August 2015 Dairy Horizons

AUGUS T 2015 PROOF REPORT

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VERIF Y THAT GENETICS MAT TER

Horizons Articles Available in Spanish!

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JERSEY GENESIS

Genex

Cooperative, Inc. A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International

Daughters of 1HO10490 GALAXY at River-Bridge Holsteins, Brillion, Wisconsin

Daughters of 1HO10648 PUZZLE at Dykstra Dairy, Maurice, Iowa

IDE AL FOR PUT TING GRE ATER EMPHASIS ON LONGEVIT Y, HE ALTH, AND OPTIMAL BODY SIZE AND CONDITION WITHOUT SACRIFICING YIELD AND UDDER TR AITS.

Daughters of 1HO10175 MARCELON at United Pride Dairy, LLC, Phillips, Wisconsin

MISSION MISSION

VALUES VALUES INNOVATION

Deliver new solutions to meet emerging needs.

INTEGRITY

Operate with honesty and fairness.

LEADERSHIP

Demonstrate leadership in our industries, in our programs and from our people.

QUALITY

Offer highly-valued and reliable products and services.

STEWARDSHIP Treat our land, our communities, and business resources as our own.

OUR PURPOSE OUR PURPOSE GENEX STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Genex is the trusted provider of world-class animal genetics, progressive reproductive solutions, value-added products and innovative services to members and customers.

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TA B L E

HORIZONS

August 2015 Vol. 21/No. 2

Published three times a year for dairy producers around the globe. |

ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE Cooperative Resources International

O F

C O N T E N T S

g On the Cover: Genex celebrated June Dairy Month with a week-long Photo-A-Day Challenge on social media. Members and customers from across the globe submitted these photos to show their love for the dairy industry.

P.O. Box 469, Shawano, WI 54166 info@crinet.com 888.333.1783 www.crinet.com

CANADA – Genex Cooperative, Inc.

291 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 4C, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7L6 genexcanada@crinet.com 888.354.4622 Publication Number 40022882

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CONTENTS

Paul Greene, President Berlin, N.Y., 518.658.2419

Duane Nelson, 1st Vice President Winthrop, Minn., 507.647.2540

John Ruedinger, 2nd Vice President Van Dyne, Wis., 920.922.9899

Ronald Totten, Secretary Stafford, N.Y., 585.344.0758

Perspective 6 | Twenty Years Later…

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Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Patrick Dugan Casa Grande, Ariz., 520.836.2168

Ted Foster Middlebury, Vt., 802.388.6515

Terry Frost Roundup, Mont., 406.323.3415

Harold House Nokesville, Va., 571.722.3356

Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.822.0020

Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

Bill Zimmerman Foley, Minn., 320.355.2191

HORIZONS STAFF

Jenny L. Hanson, Editor, jlhanson@crinet.com Andy Graf, Graphic Designer

REPRINTS

Material may not be reproduced in any fashion without Cooperative Resources International’s permission.

Cooperative Resources International, their member cooperatives, agents or employees, cannot and do not guarantee the conception rate, quality or productivity to be obtained in connection with the use of their products or recommended techniques. THEY MAKE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WHICH EXTENDS BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCTS AND HEREBY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. In the unlikely event that any of the products shall be proven to be defective, damages resulting from their use shall be limited to their purchase price.

Membership Matters 7 | Opportunities for Membership Involvement In the News 8 | Board Members Share Expertise in Nicaragua 9 | Ag Students Define Spirit of Agriculture 13 | Holstein Proof Highlights 15 | Holstein Haplotype for Cholesterol Deficiency Discovered

29 | Jersey Proof Highlights Genetically Speaking 10 | ICC$ Index – The Real Ideal 28 | A Historic Look at Influential Sires 30 | Jersey GENESIS Transitions from Goal to Reality Herd Management 17 | Smooth Transitions with NuLife® ReBOUND™ 18 | It's Easy To Say Genetics Matter,

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But How Do You Know?

22 | Creating a Plan for Your Business 26 | Commercial Producers Choose Jerseys

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Facebook.com/GenexCRI Twitter.com/GenexandCRI Twitter.com/GenexJerseys GenexCooperativeInc Pinterest.com/GenexCoop CRInetsupport.blogspot.com ©2015 CRI

MISSION: CRI is the global leader delivering excellence, innovation and value to members and customers as a strong cooperative.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Genex is the trusted provider of world-class animal genetics, progressive reproductive solutions, value-added products and innovative services to members and customers.

H O R I Z O N S

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P E R S P E C T I V E

TWENTY YEARS LATER …

By: Keith Heikes // Chief Operating Officer, Genex

W

hile I was preparing to write this column, I took a few minutes to look back at some of the previous columns penned. One that caught my eye was the first article I ever wrote for Horizons. Printed in the May/June 1995 issue, it was titled “Value Added Genetics.”

There have no doubt been some large changes in the dairy industry since that article was written. At Genex, there has been the merger of three A.I. organizations as well as numerous structural changes. There have also been great changes in farm demographics with fewer herds and the corresponding increase in average herd size.

The change in technology over that time period is just as great. Synchronization, sexed semen and genomics are just some of the factors that have influenced Genex and the members we work with.

In that article from 20 years ago, I had written of the “great deal of time and expense devoted by researchers, educators and others looking at ways to add value to agricultural products and increase income at the farm level.”

That statement still holds true, especially here at Genex.

We are proud of our ability to adapt and provide services that add value to our genetics. We were the first to introduce a mating program (Mating Appraisal for Profit™, known as MAP). Today, the list of value-added services offered by Genex is quite extensive. In short, the Genex staff does a lot to help members enhance their herd management and increase their farm profits.

Among the many products and services available that add value to you, as a producer, are: • Calf Math™ – calculator for use in herd planning • Dairy Performance Navigator™ – herd performance benchmarking service • Bolt™ – reports which bulls NOT to breed to in order to limit inbreeding • A.I. AccuCheck™ – comprehensive observation and evaluation of repro technique • A.I. Complete™ – complete on-farm reproductive management • PregCheck™, SynchCheck™ and PregCheck+™ – sire fertility evaluations • Coming soon! Sort-Gate™ – female genetic sorting system One could also add to this list the expertise of the technical services staff, in genetic, reproduction and herd management consulting, as well as the team of herd management product advisors At the end of the day, our goal is fairly simple – to provide you, as a Genex member, with the right products and tools to help you do a better job. That’s has been our goal for many years and will continue to be in the future. It’s what cooperation and belonging to a cooperative is all about. We want to be a partner with you in building a better future for everyone. 

A Author Bio: Keith Heikes, a Kansas State University alumnus, has devoted 34 years to the bovine A.I. industry. He served as general manager of Noba, Inc. before its merger into CRI and has since worked in dairy genetics and international and domestic marketing management before becoming the Genex COO.

WHEN YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF A COOPERATIVE …

You join a group of producers – in this case dairy and beef producers from all across the nation – who utilize Genex goods and services, democratically influence operations and mutually benefit from progress, innovations, education and equity!

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©2015 CRI

M E M B E R S H I P

M AT T E R S

OPPORTUNITIES 1.

FALL DELEGATE INPUT MEETINGS Genex members elected as delegates and alternates for 2015 are expected to attend an upcoming fall meeting. These meetings provide opportunity for discussion with the Genex COO and board members.

Input gained is important and highly valued by the board and staff. The dates and locations for the meetings are listed below. More detailed information will be mailed at a later date.

• October 12 – Albany, New York • October 13 – Syracuse, New York • October 14 – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania • October 15 – Kansas City, Missouri • October 16 – Las Vegas, Nevada • November 3 – Alexandria, Minnesota • November 4 – Rochester, Minnesota • November 16 – Appleton, Wisconsin • November 17 – Atlanta, Georgia

MEMBER INVOLVEMENT, GIVING GRASSROOTS INPUT AND GAINING KNOWLEDGE! FOR

2.

CRI ANNUAL MEETING Members who are elected as delegates and alternates later this year will attend the cooperative's annual meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota on January 26‑27, 2016. The event includes educational sessions on industry topics and trends as well as the annual business meetings and banquet.

RAISING A CALF TAKES A COOPERATIVE EFFORT.

GUIDING A COOPERATIVE BUSINESS DOES TOO.

“I encourage you to take an active role in the governance of your cooperative,” states Genex President Paul Greene, a dairy producer from Berlin, New York.

“Genex is the strong organization it is today because past members took initiative, developed a vision and made that vision reality.”

Now it’s your turn to guide the future of your cooperative. Late this fall, Genex members have the opportunity to run for a delegate position representing their geographical area. Consider putting your name on the ballot, consider accepting the incomparable opportunity to shape the direction of your cooperative. 

©2015 CRI

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TA I NB LT EH EO FN E CW O N S T E N T S

CRI BOARD MEMBERS SHARE EXPERTISE IN NICARAGUA

WILSON NAMED NATIONAL DAIRY SHRINE GUEST OF HONOR

D

oug Wilson has earned the highest recognition from the National Dairy Shrine. The Guest of Honor award recognizes a dairy leader for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the industry.

J Dean Gilge (left) and Dan Diederich (right) of CRI learn about Quesillos, a tortilla

with white cheese, cream cheese and onions, from Quesillo Store Manager.

I

n June, Dean Gilge of CRI Global Development and CRI board members, Duane Nelson and Dan Diederich, traveled to Nicaragua on the second part of a five-year program. This $5 million, USAID-funded, Cooperative Development Program (CDP) is designed to transform household-level dairy producers and their cooperatives into small scale commercial firms in Nicaragua and South Africa.

