LEG December Newsletter

SUMMER 2017

NEWSLETTER ‘First time winners in the Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition 2017’

TER

The winners of the Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm competition for 2017 were announced in December. A tremendous crowd of over 165 people were in attendance for a particular damp Friday at the Warragul Golf Club. Under judge Mr.Matt Templeton we had four breeders win a class for the first time (more later in the newsletter). This year also saw Lancey Farms and Leading Edge Genetics establish the Trish Lancey memorial trophy. Graeme and Trish have been strong supporters of our business since its inception in 2010. They have been strong community minded people and successful large herd operators. Trish sadly passed away in September 2017. This trophy will be awarded annually to the winning 2 year old of the On-Farm competition. This year it was won by by John and June Gillan at Caldermeade with a AltaRoble daughter in a class of close to 100 entrants.

highest umber 1 The proof evaluations are released in December. The dominance of Mogul continues to be seen (8 of the top 10 sires in the USA), plus early sons number 1.

starting to graduate here in Australia with promising data. Domestically, flush brothers in Balisto and Topsy from ABS hold the mantle at #1 and #2 BPI sires respectively. The April 2018 proof summaries will give a better indication of the domestic bulls once extra data, including type and importance workability information is added to the proofs.

ce per size of Leading Edge Genetics has a number of exciting events occurring in the coming months. In February we are running a Farmer tour to the Western henDistricts.

A.I is This will take in a number of bull centres, high profile farming operations and a couple of extremely interesting after-dinner speakers. oming even

On behalf of the Leading Edge Genetics team we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2018.

014.

Regards,

, Brad Aitken, Manager/Owner Leading Edge Genetics

Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm presentation luncheon

MARK THIS IN

Overall Champion 1432 by Dorcy owned by Les & Lyn Hornby, Outtrim

Full details of the LEG on Farm Challenge results inside....

Leading Edge Genetics On Farm Competition 2017

TWO YEAR OLD IN MILK CLASS

(L-R)Brad Aitken (Leading Edge Genetics) John Gillan, Nicole Lancey, Matt Templeton (Judge)

Born in 2015 - 96 ENTRIES Trish Lancey Memorial Class

The depth was extremely deep in this phenomenal 2 year old class in the Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition for 2017. Leading the way was the great framed Holstein heifer owned by John and June Gillan, Caldermeade . Sired by AltaRoble she placed over the outstanding Dempsey daughter TN271 of Lancey Farms, Nyora. Placing 3rd was Heidi, sired by Denzel and owned by Krishlaye Holsteins, Nerrena.

1st

3502 by AltaRoble - J & J Gillan

2nd 3rd 4th 5th

TN271 by Dempsey - Lancey Farms Heidi by Denzel - Krishlaye Holsteins 452 by Alta1stClass - W & B Anderson 4713 by Sid - N,M, J & S Staley

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

John and June GIllan, 3502 AltaRoble 2yr old class winner

207 by Mascalese - B & E Kelly Jane by Archrival - D McDonald 1729 by Kingpin - S & J Loughridge Delora by Valentino - C Harrison 1076 by Guthrie - R, R & D Peacock

THREE YEAR OLD IN MILK CLASS

(L-R)Brad Aitken (Leading Edge Genetics) Jessica Stace, Les & Lyn Hornby, Matt Templeton (Judge)

Born in 2014 - 75 ENTRIES

The winning 3 Year old for 2017 was the well balanced dairy cow 1432 (sired by Dorcy) and owned by Les and Lyn Hornby . In 2nd place was the Jersey 2086 owned by Ben Elliott (Benelli Jerseys) and sired by the Semex bull David. In 3rd place was the all black cow 708, sired by Farm Dealer and owned by David, Kerry, Michael and Jacqui Williams of Catani.

Les & Lyn Hornby - 1432 Dorcy 3yr old class winner and Overall Champion

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

1432 by Dorcy - L & L Hornby 2086 by David - B Elliott 708 by Farmdealer - D, K, M & J Williams 1430 by Impression - M,R and BJ Wildes 5527 by Dempsey - J, E, N & K Bermingham

6th 7th 8th

Marie by Tequila - M Perrett 3034 by Daryl - T & J Clark 6586 by Atley - T Henry

9th 10th

3186 by Doorman - K & J Smolenaars 1033 by Circuit - R, R & D Peacock

Many Thanks to our sponsors:

ABS Australia, Agri-gene. Alta Genetics, Bass Valley Embryos Services, Beacon Marketing, Cogent Australia, Data Gene, Genetics Australia, HFAA, Notman Seeds, Semex Australia, TLG, West Gippsland Veterinary Clinic, World Wide Sires Australia.

Leading Edge Genetics On Farm Competition 2017

FOUR YEAR OLD IN MILK CLASS

(L-R) Brad Aitken (Leading Edge Genetics, Jacqui, Michael & David Williams, Matt Templeton (Judge)

Born 2013 or Earlier- 91 ENTRIES

The 4 year old and over class featured some of the best mature cows from across Gippsland. Taking out 1st place was the entry of 670 sired by AltaTBaxter and owned by David, Kerry, Michael and Jacqui Williams at Catani. This extremely well balanced and correct animal placed over the massive framed black Farm Dealer cow 1070 of Allison and Aaron Potter at Poowong North. In 3rd place was the Ginary Jack daughter 2840 of Terry and Janine Clark of Nerrena.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

670 by Baxter - D, K, M & J Williams 1070 by Farmdealer - A and A Potter 2840 by Jack - T & J Clark 1325 by Goldmine - L & L Hornby Silk by Mogul - Guye Holdings

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

GROUP CLASS 3 Cows by the 1 sire

D, K, M & J Williams - 670 Baxter 4yr old and over winner

1368 by Steady - S Wilson and T King 6520 by Goldfish - B & L Bermingham 2172 by Augusta - M & C Wilson Demples by Gabe - T Munden 4687 by HoSteady - W, F, B & J Loughridge

(L-R) Brad Aitken (Leading Edge Genetics), Trevor and Oakly Henry, Matt Templeton (Judge)

3 cows by the 1 sire - 32 ENTRIES

The Group Class is always one of the more interesting classes of the competition. This year in particular saw 5 of the top 10 placegetters being taken out by genomic sires who have since graduated as proven. In 1st placed was the Atley group owned by Trevor Henry at Tinamba. The Wallace family at Poowong North had a Jersey daughter group sired by the Alta bull in Van Ahlem place 2nd. Whilst the Alta5G bull featured in 3rd with a group owned

by Les, Diane, Russell and Amy White at Leongatha South.

