GENEX HORIZONS, Dairy Edition by GENEX

HORIZONS Dairy Edition

May 2018

Creating Ideal Commercial Cows Economic Based: Data and traits used are directly tied to economic impact on the farm.

Multiple Sources: Data sources include the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB), Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) and the CRI dairy research database.

Real-time and Flexible: Can be modified to reflect economic changes, to address emerging trends or to add new traits of economic impact.

Easy-to-use Sub-indexes: Sub-indexes enable you to narrow genetic emphasis to specific areas of farm management.

ICC$ Index Sub-Indexes for IncludedHolsteins in ICC$

ICC$ Sub-Indexes IndexIncluded for inJerseys ICC$

5% Calving Ability (CABL$) 10% Milking Ability (MABL$) 15% Fertility & Fitness (FYFT$) 24% Health (HLTH$)

Fertility 23% (FERT$) Fertility 23% (FERT$)

46% Production Efficiency (PREF$)

35% Sustainability Cheese Maximizer (SUST$) (ChMAX$) 43%

Sustainability

43% (SUST$) Cheese 35%Maximizer (ChMAX$)

HORIZONS Dairy

May 2018 Vol. 24/No. 1

Published three times a year for GENEX members and customers

ADDRESS CORRESPONDENCE Genex Cooperative, Inc. P.O. Box 469, Shawano, WI 54166 info@genex.coop 888.333.1783 www.crinet.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Ruedinger, President Van Dyne, WI, 920.922.9899 Bobby Robertson, 1st Vice President Tahlequah, OK, 918.822.0020 Harold House, 2nd Vice President Nokesville, VA, 571.722.3356 Ronald Totten, Secretary Stafford, NY, 585.344.0758 Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, WI, 715.289.3860 Patrick Dugan Casa Grande, AZ, 520.251.6455 Terry Frost Roundup, MT, 406.323.3415 Israel Handy St. Johnsville, NY, 518.568.5476 Lamar Gockley Mohnton, PA, 717.283.5586 Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, WI, 608.564.7359 Jody Schaap Woodstock, MN, 507.215.2257 Daniel Tetreault Champlain, NY, 518.298.8690 Bill Zimmerman Foley, MN, 320.355.2191

HORIZONS STAFF

CONTENTS 04 New Opportunities,

Time-Tested Results 06 GENEX Reports Progress,

Improved Outlook A Summary of the GENEX Annual Meeting

07 In the News Member-Owners Elected to GENEX Board, Membership Redistricting Complete

08 I Challenge You … 10 Introducing the New

Jersey Sire Graduates 12 New GENEX Grads Among

the ICC$ Index Elite

13 CDCB Publishes New Health Traits 14 Genetic Selection

through Sub‑Indexes Narrowing Your Genetic Focus to Better Achieve Your Breeding Goals

20 Good Goals for your Repro Program 22 Dairies Earn Excellence in

Genetics & Reproduction Awards 29 Tips for Taking Repro

to the Next Level 30 Will She Live up to Her

Genetic Potential?

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

REPRINTS Material may not be reproduced in any fashion without permission from GENEX. Genex Cooperative, Inc. 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 WA R R A N T I E S O F A N Y K I N D W H AT S O E V E R E X P R E S S E D O R IMPLIED WHICH E X TENDS BE YOND THE DESCRIP TION OF THE PRODUC TS A ND HEREBY DISCL A IM A L L WA RR A NTIES OF MERCHANTABILIT Y AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICUL AR 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.

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.

New Opportunities, Time-Tested Results By John Ruedinger, Chairman, CRI & President, GENEX

On Dec. 15, 2017, your cooperative announced Cooperative Resources International (CRI) and Koepon Holdings B.V. had signed a heads of agreement to combine the businesses and operations of the two companies into a single operating company.

During the week of May 7, the boards of directors and CRI management held special meetings at five locations across the U.S. The meetings provided opportunity for GENEX and AgSource delegates to ask questions before casting their vote.

The boards of directors of CRI, Genex Cooperative, Inc. and AgSource Cooperative Services reviewed the key assumptions, exclusions and adjustments to the proposed business combination based on the reports and information provided through the due diligence process. Each of the boards voted in favor of seeking delegate authorization to move forward with the proposed combination with Koepon (pronounced “Coopon”).

The GENEX and AgSource delegates’ vote to move forward with the formation of a new business venture with Koepon is a historic event; it’s very similar to the vote taken back in 1993 when the 21st Century Genetics and Wisconsin Dairy Herd Improvement Association boards of directors jointly agreed to ask for a member vote to form CRI.

During the last week of April 2018, the delegates of GENEX and AgSource received voting materials and proposed resolutions to be acted upon for the combination consolidation between the two organizations.

We expect the new company would realize savings through synergies in support and administrative functions. Importantly, we believe the financial resources of the new company along with consolidating genetic and production programs will permit the new company to continue to provide value to members and customers in the form of improved products and services. GENEX and AgSource members will continue to be patrons of the cooperative through CRI and do business on a patronage basis under the new combination transaction. Another key feature is that the delegate and boards election governance structure within CRI remains unchanged. In the business combination transaction, CRI will remain a cooperative organization legally and culturally. Our members will continue to have a voice and relevant participation in the governance of the new company.

In early May, delegates gathered at special meetings to gain final insight before voting on the CRI and Koepon business combination.