An earlier portion of the project included seminars and workshops on cooperative governance and strategic planning presented by CRI board members. This follow-up included tours in Nicaragua and an exchange of ideas between two cooperatives and the CRI team. These cooperatives were chosen based on their prior accomplishments, interest and desire to grow as sustainable cooperative businesses.

j The CRI team with Asogamat Cooperative producer and management team.

“Taking board members to see CRI CDP projects first hand is very rewarding,” noted Dean Gilge. “It is heartening to hear someone such as Norman Montenegro, General Manager from Nicaragua's Asogamat Cooperative, describe the tremendous value the program has made in their operation. Norman credits CRI’s help in strong governance foundation, designing a strategic plan and coaching them to success.”

J Milk is delivered to the central milk collection center using various modes of transportation.

While early struggles are real for the cooperatives, so are achievements. Cooperative membership growth and the creation of a busy farm supply store are two recent triumphs for one of the organizations. After quickly reducing their debt load, they are now able to offer small loans to their members and plan to inseminate cattle for 30 producers and increase the amount of milk collected from 1.6 million liters (422,675 gallons) to 2.5 million liters (660,430 gallons) per year. They also hope to build a laboratory for milk, soil and blood testing. The other cooperative visited wanted to learn more about livestock auction markets, as they have land available that could be used for such a venture.

CRI's board of directors is pleased with the progress made during the program and thrilled to bring one of the guiding principles of a cooperative “cooperation among cooperatives” to life. “It was very rewarding to see first-hand the influence of this program in Nicaragua,” remarked Duane Nelson. “Listening to the board members tell of their projects and accomplishments, and seeing the pride they had in their cooperatives and farms was very gratifying.” 

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Doug has dedicated more than 47 years to the cattle industry. For 45 of those years, he has served the members and customers of CRI, Genex and predecessor organizations.

In his early days with the cooperative, Doug worked within the dairy cattle breeding department. Today he serves as the CEO of CRI. Under his management, the cooperative has grown to more than $191 million in revenue and more than 1,500 employees.

Doug’s leadership extends beyond CRI. He has been elected or appointed to many industry roles including board chairman of the National Association of Animal Breeders, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and breed advisory committees.

Neil Smith of the American Jersey Cattle Association notes, “Doug is a visionary, deeply committed to the development of the U.S. dairy industry through genetic advancement. As we at the Jersey association have experienced time and again – and especially as the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding has transitioned into its service role for genetic evaluations – he leads in the best sense of our industry’s cooperative heritage.“ In the broader agriculture and cooperative business communities, Doug served on the board of the Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives, including three years as president. He also provided leadership to Iowa State University, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, the University of Minnesota and the Wisconsin State Fair, among others.

Steven Larson, former director and past president of National Dairy Shrine, sums up Doug’s many accomplishments. “In his industry, in his state, in his community and in his family, Doug has always gone above and beyond the call of duty. Few individuals can match his record of achievement, recognition and dedication.

He is more than fitting to join the ranks of National Dairy Shrine’s Guests of Honor.”

Doug will receive the Guest of Honor award at the National Dairy Shrine banquet on Thursday, October 1 in Madison, Wisconsin.  ©2015 CRI

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AG STUDENTS DEFINE SPIRIT OF AGRICULTURE CRI Collegiate Scholarship 2015 Recipients Gabryelle Gilliam Kansas State University

Jeremy Davis

Madison Schafer

Gretta Binversie

University of Nebraska-Lincoln South Dakota State University University of Wisconsin-Madison

By: Brooke Schultz // Communications Coordinator, CRI

“An important percent of the current ag college graduates are returning to the farm, which is a positive trend. However, a five-year projection indicates we will be short over 15,000 ag graduates in the year 2020.” This was an eye-opening remark made by CRI CEO Doug Wilson at the 2015 annual meeting.

While it’s nice to know agriculture college graduates return to their roots and what, more than likely, initiated their love for agriculture, you can’t help but focus on the latter half of that statement – the agriculture industry will, no doubt, suffer a shortage of over 15,000 ag graduates.

With the decline of agriculture-related graduates, one thing has become evident for those who pursue that career path: they must be passionate about agriculture. The future of agriculture depends on hardworking, skilled, passionate young adults who are truly vested in arguably the most important industry worldwide. Keeping that in mind, CRI announces the recipients of its first annual CRI collegiate scholarship program.

More than 70 applicants shared with us what agriculture means to them and the lessons they learned from their agriculture involvement. From their answers, we know the future of agriculture looks bright.

The comments from the four winners of the CRI Collegiate Scholarship were definitely too good not to share. Between their responses, they covered topics that define the essence of agriculture: a positive outlook, hard work, family and passion.

While some people may have a negative outlook on agriculture, scholarship winner Gabryelle Gilliam from Washington, Kansas, declared that with a little hard work and a positive mindset, agriculture can regain assurance and flourish. “I have learned a positive outlook and influence is needed in order to halt some of the negativity agriculture has faced. Our job as advocates is to get people to realize we are all the same, and we all rely on agriculture to survive.”

People in all aspects of the agriculture industry know hard work and determination is what gets the job done, as scholarship recipient Jeremy Davis of Bingham, Nebraska, illustrated.

“Growing up on a ranch, I was given the experiences of

actually working from a very young age. It was through these experiences that I learned work ethic and the mentality that if you are going to do it, do it the right way.” Giving minimal effort is not an option – give it your all, all the time.

Agriculture is oftentimes associated with family and togetherness, and having a strong family connection helps you understand agriculture’s impact on both a local and global perspective.

Madison Schafer from Goodhue, Minnesota, portrayed the connection between family and agriculture by stating, “Family ties are what keep a farm going long after any other business would simply throw in the towel, and family is the structure that American agriculture was built upon. I’ve learned what it means to dedicate yourself to something and really follow through to the end. I’ve also learned how important it is to celebrate the little things in life in the area of farming, because in the end: Farming isn’t just a way to make a living; it’s a way to make a life.”

FARMING ISN’T JUST A WAY TO

MAKE A LIVING;

IT’S A WAY TO

MAKE A LIFE.

Speaking of passion, Gretta Binversie of Kiel, Wisconsin, explained how her passion for agriculture will propel her to succeed in agriculture. “The daily agriculture experience and contribution has elicited an attraction, love and passion I cannot simply give up. It presented an opportunity to know how it feels to work hard every single day while staying motivated and optimistic.”

With that kind of positive attitude, how can you not trust that these CRI Collegiate Scholarship recipients will be driving factors in keeping agriculture alive? Today’s agriculture students are dedicated, honorable young adults who will continue to make agriculture prosper. Maybe we don’t have the numbers, but we sure have the heart. 

The application period for the second annual CRI Collegiate Scholarship begins in December 2015. Applicants must be attending a college or technical school in the fall of 2016 and be pursuing an agricultural degree. Applicants must also be affiliated with a Genex or AgSource member by having an active role on their farm or ranch. Watch for more information in the December Horizons.

©2015 CRI

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G E N E T I C A L LY

S P E A K I N G

The Real

Ideal

By: Angie Coburn // Associate Vice President-Dairy Genetics, Genex

O

ver a span of 15 years, the U.S. dairy industry has experienced considerable change brought on by a number of factors, with technology and innovation at the forefront.

Our cows have changed, too. This change has been driven by producers’ breeding goals and genetic selection. It has resulted from cows adapting to new environments with greater demands and higher expectations of cow performance and profitability.

With advances in genetics and management, the dairy cow has developed into the amazing animal we know today. Primarily through the use of selection indexes, like Lifetime Net Merit and TPI®, that cow has experienced incredible genetic gains for yield, matched by improvement in udders and feet and legs as well as an increase in overall cow size. Through inclusion of health traits in the selection indexes, somatic cell score has been reduced and cow longevity increased. In the most recent years, cow fertility has begun to improve, correcting a trend that incidentally was caused by the intense focus and success of increased yield.

While many changes have been for the good, member comments have been loud and clear regarding cows becoming too tall and overly angular. Both comments are supported by concrete data. In recent years, there has been an unprecedented increase in PTAs for stature and dairy form, brought on by the rapid genetic progress achieved with genomic selection and the use of sexed semen on the better heifers in the herd. History demonstrated an incidental decline in cow fertility paired with rapid progress for milk yield. The antagonistic characteristics of taller and more angular cows have to be addressed for the future.

Continuing the cooperative’s tradition of delivering innovative solutions in semen production technology and genetic programming, Genex responded to members’ requests with the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index. ICC$ aids in more effective selection of genetics for today’s commercial environment. ICC$ focuses on developing that ideal cow, which is profitable and efficient. She’s high producing, healthy, fertile and easy to milk.

ICC$ Sub-Indexes Production Efficiency (PREF$)

recognizes the value of protein using a two to one protein to fat ratio. Marginal Feed Costs account for feed needed to produce high yield and the cost of body maintenance. PREF$ and ICC$ stops the trend for taller cows, instead selecting for high yield with optimal stature.

Production Efficiency (Pref$) 18% Fat Yield 4% Milking Yield

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38% Protein Yield

40% Marginal Feed Costs

Health (HLTH$) breeds for overall health and longevity using direct and indirect measures. High-ranking HLTH$ bulls have daughters with proper body condition. The included Locomotion index is based on cow data for feet and leg traits tied to excellent mobility.

Data and common sense evidence link proper body condition with foot health.

Health (Hlth$) 40% Productive Life

34% Locomotion

20% SCS

6% Body Condition Score

©2015 CRI

G E N E T I C A L LY

S P E A K I N G

An economic-based Holstein index, selecting for profitability and efficiency Incorporates elements from U.S. national evaluation and other data sources Uses real-time economic indicators and science-based principles Total dollars summation of five sub-indexes for flexible and targeted improvement Thoroughly reviewed and endorsed by members of the scientific community

Because every farm is different and breeding goals vary, ICC$ is broken down into five easy-to-use sub-indexes (see below) addressing specific management areas of the farm. Use of an individual sub‑index alone or in combination with ICC$ will select more intensely for genetic gain in the targeted management area.