T Henry Atley daughter group class winner

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th

T Henry, sired by Atley L & M Wallace, sired by Vanahlem L, D, R & A White, sired by Alta5G J & J Gillan, sired by AltaRoble Lancey Farms, sired by Dempsey

6th 7th 8th 9th 10th

S & J Loughridge, sired by Kingpin T & G Otten, sired by Diesel G, L, R, B & J Williams, sired by Medallion A and A Potter, sired by Farmdealer D, K, M & J Williams, sired by AltaTBaxter

OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED ON THE DAY INCLUDED: Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm Competition Premier Exhibitor D, K, M & J Williams, Catani

Leading Edge Genetics Highest Placed Non Registered Holstein Breeder L & L Hornby, Outrim 1432 sired by Dorcy

Leading Edge Genetics On Farm Competition 2017

Thanks to everyone that attended the presentation luncheon...

Leading Edge Genetics

Summer/Autumn Genomic

Holstein Pack for 2018 Average of the pack is an incredible GTPI 2827 TYPE +2.52 MAMMARY +2.63 # DPR +3.18 Name AltaDrago Eureka First Seaglass

Sire Line Modesty/Balisto Modesty/Lucid Modesty/Kingboy Bandares/Supershot

December 2017 Proof figures in table above

Source Alta WWS WWS Agri Gene

GTPI 2799 2805 2840 2867

Type +2.96 +2.41 +2.32 +2.42

UDC +2.79 +2.52 +2.47 +2.74

DPR +2.4 +4.4 +3.3 +2.6

RRP $60.00 $55.00 $65.00 $70.00

# DPR - Daughter Pregnancy Rate

Linear profile summary of the 4 sires in the pack is amazing.

-2

PTAT TYPE MAMMARY FEET & LEGS

STATURE STRENGTH BODY DEPTH DAIRY FORM RUMP ANGLE RUMP WIDTH REAR LEGS SIDE VIEW REAR LEGS REAR VIEW FOOT ANGLE FEET AND LEGS SCORE FORE ATTACHMENT REAR UDDER HEIGHT REAR UDDER WIDTH UDDER CLEFT UDDER DEPTH FRONT TEAT PLACE REAR TEAT PLACE TEAT LENGTH

-1

0

+1

+2

POOR POOR POOR

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT EXCELLENT

2.52 2.63 1.84

SHORT FRAIL SHALLOW TIGHT RIB HIGH PINS NARROW POSTY HOCK IN LOW LOW LOOSE LOW NARROW WEAK DEEP WIDE APART SHORT

TALL STRONG DEEP OPEN RIB SLOPED WIDE SICKLE STRAIGHT STEEP HIGH STRONG HIGH WIDE STRONG SHALLOW CLOSE CLOSE LONG

1.38 0.72 0.76 1.81 0.03 0.94 -0.24 1.73 1.80 2.03 3.08 3.78 3.48 1.15 1.83 1.37 1.25 -0.20

Small Pack

40 dose Pack Great Value $29.50

Large Pack

+GST

per dose (RRP $62.50 GST)

40 dose pack includes 10 Doses of each sire listed above

Offer ends June 30th 2018 Stocks are extremely limited

100 dose Pack Great Value $28.50 per dose (RRP $62.50+GST)

100 dose pack includes 25 Doses of each sire listed above

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Brad Aitken 0438 031 361 or email brad@leadingedgegenetics.com.au Mal Sayers 0428 443 549 Rick Minichiello 0499 444 955

+GST

Top 10 BPI Australian Proven Holsteins December 2017 Name De-Su 11236 Balisto De-Su 11228 Topsy Rengaw Manoman Hummer Seagull-Bay MVP Jet Star ManoMan Trickin Calister Maebull Coomboona Superstition Regal Rengaw Manoman Wrangler Cogent Twist Amighetti Numero Uno

BPI Type 347 106 346 106 315 99 312 110 306 105 291 103 276 106 272 105 272 106 270 106

# Note this sire is below publishable reliability for the Good Bulls Guide (DataGene)

Sire Pathway Bookem x Watson Bookem x Watson Man O Man x Shottle Mogul x Planet Man O Man x Roumare Palermo x Shottle Superstition x Shottle Manoman x Shottle Shottle x Major Man O Man x Shottle

Top 10 BPI Genomic Holsteins December 2017

Source ABS ABS GAC ABS GAC GAC ALTA GAC COGENT SEMEX

(>10 months of age)

Name GBPI Type Sire Pathway Source St Gen Director Chairman 372 100 Director x Mardi Gras AGRIGENE Westcoast Perseus 346 101 Penmanship x Doorman SEMEX Cookiecutter Harper 332 99 Balisto x Epic ABS ABS Pauly 331 101 Superhero x Numero Uno ABS Sahara Skyball 328 99 Penmanship x Balisto ABS Mr Seagull-Bay Sandal 327 100 Silver x Moonray ABS Brabantdale Drake 327 102 Commander x McCutchen ABS Sandy Valley Rordan 325 100 Duke x Alright ABS Calister Canjam 323 100 Canbee x Man O Man GAC Sahara Component King 322 100 Harper x Shotglass ABS Source: DataGene

Distributed by Genetics Australia

A POWERFUL GENETIC PACKAGE IHG Montana-ET

SUMMER SPECIAL

$25/dose (50+ doses) Price exclusive of GST

MONTANA Montross x Uno

• A22, Type & Production • Known and respected world-wide • International mating sire from an Internationally renowned family - 10 Generations of VG & EX Dams.