The most important feature of the cooperative-company combination are the safeguards in place, called minority protection rights of the cooperative. There will need to be

What is Koepon Holding? Koepon Holding consists of enterprises focused on creating value for dairy and beef producers worldwide. Its principle subsidiaries are Alta Genetics and Valley Ag Software. Koepon is a privately-held company owned by the Wijnand Pon family. Wijnand has deep roots in dairy farming and genetics. The family owns five dairies in Europe, milking over 3,000 cows. Wijnand’s daughter, Fanja Pon, is active in the family’s businesses and serves on the Koepon board. For more information go to www.koepon.com.

HORIZONS

a supermajority vote of the new organization board and a two-thirds vote of the affected CRI delegates to substantially change the cooperative.

GENEX Will Remain Your Trusted Brand

This has been quite a process that stretched the collective minds of many. Your staff at CRI, GENEX and AgSource, along with our consultants and legal team, have worked extremely hard to move the process along. With an 88% positive vote by GENEX and AgSource delegates, your cooperative will continue the process of finalizing the formation of the world’s first cooperative and private business entity for livestock genetics and data management. In the coming weeks and months, the contract will be finalized, and final approval will be sought from the CRI boards and Koepon.

By Huub te Plate, COO, GENEX

With an 88% positive vote by GENEX and AgSource delegates, your cooperative will continue the process of finalizing the formation of the world’s first cooperative and private business entity for livestock genetics and data management. With a vision for the future, the teams of CRI and Koepon will move into a new era in livestock genetics and records processing. Through the formation of this new global company, the memberships of GENEX and AgSource are well positioned for the future. The vision of CRI has always been one that is forward thinking, aggressive and willing to take risks for the good of the cooperative. Mergers, acquisitions and joint programs with other businesses are not new to us. Our aggressive style is what brought us to where we are today.

At GENEX, we live and breathe the cornerstones of our brand. They reflect our overall purpose. These cornerstones – Comprehensive, Resourceful, Relevant and Forward-Thinking – are exemplified in the plans for a combination between CRI and Koepon Holding. When finalized, the plan will result in a unique structure that allows our relevancy, forward-thinking and resourcefulness to remain true. This would be one of the first combinations between a cooperative and private business entity. It will preserve the cooperative structure, including sharing earnings on a patronage basis, and allow us to remain true to our grassroots through member governance. Under the plan, the new organization would be a U.S.‑based Limited Partnership with corporate headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. GENEX would maintain its own independent brands, product lines, sales staff and international distributors. GENEX would continue to compete directly with Alta Genetics. We believe significant savings can be realized through combined programs in product development, animal housing, distribution and other behind‑the‑scenes functions. While GENEX will remain the trusted brand you all know, this merger will bundle resources allowing us to accelerate genetic progress. Decisions made now and in the future will continue to be tested against our 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. 

Your boards of directors want to thank the many members and customers of CRI for their continued support. That support has served us well in the past and will continue to advance the cooperative into this new era of production agriculture. 

HORIZONS

GENEX Reports Progress, Improved Outlook A Summary of the GENEX Annual Meeting Member-elected delegates of GENEX attended the cooperative’s annual meeting Jan. 24 in Bloomington, Minnesota. The delegates – dairy and beef cattle producers from across the U.S. – gathered to reflect on the past year’s operational successes and financial results. Discussion also focused on the proposed combination of GENEX parent company Cooperative Resources International (CRI) with Koepon Holding BV. Huub te Plate, GENEX Chief Operating Officer, addressed the delegates, highlighting progress made during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. He noted the debut of new products, programs and services. “A prime example is the Ideal Commercial Cow or ICC$ index for Jerseys. This index is innovation at work. We listened to the desires of our members and customers and took action.” In collaboration with AgSource and the CRI International Center for Biotechnology, GENEX also released new proprietary health traits for Jersey cattle. “Age at First Calving and Calf Survivability are measurable and heritable traits that have an economic value. These traits are unique to our ICC$ index.” Te Plate also mentioned the addition of Jetstream Genetics to the GENEX sire portfolio, market acceptance of

the new RumiLife® CAL24™ nutritional supplement and increased demand for the SCR Heatime® system. Despite progress in new products and services, the 2017 financial results were below expectations. Te Plate stated, “Domestic marketing had a good year, breaking sales dairy records and increasing beef unit sales, but the strong dollar inhibited international sales during the first six months of the fiscal year. While international sales recovered in the second half of the year, the financial shortfall of the first half was too big to overcome. “Additionally, the 2017 financials included a one-time write-down of our investment in semen-sorting research through MOFA GLOBAL and paydown of debt. With this, however, the stage is set for a profitable 2018; we enter the year with an improved balance sheet.” John Ruedinger, GENEX Board President and dairy producer from Van Dyne, Wisconsin, addressed fellow cooperative members regarding the proposed combination with Koepon Holding. “The most significant event this year was your board of directors’ unanimous vote to continue discussions with Koepon. Your board feels this merger is the most positive way for GENEX to continue to add value to members and customers.

GENEX President John Ruedinger addresses delegates at the cooperative’s annual meeting.

“In the proposed business combination, the business model preserves our cooperative principles; yet, it leads to synergies that enable higher innovation levels and better products and services. At the same time, the GENEX employee you are familiar with will still pull into your driveway, and GENEX will continue to have members, delegates and a board of directors.” In closing, Ruedinger shared, “We have developed a reputation as an industry leader and innovator. We need to carry this reputation to the next generation of dairy and beef producers, domestically and internationally. In the 88-year history of predecessor cooperative innovation, and the short 25-year history of our parent company CRI, we will always have a cooperative business to be proud of, now and for future generations to come.” 

