
adequate digestion.
The two major types of calf health problems are scours (diarrhea) and pneumonia. Scours are most likely to be a problem in calves less than one month old, while pneumonia is usually the major health problem in calves after one month of age.
Bacterial causes of calf scours include:
Calf scours are a complex disease problem since they can be caused by several types of bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites. Most scours outbreaks are caused by more than one pathogenic agent – often a combination of viruses, bacteria, and/ or parasitic agents.2 Poor nutrition and management make calves more susceptible to infectious agents that cause scours. Grouping the causes into three causative areas may help in pinpointing the most effective treatment. Mechanical Causes Overfeeding of whole milk or milk replacer to calves can cause a loosening of the stool, which is not a disease problem and will not respond to antibiotics. Follow feeding directions carefully, and match the amount fed to the size and age of calves being fed. Feeding incorrectly diluted milk replacer can loosen up calves as well. Calves can handle product diluted from 10 to 18 percent solids without any major problems Nutritional Causes Feeding poor quality milk replacer, such as one which has undergone substantial scorching or Maillard browning or contains low quality fats, will increase the risk of nutritional scours. Feeding indigestible feedstuffs to calves can also increase scours problems. Make sure to introduce raw grains and complex carbohydrates gradually, so enzymes are present in quantities sufficient for 14
Genetic Trends - December 2010
Environmental Causes Poor nutrition and management increase stress on calves, resulting in greater incidence of disease problems. Currently, there are vaccinations for E. coli, Rotavirus, and Coronavirus. Escherichia coli: This is the most common bacterial organism associated with calf scours. Salmonella sp.: There are several types of salmonella and many types can cause scours. Clostridium perfringens type C: This bacteria is a soil organism and causes scours on many farms. Viral causes of calf scours include: Rotavirus: There is more than one serotype of Rotavirus, but it is believed that vaccines provide cross-protection to the most important serotypes. Coronavirus: Coronavirus is not as resistant to degradation as Rotavirus. Adult cows shed the virus in feces and contaminate calving areas. Rota- and coronavirus are hardy and survive for months in moist, cool conditions. Protozoan parasite causes of scours include: Coccidial (Eimeria sp.): Coccidiosis should not be underestimated as a problem in calves. Cryptosporidia: Development of an autogenous vaccine for Cryptosporidium parvum is possible in the near future. Treatment The principal damage caused by diarrhea is loss of water and bicarbonate, sodium and potassium ions from blood and body fluids. When the scour-causing agent irritates the intestine, the calf ’s body tries to neutralize, destroy and flush out the irritant. The feces of calves with scours may contain five to 10 times as much water as normal. A calf
becomes dehydrated when this extra water is removed from its body and may die within a few hours due to dehydration and/ or increased acidity of the blood. Calves which are severely dehydrated may require fluids administered intravenously. There are over 35 commercially available electrolyte formulations for rehydrating calves with diarrhea. The critical factor to remember when selecting and administering an electrolyte solution is that dehydrated calves will need seven to eight and one-half quarts of fluid daily to correct dehydration and maintenance needs. They also need an adequate caloric intake for maintenance and growth. Maintenance requirements are increased by cold weather and disease. Research trials indicate that calves with scours will maintain weight gain and resolve their diarrhea faster if they continue to receive milk while on electrolytes. Depending on the calf ’s weight, four quarts of milk or milk replacer daily and an equal volume of electrolyte solution between feedings are effective in correcting dehydration and providing adequate calories for weight gain. Because some causes of diarrhea damage the intestinal lining, causing localized maldigestion and malabsorption, smaller volumes of milk fed at more frequent intervals during the day are preferable. Antibiotic therapy is not essential for resolution of calf diarrhea problems. Except for E. coli and Salmonella infections, the organisms which cause diarrhea are not susceptible to antibiotics. If antibiotics are not essential, they should not be used (particularly oral antibiotics) because they destroy the normal intestinal bacteria which can compete with the disease pathogens. Administration of direct-fed microbials may be beneficial where antibiotic usage has been extensive and diarrhea has been chronic. Sources: 1. Crowley, J., Jorgenson, N., Howard, T., Hoffman, P., and Shaver, R., University of Wisconsin, Raising Dairy Replacements. 2. McGuirk, S.M., DVM, PhD. University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Presentation on Calf Health Programs.