• Montana brings a powerful genetic package with +2732 GTPI, +2.19 PTAT, +2.41 UDC, low SCE at +7.3%, +8.9 PL and impressive production, health, and fitness traits.

Dam: Sullhrtford Nuno Ana VG-2yrs (photo: Beth Herges)

IHG Montana-ET (photo: Beth Herges)

Summer Special pricing only applies whilst current stocks remain. Offer ends 30th March 2018 and to be supplied prior to 30th June 2018.

Freecall: 1800 039 047

www.genaust.com.au

Australian Proof Results Holstein Proofs from Australia - Highlights The full brothers in Balisto and Topsy from ABS now hold the #1 and #2 positions in the recent Australian Breeding Value (ABV) release. They are 31 points ahead of their nearest rival in Geemcee (Genetics Australia).

An interesting newcomer to the top list is the Mogul son in MVP (ABS). His debut proof of 312 BPI with good daughter numbers will make him a popular choice. Perhaps the most attractive part to his debut proof is his plus rating for chest width and overall strong type of 110.

Amighetti Numero Uno holds the #10 position and has maintained his desirable daughter fertility ranking of 114 and outstanding mammary rating of 109. Leading Edge Genetics saw many promising heifers in 2017 by the AltaIota son in Coyne-Farms Jacey from Agri-Gene. His debut proof of 264 BPI, 110 mammary and a remarkable 200 on cell count was exceptional.

Genetics Australia delivering World Class Sires.

The 2017 December Sire Summaries across the globe are now released.

Following on from our strong results with the domestic sire line-up we can also report some great news stories from other corners of the world. The Summer version of our international catalogue will be released in the coming week, we have introduced some exciting NEW sires for the summer-autumn season that includes; 14HO13980 – Sandy-Valley FEDORA-ET (Bandares x Kingboy x Supersire) joins the line-up at Genetics Australia with plenty on offer at 2845 TPI points and 312 BPI combined with an ideal balance of production and health & fertility traits.

FEDORA is clearly one of the very best young sires available in Australia following the December sire summary with $934 Net Merit, PTA Type +2.15, Udder +2.12, Daughter Pregnancy Rate +3.1 with an overall Fertility Index of +3.7. Summer Specials for only $36 (50-unit minimum) IHG MONTANA-ET (Montross x Numero Uno x Domain) delivers a great balance of production, type and fitness traits, MONTANA’s December 2017 TPI of 2732 and Net Merit of $837 puts him right amongst the best of the bulls of his era.

Everything about his production proof is positive: milk flow, fat and protein yields and percentages. Additionally, Udders at +2.41 are a real feature of MONTANA with exceptional ratings for fore udder and rear udder height and width. A strong ligament rating combines with shallow udder depth to create a type profile that points toward functionality and longevity. This is backed by a productive life rating of 8.7. MONTANA is backed by one of the breeds more prolific families. His dam is a VG 2-year-old Numero Uno daughter who completes 10 generations of VG or Excellent scored dams. Tracing back to Sully Shottle May EX90 DOM, the dam of well-known proven sires, McCutchen, Moonboy, Mayfield and AltaMeteor, Montana continues the tradition of this family’s ability to produce breed leading sires of influence. Be sure to follow-up on our Summer Specials and access MONTANA for only $25 (50-unit minimum)

Top 10 BPI Australian Proven Jerseys December 2017 Name Sunset Canyon David # All Lynns Louie Valentino Cairnbrae Jaces Elton Beulah Tahbilk Wallacedale Melvara Riverside Ambition Almervista Bond Cairnbrae Tbone Ensign Wallacedale Marvarie Cairnbrae Tbone Edison

BPI 339 286 269 276 243 252 232 235 225 199

Type 114 117 108 110 107 101 100 113 111 103

# Note this sire is below publishable reliability for the Good Bulls Guide (DataGene)

Sire Pathway Valentino x Impuls Louie x Paramount Jace x Alf Vanahlem x Navara Navara x Jace Navara x Berretta Tbone x Navara Tbone x Alf Navara x Parade Tbone x Lemvig

Top 10 BPI Genomic Jerseys December 2017 Name Evleen Integrity Larson Broadlin Hilux Buttercrest Gameday Sunset Canyon Jordanache Kaitaka Oi Leopard Kaarmona Glenferrie Brookbora Aramac Okura Goldie Index Araluen Park Bandit Kings View Valin 4697

GBPI 286 262 262 260 259 259 257 255 256 250

Type 97 104 109 110 100 106 109 97 106 114

Source SEMEX WWS/GAC ABS GAC CSC/ABS CSC/ABS ALTA ALTA CRV/LIC CSC/ABS

(>10 months of age)

Sire Pathway Integrity x Ozark Navarian x Raceway David x Jevon David x Impuls Integrity x Maunga Tbone x Vanahlem Valentino x Tbone Goldie x Likeabull Tbone x Valerian Valentino x Navara

Source LIC GAC SEMEX GAC LIC GAC AGR LIC GAC GAC

Australian Proof Results Jersey Proofs from Australia - Highlights

Sunset Canyon David (Semex) maintains his position as the number 1 Jersey sire in Australia. Whilst moving back 23 BPI points he is still 64 points ahead of his nearest rival and sire in Valentino at 339 BPI. There was no particular standout debut sire in the December proof release Of interest though is the greater range in daughter fertility rankings in the Jerseys compared to the Holsteins on actual or converted proofs.

David Daughter - Ben Elliott, Jindivick 2nd 3YO Leading Edge Genetics On-Farm 2017

Source: DataGene

The defence is in the GENES.

DEFENCE IS THE BEST ATTACK We have been breeding for healthy cows with a natural genetic defence against diseases for 40 years.

That is the reason why the Nordic countries have the lowest use of antibiotics in the world.