GENEX delegates – dairy and beef cattle producers from across the country – attended the GENEX annual meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Member-Owners Elected to GENEX Board

Delegate Elections Starting Soon

GENEX delegates re-elected four cattle producers to new three-year terms. The elections took place at the GENEX annual meeting held Jan. 24 in Bloomington, Minnesota.

For the last several years GENEX delegate elections have taken place in the fall. Last year the GENEX board decided, with input from delegates and alternates, to change the annual membership qualification period and the delegate election timeframe.

Re-elected to the 13-member board were Bobby Robertson, Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Ronald Totten, Stafford, New York; Jon Wayne Danielson, Cadott, Wisconsin; and Terry Frost, Roundup, Montana. Following the annual meeting, the GENEX board elected officers. Directors holding officer positions for 2018 include: John Ruedinger, Van Dyne, Wisconsin, president Bobby Robertson, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, first vice president Harold House, Nokesville, Virginia, second vice president Ronald Totten, Stafford, New York, secretary 

The membership qualification period is now May 1 through April 30. For example, to qualify as a member in 2018, a customer had to spend $500 on GENEX semen, products and/or services between May 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018. In addition, they need to have a membership agreement on file. GENEX members who meet the above-mentioned requirements will receive a self-nominating postcard in early June. The self-nomination postcards must be returned to GENEX in Shawano, Wisconsin, and then ballots will be created using the self-nominated names. Ballots will be mailed to GENEX members in early July. 

Membership Redistricting Complete

The redistricting committee, consisting of GENEX delegates, met Aug. 24 at the CRI Headquarters in Shawano, Wisconsin. Raymond Diederich, of membership Region 9, was elected chairman and presented the committee results to the GENEX board of directors.

11 8 9 10 7

2 4

Every three years, a redistricting committee reviews the membership projections for the next three years and realigns the cooperative membership regions to ensure the 13 regions have a similar number of members. The total number of members for 2018 is 9,288; the average number of members per region is 714. According to the bylaws, each region must be 33.67% lower or higher than the average number of members per region. Therefore, the members per region ranges from 479 to 949. After a thorough review, the committee made the following changes, which will serve the membership for the next three years: Regions without changes: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Regions with changes:

Redistricting committee members also toured the GENEX collection area, lab and distribution. Front row (left to right): Jeff Schmitt, Region 7; Jason Stueber, Region 9; James Loomis, Region 2; Glenn Kline, Region 3; Scott Erthum, Region 12; Mark Dombeck, Region 11. Second row: Don Beggs, Region 1; Tom Tibor, Region 10; Marie Tibor; Raymond Diederich, Region 8; Tommy Motley, Region 5; Greg Perry, Region 4; Don Taber, Region 13; and Fred Weiker, Region 6.

Region 3 will add the following Pennsylvania counties (previously in Region 4): Beaver, Washington, Greene, Alleghany, Fayette, Westmoreland, Somerset, Indiana and Cambria.

Region 6 will add the southern two rows of Iowa counties (previously in Region 7): Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis, Van Buren and Lee. 

HORIZONS

Challenge You … By Israel Handy, Dairy Producer & GENEX Board Member

I became a GENEX delegate 12 years ago at a member appreciation dinner. I was nominated by a farming acquaintance, and to my surprise I won! I didn’t fully know what was expected of me at that time; however, I am very glad I took that first step to becoming more involved and gaining knowledge of our co-op and co-ops in general. I never regretted serving as a delegate and enjoyed it immensely. In that time, I learned to understand and appreciate the role delegates play in our co-op. A co-op is owned by its members, and the delegate is the direct representation of the members. I was impressed how the board and management asked for advice during the annual input meetings and how they followed it. Every time. Each year I looked forward to and enjoyed attending the annual meeting. It was a time to meet new people, make friends, learn about the co-op, and talk with other farmers and ranchers from around the country. It was grassroots networking at its best. Being a delegate gave me a chance to grow, to become part of something bigger. While serving as a delegate, you interact directly with the board of directors. This can sound like an awe-inspiring, powerful group. In reality, they are all farmers and ranchers, with cattle and crops, who take the time to serve the co-op and its members. Last year, I was privileged to be elected to the GENEX board of directors. It is humbling to serve with such a great group of people. My expectations of becoming a director were based on the attitude of service. I had a great example from

HORIZONS

my director while I was a delegate. I knew there would be a lot to learn, both about the co-op and about myself while growing into this new position. I was not disappointed! This first year has been an eventful one. There was a lot of information to catch up on regarding the workings of the co-op. There were discussions to be had and decisions to be made; not all were easy.

“Being a delegate gave me a chance to grow, to become part of something bigger.”

This past year, I learned we have a lot of very talented and passionate people working for the membership of GENEX and AgSource. They love what they do and are always striving to improve. My experience as a board member has been very rewarding, and I expect it to continue to be so. Having the chance to be a delegate and then a board member has enabled me to more clearly see the advantages of being part of a co‑op. First, you have the opportunity to have a voice in what matters to you. You also have the opportunity to have a bigger role in it through representation, as a delegate and possibly as a board member. There is also the chance to own part of the company you do business with, through equity and patronage. Finally, I would like to impress upon you the importance of being involved. Yes, it takes time. However, I wish everybody could experience what I have while being a GENEX delegate and board member. When I was first nominated to be a delegate, I never imagined it would be as rewarding as it has been. The management of a co-op depends upon engaged representation at both the delegate and board level. I challenge you to grow, to become part of something bigger. 

