February 2021 January 2021
The POINT “Installing CowManager has a snowball effect. When the cows are working well, we don’t have to raise as many replacements, which saves money in other places. It all adds up.” Rusty and Rachel Kummer, Mondovi, Wis.
Labor’s hard to find and synchronization is a hassle
Reproduction Originally using a walk and chalk breeding program, Triple Row Dairy transitioned to timed A.I., but Rachel wasn’t satisfied. “We didn’t like the amount of labor it took or giving all those shots,” said Rachel. “We don’t have headlocks so there is no good way to sort cows, which means we do
Since installing CowManager the herd’s DIM window has tightened up considerably. Today every cow is bred (up to three times, if needed), before 200 DIM. This has a big impact on keeping DIM low and production high. “In the past our days in milk would get really long,” said Rachel. “I’d try to give cows excuses to stay in the
27%
25
20% 20
17%
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2 years using CowManager
To ensure every cow is bred by 100 days in milk (DIM), a PreSynch program is initiated at 45 days with cows that are not showing activity. Cows that respond to the second PreSynch shot are identified by CowManager and bred on standing heat. Cows that do not respond to PreSynch are enrolled in OvSynch.
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OvSync
Two and a half years later, the Mondovi, Wisconsin dairy has seen measurable improvements in the herd’s reproduction and health, which has had a snowball effect on labor and profitability.
the work in the parlor, which really slows things down.” With CowManager installed Rachel said, “we’ve significantly reduced the number of shots we give. Instead of giving 20, we might only give three, saving us time and money. The majority of cows are now bred based on activity.”
Walk & Chalk
hree years ago, Rachel and Rusty Kummer purchased their 250-cow dairy from Rachel’s dad, naturally leaving the same amount of work with fewer hands to get it done. That, along with a need to improve the herd’s reproduction led to investigating electronic herd monitoring systems. In June 2018, CowManager® was installed.
Pregnancy Rate (%)
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May 2018
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herd. With CowManager we’ve cleaned that area up because another more profitable cow is ready to take the spot of one that won’t breed back.” Continued on page 2.
Continued from cover. Health “We depend on the health alerts,” said Rachel. “CowManager allows us to focus our time on the cows that need it.” Prior to installing CowManager all fresh cows were temperature checked daily for two weeks and according to Rachel, “we still didn’t confidently know if cows were eating and feeling well. Now there’s no question. CowManager catches the not so obvious “sick” cows earlier and we are able to treat them before having to pull them out of the tank.” The health feature available through CowManager provides very early detection of health issues and their severity based on behavior and ear temperature, while providing ongoing insights into recovery. The immediacy of the health alerts became invaluable to Triple Row Dairy when the herd experienced an outbreak of manneheimia haemolytica, a deadly
Labor Like most dairies, Triple Row Dairy can’t completely put away the help wanted sign, but CowManager has certainly improved efficiencies in a multitude of areas.
More With improved reproduction, the dairy has changed their genetic strategy, now using beef semen on the bottom end of the herd. “Cole (Mark, CentralStar Genetic Consultant) helped setup this system and is monitoring it to make sure we are getting enough heifer calves,” said Rachel. “We’ve always had a few beef calves to sell, but with this plan we have more. We may try to shore up a better market for these calves as they bring a little better price than Holsteins.”
“CowManager has reduced the amount of labor needed to breed cows and it flags the cows that need attention because they may not be feeling well,” said Rachel. “Whether it’s a cow that needs to be bred, one that isn’t eating well, or a cow that’s supposed to be pregnant that has slipped her calf – the alerts help us prioritize our time. It even helps us find cows quicker because it tells us which barn they are in.”
“Installing CowManager has a snowball effect,” shared Rachel. “We are saving money through labor, giving fewer shots and buying less semen, because we are getting cows bred sooner. We’ve tightened up our days in milk and are selling fewer cows because they didn’t get bred. When the cows are working well, we don’t have to raise as many replacements, which saves money in other places. It all adds up.”
respiratory disease. “The only reason we saved as many cows as we did is because of CowManager,” said Rachel. “It’s one of those problems that by the time the cow looks sick, it’s too late. If it hadn’t been for the system, the losses would have been catastrophic.”