The combination of the five management sub-indexes into the overall ICC$ value reflects the distribution of revenue and expenses across the farm. ICC$ provides the means to select for greater overall genetic improvement for all traits at the same time.

5% Calving Ability (CABL$) 10% Milking Ability (MABL$) 15% Fertility and Fitness (FYFT$)

Selection indexes are very powerful tools. When designed well, genetic progress for many traits can be achieved simultaneously, providing progressive producers opportunities to breed for continued genetic progress in health, longevity and production potential.

While there are considerable differences when comparing the rank of Holstein bulls on the various indexes, remember that ICC$ includes global data to breed for complete profitability and efficiency. Through ICC$ one can maintain a high expectation for longevity, fertility and health without sacrificing high yield and great udders, all while selecting for optimal body size and condition. 

Fertility and Fitness (FYFT$)

focuses on the need to further improve cow reproductive efficiency. The importance of reduced days open and generating replacements doesn’t change with the price of milk of feed.

Fertility And Fitness (Fyft$) 53% Daughter Pregnancy Rate

2% Fertility Haplotypes

©2015 CRI

35% Heifer Conception Rate 6% Cow Conception Rate

4% Polled Genotype

Milking Ability (MABL$)

optimizes farm efficiencies with trouble-free cows. Ideal commercial udders are strongly attached above the hock, with capacity to produce high volumes of milk. MABL$ enhances udder texture and manages the emerging trend of shorter teat length.

24% Health (HLTH$)

J Sub-Indexes Included in ICC$

Calving Ability (CABL$)

focuses on live calves born without difficulty. High-ranking CABL$ sires that are also high for ICC$ gives virgin heifers the best chance to have a successful and profitable first lactation.

Milking Ability (Mabl$)

70% Udder Traits

3% Milking Temperament

12% 15% Mastitis Resistance Milking Speed

46% Production Efficiency (PREF$)

Calving Ability (Cabl$) 45% Sire Calving Ease

10% Sire Stillbirth

29% Daughter Stillbirth 16% Daughter Calving Ease

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IDEAL

IN ANY

SITUATION.

United Pride MARCELON 6158

“If I were breeding cows, this is definitely the index I would be using. I like your objectives of improving body condition, reducing stature, improving feed efficiency, reducing SCS, improving reproductive and calving performance, etc. I agree 110% with all of the innovations you have built into this index.”

Dr. George E. Shook, Professor Emeritus Dairy Science Department, UW-Madison FOR MORE INFO, SCAN THE QR CODE or visit http://genex.crinet.com/ICC

Photo by Sarah Damrow, Agri-Graphics Ltd.

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HOLSTEIN HIGHLIGHTS NEW HOLSTEIN RELEASES

DEMONSTRATE DIVERSITY

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enex graduated 19 bulls with 15 different sires and 14 different maternal grandsires making this the most diverse group in the industry. Among the 19 are 15 bulls in the 95th percentile or higher for the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index, and eight are over +900 ICC$.

Topping the list is the phenom 1HO12267 Co-op ACHILLES-ET *RC. ACHILLES stands No. 2 for ICC$ behind long-time leader 1HO11056 TROY. Like his father, 1HO10396 CABRIOLET, ACHILLES will sire cows that milk, breed back and have the body condition to help get to their mature, more profitable stage of life, quicker. With his breed-leading +10.9 Productive Life and awesome fertility, he has the ability to sire cows that will last and be fertile at all stages of their career. His unique sire stack (Cabriolet x Colt-P-Red) makes him an outcross and an easy choice for profitability. Find this +986 ICC$ leader on the red and red carrier sire listing.

1HO12134 Co-op LIVEWIRE-ET is an extreme ICC$ bull from the GENESIS Cooperative Herd debuting at +937 ICC$ and +782 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM$). He combines +1352 Milk and +101 Combined Fat and Protein (CFP) with outstanding health traits.

LIVEWIRE will deliver ICC$, production and conformation all in one package. As a sire of sons, use LIVEWIRE with confidence.

1HO11393 No-Fla DUGGER-ET offers extreme production traits, with his maternal grandsire being the progeny-proven production specialist 1HO09800 ERDMAN. He is yet another bull in the lineup with top-shelf ICC$. DUGGER sires extreme Milk (+1718) without sacrificing components and desirable calving traits. His dominant ICC$ and LNM$ make him an easy choice as a sire of sons and also for the commercial producer.

1HO12138 Co-op Prdstn ANIMAL-ET will become a producer favorite with his ability to sire appropriate-sized cattle for the industry while improving udders. Like his big brother 1HO11889 AVENGER, he is a fertility specialist that will improve longevity (+8.7 PL). He too is an elite member of the exclusive club over +900 ICC$. His dam, Super Apple, continues to produce sons that specialize in commercial profitability.

1HO12503 Co-op Prdstn DONATELLO-ET hails from the GENESIS Cooperative Herd. He is right for the commercial industry at +922 ICC$ while also reducing stature and improving udder traits. His extreme low 6.1% Sire Calving Ease makes him an obvious choice for heifer pens.

J Hartline O-Style Lucille-ET, GP-83, Dam of LIVEWIRE ©2015 CRI

J Richlawn Aneska CRI-ET, Dam of ACHILLES *RC

1HO11608 Co-op UPD Jager BEISTER-ET comes from GENESIS cooperator herd, United Pride Dairy, and is from one of the great Co-op families through Freddie Bettie back to Lynch Lydia. The consistency of this cow family increases the odds for bulls like BEISTER to have outstanding genetic levels (+909 ICC$, +741 LNM$). At 4.8% Sire Calving Ease, he is one of the industry's very best. Solid production, moderate frame traits and extreme calving ease make him essential to a strong commercial breeding program.

1HO11390 Co-op DD Krunch CAPONE-ET makes his debut at +896 ICC$. His diverse pedigree (Krunch x Dorcy) gives breeders abundant opportunities for use. CAPONE will sire daughters with outstanding udders and trouble-free calvings. He also transmits strong mastitis resistance and appropriate body condition.

1HO12539 Co-op Skyline YIKES-ET makes his first appearance on the active list and in the top 10 for ICC$ at Genex. His ability to transmit strong health traits and longevity (+8.1) come as no surprise with Yoyo as his maternal grandam. Moderate frame traits, strong mastitis resistance (106) and relevant body condition (108) make YIKES an obvious mating sire for cows that are too tall and too angular for the commercial dairy industry.

With his arrival, 1HO12164 Co-op Jabir TRANSFORMER-ET joins his maternal brothers 1HO11425 TWINKIE and 1HO11427 TAURINO as a production specialist at +51 Protein and +1714 Milk. TRANSFORMER is an excellent choice for improving profit by increasing yield revenue, improving milk quality and lengthening productive life. With excellent ICC$, TRANSFORMER does everything expected from a great Tasket son.

Last, but definitely not least, is 1HO11619 Old-Dominion YUMYUM-ET, an exciting new grad at +860 ICC$. YUMYUM improves Protein and Fat (0.05%, 0.13%) and has +110 CFP. His unique sire stack of Yowza x Freddie x Sharky x Lynch makes him easy to use on the not so unique pedigrees. Daughters will be quiet-fast milking and produce high component, high quality milk.

Take advantage of how genomic selection has proven to accelerate genetic improvement and dairies' future profitability.

Benefit from Genex's focus on high-yielding, long-lasting, reproductively-efficient and trouble-free cows. 

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Leading Genetics for Today and Tomorrow AVENGER

SANGRIA TROY

d Dam: Richlawn Super April Apple, GP-84, VG-MS, DOM

d Dam: Weigeline Bookem Sabitha, VG-85

1HO11889 Co-op AVENGER-ET

1HO11373 Weigeline S-Sire SANGRIA-ET

Supersire x Super x Zade

+951 ICC$ +4.8 DPR • +9.1 PL • +5.3 CCR +1242 Milk • +96 CFP 102 PregCheck Moderate-sized, fertile daughters with desirable body condition

Supersire x Bookem x Freddie d Dam: Co-op RB Freddie Tinley-ET, VG-85, VG-MS

Mogul x Freddie x Mascol

+933 ICC$ +8.2 PL • 6.4% SCE • 3.9% DCE +1548 Milk • +118 CFP • +1.9 DPR

+1012 ICC$ +3.6 SCR • 103 PregCheck 6.3% SCE • +104 CFP • +8.2 PL

All-round production, calving ease and health fit for commercial dairies

1HO11056 River-Bridge Co-op TROY-ET

The superstar designed for dairy producers of every herd size, for both cows & heifers

NEW!

ALTIVO NEW!

DUGGER

NEW!

YOUNT

d Dam: Richlawn Super April Apple, GP-84, VG-MS

d MGD: Co-op Boliver Yoyo-ET, VG-85, VG-MS

1HO12152 Co-op Jabir ALTIVO-ET

1HO12275 River-Bridge Co-op YOUNT-ET

Jabir x Super x Zade

Tango x Robust x Boliver

+932 ICC$ • +716 LNM$ • +2566 TPI +5.3 DPR • +6.1 CCR +1306 Milk • +94 CFP Profitable production from incredibly fertile daughters

Supersire x Erdman x Nifty

+831 ICC$ • +687 LNM$ • +2560 TPI +1734 Milk • +97 CFP +2.8 UD • +3.7 RUH • +3.4 RUW

+931 ICC$ • +835 LNM$ • +2593 TPI® +2.6 DPR • +7.7 PL +1718 Milk • +135 CFP

High yield with udder height, width and depth improvement opportunities

1HO11393 No-Fla DUGGER-ET

Outstanding fertility, production and longevity with all-round calving traits

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED IN YOUTH JERSEY CONTEST

T H E

N E W S

HOLSTEIN HAPLOTYPE FOR CHOLESTEROL DEFICIENCY DISCOVERED

Y

outh ages 8 to 21 had the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for the Jersey cattle breed and earn prizes in a contest held by Genex.