Israel Handy operates Handy Hills Farm, a 90-cow dairy near St. Johnsville, New York. Israel became a GENEX delegate in 2006 and was elected to the board of directors in 2017.

The Future is Agriculture As part of our commitment to the future of agriculture, each year GENEX awards scholarships to college students pursuing degrees in agriculture. GENEX, a part of Cooperative Resources International (CRI), awards college students who are actively involved on a member’s farm or ranch and exhibit a passion of leading the way for the agriculture industry. The six recipients of this year’s CRI Collegiate Scholarship exemplify the drive, dedication and devotion that agriculture requires. Their response to what agriculture means to them is proof:

“To be successful in agriculture it takes hard work, passion, family and resilience.”

“Agriculture impacts all of us every day in several different ways, from the food we eat to the fuel we use for our vehicles to the clothes we wear. Agriculture has impacted and transformed me into the person I am today and who I will become tomorrow.”

“I have learned that hard work and dedication is necessary to make ends meet.”

Jessica Schmitt

Lantz Adams

“Through farm life, I have learned about being a good neighbor, working hard, and being honest and fair. I’m thankful for those values – they’ve contributed to my success in academics, in being elected to leadership roles and in motivating me to get involved in teaching and serving others. Agriculture and the values I’ve gained will always be a part of who I am.”

Matthew Grossman

Students earning the $750 scholarship include: Jessica Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, Iowa; Lantz Adams of Laton, California; Matthew Grossman of Pittsville, Wisconsin; Donovan Buss of York, Nebraska; Bridger Gordon of Whitewood, South Dakota; and Erica Helmer of Plymouth, Wisconsin.

These applicants are a promise to a bright future in agriculture. “We are proud to support youth who are interested in furthering their education and commitment to agriculture,” states Terri Dallas, Vice President of Communications. “Not only do these students understand the importance of agriculture; they are tremendous advocates for it as well.” The hard work, passion and leadership skills needed for the agriculture industry is not lost on these students. In their applications they described opportunities that helped them grow, such as interning for a congressman in Washington D.C., volunteering on mission trips, leading FFA chapters and 4-H clubs, taking advanced placement classes to push themselves academically, spearheading educational events to spread agriculture awareness, and managing critical roles on the operations they work. “These applicants are a promise to a bright future in agriculture,” states Terri. “Along with their exceptional leadership, the heart and determination they demonstrate sends a strong message that tomorrow’s agriculture is in good hands.” 

“Agriculture activities helped me get out of my comfort zone to become a leader who is always willing to step up.”

Donovan Buss

“Agriculture has helped me grow as a leader, taught me when to be a follower, and developed my organizational skills and good work ethic.”

Bridger Gordon

Erica Helmer

HORIZONS

Introducing the New

Jersey Sire Graduates New sires in the Jersey lineup possess the genetics for creating ideal cows for commercial herd environments. Leading the new releases at an impressive +803 for the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index is 1JE01054 ACHIEVER {3}. This Avon son improves yield with his +541 for the Cheese Maximizer (ChMAX$) sub-index of ICC$. He also has an exceptional +27.2 JUI™ and debuts at +710 Cheese Merit (CM$) and +210 JPI™. ACHIEVER {3} adds impressive longevity (+6.6 Productive Life) as well. 1JE01073 HALL {4} ranks third in the lineup for the ICC$ index, behind ACHIEVER {3} and 1JE01057 CESPEDES {3}. This early 1JE00922 RONALDO {3} son makes a stand at +791 ICC$, +662 CM$ and +196 JPI™. HALL {4} adds production efficiency with a +628 ChMAX$ rank, +144 combined Fat & Protein (CFP) and over +1100 Milk.

Another new Avon son, 1JE01041 KAZAN {3} is +735 ICC$, +183 JPI™ and +594 CM$. He combines strong component production (+127 CFP) with quality udders (+14.4 JUI™) and positive daughter fertility (+0.3 DPR). 1JE01069 AMPLIFY {3}, a son of well-known GENEX sire 1JE00892 VANDRELL {2}, debuts at +709 ICC$, +666 CM$ and +194 JPI™. Use AMPLIFY {3} to add positive component percentages, improve udders (+19.3 JUI™) and increase daughter fertility (+0.4 DPR). 1JE01076 JACK BAUER {3} is an early 1JE00921 EUSEBIO {4} son at +680 ICC$, +582 CM$ and +175 JPI™. He adds milk yield while siring daughters with impressive udders (+21.9 JUI™).

1JE01047 ARENA {3}, a full brother to ACHIEVER {3}, joins the lineup at +739 ICC$ and +651 CM$. This bull is extremely balanced with impressive rankings for the ICC$ sub-indexes, along with a +0.3 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), +29.2 JUI™ and +125 CFP.

In addition, a group of Marlo sons were added to the lineup including 1JE01028 APPROACH {3} at +698 ICC$, 1JE01048 EVERLASTING {3} at +678 ICC$, 1JE01046 FRESCA {3} at +673 ICC$, 1JE01036 NORBERT {3} at +664 ICC$ and 1JE00970 STEPH {3} at +615 ICC$. All five add impressive component yields, especially Fat, while also improving udders with high JUI™ values. FRESCA {3} and NORBERT {3} are +590 and +576 CM$ respectively. 