DIM at First Service (2017 - Before CowManager) 160
LCTGP 1
144
LCTGP 2 LCTGP 3
128
DIM
112
Before CowManager
96 80 64 48 32 16
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May
June
July
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DIM at First Service (2020 - With CowManager)
With CowManager
152
LCTGP 1
136
LCTGP 2 LCTGP 3
120 104
2
OvSynch
88
DIM
Before CowManager many cows went as late as 150 DIM before being bred for the first time. With CowManager the first service window has tightened to about 35 days. Now, every cow is bred by 105 DIM and the majority are identified in natural heats by CowManager before being enrolled in OvSynch.
Natural heats CowManager
72 56 40 24 16
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www.mycentralstar.com • 800.631.3510
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SELECT SIRES
NM$
CFP
DWP$
7HO15069 TOP DOG
+837
+151
+892
+2975
7HO15085 PARFECT
+777
+154
+865
+3007
7HO15099 RELIANT
+807
+159
+780
+2950
7HO15139 FANECA
+797
+163
+718
+2962
7HO15167 GAMEDAY
+916
+167
+1,167
+3081
7HO15173 DOBBINS
+807
+173
+777
+2977
7HO15186 LEXUS New
+793
+149
+909
+2942
7HO15195 LAZER New
+847
+168
+826
+2947
7HO15196 VENUS New
+855
+153
+981
+2948
7HO15242 ESPIONAGE
+858
+149
+1,092
+2938
7HO15337 SUPERCHARGE
+846
+135
+963
+2987
7HO15344 MOWGLI
+813
+162
+975
+2928
7HO15436 AVID New LEGACY x Rubicon x Jacey
+827
+165
+898
+2915
ACCELERATED GENETICS
NM$
CFP
DWP$
GTPI
14HO15181 TRIBUTE
+838
+138
+1,014
+3003
14HO15223 CONWAY
+816
161
+1,003
+2992
14HO15250 HELIOGEN
+807
+135
+1,011
+2987
14HO15265 TUA
+834
+167
+1,042
+2926
14HO15317 JANGLE
+853
+131
+1,127
+2919
14HO15445 MASSEY
+824
+122
+1,140
+2934
14HO15454 BANGKOK New LEGACY x JARED x Delta
+781
+111
+1,162
+2888
GENERVATIONS
NM$
CFP
DWP$
GTPI
250HO15087 ROZLINE
+799
+157
+758
+2962
250HO15152 AHEAD
+809
+145
+946
+2960
ROME x OUTSIDERS x Delta
RENEGADE x Delta-Lambda x Denver HUEY x Achiever x SUPERSIRE LUCIA x HELIX x Rubicon
BIG AL x Blowtorch x YODER LEGACY x HELIX x Rubicon
LEGACY x SLAMDUNK x JEDI
LEGACY x Superhero x YODER LEGACY x Achiever x Delta
LEGACY x Apprentice x YODER LEGACY x Rubicon x MORGAN
LEGACY x FLAGSHIP x MOGUL
LEGACY x RESOLVE x Josuper RENEGADE x Granite x Draco
LEGACY x REASON x Rubicon
LEGACY x KITE x EXPRESSO
LEGACY x MODESTY x Delta
LEGACY x Guarantee x Delta
RENEGADE x FRAZZLED x Rubicon RENEGADE x MYLES x YODER
®
®
®
GTPI
Ask your CentralStar team how to join the NxGEN program! 12/20 CDCB/HA/1/21 Zoetis Genomic Evaluations. ®TPI is a registered trademark of Holstein Association USA. DWP$ is a registered trademark of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. NxGEN is a registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. GAMEDAY photo by Thomas. Reliability information available at selectsires.com.
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®
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What's new with NxGEN
~ Brian Kelroy, Genetic Consultant & Team Leader, CentralStar
I
nterest in the NxGEN program is growing exponentially. Midwest dairy producers are among the most progressive in the country and in fact, Michigan dairies produce more milk per cow than any other state1. That
type of production boils down to good management and prioritizing using top-end genetics. So, it comes as no surprise that we are receiving requests daily to join NxGEN.