VikingDefenceTM is the solution that combines all the health traits that we have been breeding for in the Nordic countries for decades. Our bulls have been selected to breed high producing and healthy cows. They breed daughters with a natural defence against diseases, VikingDefenceTM Traits included in VikingDefence • General Health (reproductive and metabolic diseases) • Hoof Health • Udder Health

Do you want to be a winner and take part of a sustainable dairy production? VikingGenetics has the bulls that breeds healthy and high producing cows www.vikinggenetics.com.au/vikingdefence

In the Nordic countries, we have been breeding for health traits longer than anywhere else. We have the most sophisticated registration system in the world that gives us the most reliable breeding values.

Straight to the heart of the matter

VIKINGGENETICS AUSTRALIA | 53 Towong Street | Tallangatta, VIC 3700 | Tel (02) 6071 3007 | info@vikinggenetics.com.au

In the Nordic countries, we have a central database where veterinarians and hoof trimmers record clinical diseases on each and every cow. By registering the actual incidence, instead of going for a correlated trait, the breeding values are much more reliable. We register clinical mastitis, while most countries use somatic cell score as an indicator. The correlation between somatic cell score and clinical mastitis is only 0.6, meaning it is not the same trait. The same goes for hoof health and the “feet & leg” index, where the correlation is only 0.25.

Agri-Gene - #1 in Australia and USA In what has been a fantastic December proof run for Agri-Gene marketed sires in Australia, a few highlights include; DELTA maintained his stronghold on the Number 1 proven TPI ranking. He is also the Number 1 Net Merit sire with an udder score of +2.62 and outstanding health traits with +9.2 PL and +4.1 DPR. Available only in Sexed Ultra 4M, Delta is living proof of the potency of the Sexed Ultra 4M product given that he has only ever been sold as a sexed semen sire and he has a positive SCR ranking of +0.7!

CHAIRMAN also had a great proof run and remains the Number 1 BPI sire at +372 – some 25 points clear of the next available sire. His increase in BPI was brought about due to his increase in the USA which saw him go over +2800 TPI. With his amazing combination of calving ease, high type, +5.4 DPR and +9.6 PL, this will make him a highly sought after flush bull and sire of sires both here and in the USA in 2018 and beyond.

Other highlights from the USA saw RUBICON take the Number 2 position on the proven TPI rankings. To demonstrate the current dominance of the Delicious cow family behind Delta, his full brothers DENVER & DION occupy the Number 3 and 5 positions respectively on the TPI list and their Cash Coin brother sits Number 11. It’s also worth noting that CHAIRMAN’S sire Director, is also a son of the chart topping Delicious cow. The iconic health and fertility sire CABRIOLET continues to shine and with over 8500 daughters he is the Number 4 net merit sire and can be used with confidence to increase profitability. Fertility specialist AVENGER (+7.4 DPR) and ALTIVO (+6.9 DPR) continue to improve and those seeking show leading type, 1ST GRADE and Stantons CHIEF can be used without having to sacrifice either health or fertility. Call into our booth at IDW to discuss our IDW Specials for 2018.

Agri-Gene Pty Ltd 123-125 Tone Road, Wangaratta Victoria 3677

Ph: 03 5722 2666 Fax: 03 5722 2777 Email: info@agrigene.com.au

www.agrigene.com.au

Top 10 TPI Proven Holsteins December 2017

Name Mr Mogul Delta 1427 Edg Rubicon Mr Mogul Denver 1426 Bacon-Hill Montross Mr Mogul Dion 15008 Uecker Supersire Josuper Woodcrest Mogul Yoder De-Su AltaLeaf Har-Dale-Acres-JP AltaCR Myr-Matt Mogul Platinum

TPI 2839 2799 2779 2772 2752 2757 2750 2689 2669 2653

Type 1.95 1.75 2.09 2.09 1.30 1.21 1.82 2.33 1.64 1.93

Sire Pathway Mogul x Robust Mogul x Robust Mogul x Robust Mogul x Bolton Mogul x Robust Supersire x Beacon Mogul x Planet AltaOak x Trigger Mogul x Trigger Mogul x Super

Top 10 GTPI Genomic Holsteins December 2017 Name Hurtgenlea Richard Charl Bomaz Skywalker Redrock-View Klutch Welcome Tarrino Progenesis Topnotch S-S-I Modesty Pinnacle Clear-Echo Jed Jared 745 Peak AltaStarjack Cal-Royal Yoda Mr Detour High Noon Source: Holstein USA

GTPI 2958 2938 2916 2899 2888 2888 2887 2887 2886 2881

Type 1.76 1.44 2.70 2.48 2.37 2.40 2.03 2.59 2.16 1.70

American Proof Results

(Source: USA Holstein)

Source AGRIGENE AGRIGENE AGRIGENE WWS AGRIGENE ABS WWS ALTA ALTA AGRIGENE

(Source: USA Holstein Top genomic sires)

Sire Pathway Charley x Yoda Jedi x Cabriolet Jedi x Kingboy Modesty x Mardi Gras Jedi x Lottomax Modesty x Montross Jedi x Kingboy Jedi x Monterey Jedi x Yoda Detour x Nominee

Source ST GEN ABS ST GEN WWS SEMEX WWS WWS ALTA ABS AGRIGENE

USA Proof Highlights...

The dominance of Mogul strengthened even further in the December proof summaries. Now 8 of the top 10 sires are sired by this immortal sire. The golden cross of Mogul/Robust was evident in the first #3 positions. Mr Mogul Delta holds the number 1 mantle from EDG Rubicon who had a significant lift of 75 TPI points. Debuting at #3 and #5 are full brothers to Delta in Denver and Dion. AltaGenetics graduated a high ranking AltaOak son in AltaLeaf at #8. His tremendous dairy strength coupled with 2428 milk and good health traits will attract some buyers interest.