1JE01054 JX Pine-Tree ACHIEVER {3}-ET

1JE01073 JX Aardema HALL {4}

HORIZONS

Industry Greats

1JE01057 CESPEDES {3}

1JE01059 CESPEDES {3} is a true industry leader. This Marlo son carries impressive credentials: +841 ICC$, +215 JPI™ and +754 CM$. 1JE00922 RONALDO {3} added early production daughters and is the industry’s leading progeny-proven sire for CM$ (+645) and JPI™ (+194). This Harris son has over +1700 Milk and +158 Combined Fat and Protein. 

Data-Driven. Cutting Edge.

Commercially Focused. Fertility (FERT$)

Sustainability (SUST$)

Cheese Maximizer (ChMAX$)

ICC$ Index Leaders

Use the ICC$ index to … Choose genetics that will boost your herd’s bottom line. Customize genetic emphasis through three sub-indexes: Cheese Maximizer (ChMAX$), Sustainability (SUST$) and Fertility (FERT$). Enhance your herd’s genetics through two GENEX Jersey‑specific proprietary traits: Age at First Calving and Calf Survivability.

All bulls are JH1F, JH2F. GENEX/04-18, AJCA/04-18, CDCB/04-18.

ICC$

ChMAX$ SUST$

FERT$

1JE01057 CESPEDES {3}

BBR 92

+841

+593

+247

NEW

1JE01054 ACHIEVER {3}

BBR 100

+803

+541

+218

+44

NEW

1JE01073 HALL {4}

BBR 100

+791

+628

+174

-11

1JE00922 RONALDO {3}

BBR 92

+769

+700

+149

-80

1JE00984 USAIN BOLT {3}

BBR 80

+739

+552

+209

-22

1JE01047 ARENA {3}

BBR 91

+739

+553

+158

+28

1JE00966 FUTURE {3}

BBR 93

+738

+488

+238

+12

1JE01041 KAZAN {3}

BBR 100

+735

+565

+131

+39

1JE01056 COUSINS {3}

BBR 92

+724

+432

+183

+109

1JE00935 WORLD CUP {5}

BBR 100

+722

+427

+201

+94

NEW

New GENEX Grads Among the ICC$ Index Elite Topping the GENEX lineup for the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index following the April proofs are a trio of outstanding sires in 1HO13023 MR WISCONSIN, 1HO11955 BEYOND and 1HO12917 MIKE. Just behind them are three new releases all over +1100 ICC$. The top new releases debut at +1113 ICC$. 1HO12990 NET is a 1HO11643 DAMIEN son out of a Supershot that is destined to impress with his +1113 ICC$ and +572 for the Production Efficiency (PREF$) sub-index, meaning he has genetics that result in high‑yielding cows with lower feed costs. NET also stands at +901 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM$), adds longevity (+8.2 Productive Life) and transmits high, wide rear udders with strong fore udder attachments. He offers all-round calving ease too, with a low 6.2% Sire Calving Ease (SCE) and 3.6% Daughter Calving Ease (DCE). Also at +1113 ICC$ is a new Jett son, 1HO13415 TANZANITE. This bull packs in production (+131 CFP, +1817 Milk), improves udders (+2.18 Udder Composite) and is +826 LNM$.

1HO12990 Intense-Com NET Return-ET

HORIZONS

Rounding out the new releases over +1100 ICC$ is 1HO12982 BEACHBOY, an outcross by Barclay. BEACHBOY has an extremely balanced genetic profile: +1112 ICC$, +382 for the Health (HLTH$) sub-index and +862 LNM$. Use him to improve udders (+1.66 Udder Composite), moderate frame size and improve yield (+124 CFP). He adds daughter fertility (+2.7 Daughter Pregnancy Rate), extends longevity (+7.7 PL) and has a low 5.0% SCE. New release 1HO13300 COOLIO is a Tesla son and a calving ease specialist at 5.4% SCE. He is +1087 ICC$ and the leader for the Fertility and Fitness (FYFT$) sub-index, which emphasizes genetics that result in optimal age at first calving, reduced days open and shorter calving intervals. His elite +4.0 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) is testament to that. COOLIO also comes in at +1.99 Udder Composite (UDC) while improving milk quality (+2.63 Somatic Cell Score).

ICC$ index, +953 LNM$ and +2805 TPI®. This outcross sire, a DAMIEN out of a Josuper, is +151 CFP. He will sire daughters with impressive udders (+2.50 UDC) while moderating frame size. KANZO is available in GenChoice™ sexed semen. 1HO13406 HAGAR is a new Ragen son. He is +1019 ICC$ and +864 LNM$ with an impressive +2.18 UDC. Use HAGAR with confidence in the heifer pens (6.4% SCE) while improving daughter fertility (+1.2 DPR) and adding longevity (+6.3 Productive Life). A new bull at +955 ICC$ and +949 LNM$ is 1HO12965 RADICAL. This early 1HO11652 RADIUS son out of a Montross is known for production efficiency (+603 PREF$) with his +178 CFP and +112 Fat. Use RADICAL to improve component percentages while also siring daughters with extremely high and wide rear udders.

1HO12996 KANZO is an impressive new sire with strong industry rankings. He debuts at +1066 for the

A new release Modesty son, 1HO12986 RUSTIC is an extreme component yield sire that optimizes efficiency from trouble-free milking cows. He comes in at +921 ICC$, +193 for ICC$’s Milking Ability (MABL$) sub-index and +117 Fat. Use RUSTIC to improve udders at +1.99 UDC. Another new Modesty son, 1HO13513 PURSUIT, is an elite type and milk yield sire. He is +2.11 PTAT, +2.66 UDC and comes in at +1996 Milk with +141 CFP. This all comes in a calving ease package: +77 Calving Ability (CABL$), 5.4% SCE, 2.7% DCE. 