#1 NM$ LEGACY son, A2A2, BB 14HO15478 Wilra Legacy STINGRAY-ET
Polled, A2A2, +2889 GTPI 7HO15479 Winstar Legacy ENTICE-P-ET
LEGACY x Achiever x Josuper
+2913 GTPI +141 CFP ®
+875 NM$ +1,113 DWP$
Each month Select Sires makes available some of the industry's highest ranking genetic merit sires to herds enrolled in NxGEN. In February, six new sires have
LEGACY x Windgall x Powerball-P
+2889 GTPI +163 CFP
+789 NM$ +858 DWP$
been identified for release. Below is a snapshot of what each sire can bring to your breeding program. If you haven't yet signed up for NxGEN, I encourage you to talk with your CentralStar team to see how it can benefit you. Progressive DAIRY 2019 U.S. dairy statistics
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Health (+2.65 PL) & Fertility (+2.1 DPR) 7HO15370 T-Spruce Renegade REGAL-ET RENEGADE x FRAZZLED x Delta
+2966 GTPI +138 CFP
+800 NM$ +1,019 DWP$
Super high NM$, +101 lbs. fat, +7.4 PL 14HO15453 OCD LEGACY EXOTIC-ET
#2 GTPI LEGACY son, +5.4 PL 7HO15473 Wa-Del Legacy BOLETO-ET
Outcross NxGEN sire, .33% fat, +4.4 PL 7HO15465 Plain-Knoll CRUSHER-ET
LEGACY x Burley x Rubicon
LEGACY x HELIX x MONTROSS
CALVARY x LEGENDARY x Josuper
+2968 GTPI +138 CFP
+907 NM$ +1,136 DWP$
+2988 GTPI +157 CFP
+831 NM$ +774 DWP$
+2960 GTPI +165 CFP
+810 NM$ +828 DWP$
Effectiveness of L-form properties on pregnancy rates and more
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hemical strategies (binders) have limits based on their chemical properties. The unique L-form properties of Select DTX™ are formulated to control mold-derived feed challenges and provide immune support to cattle. It is not a binder. Rather, it initiates and optimizes an absorptive cell regulatory mechanism in the host animal’s intestinal epithelium. On farm trials support the efficacy of using DTX in the face of multiple mycotoxin exposures. In the farms evaluated, various approaches with binders had been tried with only partial success when used at 2-3 times suggested feeding rates. By contrast, in each case DTX was used at standard dosing rates. The data points to the effectiveness of DTX as a feed challenge control additive.
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Pregnancy Rates Each of the herds was showing significant reproductive failures. Changes in pregnancy rates are shown; however, other metrics, such as first service conception and improved estrus expression Figure 1. Pregnancy Rate Improvements with Select DTX™ follow similar at Various Dairy Farms patterns. DTX was chosen Dairy #1 to mitigate these 17.6 challenges. Figure Dairy #2 1 shows the Dairy #3 improvements in 13.3 Dairy #4 pregnancy rates within 60-90 days of 0 dosing, attesting to the broad spectrum protection afforded by this biological approach to mycotoxin control.
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31.3
20
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60
PREGNANCY RATE (% increase)
Four herds with unresolved problems associated with chronic exposure to several mycotoxins were evaluated for pregnancy rates, abortion rates and heat detection. Scan the QR code to see the full report.
www.mycentralstar.com • 800.631.3510
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Better than baler twine and duct tape
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ou know it’s a bad day when you have to break out the baler twine and duct tape. While these are universal tools of the trade for all sorts of problems on the farm – they can’t help when calves have a bad day. When a calf is born, there is an immediate and constant barrage of environmental challenges trying to “destroy” your newest and most promising genetic investment. While feeding high quality colostrum and disinfecting the navel are the cornerstones of a good protocol, adding CONVERT™ provides greater protection from a bad day. CONVERT is the only direct-fed microbial that offers stabilized L-form bacteria, creating an environment that promotes appetite, reducing gram negative scourcausing bacteria from surviving. When
the gut is full of healthy bugs, there are fewer places for bad bugs to colonize and grow, forcing them to pass through a calf’s system. One dose of CONVERT within 13 hours of birth helps calves resist the most common pathogens. For continued protection, CONVERT can be added to milk replacer for the first three weeks of life.
Quick Facts:
University research shows CONVERT’s effectiveness, but the real proof is how it works on-farm. Producers that use CONVERT report reduced scours, mortality, and antibiotic use, as well as increased growth rates and appetite.
• Calves treated for scours are almost three times more likely to calve after 30 months.2
• Scouring calves treated with antibiotics gave 1,086 lbs. less milk during their first lactation.1 • Calves treated for pneumonia or scours are more likely to be culled or leave the herd early.2
• Higher pre-weaning average daily gain positively impacts first-lactation milk yield. It is estimated that for each pound of daily gain, milk production increased by 1,540 lbs. in the first lactation or 6,000 lbs. over three lactations. 1
CONVERT can help calves get through a bad day – but why wait? Include it as part of your routine calf protocol to protect their future and yours.