“To enter the contest youth answered the question ‘How does the next Jersey generation look in your eyes?’ through a creative blog post, video or photograph,” explained Leah James, Genex U.S. Jersey Marketing Advisor.

The first place winner of the youth Jersey contest was Cassie Bohnert, 8, of East Moline, Illinois with her video submission (available at bit.ly/JerseyYouthContest). In the video, she shared that “the Jersey cow has made huge strides from one generation to the next. And, with passionate, hard-working Jersey kids like me and my brothers, the future for Jerseys is bright!”

The runner-up was Libby Voss, 13, of Ogilvie, Minnesota for her photo submission with caption. Pictured with her favorite Jersey, Beatrice, Voss explained, “I feel like the next Jersey generation should be more popular.

Farmers need to realize how important Jerseys really are. They are very beautiful creatures and need to be in every herd all over the U.S.” 

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enomic technology has proven to be a powerful tool. It has provided dairy producers avenues to greater genetic progress through use of young bulls with higher genetic levels. In addition to deriving genomic PTAs, research is ongoing to describe and explain the function of specific genes or chromosome segments, also referred to as haplotypes. By better understanding how haplotypes function, there is greater opportunity to utilize this information in breeding decisions.

This July, research revealed a new genetic condition in Holsteins. This discovery of a new haplotype – labeled Haplotype for Cholesterol Deficiency (HCD) – was announced by Germany’s bovine data collection center and confirmed by the USDA Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory.

Calves that are homozygous for HCD (those that inherit the undesirable gene from both parents) are born alive. These homozygous calves possess a disorder in cholesterol metabolism, resulting in weight loss, loss of appetite, physical weakness, and chronic scours that do not respond to therapeutic treatments. This affects calf vitality and survival, and most homozygous animals die within the first 6 months of life, with few living to 2 years of age.

Researchers traced the defective haplotype to the Holstein bull Maughlin Storm.

Storm is the oldest common genotyped sire that carries the defect and is considered the founder animal. Storm’s most notable descendant is Braedale Goldwyn.

Determining HCD carrier status has, however, proven complicated. Willowholme Mark Anthony, a bull born in 1975, possesses the same haplotype as Storm but does not carry the undesirable lethal gene. The pedigrees of both Mark Anthony and Storm trace to Fairlea Royal Mark. Mark Anthony is not an HCD carrier, and therefore must have received a non-lethal gene from his sire Fairlea Royal Mark. It is thought a mutation occurred in the three generations between Royal Mark and Storm. That mutation caused the genetic defect to be evident in Storm but not Mark Anthony. Also, researchers have not yet determined the precise DNA location responsible for HCD. Due to these mentioned complications, HCD carrier status is easy to determine for animals with only Storm in their pedigree. It is more difficult to determine status if both Storm and Mark Anthony appear in the pedigree. Several organizations are cooperating to improve the precision of tracing HCD.

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J CASSIE BOHNERT age 8 Bohnert Jerseys, Illinois

Watch her video: bit.ly/GenexYouth

G LIBBY VOSS age 13 Minnesota Me and My Jersey Beatrice

©2015 CRI

Currently bulls are labeled as: 0=Non-Carrier, 1= Carrier (confirmed with pedigree), 2= Homozygous (confirmed on both sides of pedigree), 3= Suspect carrier (haplotype origin could not be confirmed from pedigree), 4= Suspect homozygous (probable carrier and may be homozygous; origin of haplotypes could not be confirmed from pedigree).

The list of active Genex bulls that are HCD carriers or suspected carriers is available at http://genex.crinet.com/haplotype. The status of HCD carriers or suspected carriers is also noted on the website sire catalog. Currently, the lineup contains five bulls with an HCD status of 3, meaning they are suspected carriers but the haplotype origin could not be confirmed from the animals' pedigrees.

Note that animals considered heterozygous for HCD appear normal, but if a carrier is mated to another carrier one in four progeny is expected to inherit two copies of the haplotype and show phenotypic signs. Eliminating every HCD carrier is not recommended at this time as there is much to learn about the economic impact.

Dairy cattle geneticists recommend avoiding recessive defects by using sound science and mating programs. 

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CALF CARE SUPPLEMENTS Give your calves the care they deserve.  Push™ Helps jumpstart and support the immune system of a newborn calf before colostrum is given.

 NuLife® ReBOUND™ Helps maintain normal appetite and digestion.

Feed to calves during times of stress.

 Genesis colostrum Helps ensure calves receive the nutrition that’s essential for good calf health and growth.  NuLife Oral Electrolyte Helps maintain hydration, encourage water consumption and overall electrolyte balance should scours occur.

Contact your Genex representative for more information.

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SHOP NOW! profitshop.crinet.com ©2015 CRI

H E R D

M A N A G E M E N T

SMOOTH TRANSITIONS

WITH NULIFE REBOUND™ ®

By: Kirsten French & Kenzie Smith // Resale Product Advisors, Genex

W

hen a cow undergoes a stressful event, it can quickly lower her production and cut into your bottom line. There are many stressors that can affect your cattle: heat, crowding, a change in feed, etc. Even when simply moved to a new pen, a cow can produce 3.8 - 5.5% less1. However, the most common and stressful event for a cow is transitioning into lactation.

The transition period, three weeks before to three weeks after calving, is extremely important to the cow’s health and production. Most health disorders occur during the transition period. As cows prepare to calve, their rumination slows down immensely, causing a drop in energy and critical nutrients. The abrupt stress of calving also suppresses inflammatory responses in the immune system which microorganisms, such as bacteria, capitalize on to cause disease2. Trillions of bacteria inhabit the digestive tract of a healthy animal; majority of these bacteria are beneficial, but some can be pathogenic. As long as the numbers of beneficial bacteria is high and the numbers of harmful bacteria are low, the animal will lead a healthy life. During periods of stress this delicate microbial balance is disrupted; the number of beneficial bacteria goes down, and pathogens take an upper hand. Excess growth of pathogens cause lesions in the gut, release toxins, etc. This can lead to disease resulting in clinical symptoms like bloody diarrhea, fever, loss of productivity and can even lead to death if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to quickly get the rumen back to its highest level of functionality to better help the cow combat negative energy balance, low nutrients and illness during transition.

NuLife ReBOUND, offered by Genex, has specifically selected microbials that work to outcompete undesirable bacteria and maintain pH, appetite, overall rumen health and digestion. This unique direct fed microbial supplement has guaranteed levels of three strains of lactic acid bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus casei.

L. acidophilus most notably produces organic acids as a byproduct of activity. This lowers the pH of the intestine, reducing the growth rate of harmful bacteria3. These organic acids are used as a source of energy in metabolism, helping to keep a cow productive during a stressful time. L. acidophilus also produces specific proteins which can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as salmonella, Clostridium perfringes and E-coli3.

Similar to L. acidophilus, L. casei produces organic acids which help lower the pH of the gut to maintain healthy microbial balance, appetite, digestion and productivity4.

Stable at pH 4-9 and temperatures above 100°F5, E. faecium is a strong army to have on your side. One of the modes of action of beneficial bacteria including E. faecium is competitive ©2015 CRI

exclusion, meaning they out-compete pathogens for nutrients and adhesion sites in the gut wall, thereby keeping the number of pathogens to minimal levels. In addition, studies have shown cows supplemented with E. faecium during transition produce more milk than those that were not6. Among many attributes, microbial activity leads to production of B vitamins that help maintain appetite. Together, these three bacteria cover a wide range of issues helping to fill the holes left by a suppressed immune system.

“We feed NuLife ReBOUND cow capsules if a cow is over a week fresh and her stomach isn’t healthy and she has dry manure. We give it to cows that need it. I don’t like to stress a healthy cow. Our cows have a great response to it; they look much healthier.

Their manure is normal. They’re up eating. I love it because I know the product is reliable.”

– Martin Campos, Lakeview Farms, Bakersfield, California

By maintaining rumen health and appetite, a cow can glide through transition or any life event with the ration and management provided. Freshening, hoof trimming, vaccinations, changing pens and transportation between farms are all stressful life events in which NuLife ReBOUND has been used to help maintain rumen performance.

NuLife ReBOUND is used across the country in many ways at different times in a cow’s lactation. NuLife ReBOUND is available in powder, paste or capsule, with multiple feeding options to support each individual dairy’s management protocol.

Contact your Genex representative with any questions.  References k Available upon request.

A Author Bios: Kirsten French earned her bachelor's degree in animal science and management with a dual emphasis in livestock and dairy from the University of California, Davis. She joined Genex this past February as a Resale Product Advisor, marketing and providing sales support for Genex resale products.

Kenzie Smith received a bachelor's degree in animal science from Oregon State University. Growing up on her family's ranch, where she was involved in raising and showing beef cattle, sparked her interest in agriculture. Kenzie joined Genex as a Resale Product Advisor in December 2014, where she markets and provides sales support for Genex resale products.

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IT'S EASY TO SAY GENETICS MATTER,

BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW?

By: Joe Binversie // Value Added Programs Manager, Genex

I

t’s easy to say that genetics matter, but how do you know for sure on the herd level?