1HO13415 Co-op Jett TANZANITE-ET

1HO12982 No-Fla Radi BEACHBOY-ET

CDCB Publishes

New Health Traits The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) has established six new health traits for Holstein cattle. These health traits, published with the April sire summary, were targeted based on their significant incident rate and financial impact to dairy operations. The traits include: Hypocalcemia (MFEV) Displaced Abomasum (DA)

The heritability of each trait is shown in Table 2. Average reliabilities range from 40-49% in young animals and 44‑56% in progeny-tested animals, depending on the trait.

Ketosis (KETO) Mastitis (MAST) Metritis (METR)

Table 2. Heath trait heritabilities

Retained Placenta (RETP) Table 1 provides a direct estimate of costs for each health event based on 2017 research. The estimates do not include associated costs already accounted for in Lifetime Net Merit (LNM$), such as production or fertility. Table 1. Costs per health event

Health Event Hypocalcemia (MFEV) Displaced Abomasum (DA) Ketosis (KETO) Mastitis (MAST) Metritis (METR) Retained Placenta (RETP)

These new health traits are defined as disease resistance. Trait values are presented as percentage points of event resistance above or below the breed average, with evaluations of cows born in the base year averaging zero. A negative value indicates a resistance lower than breed average while a positive value indicates favorable resistance to the health event.

Direct Cost Estimate (per case)* $34 $197 $28 $75 $112 $68

Health Trait Hypocalcemia (MFEV) Displaced Abomasum (DA) Ketosis (KETO) Mastitis (MAST) Metritis (METR) Retained Placenta (RETP)

Heritability 0.6% 1.1% 1.2% 3.1% 1.4% 1.0%

The evaluations are based on producer-recorded data from Dairy Herd Information (DHI) affiliates. Depending on the trait, the data comes from 1.2 million to 2.5 million records on 0.7 million to 1.4 million cows. CDCB trait evaluations for GENEX sires can be found in the April Holstein Catalog. These health traits are expected to be included in the LNM$ index with the August 2018 sire summary. More information on the LNM$ formula will be shared as details become available; watch the GENEX website, blog and social media outlets for updates. 

A positive value indicates favorable resistance to the health event, while a negative value indicates a resistance lower than breed average.

HORIZONS

Genetic Selection through Sub-Indexes Narrowing Your Genetic Focus to Better Achieve Your Breeding Goals By Joe Binversie, Value Added Programs Manager, GENEX

Some might say the 2014 introduction of the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index was nothing new – just another genetic index with different trait weightings. In fact, the opposite is true. What made the ICC$ index unique was the inclusion of economic-based sub-indexes. The sub-indexes meant sire selection for specific breeding objectives could be tied to economic dollar values. In other words, the sub-indexes provided dairy producers with a way to narrow their genetic emphasis to management areas that most impact their farm profits. Fast forward to 2018, the ICC$ index is available for both Holstein and Jersey cattle. Each breed’s version of the index includes sub‑indexes tailored to the needs and breeding objectives of today’s dairy producers, but are there really benefits to using the sub-indexes? How are farms using them? Have the results of genetic selection through sub‑indexes been validated?

HORIZONS

Using sub-indexes in genetic programs In recent years, there’s been a significant increase in the number of new genetic traits developed industrywide, and new traits will continue to be developed. With all this change and progress, it may become difficult to determine which traits hold the most value for a dairy and how to best use the information

available. At some point, it may even become information overload. This is one reason producers may turn their attention to genetic sub‑indexes. The biggest benefit of the sub‑indexes that comprise the ICC$ indexes for Holsteins and Jerseys is they allow a dairy to narrow genetic emphasis to better achieve breeding goals. Said another way, it is easier to select genetics through a

Narrow your genetic emphasis by choosing the top bulls for the sub-index that most impacts your farm profits.

Table 1. Top 25% GENEX Jerseys by ICC$ index rank

Fertility

Sustainability

23%

35%

Cheese Maximizer 43%

ICC$ Index for Jerseys

Bull 1JE01057 CESPEDES {5} 1JE01054 ACHIEVER {3} 1JE01073 HALL {4} 1JE00922 RONALDO {3} 1JE01047 ARENA {3} 1JE00984 USAIN BOLT {3} 1JE00966 FUTURE {3} 1JE01041 KAZAN {3} 1JE01056 COUSINS {3} 1JE00935 WORLD CUP {5} 1JE00962 DEGROM {3} 1JE00994 ASTRIX {3} 1JE01069 AMPLIFY {3} Average ICC$ of top 5 bulls

ICC$ +841 +803 +791 +769 +739 +739 +738 +735 +724 +722 +714 +709 +709

ChMAX$ SUST$ +593 +247 +541 +218 +628 +174 +700 +149 +553 +158 +552 +209 +488 +238 +565 +131 +432 +183 +427 +201 +476 +243 +468 +171 +527 +135 +775 +767

FERT$ +1 +44 -11 -80 +28 -22 +12 +39 +109 +94 -5 +70 +47 +733

FERT$ +1 +44 -11 -80 +28 -22 +12 +39 +109 +94 -5 +70 +47 +771

Choosing the top five bulls with positive FERT$ sub-index values delivers a higher overall ICC$ index average (+771) than choosing the top five FERT$ bulls (+733 ICC$ average).