Mogul’s ability to sire great udders is evident through him having the equal #1 udder composite sons in the top 100 TPI. AltaSpring (mgs Gerard) and AltaRoble (mgs Observer) are both 3.11 on overall udder score.

AltaRoble daughter: Ansal Roble Anipra VG85

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MEET OUR NEW FIELD SERVICES MANAGER

We are delighted to announce Rick Minichiello has been appointed as Field Services Manager for LEG. Rick as 25 years experience in the artificial breeding industry, both at a wholesale and retail level. He can be contacted on 0499 444 955.

Looking for a High SCR sire (Semen Conception Rate), perhaps A2A2 or a Sexed 4 Million Sire.

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Although for the most part, the breeding season for most dairymen around Australia is winding down, the December proof releases still Heifer Program family of products contains comprehensive, powerful haveTheusIgenity excited.

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TLGSUITS continues to be our shining light on the Australian Charts, Igenity-Aussie facilitates Igenity-Aussie sitting at 321 BPI. •This interestingSelect all round PPherd sireimprovement sits at 102 and Select specifically for Australian cattle.

103 for Overall Type and Mammary systems. TLGSuits has main• Igenity-Select provides U.S. for evaluation for We can tained at 108 for Daughter Fertility and a102 calvingideal ease. international marketing purposes. expect moderate sized progreny with beautiful, soft, shallow udders.

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2018 surrounds a new release sire we are incredibly proud of. TLGSPLENDORE, a Modesty hailing • BVD diagnostic testing and many otherson, options can befrom combined any profile type to get more value from just one the Spooky cow family at Brabantdale Farms in Canada. Although Igenity-Essential sample. coming back on GTPI to 2696, this all round sire still has plenty to offer at 782 NM$, 3.7 for DPR, 6.1% Calving ease and 2.70 PTAT. We expect TLGSPLENDORE to be released early 2018 for the Autumn.

You are in the driver’s seat with Igenity Dashboard

Igenity Dashboard, an interactive TLGEVOLVE, another young sire we are excited to release in the new tool for interpreting genomic test yearresults maintained at 2627 GTPI. This Afterburner son, from the former and guiding management decisions.

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4/7/2017 4:40:26 P

SEMEX’S IMMUNITY+® LINEUP GROWS STRONGER IN DECEMBER Five years ago Semex answered the call of dairymen everywhere who wanted to breed more healthy cows with the launch of Immunity+, offering a genetic solution to health traits. Since then dairymen worldwide have seen firsthand the results of breeding healthier herds through the Immunity+ lineup.

“We have taken data from over 35 large commercial herds, and analyzed data from over 30,000 cows and 75,000 heifers,” says Dr. Steven Larmer, Semex Dairy Solutions Coordinator. “The results have been astonishing.

Reductions in every major disease have been seen, and range anywhere from 5-20% reduction in animals sired by Immunity+ sires compared to all others. Mastitis, lameness and mortality saw especially large decreases in frequency.”

In Australia, two Immunity+ headliners also top the BPI listings in December.

Topping the charts is the #1 BPI Jersey sire 0200JE00183 Sunset Canyon David, at +339 BPI, +739L Milk, +30 kgs Pro, +30 kgs Fat, +114 Overall Type, +115 Mammary System and +114 Survival.

In the Holstein stables, the global sensation 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno is a top BPI sire at +270, +35 kgs Fat, +0.65% Fat, +170 Cell Count, +110 Survival, +114 Daughter Fertility, +106 Overall Type and +109 Mammary System. leading edge david & uno a4 ad.indd 1

Top 10 LPI Proven Holstein Sires December 2017 Name Larcrest Commander Alta Echelon Comestar Lautrust Ste Odile Oceanic De-Su MG Davinci 11288 Gen-I-Beq Aikman Gregori One Direction Mapel Wood Brewmaster Comestar Lineman Co-op Mogul Lawman

LPI 3381 3288 3226 3216 3202 3189 3186 3182 3177 3175

Type 12 8 12 15 10 7 11 8 11 7

Sire Pathway Mogul x Observer Robust x Goldwyn Sudan x Man-o-Man Epic x Man-o-Man Mogul x Watson Snowman x Baxter Epic x Garrett Garrett x Shottle Mogul x Man-o-Man Mogul x Man-o-Man

Top 10 GLPI Genomic Holstein Sires December 2017 Name S-S-I Bandares Biggie Progenesis Padawan Melarry Bandares Firefly Progenesis Maxis Westcoast Fascinator Leaninghouse Helix 22137 Progenesis Othello De-Su Altme Jarvis 13598 Stantons Newsbreak Prognesis Denmark

LPI 3614 3591 3563 3547 3541 3538 3534 3527 3522 3522

Type 12 10 11 14 9 13 14 9 11 14

Sire Pathway Bandares x Supersire Jedi x Enforcer Bandares x Balisto Eureka x Defender Jett x Yoder Hangtime x Jacey Modesty x AltaSpring Alltime x Montross Jett x Camaro Jedi x Kingboy

Source ABS ALTA SEMEX WWS WWS WWS SEMEX WWS SEMEX AGRI GENE (>11 months of age)

Source WWS SEMEX WWS SEMEX SEMEX WWS SEMEX WWS SEMEX SEMEX

12/12/17 9:42 am

Canadian Proof Results Holstein Proofs from Canada - Highlights A different set of bulls is evident in the top LPI listings in Canada. A new #1 occurred with the ABS sire Larcrest Commander (Mogul/Observer) holding the coveted position. Heavily used around the world Commander descends from the Cosmopolitan cow family. Supply has been an issue in 2017 with ABS Australia hopeful of some improvement in 2018.

Croteau Lesperron Unix from Semex maintains the position of #1 overall type and mammary sire. His fertility rating of 101 based on 530 milk recorded daughters for an extreme type sire, is particularly attractive. His +16 mammary rating is reflected in the daughters abroad but also in the first milking daughters here in Australia.