Determining the Value & Impact of Genetics

A couple times a year – maybe after each sire summary – you determine which artificial insemination (A.I.) bulls to use on your cows and heifers. You usually choose sires based on some predetermined genetic criteria. In other words, you choose sires based on the index or traits you feel will take your herd in a profitable direction. But how do you know those genetics are making a difference? Is your herd making genetic progress? Is your herd deficient in certain genetic traits, and are there implications on herd performance as a result? Should you move your focus to other genetic traits?

A genetic analysis is a great way to evaluate and verify that the quality of genetics you have chosen is actually making a significant impact on your herd, and Genex is here to help.

The Results and Profiler programs were designed to give you an inside look at genetic performance and progress. Both compare genetics within a single herd. (For those interested in comparing their herd’s genetic averages to benchmark herds, that analysis is offered through the Dairy Performance Navigator™ program.)

Learning from Results

Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), the percentage of nonpregnant cows that become pregnant during each 21-day period, is one of several traits where genetic performance can be analyzed for your herd. Figure 1 shows the effect of DPR on average days open within a single herd.

What does Figure 1 say? It sorts all pregnant cows (milking and dry) by their sire’s predicted transmitting ability (PTA) for DPR. Among the sires of the herd’s pregnant cows, the top 25% for DPR average +2.79. The bottom 25% of sires of pregnant cows average -0.88 DPR. That’s a difference of 3.67!

Now, how do those sire PTAs equate to actual performance (days open) among their daughters? Daughters of the top quartile DPR bulls averaged 123 days open with a 396-day calving interval. Daughters of the bottom quartile DPR bulls averaged 153 days open with a 419-day calving interval.

Genetics are making a difference in this herd: higher DPRs are leading to 30 fewer days open and a shorter calving interval.

That has to impact herd profitability.

Figure 1 Effect of Daughter Pregnancy Rate on Days Open

SIRE

COW

PTA Daughter Pregnancy Rate

Days Open

Calving Interval

Log Somatic Cell Score

Top 25% Daughter Pregnancy Rate

2.79

123

396

2.01

Average Daughter Pregnancy Rate

1.02

136

Bottom 25% Daughter Pregnancy Rate

-0.88

153

419

2.24

Difference between Top and Bottom Quartiles

3.67

-30

-23

Difference between Average and Bottom 25%

1.90

-17

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(based upon 534 cow records)

©2015 CRI

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Figure 2 examines the dollars and cents of DPR. Assuming each extra day open costs an additional $3 per cow per day, daughters of the top quartile bulls have a $90 per cow per year advantage over daughters of the bottom quartile sires. For this herd, in its entirety (534 pregnant cows), that equates to an $11,520 advantage.

Figure 2 Profit or Loss due to Daughter Pregnancy Rate

Daughter Pregnancy Rate Impact of Change to Bottom 25%: (Profit) or Loss due to Genetics:

Bottom 25% vs. Top 25% Bottom 25% vs. Average

(Per Cow)

(Per Quartile)

$90.00

$11,520.00

$51.00

$6,528.00

In this herd example, it is easy to see genetics do matter.

This validation of the impact of genetics on an individual herd comes from the Genex Results™ program. In addition to DPR, Results compares actual cow performance to their sire’s PTA for Milk, Fat, Protein and Somatic Cell Score. Financial implications (profit or loss) of these performance differences are included as well.

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Results: Herds using Dairy Comp 305 or PC Dart herd management software and/or herds on DHI test are able to utilize Results.

Results reports are generally most effective with at least 150 to 200 sire-identified cows; this provides greater power and confidence in the analysis. Analysis is also included on cows lacking a valid NAAB code for their sire ID (i.e, cows with missing or wrong sire identification or sired from natural service). Results is run by the Genex Value Added Programs staff and may be requested through your local Genex representative.

Profiling Herd Genetics

If you are looking for a more expansive genetic analysis of your cows and heifers as well as current service sires, Genex offers Profiler. In comparison to Results, Profiler offers more options and is fairly customizable.

Let’s use Profiler to examine the impact of PTA Stature within a single herd. Figure 2 shows all cows and heifers according to their sire’s PTA for Stature. Each dot represents an individual animal. The graph shows this herd changed their genetic selection criteria by selecting for shorter statured sires, as shown by the dots in the red box representing heifers. Said another way, you can see a significant drop in sire PTA Stature when going from first lactation cows (blue dots) to heifers (red dots).

Continued on page 20

Figure 3 Sire PTA for Stature by Age

4 3.5 3

Estimated Stature

2.5

Lactation 0

2

Lactation 1

1.5

Lactation 2

1

Lactation 3 Base

0.5 0 -0.5 -1 -1.5 -2 -2.5 0

©2015 CRI

5

10

15

20

25

30

35 40 45 50 Age in years-months

55

60

65

70

75

80

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Continued from page 19

Why did the dairy producer in this example decide to begin choosing smaller statured sires? Likely the decision was based on several reasons, but one may have been another Profiler analysis. Table 1 shows the production performance implications of cows between 60 and 305 days in milk by their sire Stature. o Table 1. Production Averages by Sire PTA for Stature

By Estimated Stature

Percent

Count

Average Estimated Stature

Average 305 ME

Energy Corrected Milk

Top 50%

51

258

1.64

34294

106

Bottom 50%

49

245

0.00

34055

110

Total

100

503

0.85

34177

108

TIME FOR A CHECKUP Refine technique Gain knowledge And re-motivate For reproductive success Reproduction impacts a dairy’s bottom line. Therefore, Genex offers A.I. AccuCheck as a value‑added service. This checkup, a comprehensive observation and evaluation of a herd inseminator’s technique, provides the framework for continued reproductive success.

You can see the top 50% (taller cows) and bottom 50% shorter cows) have very comparable milk production as shown by the average 305-day mature equivalent.

However, when evaluating average Energy Corrected Milk (ECM), you see the bottom 50% of cows is greater in comparison to the top 50%. ECM is way to compare production on a level playing field due to the three moving parts (volume, fat and protein). Tracked over time, ECM can help to give an accurate indication of cow and herd performance, and in this instance, the impact of sires’ PTA for Stature.

In addition to these analyses, Profiler provides numerous genetic reports. This includes options such as determining the impact of genetics on herd health events (i.e., effect of Lifetime Net Merit on recorded incidences of displaced abomasums, retained placentas, metritis, mastitis, etc.).

To learn more, contact your Genex representative.

Profiler: Reports are generated by Genex consultants and are currently available to herds using Dairy Comp 305 herd management software. If interested in these reports, contact your local Genex representative.

Fast Forward

Results and Profiler continue to evolve. In fall 2015, Results will also include the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index. This will offer you the opportunity to evaluate ICC$ within your own herd and to see its impact. Likewise, additional reports are planned to be added to Profiler as well. In summary, Results and Profiler offer great opportunities for producers to determine the value and impact genetics have in their own herd.  A Author Bio: Joe Binversie earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and went on to earn a master’s degree in animal physiology from Mississippi State University. His master’s research focused on synchronization protocols in dairy cattle.

Today, Joe oversees the development of value-added Genex programs.

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Not available in all locations.

©2015 CRI

Tradition.

John Deere Financial and Genex are pleased to provide you with unique finance options to meet the specific needs of your operation. Whether thinking about the next day, season or generation you can count on us to help.

To learn more, visit JohnDeereFinancial.com/Customer Advantage Multi-use accounts are a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b.

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M A N A G E M E N T

CREATING A PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS By: Colten Green // National Account Manager, Genex

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ou’ve asked some variation of the question, at least once, at some point in the last couple years. This is the same question everyone else in the dairy industry has asked one time or another. The question is “What’s up with this beef price and how long is it going to stick around?”

If you are like many producers, you’ve either thought about or already begun to incorporate some level of beef semen usage into your dairy to take advantage of a strong market.

The purpose of this article is not to forecast beef futures, but to demonstrate why beef semen usage on dairies is here to stay long past the point where the beef market normalizes and eventually falls.

Your dairy operation has a finite amount of resources.

Some limiting resources might be arable acres, water, growing season, equity, cash flow or any number of things. A common business practice is to establish a three or five year plan to leverage the operation’s strengths and manage the risks from its weaknesses. The question for future business planning is not whether your operation will supply adequate replacements, but what number of replacements best suits your dairy based

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on the resources available. Most dairies can produce sufficient replacements to support a 40% or greater cull rate without using sexed semen on heifers. This leaves plenty of room for selective breeding strategies that allow you to leverage the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of your operation.

“…BEEF SEMEN USAGE ON DAIRIES IS HERE TO STAY LONG PAST THE POINT WHERE THE BEEF MARKET NORMALIZES AND EVENTUALLY FALLS.” Consider the dairy examined in Table 1. This farm plans to milk 2,000 cows without any substantial expansion over the next five years. The puzzle this dairy producer has to solve is the combination of total livestock inventory, milk production, cattle sales and land usage that best suits the business. Hopefully you find some parallels in these situations that help in planning for your operation.

©2015 CRI

H E R D

Situation A

In this scenario, the producer plans to own a minimal number of livestock. This situation enables the dairy to get the most milk out of their cows and the most milk per pound of dry matter fed. This model is also the most demanding in that it requires excellent management to work properly.

M A N A G E M E N T

o Table 1. Comparison of Three Business Plans

Count

Dry Matter Intake (DMI)A

4% Fat Corrected Milk (FCM)A

FCM: DMIB

Forage Acres RequiredC

Lactation 1 Lactation 2 Lactation 3 Dry Cows Youngstock

660 640 700 225 1700

35794 39082 44987 6120 29240

48655 54010 62468 -

1.36 1.38 1.39 -

261 285 328 45 213

Sum

3,925

155,223

165,133

1.06

1,133

4% Fat Corrected Milk (FCM)A

FCM: DMIB

Forage Acres RequiredC

Situation A

One negative of this approach is that if an unexpected expansion opportunity did arise, the dairy would need to purchase nearly all of the newly needed cattle from outside sources.