Sources: 2Pre-weaning calf health, University of Minnesota Extension, 1Dairy Calf Management Practices Impact Future Production, University of Kentucky, Donna M. Amaral-Phillips.
“A lot of farms I work with use CONVERT because it protects against more strains of bacteria and is more affordable than other products. If a farm is using an alternate product, I suggest a side-by-side comparison. Once they see how CONVERT works, they make the switch.” Kelly Raterink, CentralStar Area Sales Manager
CONVERT DAY-ONE GEL Don’t let your calves have a bad day. Producers using CONVERT report
Reduced Scours Increased Growth Rates
Increased Appetites Reduced Mortality
MULTI-DOSE TUBES BUY 5 • GET 1
SINGLE-DOSE TUBES BUY 16 • GET 2
January 1 to February 28, 2021
January 1 to February 28, 2021
FREE
FREE
is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. and manufactured by Agrarian Solutions® All claims, representation and warranties, expressed or implied, are made by Agrarian Solutions. Enhancing Convert™ producer profitability through integrated services. 5
ReproStar Award Winners
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T
his year’s winners not only have impressive pregnancy rates but they excel in several other key metrics putting them far beyond industry averages,” said Julie Ainsworth, Coordinator of Dairy Records Consulting at CentralStar. “In particular, they do an outstanding job getting older cows pregnant. Mature cows typically present the greatest conception challenges, and yet this year’s winners achieved conception rates for third and greater lactation cows of over 44 percent, while the average for this lactation group in all Midwest herds as reported by DRMS (Dairy Records Management Systems) is 33 percent.” While the award winners have different approaches to achieving reproductive efficiency, a shared strategy includes genetic selection for health and fertility traits. Get the full story.
Emily Middleton, Jason Franklin, Dave Lindberg, Bill Kolakowski, Hendrik Eggink, John Parr, Rick Gilbert, Sophie Eggink, and Dr. Lauren Lauwers.
Deluur Future, Marlette, Mich. “It boils down to dedication, Heifers compliance, consistency and good facilities. Consistency is important Pregnancy Rate 47% in every area,” said owner Hendrick Conception 59% Eggink. Ninety-eight percent of the Submission Rates 78% breeding at Deluur Future is based on observation. To ensure heifers calve at 22 months of age, prostaglandin shots are given at 359 days of age, with a second shot given to any heifer that does not show heat within 14 days. Rick Gilbert, CentralStar A.I. Specialist, walks 400 heifers daily to identify heats and breed.
Dave Holzinger, Mark Winters, Ashley Myers, John Latham. Missing: Ron Fossum, Heifer Manager.
Juan Bello, Jorge Delarosa, Aaron Gasper, Travis Albert, Moss McCauley and Kelly Raterink.
Latham Dairy, Boscobel, Wis.
Lew-Max LLC, Belding, Mich.
A two shot PreSynch program 501 - 1,500 Cows and OvSynch 56, combined Pregnancy Rate 38% with a pedometer system Conception - 1st Lactation 56% and A.I. technician service is the base of the reproduction Conception - 2nd Lactation 49% program. “Consistency and labor Conception - 3rd+ Lactation 49% management are reasons why we rely on Dave (Holzinger, CentralStar A.I. Specialist),” stated Mark Winters, Herdsman. “We could do it in-house, but on any given day there are too many factors to manage that would interfere with the results.”
Lew-Max LLC uses a combination of 501 - 1,500 Cows synchronization and a pedometer 36% system to manage the reproduction Pregnancy Rate program. “Lots of little things Conception - 1st Lactation 60% go into repro being successful,” Conception - 2nd Lactation 50% said owner, Aaron Gasper. "Jorge Conception - 3rd+ Lactation 48% (Delarosa, Herdsman) is the main driver here. He’s in the trenches making sure everything gets done. From shot compliance to cows coming through transition successfully, Jorge makes sure it all gets done.”
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Brian Kelroy, Dan Davis, Fran Rademacher, Heidi and Stuart Meier and their children Kellen and Kayla, Alan Rademacher, Dr. Kent Pohlman, and Mohammed Touir.
Jeff Reid, Steve Good, Pam Reid, Dave Lindberg, Jim Reid, Pam Thom, Laura Small and Malissa Reed.
Rademacher-Meier Dairy, Sun Prarie, Wis.