Commander daugther at Membrey Farms, Naringal

BENEFITS FROM THE ABS PROGRAM The Australian dairy industry continues to benefit from the ABS genomic program. The December Australian Breeding Values (ABV) has seen another great result for Australian dairy producers with three new proven sires hitting the Australian Good Bulls Guide (GBG) from the genomic program ABS established four years ago.

MVP

29HO16888 SEAGUL-BAY MVP-ET Mogul x Planet x SHOTTLE

● Medium size cows with body & strength ● Excellent semen & daughter fertility ● Very good type (110) and udders (111) ● 4-Star TransitionRight sire - save $50 on preventive or reactive costs per lactation

● #4 Australian proven bull at 312 BPI$ with 226 milking dtrs ● 95 dtrs type scored with 94% Good plus or better!

Adding to the already proven 29HO16667 De-Su TOPSY, is his full brother 29HO16714 De-Du BALISTO and the farmer favourite 29HO16888 Seagull-Bay MVP with all three coming in at 1, 2, & 4 respectively. These three sires also hold down the number 1, 2 & 3 positions in the proven ABV Type Weighted Index (TWI).

Australian Proven

®

MVP has an impressive 312 BPI$ and is over 110 for type and udders. This imposing all-rounder also boasts over 200 daughters in this December proof which was unheard of until now!

More and more customers are asking for a well balanced sire, not tall, good production, low maintenance and some dairy strength, and, with a likeability score of 105, customers are saying “we want these kind of cows”. MVP will deliver on what our customers are demanding & make profitable cows.

DTR: PURNIM MVP BIOSMA (photo: Bradley Cullen) Calving Ease Sire possesses A2A2 gene

Guye Holdings

4-Star TransitionRight™ Sire Rock Solid Genetics

Pregnancy King Daughter Fertility

New Graduate Grazing King

High Type

1800 ABS BULL www.absglobal.com/aus

MVP daughter: Seagull Bay MVP 532

Our

TR

ST Genetics Australia launched in Australia.

#1

‘s

SAMITE

Our # 1 BPI sire now available in

SexedULTRA

Blondin

Following the recent acquisition of 76 % of Cogent Breeding by S T Genetics , Cogent Australia will commence trading as STGenetics Australia in 2018.

Since commencing operations 2 years ago Cogent Australia has made significant in roads to the Australian dairy industry and commenting on the changes general manager Peter Semmens said “ the change to ST Genetics Australia was rationalisation occurring in the industry and was likely to be followed by further developments in the genetics industry “

RAPTOR

#1 PTAT sire in world at +4.46

Creating a Legacy

Introducing

Australia

PO BOX 3116, Albury NSW 2640 Phone: 02 60 404 373 Peter Semmens: 0488 404 373

Photos by Brad Cullen and Vicki Fletcher

The ST Genetics product is headlined by Ultra 4 m sexed semen , a sexed semen product that was achieving results in herds when used in heifers or selected lactating cows similar to conventional semen.

The recent sire summary further substantiated ST Genetics extended entry to the Australian market. Now with a combined product line up from ST Genetics USA, Cogent Breeding UK , AI Total NLD , ST Genetics Canada and Blondin Sires complimented by Australian sires the future looks exciting and secure. ST Genetics Australia will implement an embryo program to have bulls born in Australia selected and designed for Australian indexes.

The December Sire summary saw Chairman (marketed by Agrigene) remain at # 1 BPI sire, Supershot add further daughters consolidating his Proven sire status, Samite hold his position and the entry of new sires such as the Jedi son Redrock - View Klutch ET TR TC - 2916 GTPI and 2.70 GPTAT – available January in Australia and not released in USA or CDN until later in 2018.

Contact details for STgenetics Australia remain the same as they were for Cogent Australia.

Top 10 Proven JPI Jerseys Sires December 2017 Name CDF Viceroy Schultz Volcano Harris Faria Brothers Walter White Faria Brothers Huell River Valley Cece Chrome CDF Layne Ivory Blue Mist Visionary Method Cal-mart Medalist Pilgrim Faria Brothers Tarheel BW Soleil

JPI Type 198 0.7 193 0.9 190 1.1 186 -0.3 182 2.2 176 0.4 174 1.2 174 1.0 168 1.2 168 0.6

Sire Pathway Dominican x Impuls Volcano x Dale Hilario x Valentino Hulk x Renegade Critic P x Celebrity Layne x Impuls Visionary x Valentino Medalist x Louie Bowman x Valentino Premier x Avery

Source Good Bye and ALTA ABS Good Luck to Mick Nottage ABS who has moved on after 5 years WWS of ser vice to Leading Edge Genetics.

WWS ALTA We thank him for his hard work WWS and dedication and wish him ABS well for the years ahead.

AGRIGENE AGRIGENE

Top 10 GJPI Genomic Jerseys Sires December 2017 Name Faria Brothers Cespedes Pine-Tree Achiever Sexing Avon Hatari Faria Brothers Familia Faria Brothers Rondo Sexing Avon Bellman Faria Brothers Future Spring Creek Marlo Stoney Pine-Tree Avon Andrew Faria Brothers Fournette

JPI 233 229 219 218 218 216 211 210 210 210

Type 1.7 1.7 1.4 2.1 1.6 1.6 1.9 1.2 1.9 1.5

Sire Pathway Marlo x Harris Avon x Mackenzie Avon x Harris Marlo x Marvel Hilario x Action Levy x Do Right Marlo x Marvel Marlo x Allstar Avon x McKenzie Avon x Plus

Source AGRIGENE AGRIGENE ST AUST ST AUST ABS ST AUST AGRIGENE WWS AGRIGENE WWS

TALK TO US ABOUT OUR HOLSTEIN GENOMIC PACK LEADING EDGE PACK PRICE From $28.50 per dose RRP $62.50 per dose

Save over 55% per dose off RRP Talk to us about the full details on the pack.