In this scenario, the dairy would aim to cull about 33% of the cows, so the amount of beef sales from culled dairy cows would be reduced compared to the other scenarios. This situation enables the farm to incorporate large amounts of beef semen into dairy cattle (potentially >60% beef usage on cows), and the farm can choose when to market the crossbred calves.

This approach also requires the least amount of acreage, but in cases where feed availability is a strength that same feed could easily be redirected from replacement dairy heifers to beef feeder calves or sale.

Count

Dry Matter Intake (DMI)A

Lactation 1 Lactation 2 Lactation 3 Dry Cows Youngstock

780 580 640 225 2000

42302 35418 41131 6120 34400

57502 48946 57114 -

1.36 1.38 1.39 -

309 259 300 45 251

This approach does give the dairy some flexibility; a small amount of beef semen can be used (about 20% usage in cows) while still being able to sell some springers or fresh cows when the opportunity arises. The beef semen usage and high cull rate keeps the heifer program manageable and prevents tying up as much cash flow into heifers as Situation C.

Sum

4,225

159,371

163,561

1.03

1,163

This situation could be considered the ‘safe play.’ It doesn’t require as high of a management level as Situation A and allows the operation to diversify into more markets (e.g., beef crosses, cull dairy cows or springers) than the other two scenarios.

Situation C

4% Fat Corrected Milk (FCM)A

FCM: DMIB

Forage Acres RequiredC

Situation B

Situation B

In situation B, the producer plans to maintain the status quo.

The dairy can target a 40% cull rate, produce about the same amount of milk as present and feed about the same amount of dry matter as present.

Situation C

In this scenario, the farm produces as much dairy livestock as possible. In certain situations (Jerseys or strong heifer export areas) this approach may indeed provide the most financial benefit.

The feed costs of Situation C will be the greatest, and the milk produced from Situation C will be the least.

The farm will capture the most dollars from cull dairy cows in this situation. Planning the business around large volumes of springer or fresh cow sales can certainly be risky. Even when springer prices are high the margins tend to be slim in most parts of the country.

With no expansion plan in place this dairy doesn’t have a way to absorb these heifers into their system if that market does turn sour.

Count

Dry Matter Intake (DMI)A

Lactation 1 Lactation 2 Lactation 3 Dry Cows Youngstock

900 500 600 225 2300

48809 30533 38560 6120 39560

66348 42195 53544 -

1.36 1.38 1.39 -

356 223 281 45 289

Sum

4,525

163,583

162,087

0.99

1,194

Dry matter intake (DMI) and 4% fat corrected milk (4% FCM) are represented in pounds and are calculated on a per day basis.

A

Ratio of sum 4% FCM to sum DMI.

B

Number of acres required to support the forage needs of herd. Assumptions are 50% forage in cumulative TMR ration, 50% DM of forage and 25 tons of forage produced per acre.

C

Continued on page 24

©2015 CRI

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Continued from page 23

Determining the Terminal Cross

Situations A and B are both conducive to incorporating beef semen into a Holstein dairy. Any of the situations would work with a Jersey dairy, where using only sexed Jersey semen and beef semen on cows and heifers is commonplace.

After developing a plan for your herd, you will have to decide which beef breed works best for you. Table 2 can serve as a guide when determining which terminal beef cross works best for your situation. The concept of a terminal cross might be unfamiliar ground, but this is exactly what producers in the broiler, swine and beef industries do on a daily basis. o Table 2. General comparison of popular terminal crosses

HOLSTEIN Prominent Crosses Angus Lim-Flex SimAngus™ Wagyu

Calving Ease

Ribeye area

Marbling

Growth Rate

Good Good Good Good

Small Large Moderate Small

Very Good Good Good Excellent

Moderate Fast Fast Slow

JERSEY Prominent Crosses Angus Limousin SimAngus Wagyu

Calving Ease

Ribeye area

Marbling

Growth Rate

Good Good Good Good

Small Large Moderate Small

Excellent Very Good Very Good Excellent

Slow Moderate Moderate Slow

The dairy carcass has some highly marketable characteristics. According to the latest National Beef Quality Audit1, dairy carcasses had better marbling scores than native beef cattle, while equaling native beef cattle in quality grade and yield grade.

The downside of the dairy carcass (especially true in Jerseys) is the small ribeye area. Therefore, choosing a terminal cross that expands the ribeye area and, ideally, increase the growth rate of the resulting calves is best.

Note that the best terminal cross for dairy breeds may not be Angus and there is nothing within the Certified Angus Beef2 program that requires cattle to actually have any Angus heritage.

The exception to the big ribeye and fast growth rule is the Wagyu breed. Wagyu is the breed associated with Kobe beef and fits a niche market that is largely dependent on exports. Research3 has shown Wagyu has the most intramuscular marbling and tenderness of any cattle breed followed immediately by Jerseys, and Holsteins are not far down the list. Since there are not many large herds of Wagyu cows roaming the U.S. (or any country for that matter), the dairy industry is the best place to find loads of comparable carcasses to purebred Wagyus. There are risks that come from choosing Wagyu. These cattle grow much slower and require more feed to gain than other options. The caution here is Wagyu crosses must obtain a premium, or they are not commercially viable. 

MEET SUPPLY AND DEMAND WITH BREEDING TO FEEDING™

I

n July 2012, Genex announced Breeding to Feeding, a program that connects beef semen, dairy herds and those interested in beef x dairy calves.

With Genex teaming up with Wulf Cattle, producers garner a new profit stream by breeding their herds lower genetic merit animals to Wulf Limousin and Lim-Flex® (a Limousin x Angus hybrid) semen. It is an exciting program developed to add value to dairy bull calves.

Producers have struggled determining what to do with less profitable cows, and Breeding to Feeding could be the answer they’re looking for. Limousin is a complementary terminal cross, adding muscle and feed efficiency to the high marbling from Jerseys. Limousin genetics increase yield grades and ribeye areas over straight dairy carcasses at market. Lim-Flex are a great cross on Holsteins, producing heavy muscling of Limousin cattle and the carcass qualities of Angus on the frame of a Holstein.

BREEDING FEEDING WULF x GENEX CONNECTING SUPPLY AND DEMAND

References k Moore, M. C., G. D. Gray, D. S. Hale, et al., 2012. National Beef Quality Audit-2011: In-plant survey of targeted carcass characteristics related to quality, quantity, value, and marketing of fed steers and heifers. J. Anim Sci. 90:5143-5151.

1

https://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/brand/specs.php. Downloaded on 6/29/2015.

2

Mirzaei, H. R., A. P. Verbyla, W. S. Pitchford. 2011. Prediction model of a joint analysis of beef growth and carcass quality traits. Genet. Mol. Res. 10:448-458.

3

A Author Bio: Colten Green earned his master’s degree in animal science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During his graduate work, he published articles on early chemical pregnancy diagnosis and cattle synchronization programs. He also has cow-side experience serving as assistant fresh cow manager on two dairies. Today, Colten works with Genex members and customers in the western U.S.

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Here’s how it works:

BLOG

1 Together with a Genex sales consultant, develop a breeding strategy that includes Wulf Limousin or Lim‑Flex semen produced in Genex facilities and held to the cooperative’s high quality standards.

/BLÄG/

2 Genex delivers the Wulf Limousin or Lim-Flex semen, and the designated dairy cows are inseminated with the semen hand-picked specifically for use in dairy herds. All chosen bulls are homozygous black with superior genetics to produce efficient feeder calves yielding a valuable carcass.

verb

4 Through a convenient, routine system Wulf-sired calves are transported to participating calf ranches in the region.

noun a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. add new material to or regularly update a blog. "it's about a week since I last blogged"

“ Have You

Herd?

“

3 Calves are born on the dairy where newborn care is key to calf performance and vigor. A calf care protocol is provided to maximize performance.

M A N A G E M E N T

www.crinet.com | 888.333.1783

H

ave You Herd? Genex and CRI have a blog. This is a forum for us to share information from all areas of our cooperative with you. From testing with AgSource Cooperative Services to tips for successful artificial insemination to the robot used in manufacturing at MOFA Global. Our goal is to get you the scoop on the people, places, products and procedures that make our industry great. 

5 The resulting crossbred bull and heifer calves are purchased

by Wulf Cattle. The dairy receives a premium based on current Holstein or Jersey bull calf market prices.

The end result is added income for the dairy and consistent, quality Limousin‑influenced feeder calves to move into the meat supply. In Breeding to Feeding, it’s the cooperative effort and genetics proven for feed efficiency and growth that add value for the dairy producer.

With producing excellent meat quality and finding solutions for dairy producers, Breeding to Feeding is a win-win. 

Stay connected with the latest posts online: CRInetsupport.blogspot.com

©2015 CRI

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COMMERCIAL

PRODUCERS

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he growth and explosion of the Jersey breed has been a remarkable story. One of the most exciting parts of the story is the growth in herds of all sizes and locations. Many of today’s commercial dairy producers have found the Jersey cow to be a hand-in-glove fit as they have grown their operations.

Like all industries, things evolve and change. New technologies lead to new methods and strategies. While we all benefit from breeding a better cow for tomorrow, we must first get the cow or heifer pregnant.

No genetic progress can happen until we have a pregnancy.