sub‑index than to individually select for all traits that contribute to a specific breeding objective. Choosing sires based on sub‑indexes is simple. Consider these examples: Table 1 lists the top 25% of the GENEX Jersey lineup ranked by ICC$ index. Assume a producer wants to choose the top five bulls from this group that meet the dairy’s breeding program goals. If production is the dairy’s main emphasis, a producer would choose the top bulls for the Cheese Maximizer (ChMAX$) subindex; the top five bulls for ChMAX$ are highlighted in yellow in the table. If a producer chose to concentrate on Sustainability (SUST$) or Fertility (FERT$), the same logic would apply. The top five SUST$ sub-index bulls are highlighted in teal and the top FERT$ bulls are highlighted in blue. Note the top five bulls for each sub‑index varies. This demonstrates sires typically perform better in certain indexes compared to others.

The table’s bottom row shows the ICC$ index average of the top five bulls in each sub-index. The averages for the top five ChMAX$ and SUST$ sub-index bulls are very similar (+775 and +767 respectively). The ICC$ index average for the FERT$ sub‑index list, however, is slightly lower (+733). In this instance, a producer may decide the decline in overall ICC$ index values does not meet the dairy’s overall needs when selecting for ideal commercial cows and may instead choose to exclude bulls that do not meet a minimum threshold for the FERT$ sub-index. The second FERT$ column identifies the top five bulls for ICC$ that have positive FERT$ sub-index values; these values are highlighted in purple. The overall ICC$ index average of these five bulls (+771) is comparable to those selected based on ChMAX$ or SUST$ sub-index values. This demonstrates the relative ease in which sub-indexes may be used for achieving specific breeding goals. HORIZONS

Consider the Production Efficiency (PREF$) sub-index within the ICC$ index for Holsteins. The objective of this sub-index is to “pinpoint genetics that result in high yielding cows with lower feed costs. Emphasis is on pounds of Protein and reversing the trend for taller cows.” A large progressive Holstein herd (Dykstra Dairy, Maurice, Iowa) has genomic tested females through GENEX for the past several years and has received genomic ICC$ index and sub-index values on the females. The first large group of cows with ICC$ index values freshened as heifers in 2015. (Data on this subpopulation is a partial analysis as 41% are still in the herd. Lifetime production values are as of April 2018.) The PREF$ sub-index places emphasis on pounds of Protein. Figure 1 divides the aforementioned cow population into quartiles based on their rankings for three indexes (Cheese Merit, ICC$ and PREF$) and shows each quartile’s lifetime average daily pounds of protein. In other words, the 1,348 cows are grouped and ranked by each index respectively (quartile 1=top 25%; quartile 4=bottom 25%). When comparing the linear trendlines between the indexes, the PREF$ sub-index trendline shows a greater degree of separation compared to the ICC$ index and Cheese Merit (CM$) lines. Therefore, the PREF$ sub‑index has the best selection response for improving pounds of protein. The PREF$ sub-index also aims to “reverse the trend for taller cows.” In Figure 2, the GENEX Holstein lineup is divided into quartiles, with quartile 1 containing sires with 16

HORIZONS

Does Selecting by the PREF$ Sub-Index Really Work? BREEDING OBJECTIVE Use the PREF$ sub-index to pinpoint genetics that result in high-yielding cows with lower feed costs. PREF$ emphasizes pounds of Protein and reverses the trend for taller cows.

Sub-Indexes in ICC$ ICC$ IndexIncluded for Holsteins 5% Calving Ability (CABL$) 10% Milking Ability (MABL$)

BREEDING RESULTS

46% Production Efficiency (PREF$)

15% Fertility and Fitness (FYFT$)

In this herd, the PREF$ sub-index has the best selection response for improving pounds of protein compared to Cheese Merit (CM$) and the ICC$ index (Figure 1). High PREF$ bulls do reverse the trend for tall stature (Figure 2).

24% Health (HLTH$)

Figure 1. Lifetime average daily pounds of protein by index quartile (CM$, ICC$, PREF$) 2.80

Ave Lifetime Daily lbs of Protein

How well do the breeding objectives of the ICC$ sub-indexes translate to actual cow performance? Or, said another way, does real herd data show selecting based on sub-indexes correlates to cows performing according to the defined breeding objectives?

gCM$ gICC$ gPREF$

2.70

Linear (gCM$) Linear (gICC$) Linear (gPREF$)

2.70 2.60

2.60 2.45 2.50 2.28 2.40 2.30 2.20

Quartile 4

Quartile 3

Quartile 2

Quartile 1

Figure 2. Average PTA Stature of GENEX Holstein sires (April 2018 lineup) by PREF$ and PTA Milk quartiles. 0.70 0.60 Average PTA Stature

Validating sub-index use

0.50

0.50 0.40

PREF$ PTA Milk Linear (PREF$)

0.62

0.61

0.50

0.35 0.40

0.35 0.18

0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00

Quartile 4

Quartile 3

Quartile 2

Quartile 1

Table 2. Lifetime production averages for Days in Milk (DIM), Milk and Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) by genomic gPREF$ quartile. gPREF$ Quartile 1 Quartile 2 Quartile 3 Quartile 4