Reid Dairy Farm, Jeddo, Mich.
“Genetics and a long history of A.I. < 500 Cows breeding play a big factor," said co38% owner Stuart Meier. "Our technician Pregnancy Rate is a large part of the reason for Conception - 1st Lactation 59% sure. His ability to read the cows, Conception - 2nd Lactation 53% and the attention to detail he puts Conception - 3rd+ Lactation 47% into his daily walk through is a big part of it.” CentralStar A.I. Specialist, Mohammed Touir heads up the reproduction program, which includes daily observation combined with OvSynch.
“It’s a coordinated effort in every < 500 Cows area to reach this reproductive level,” said owner, Jim Reid. “Our Pregnancy Rate program is automatic to us, but Conception - 1st Lactation relies on consistency, compliance Conception - 2nd Lactation and getting it done every day to Conception - 3rd+ Lactation be successful.” The reproduction program combines the insights of an electronic herd monitoring system, with OvSynch.
35% 57% 55% 45%
Derek Fenner, Patrick Kusilek, Tom Mahoney, and Dan Luckwaldt. Missing: Mary Luckwaldt.
Javier L. Hidrogo, Craig Meinholz, Susie Martin, Brian Meinholz, Jeremy Konen, Dean Meinholz, Jose Hidrogo.
Luckwaldt Agriculture, Inc., Woodville, Wis.
Blue Star Dairy, DeForest, Wis.
Luckwaldt Agriculture relies on 501 - 1,500 Cows Double OvSynch with a double dose of prostaglandin at the last Honorable Mention injection. Consistency and a long- Pregnancy Rate 37% term focus on Daughter Pregnancy Conception - 1st Lactation 68% Rate are among key factors Conception 2nd Lactation 54% they credit for their reproduction results. “This farm is really precise Conception - 3rd+ Lactation 48% with their breeding protocols, cow comfort and everything they do,” shared Tom Mahoney, CentralStar A.I. Specialist. “Because of that they’ve been at these levels for a while."
> 1,500 Cows The program for the multiple site, 2,000 cow herd includes a Pregnancy Rate 34% combination of PreSynch, OvSynch Conception - 1st Lactation 53% and a pedometer system. “A lot Conception - 2nd Lactation 53% of factors play into a good repro program, starting with a team Conception - 3rd+ Lactation 47% that make sure compliance of the program is followed,” shared Dean Meinholz, Herdsman. “We don’t skip doing anything – even when we are short staffed. We have some really good, experienced breeders that have great techniques that lead to good conception rates and help them settle cows.”
Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.
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Woolover
keeps calves warm, dry and healthy! Buy 4 Get 1 F , REE!
P.O. Box 23157, Lansing, MI 48909-3157 800.631.3510 • mycentralstar.com Return Service Requested
Presorted First Class U.S. Postage PAID Lansing, MI Permit #505
Woolover protects your genetic investment • 70% wool, 30% polyester • Closed front protects vital organs • Available in Small, Medium, Large • Two styles: original and with rear leg buckle straps Order through your CentralStar team or call 800.631.3510. CentralStar, its agents or employees cannot and do not guarantee the conception rate, gender, quality or productivity to be obtained in connection with the use of its products or recommended techniques. It makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever, expressed or implied, which extend beyond the description of its products and hereby disclaims all warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In the unlikely event that any of our products shall be proven to be defective, damages resulting from their use shall exclude consequential damages and be limited to the purchase price of the product. Find complete trademark and warranty statement at mycentralstar.com/production-information. All gender SELECTed semen is processed using SexedULTRA technology. ™SexedULTRA and SexedULTRA 4M are trademarks of Inguran LLC.™gender SELECTed semen is a trademark of Select Sires Inc. ™NxGEN is a trademark of Select Sires. ®CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering. Select DTX® and CONVERT™ are trademarks of Select Sires and manufactured by Agrarian Solutions, Middlebury, Indiana.
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Unlock the value of your milk samples Pregnancy Johne’s A1/A2 BVD Leukosis
Research shows that one hour of lost resting time leads to approximately 3.5 pounds less milk/day.1 Unlike traditional methods, testing milk samples to gain insights for production, health and physiology, promotes resting time, and eliminates labor to find, sort and lockup cows. Ask your CentralStar team about the convenience of using milk samples, improving resting time and production, all while saving you labor and money.
Neospora Mastitis PCR 800.631.3510 • mycentralstar.com/diagnostic-services 1
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