# >12 mths of age at August proof release

No.1 Proven sire VH BOOTH

VH Booth daughter Liana from the Jukka Silpola farm

VH Booth daughter Heidi from the Erik Anderson farm

VH Booth (Beacon x Planet) A22

1

#

Viking Genetics Australia has delivered the top proven Holstein for the August ABV’s . VH BOOTH has a firm grip on the No. 1 position with a BPI of 345. VH BOOTH (Beacon x Planet) with a super reliable proof now with 2556 daughters. Sires that improve their proof with more daughters added are indeed special and VH BOOTH is one of these sires.

The April ABV’s had VH BOOTH with 747 daughters and a BPI of 329, now in August with 2556 daughters his BPI is a staggering 345! Truly a champion sire, VH BOOTH’S strengths are protein and fat kg’s, his protein is +33kg with 928L milk and +0.15%. Cows are of medium stature with lovely rear udders and longer teats. Health traits are excellent also with cell count 160, dtr fertility 107 and survival 108 and you can add to that from the Viking system positive maternal calving ease, udder health metabolic disorders and less lameness.

VH MIRACLE is still in the top 20 Australian proven with a BPI of 246, he now has 231 dtrs in 38 herds in Australia and over twenty thousand daughters worldwide. Most of Miracle’s strengths are in his health profile. With excellent scores for dtr fertility, scc, feed saved, calving ease (sire and maternal) and survival. From the Viking system, add very high resistance to metabolic and reproductive disorders, hoof health (less lameness), less mastitis and very good scores for milking speed and temperament. VH MIRACLE cows are predominately black and stature is a little shorter than average, udders are very nice, shallow with longer teats.

Healt h BPI s sire ire

VikingGenetics, Australia • 53 Towong Street • Tallangatta, Victoria 3700 T: 02 6071 3007 • F: 02 6071 3006 info@vikinggenetics.com.au • www.vikinggenetics.com.au

VH Booth Top 1 in AU_v2.indd 1

VIKING DELIVERS #1 PROVEN HOLSTEIN.

2017-08-15 13:07

By design, Not chance.

7HO13250 JEDI (MONTROSS X SUPERSIRE X BOOKEM) At +2810 GTPI, JEDI remains a genomic sensation and has been a household name in breeding programs since becoming an active Genomic sire.

250HO12975 PHARO (JEDI X BALISTO X NUMERO UNO) PHARO is the perfect example of JEDI’s transmitting ability. He is the only JEDI son over +2700TPI, +3.00PTAT and under 7% CE. This total-package sire is from the Rudy Missy EX92 family that produced SUPERSIRE. 250HO12746 RAMBO (KINGBOY X NUMERO UNO X ROBUST) Demands attention with high ranking Type, profitable production and desired health traits. RAMBO is one of only two bulls available in breed over +2650 TPI, +3.0 PTAT & +3.5 Fertility Index and also improves components. The other bull being the new, sexed only GFORCE sire, 507HO12993 HUMBLENKIND. This MODESTY son from the Halo cow family, improves production (+1251 PTAM), health traits and is a calving ease sire (5.9% SCE).

14JE00725 CASINO (REGENCY X PREMIER X CONNECTION) Quoted by many as the bull the Jersey breed has been looking for.

CASINO is the highly anticipated 14JE00662 REGENCY son that is backed by the impressive Chilli/Circus cow family. CASINO’s real world type is backed by offering +1.90 PTAT and incredible udders with +24.3 GJUI. 7JE5004 CHROME (CRITIC-P X CELEBRITY X LYON) A proven outcross sire that ticks all the boxes. With impressive milking daughters in Australia, he is living up to his genomic predictions and siring daughters with beautiful udders (+28.9 JUI).

A Critic-P son, CHROME improves all health traits, especially Productive Life (+7.4 PL).

Pharo’s Dam: Sandy Valley BL Paradise (pictured above)

HALOGEN

2014 August 2014 • 0 daughters +3.8 Fertility Index December 2017 • 2657 daughters +7.4 Fertility Index

MAIN EVENT 2015

April 2015 • 0 daughters December 2017 • 263 daughters

SALT 2015

April 2015 • 0 daughters December 2017 • 294 daughters

PEPPER 2015

August 2015 • 0 daughters December 2017 • 294 daughters

BAYONET

2016 April 2016 • 0 daughters December 2017 • 488 daughters

MISSILE 2016 April 2016 December 2017

+2611 TPI +2711 TPI

+2.1 DPR +4.0 DPR

+0.5 DPR +1.3 DPR

SCENARIO 2016 August 2016 December 2017

JEDI 2017

April 2017 December 2017

+3.2 Fertility Index +2.10 UDC +4.4 Fertility Index +2.14 UDC

897 NM$ 9.1% CE 901 NM$ 7.7% CE

M-BOOM 2017

+2.63 UDC +2.79 UDC

August 2017 December 2017

+1.66 UDC +1.90 UDC

2017 August 2017 December 2017

JAZZ

+703 NM$ +780 NM$

JEDI

PO Box 7538 • Shepparton • 3632 Victoria Phone (03) 5831 5559 • Fax (03) 5822 0005 info@wwsaustralia.com • www.wwsires.com

+3.1 Fertility Index 6.7% CE +3.3 Fertility Index 6.3% CE

+7.2 PL +2.4 Fertility Index +7.6 PL +2.9 Fertility Index

Gippsland Dairy Youth Bringing the youth of the local dairy industry together since 1999!

If you are a young dairy enthusiast with an interest in showing cattle contact us to find out more about our upcoming events and how to become a member

Contact us today: dairyyouth@gmail.com

Help your cows handle the heat!

Now you can add breeding to your tool box to help cows handle the heat.

• Heat Tolerance ABV has a base of 100. An animal with a Heat Tolerance ABV of 110 is 10% more tolerant to hot/humid conditions than the average.

• To breed for improved heat tolerance, choose high BPI bulls with a Heat Tolerance ABV greater than 100.