Here, two producers share their insight and thoughts on their on‑farm reproductive strategies. They also peered into their crystal ball to foretell what lays ahead for the Jersey cow at their dairies.

JERSEYS Tom Jinkinson, DVM

Dan Truttmann

Tom Jinkinson, a veterinarian, is originally from the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Canada. He is the herd health and reproduction manager for Davis Family Dairies, an 8,700 cow Jersey herd located in Nicollet County, Minnesota.

Dan and Shelly Truttmann own and operate Truttman Dairy LLC near New Glarus, Wisconsin. They, along with Dan’s father Dwight, brother Doug and five other employees, milk 400 Jersey and crossbred cows and farm 650 acres of alfalfa, grass and corn for silage.

Explain your artificial insemination (A.I.) strategy:

We are a 100% A.I. herd. All cows are bred with Jersey semen except the larger crossbred cows, which are bred to beef, in efforts to become a more pure Jersey herd. We select high genetic merit sires with the goal to be as profitable as possible in a large commercial setting. Our milk goes entirely into cheese production, so yield is very important.

Being fairly new to the registered Jersey scene, I’m not yet an expert on Jersey cow families, nor do I stay up late studying pedigrees in order to select bulls.

I use BullsEye to select a top-notch group of genomic Jersey sires based on high JPI™ and JUI™. Then I rely on the expertise of my Genex representative with the final selection based on conception rate data and their observations of what they are seeing out there in other barns.

Where does sexed semen fit in?

We use sexed semen in both heifers and the lactating herd. Sexed semen has allowed us to achieve tremendous growth internally by limiting the number of Jersey bull calves we have.

We use sexed semen heavily on heifers, and selectively on cows, to get as many Jersey heifers and as few Jersey bulls as possible. Heifers get two services with sexed semen, then conventional.

We use beef semen on the larger crossbred cows as well as on the third or greater breeding for Jersey cows.

The added value we have achieved in the terminal cross calves has been a great business decision in our operation.

Limousin beef semen is used on the bottom 25% of the herd and on problem breeders after third service. The combination of sexed, conventional and Limousin semen gives us approximately 50% Jersey heifers, 25% Jersey bulls and 25% Limousin calves. The addition of Limousin has greatly improved bull calf revenues.

By: Judd Hanson // Associate Vice President of U.S. Strategic Marketing, Genex

Where does beef semen fit in?

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Tom Jinkinson

Dan Truttmann

Heifers need to weigh 550 pounds, be 45 inches at the withers or 12 months of age – whichever comes first. We use five services of sexed semen and will continue to breed up to 480 days of age with conventional semen. Because of our aggressive use of sexed semen, 86% of our springing heifers are pregnant with females.

Heifers are moved to the breeding pen at 11 months of age if they are of sufficient size, with the goal of a 22-month average calving age. Sexed semen is used for two services, then conventional semen. Limousin is used on the occasional problem breeder, and calving has not been a problem.

What do you feel are the main attributes of the Jersey cow?

The main attributes are hearty, healthy, efficient animals that make high component milk. The yield output is critical for our market.

In our cheese market, high yield of protein and fat pounds is what pays the bills. Our Jerseys currently match the Holsteins in our herd, nearly pound for pound, on the same TMR mix while eating 4-5 lbs less dry matter. That is critically important to our bottom line, and is why we chose to go all in on the breed. Tremendous improvement in udders over the last decade sealed the deal.

What is important to you when choosing A.I. sires?

Ultimately, combined Fat and Protein is important. We focus on the reproductive traits, Productive Life and udder conformation to ensure our replacement animal investments are staying in the herd as long as possible.

Historically, I used the Cheese Merit $ index to make my first cut and then would eliminate bulls with low Daughter Pregnancy Rate and extremely low test. Now, I really like how well JPI fits with what I want in my herd with heavy emphasis on Protein, Fat and reproduction. For my needs, if the bull is high JPI and JUI, other than eliminating a few outliers with negative traits, my work is done.

How do you see the make-up of your herd in five years?

Coming off an expansion in late 2013, we intend to have a full pipeline of replacements, as well as becoming a purer Jersey herd with focus on component production, Productive Life and health.

When we made the decision in 2012 to use 100% Jersey sires for our replacement animals, we were milking a mixed herd of Holstein and crossbred (HO x JE). Already, just a little over three years later, we are seeing some gorgeous new heifers entering the herd with very impressive production numbers. In the next five years, I hope to dramatically improve the physical and genetic makeup through more intense selection and selective culling, which will be greatly aided by genomic testing.

She needs to continue to climb in production while not sacrificing her feed and reproductive efficiencies.

The modern Jersey cow is an incredibly hard-working girl. Despite her petite size, she needs to continue to be strong enough to stand up to the rigors of high production and not give up test just to chase high milk numbers. 

Describe your heifer breeding program:

What does the Jersey cow of tomorrow need to be?

©2015 CRI

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G E N E T I C A L LY

S P E A K I N G

A H I S TO R I C LO O K AT

Influential Sires By: Leah James // U.S. Jersey Marketing Advisor, Genex

SOLDIER

BOY

FASCINATOR

CHIEF

ALF

T

hroughout history, Genex and predecessor organizations have offered several of the most influential bulls of the Jersey breed. These historical headliners demonstrate the cooperative’s long‑time ties with and commitment to Jersey cattle producers.

Hailed as one of the most elite sires of his time was 3JE00034 Observer Chocolate Soldier. Bred by the Wildes at High Lawn Farm in Massachusetts, Chocolate Soldier was born in 1962. He had pneumonia as a calf and almost didn’t make it into the A.I. industry. Luckily he did and was marketed by Genex predecessor Eastern A.I. Cooperative. Observer Chocolate Soldier ranked among the top 10 active Jersey sires from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973. In the years between (1971 and 1972), he ranked No. 11.

Joe Lyon of Lyon Jerseys reflected on this sire sharing, “Chocolate Soldier was legendary in the breed and all good milk pedigrees trace back to him.”

While producing great milking daughters, Observer Chocolate Soldier’s sons were also influential. They were heavily sampled in the 1970s and were present in A.I. lineups into the mid-1980s.

Among his most notable sons was 1JE00194 Briarcliffs Soldier Boy. Soldier Boy was a 1972 model, available through Genex predecessor Noba, Inc. He followed in this father’s footsteps carrying on the tradition of high milk with a July 1981 proof of +2105 PTA Milk with +71 Fat and +57 Protein. At that time he ranked No. 1 in the breed for Milk-Fat $.

Along the same time, 8JE00210 Shadewell Fascinator debuted as an elite bull with a great production proof too. This sire also had roots from the Northeast and was marketed by Louisiana Animal Breeders Cooperative.

Back to the Observer Chocolate Soldier bloodline, grandson 21JE00337 Yankee FW Chief was bred by the Chittenden family in New York and marketed by Genex predecessor Midwest Breeders Cooperative. His entry in the 1985 catalog demonstrates the family’s ability to add production profitability: “If your herd needs production improvement, you don’t need to look beyond Yankee. He’s one of the finest production-improving sires the Jersey breed has seen for some time.”

1JE00382 Comfort Royal Alf-ET graduated to the active lineup at 21st Century Genetics in January 1994. He was a Royal son out of an Excellent Yankee FW Chief daughter. Alf was known for his tremendous butterfat.

Activated in 1996, 1JE01325 MVF Bold Venture Daniel produced daughters with extreme milk records. He was sired by another historic Genex sire, 1JE00221 Bold Venture, and bred in the Rhein herd in Pennsylvania. Reflecting on Bold's 2 8

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LEADING BULLS BY BIRTH YEAR 1962

3JE00034 OBSERVER CHOCOLATE SOLDIER

1972

1JE00194 BRIARCLIFFS SOLDIER BOY

1973

8JE00210 SHADEWELL FASCINATOR

1978

21JE00337 YANKEE FW CHIEF

1988

1JE00382 COMFORT ROYAL ALF-ET

1991

1JE01325 MVF BOLD VENTURE DANIEL

2003

1JE00604 OOMSDALE JACE GRATITUDE GANNON-ET

2005

1JE00654 SUNSET CANYON ANTHEMS ALLSTAR-ET

2007

1JE00711 SWEETIE PLUS IATOLAS BOLD

impact, producer Eric Lyon shares, “Our cows with the highest milk records today are direct descendants of MVF Bold Venture Daniel. He spelled pure milk.”

Moving into the twentieth century, 1JE00604 Oomsdale Jace Gratitude Gannon {2}-ET continued the cooperative’s legacy of profitable high milk sires. Connecting the family ties, Gannon’s granddam was sired by the aforementioned Comfort Royal Alf-ET. Both originated in the Oomsdale herd in New York.

Daughters of Gannon were big framed cows that put a lot of milk into the tank.

One of the most recent influential sires has been 1JE00654 Sunset Canyon Anthems Allstar-ET. Directly out of the 2000 National Jersey Jug Futurity Champion Sunset Canyon MBSB Anthem, EX-95%, Allstar sired profitable daughters that also excelled in type. Allstar remained the number one sire in the breed for Fat percentage 10 years after he was born. To date, Allstar has moved the highest volume of semen through the cooperative aided by his extreme fertility on both conventional and GenChoice™ sexed semen.

Finally, a sire with fresh ink in the history books is 1JE00711 Sweetie Plus Iatolas Bold. This bull came from the Sweetie Plus syndicate and Dan Bansen in Oregon. Plus ranked among the industry’s top five for JPI™ for six sire summaries. He was within the top 10 for proven JPI™ from April 2012 through August 2014, and was then removed from the lineup in December 2014 due to semen production issues.

