AUTUMN 2019
NEWSLETTER ‘You can get the best of both world’s’ For most of the world’s dairyfarmers herd fertility is their number 1 focus. Achieving a 365 day turnaround between lactations is considered optimum. We now have a mass of data available, whereby bulls are ranked on various traits. The most widely accepted fertility index, DPR (Daughter Pregnancy Rate) gives a true indication by equating it to the number of days pregnant than compared to herd mates. The danger we face is that whilst there is high DPR sires on the market, a lot of them have significant minus ratings for production. However, it is possible ‘to get the best of both worlds’. By using industry savvy apps, speaking with your breeding consultant or through research, there are many profitable production sires that have outstanding health traits.
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What makes a great sire?
• Is it the amount of VG heifers or Excellent daughters? • Or the sire that can leave females that dominate in the show ring? highest • 1 Or is it the sire who leaves male and female offspring of high genetic merit? umber
number 1.
Perhaps it is all of the above? Leading Edge Genetics are continually at the forefront of daughter inspection for many different sires. The measure of a great bull is undoubtedly the high level of consistent quality that they exhibit. importance
nce per size Many of sires around the world have been dubbed a ‘great bull’. The recently retired Holstein sire Medallion from Genetics Australia is hen A.I oneissuch bull. His ability to produce a cow that suits Australian conditions is unparallel. Congratulations to Bundalong oming even
Holsteins for breeding a ‘true icon’ and Genetics Australia for sampling him.
Regards, 014. d
s,
Brad Aitken, Manager/Owner Leading Edge Genetics
Bundalong Marks Medallion
LEG introduces the 2019 On Farm Challenge Judge inside on page 7