Look for the new Heat Tolerance ABV on your updated DataGene Good Bulls app and build a bull team that can help your cows to handle the heat.

www.datagene.com.au

Acknowledgement: The Heat Tolerance ABV was developed by Dairy Bio, a joint initiative between the Victorian Government and Dairy Australia, with funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. (c) DataGene Ltd.

A HELPING HAND FOR COWS IN THE HEAT. Dairy farmers can now breed for greater heat tolerance in their herds.DataGene’s December release of Australian Breeding Values (ABVs) includes the world-first Heat Tolerance ABV. Australian dairy farmers are familiar with the impact of hot, humid weather on their herds. Now they can add breeding to their toolbox of ways to help cows handle the heat.

Dr Matt Shaffer, DataGene CEO, said that although environment and management conditions had a big impact on a cow’s response to the heat, genetics also played a role. “Advances in genomics allowed the Dairy Bio team to identify gene markers for heat tolerance. The Heat Tolerance ABV allows farmers to identify animals with greater ability to tolerate hot weather with less impact on production,” he said. Dairy Bio is a joint initiative between the Victorian Government and Dairy Australia.

To breed for improved heat tolerance, look for bulls with a high Balanced Performance Index (BPI) and a Heat Tolerance ABV of greater than 100.

Use a team of bulls to allow for the lower reliability. The reliability of the Heat Tolerance ABV is 38% which in line with the newer generation of genomic-only traits. Like all new ABVs, reliability is expected to improve with time, as more data becomes available. Heat tolerance is favourably linked with fertility and unfavourably with production. This means a strong focus on heat tolerance bulls may improve fertility but compromise production. “If breeding for heat tolerance, look for the exceptional animals that are strong for both BPI and heat tolerance,” he said. While not all dairy farmers will want to include heat tolerance in their breeding priorities, some are keen to get started.

Trevor Parrish, Kangaroo Valley, NSW “Now when I get a list of bulls I’m going to be looking for bulls which combine increased production and increased heat tolerance – they are going to be the ones who buck the trend.” Trevor’s family milks 160-240 cows year-round and sells bulls to semen companies and other dairy farmers.

The Heat Tolerance ABV was developed with funding from the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Ray Kitchen Carenda Holsteins, Boyanup, WA “Having a Heat Tolerance ABV will mean we can breed cows with a greater ability to tolerate hot weather, be better suited to our farming environment. We will be looking for the bulls that pull together production and heat tolerance.” Ray’s family milks 400 cows year-round and sells bulls to semen companies and other dairy farmers.

WHO SAYS YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL? AltaLEAF, a new graduate to the Top 10 daughter proven list in the US. Providing a nice outcross to being by AltaOAK out of a TRIGGER dam, AltaLEAF is a standout for raw production, great health and a no holes Type profile. Adding over 350 milking daughters for a total of 418, AltaLEAF improved by an astonishing 177 TPI to an incredible 2689.

With over 2400lbs milk and 151lbs CFP AltaLEAF is a standout for production. Health also provides great opportunities for profit with a 6.3 PL, 1.3 Liv, 2.71 SCS and a DPR of 1.1.

AltaLEAF’s linear Type profile is exceptional. Rating at 2.33 Type, 1.71 UDC and 1.14 FLC for the three composite traits, AltaLEAF sires deep, open ribbed daughters with Udders that are bullet proof with strong attachments (and ligament) with ideal teat placement and length.

AltaROBLE boasts an impressive profile.

Adding over 300 new milking daughters (now 749) AltaROBLE remained virtually unchanged for TPI at 2557. With nearly 1,000lbs Milk, plus components, 6.7 PL, improved SCS at 2.71 and an amazing 4.1 DPR, AltaROBLE also offers great improvements for Type 2.68 and a more than impressive 3.11 UDC. In fact, there is no other bull in the system that is over 3 for UDC and 4 for DPR. AltaROBLE is a Concept Plus semen fertility sire getting more cows pregnant, faster.

AltaDRAGO

S-S-I ALTADRAGO-ET MODESTY X BALISTO X NUMERO UNO TPI: 2799 PTAT: +2.96 | FLC: +2.56 | UDC: +2.79 | DPR: +2.4

• Extreme Type with moderate frames • High Production and great Health • Who says you can’t have it all?

• Available from 1st of April 2018

Dam: MS SSI Balist T 972-ET

Alta Genetics Australia Ph: 03 8312 3440 Email: info.au@altagenetics.com

AltaLeaf Daughter: Cottonwood Leaf 914

JANUARY 21st - 25th 2018

Leading Edge Genetics will once again have a booth at IDW with Greaveston Genetics. Make sure you call into our booth and find out the latest Specials are on offer. Or talk to Paul about the range of Embryo packages available

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TODAY FOR THE Leading Edge Genetics 2018 Sale

Marc

20 2018

h

th

Preparations are well underway for the 4th Leading Edge Genetics Elite Sale.

It will be held on March 20th 2018 at the Warragul Showgrounds.

For more details on this sale please talk to one of the Leading Edge Genetics team.

Mating Program

E mbryo Central

Leading Edge Genetics offers a free on-farm herd evaluation service.

Do you want to avoid any recessive gene or inbreeding issues? Our independant program includes a phenotype analysis of your herd, mating them to a cross section of the industries best bulls.

A full service genetics marketing partnership

*Conditions apply

SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

We offer · Elite genomic embryos · A2 embryos · Female embryos · Polled embryos

• Calf Dehorning

· Herd builder embryo packages · Show-winning type embryos

• Freeze Branding

· Jersey & other breed embryos · GLPI & GTPI genomic testing services · Professional service from source to delivery

• Ln2 Delivery

Val-Bisson Doorman VG-87

• A.I Service Photos©Patty Jones

Lylehaven Lila Z EX-94 19★

paul@greavestongenetics.com 2525 Old Bronte Road, Suite 217 Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 4J2

Ph. 1 905-847-7356 Cell.1 905-873-4288 www.greavestongenetics.com

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Brad Aitken brad@leadingedgegenetics.com.au Ph. 0438 031 361 • Warragul, Victoria Australia

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