Just like the historic Genex bulls before him, Plus offered the ideal combination of profitability and production. As a sire of sons, Plus, his offspring and Genex will continue to leave a mark on The Jersey Generation.  ©2015 CRI

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JERSEY HIGHLIGHTS NEW SIRES ADD PROFITABILITY, FERTILITY AND CONFORMATION 1JE00912 TARHEEL, a highly anticipated new release, is the complete package.

Coming in at +198 JPI™, this Bowman son writes an impressive pedigree from the heart of the Faria herd. His dam is a VG-88% Valentino out of a VG-86% Tbone.

TARHEEL is a breed leader for JUI™ at +20.6, with +107 Combined Fat and Protein (CFP) and +544 Cheese Merit $ (CM$), while being both JH1 and JH2 free.

1JE00908 UNDERWOOD is a Volcano son that comes in at +180 JPI. Adding lots of fluid production, UNDERWOOD is over +1500 Milk and +108 CFP. This JH1 and JH2 free sire is +5.5 JUI with an impressive +2.0 Heifer Conception Rate (HCR).

J PR Faria Brother Dean Action Smith-ET, EX-92%, Dam of 1JE00892 VANDRELL-GR

1JE00883 SNOOP joins the lineup with +438 CM$ and a +162 JPI. His diverse pedigree stack, Hulk out of a Valentino, will improve udders with +8.5 JUI. He is JH1 and JH2 free. SNOOP also has an exciting +2.1 Sire Concepton Rate.

1JE00902 ETHAN and 1JE00903 MARCUS are new sires activated from the Jersey GENESIS cooperator herd, Aardema Dairies in Idaho. ETHAN equates to profitability with +1042 Milk and +158 JPI. This JH1 and JH2 free sire improves udders at +17.7 JUI and adds component yields with +380 CM$. MARCUS is a Legal Promise son out of a Valentino that will improve udders (+21.9 JUI) while adding bottom line profit (+148 JPI and +390 CM$). Being JH1 and JH2 free, he is also a health trait specialist at +0.5 Daughter Pregnancy Rate, +5.3 Productive Life, +2.87 Somatic Cell Score, +1.4 Cow Conception Rate and +2.1 HCR. 

J Ahlem Machete Princess 41157

GENEX LINEUP OFFERS BREED-LEADING GENETICS 1JE00892 VANDRELL-GR is the JPI king! Having an exceptional day, VANDRELL moved to +236 JPI which is breed-leading among genomic sires. This Visionary son out of PR Faria Brothers Dean Action Smith-ET, EX-92%, comes from a well-known maternal line. VANDRELL is +606 CM$ with a +13.0 JUI and a chart-topping +115 CFP. 1JE00889 PROP JOE is from the same maternal line as VANDRELL, PRO JOE spells profit with an elite +595 CM$. He jumped to +185 JPI, +19.4 JUI and +111 CFP. This Hilario son is JH1 and JH2 free.

J Jer-Z-Boyz Dividend 41589-ET, VG-83%

1JE00792 MACHETE and 1JE00791 DIVIDEND added daughters and are the Genex leaders for daughter-proven genetics. MACHETE is a top 10 JPI daughter‑proven sire at +182 JPI and +533 CM$. He has an impressive +39 Protein. DIVIDEND is in the top 20 daughter‑proven JPI ranking with a +176 JPI. This Valentino son is an all-around Type improver with a +20.0 JUI and +1.5 PTAT while maintaining +1100 Milk.

1JE00794 ZAYD, the highly utilized PLUS son, moved to the daughter-proven listing at +111 JPI. ZAYD continues to add production at +1064 Milk, while improving udders at +6.9 JUI.  J Hei Bri Zayd Iznot

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JERSEY GENESIS TRANSITIONS FROM GOAL TO REALITY By: Scott Carson // Dairy Procurement Specialist, Genex

W

hen the GENESIS Cooperative Herd was initiated more than 25 years ago, the goal was to create a source of dairy genetics that would be free of environmental biases – biases that distorted the performance level of some maternal lines within the Holstein breed. Overall, that goal remains in effect still today.

While the intention is the same, GENESIS has undergone numerous changes, most notably impacted by the advent of genomic evaluations. Genomic evaluations demonstrated the unparalleled genetic excellence of GENESIS and made GENESIS the envy of the artificial insemination (A.I.) industry.

Change is expected to happen, but 25 years ago few people would have predicted the need to expand GENESIS to a breed other than Holstein. However, times do change. In the last decade there has been remarkable growth in the Jersey breed as commercial dairy producers have embraced the little brown cow’s production efficiency.

In 2011, Genex created a committee tasked with evaluating the sustainability of Jersey breed growth and formulating a strategic plan to ensure the cooperative’s product offering would keep pace with demand. All data indicated Jersey breed growth was not only sustainable, but could accelerate.

Among other initiatives, the committee recommended the incorporation of Jerseys into the GENESIS Cooperative Herd.

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In Cooperation

In 2012, the cooperative began to further develop a relationship with Aardema Dairies in Idaho. At the time, the dairy was already committed to milking about 50% Jerseys equating to close to 15,000-head.

Speaking about the attributes of the Jersey cow and their decision to milk Jerseys, Aardema Dairies manager Jordan Leak comments, “We appreciate the Jersey’s ability to stay healthy and breed back quickly. We like their efficiency in producing high component milk with less total dry matter intake.”

In 2013, the dairy officially joined GENESIS as a cooperator herd. This expanded relationship seemed logical as both John Andersen and Jordan Leak of Aardema Dairies have a passion for genetic improvement and share the cooperative’s vision of the profitable dairy cow – whether black, white or brown.

In Jordan’s words, “GENESIS and Aardema Dairies have very similar breeding goals. Joining GENESIS was an easy fit as we were already doing embryo work on our own elite females.

Adding GENESIS animals has only increased our pool of elite donors and allowed us to make longer strides in reaching our breeding goals as well as supplying bulls to a great company.”

With the addition of Aardema Dairies, Genex instantly had access to a population of Jerseys rivaling any in the world.

Through extensive genomic testing the Aardema population has proven to be as rich in genetic quality as expected. Today, 6% of the top genomic JPI™ and genomic Cheese Merit (CM$) females in the breed reside at Aardema Dairies.

©2015 CRI

G E N E T I C A L LY

Seek and Find

As Aardema Dairies joined GENESIS, the Genex dairy genetics staff also began a nationwide search for additional elite Jerseys that could add quality to the Jersey GENESIS herd. The objective was to obtain heifers of high genetic quality and pedigree diversity from commercial herds where environmental biases would not be a concern. Genex purchased 12 heifers through private treaty and at public auction. Each was given the opportunity to produce multiple offspring through embryos transfer as heifers.

S P E A K I N G

Making a Genetic Impact

GENESIS has already succeeded in producing bulls that will sire profitable daughters for the cooperative’s members and customers. With the August sire summary, two Aardema bulls were added to the lineup; 1JE00902 Aardema 4025 ETHAN and 1JE00903 Aardema 4057 MARCUS are solid, profit-based sires.

The first purchase, and still the most impactful, was DP Dimension Wesley1468-ET from the Moss family of Desert Park Jerseys in Jefferson, Oregon. Wesley already has two sons in stud for future release. Her daughters by 1JE00711 PLUS and 1JE00794 ZAYD will calve in early 2016, putting the second generation of GENESIS-bred Jerseys on the ground just 30 months after the purchase of the first GENESIS Jersey. j 1JE00903 Aardema 4057 MARCUS

Additional bulls have arrived in stud too. Co-op AD Zayd BAILEY{6}-ET, a son of DP Dimension Wesley 1468-ET, is scheduled for activation as a genomic giant this fall. 1JE00929 Co-op AD WISDOM, an October 2014 calf will be used as a mating sire this fall before QUANTUM™ sampling. 1JE00930 SPUD, a promising Badger son should reach QUANTUM™ sampling in early 2016.

j DP Dimension Wesley 1468-ET, VG-87%

Of the 12 females, eight are already in milk. Seven have been scored and each is Very Good, led by Wesley at 87 points. j Co-op AD Zayd BAILEY{6}-ET, Son of DP Dimension Wesley 1468-ET

25 YEARS AND COUNTING!

More than 25 years ago, the GENESIS Cooperative Herd was built on a foundation of rapid genetic progress and accurate female genetic evaluations.

In other words, we focused on management of elite commercial females in a real-world setting. Today, the result is sires that provide our members and customers the opportunity to easily improve the genetics of their herds and a no fuss means to manage inbreeding.

Follow along in coming issues of Horizons as we continue to show you the significance of GENESIS and highlight our cooperator herds. ©2015 CRI

Another Co-op AD (Aardema Dairies) prefix bull that is in stud has stolen the spotlight. In mid-April, 1JE00935 Co-Op AD WORLD CUP-ET ranked as the number one Jersey bull for both CM$ and JPI. He held this rank for three months, May through July. However, nothing lasts forever in the genomic era, and in August, WORLD CUP was displaced from the top of the JPI list. He still stands atop the CM$ list outdoing the next bull by $20. WORLD CUP should have semen for contract matings before the new year.

Aardema Dairies has proved to be the ideal partner for Genex as the GENESIS herd has expanded to the Jersey breed. In just four years, Jersey GENESIS has grown from a long-term goal to a tangible reality with breed-leading genetics. For years to come, members and customers will come to benefit from the profitable, breed-leading genetics from Jersey GENESIS.  A Author Bio: Scott Carson graduated from Virginia Tech University and then studied at North Carolina State University. He went on to own and operate Celestial Jerseys in New Lebanon, N.Y., and earned accolades such as the National Outstanding Young Jersey Breeder award. In 2009, Scott joined Genex as a Dairy Procurement Specialist within the Dairy Genetics Division.

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