By: Humberto Rivera., Reproductive Specialist
T
he dairy industry has gone through many on-farm management changes during the last several years. Today, a producer not only needs quality employees to do technical labor on the farm but also quality consultants to help them keep track of nutrition, milk quality, fresh cow management, and reproduction. Unfortunately, reproductive problems are typically discovered late. By this time, the economic impact on the dairy has cost the producer a large amount of money. We, at Accelerated Genetics, are active players in reproduction management for our valued customers, ensuring they get the best return on their semen investment. Through our ReproConnections program, we assist customers in identifying fertility issues in early stages of development, rather than waiting for a small issue to become a big problem. ReproConnections is designed to be a support tool for our customers to identify areas for improvement or potential fertility problems. It becomes another key member to the on farm consulting team, alongside the veterinarian, nutritionist, and others. ReproConnections is a team of highly trained reproduction experts that are assigned to different regions of the country to provide reproduction analysis service to Accelerated Genetics customers. Producers who are interested in this service can contact their local Accelerated Genetics representative to request the service. Once requested, the ReproConnections specialist will need a copy of herd computer records to conduct a preliminary evaluation. Next, an onfarm visit will be scheduled, which will involve a walk-through of the farm and an evaluation of management conditions. Following the visit, a producer will receive an overall reproduction analysis comparing the herd to industry benchmarks and presenting a few key
Repro Connections
RePROCOnnections: A new management Tool From Accelerated Genetics
Dr. Alex Souza, Reproductive Specialist, (right) takes detailed notes while talking with an employee during an on-farm visit. During a typical ReproConnections meeting , Souza evaluates the dairy’s reproductive program, including heat detection and breeding policies.
areas for herd improvement. During the entire process, Accelerated Genetics personnel works closely with the herd veterinarian, nutritionist and other herd consultants so that all areas that potentially affect reproduction are covered and communicated to the consultant team. The ReproConnections team will not take any actions or responsibilities away from other professionals on your dairy, but we would certainly like to meet with your consultant team to present and discuss the final report. Furthermore, upon a producer or consultant team member’s request, Accelerated Genetics can assist with processing samples for lab analysis for different purposes. Finally, the ReproConnections specialist conducts follow up visits to track changes. ReproConnections support is not just for records analysis. We also conduct training whenever it is necessary. For the employee level, we offer training in
A.I., semen handling, tail chalking, heat detection and assisted calving fresh cow routine. At the management level, we offer training in reproduction routines, synchronization programs and data analysis and interpretation. Frequent communication on reproduction topics is another important service of the ReproConnections program. You can visit Accelerated Genetics website, www.accelgen.com, to access ReproConnections Insider, a technical bulletin with valuable and updated information on reproduction topics presented in English and Spanish. Reproduction articles also appear regularly in Genetic Trends, and we conduct reproduction seminars in different areas of the country upon customer requests. Many dairies in the country are already enjoying the benefits of the ReproConnections program improving their herd’s reproduction performance. Genetic Trends - December 2010
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014HO05300
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SHOTTlE x VG-85 TEAMSTEr x Ex ruByTOM
One of Shottle’s Best Sons! Great Production Sire +1579 PTAM, +46 PTAF, +35 PTAP High Type +1.89 PTAT 8% Service Sire Calving Ease Dairy Frames with Depth and Width Outstanding TPI +1901 GTPI
Above: JOMAR Micah 8081 GP-80, Robinson photo. Below (L-R): Haz-Broy Micah Cherry 1383; Garfoot Micah 338 GP-83. Source: 12/2010. USDA, HA Genomic. 92%R Prod., 91%R Type, 86%R CE, 78%R PL.
800.451.9275 • www.accelgen.com 80191