PTA gPREF$ Stature -0.41 -0.41 -0.19 -0.12

288 166 89 -18

PTA Milk 873 465 189 -203

Ave Ave Lifetime Ave Daily Ave Daily Lifetime Total Milk Milk ECM Total DIM (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) 686 656 590 503

59579 54885 46354 36891

86.8 83.6 78.5 73.3

94.1 91.0 85.7 79.9

Average = 92.5

As PREF$ increases, PTA Stature decreases

Table 3. Lifetime production averages for Days in Milk (DIM), Milk lbs, and Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) by genomic PTA Milk quartile. gMilk Quartile 1 Quartile 2 Quartile 3 Quartile 4

PTA gPREF$ Stature

PTA Milk

0.07 -0.29 -0.39 -0.53

1067 500 132 -383

252 152 97 21

the highest PTA Milk (gray bars) and highest PREF$ sub-index values (teal bars). The values listed in the figure are the average PTA Stature of the sires in each quartile. Figure 2 and the linear trendline for PREF$ show that as PREF$ increases, PTA Stature decreases. Thus, the PREF$ sub-index reverses the trend for taller cows. When looking at the active lineup quartiled by PTA Milk, the figure shows as PTA Milk increases there’s generally an increase in PTA Stature. This is most evident when comparing the average PTA Stature between quartile 1 for the PREF$ sub-index and PTA Milk (0.18 compared to 0.50 PTA Stature). Given this data, one might wonder how to find a balance between selecting against stature through the PREF$ sub-index and achieving quality production. Look at Tables 2 and 3. Table 2 groups the 1,348 cows from Dykstra Dairy by their genomic values for PREF$, and Table 3 groups the cows by their genomic values for

Ave Ave Lifetime Ave Daily Ave Daily Lifetime Total Milk Milk ECM Total DIM (lbs.) (lbs.) (lbs.) 674 674 589 498

60340 55837 45834 35541

89.6 82.8 77.8 71.4

94.2 89.3 86.0 81.5

PTA Milk. Like in Figure 2, this shows PTA Stature decreases as PREF$ increases and PTA Stature increases as PTA Milk increases. The interesting parts of these tables are the lifetime production values achieved thus far when comparing PREF$ to PTA Milk. When comparing lifetime pounds of milk, PTA Milk has the advantage (the top quartile averages 60,340 lifetime pounds of milk). However, when examining production from the Energy-Corrected Milk (ECM) standpoint, the top quartile for both PREF$ and PTA Milk are nearly identical. If looking at the top two quartiles for each, the tables show the PREF$ sub‑index is outperforming PTA Milk (92.5 compared to 91.8 lbs. ECM). Therefore, choosing sires based on the PREF$ sub-index can be an excellent way to reverse the trend for stature in a herd and place emphasis on pounds of Protein. Ultimately, this validation exercise shows the ICC$ sub-indexes provide the cow performance stated in their breeding objectives.

Average = 91.8

As PTA Milk increases, PTA Stature increases

There’s more to come In the future, sub-indexes are likely to be even more prevalent. Even now, the Dairy Wellness Profit (DWP$) index published by Zoetis includes two economic-based sub-indexes in Calf Wellness dollars (CW$) and Wellness Trait dollars (WT$). One could speculate that Lifetime Net Merit and CM$ indexes published by the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) may transition to economicbased sub-indexes eventually as well. As more and more genetic traits are developed, sub-indexes become a logical way to eliminate the oversaturation of traits and to focus on specific breeding objectives. It is much easier to select on a single sub-index that emphasizes the desired area of farm management than it is to select on the many traits that may be associated with it. In all, the ICC$ sub-indexes offer a great way to achieve breeding objectives. Consider one of the ICC$ sub-indexes when making sire selection decisions.  HORIZONS

HEALTH (HLTH$) Breeding for improved health and longevity. Creating cows with proper body condition, low SCS, excellent locomotion, lower predicted blood BHBA, and fewer cases of metritis and lameness.

31% Prod. Life 27% Locomotion 18% SCS 6% BCS 6% FH 6% SCK 6% MTR

The 5 Sub-indexes of the ICC$ Index for Holsteins Enable You to Narrow Your Genetic Emphasis

PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY (PREF$)

FERTILITY AND FITNESS

Pinpointing genetics that result in high yielding cows with lower feed costs. Emphasis is on pounds of Protein and reversing the trend for taller cows.

Emphasizing reproductive efficiency through genetics that result in optimal age at first calving, reduced days open and shorter calving intervals.

36% 36% 18% 10%

Marginal Feed Costs Protein Yield Fat Yield Milk Yield

MILKING ABILITY (MABL$) Optimizing efficiency with trouble-free milking cows. Selects for mastitis resistance, milking speed and temperament, and ideal commercial udder conformation and function.

(FYFT$) 51% DPR 36% HCR 6% CCR 5% Polled Genotype 2% Fertility Haplotypes

70% 15% 12% 3%

Udder Traits Mastitis Resistance Milking Speed Milking Temperament

CALVING ABILITY (CABL$) Focusing on live calves born without difficulty to maximize genetic progress in heifer pens and ensure an easy transition into the milking string.

45% Sire Calving Ease 29% Dau. Stillbirth 16% Dau. Calving Ease 10% Sire Stillbirth

Good Goals for your Repro Program By Kim Egan, DVM, Director of Strategic Accounts, GENEX

The world of dairy is one of continuous improvement. Tight margins, expense of heifer rearing and the drive to improve herd genetic potential have made excellent reproduction an even more important item on many farms. Over the last several years, much has been learned and implemented to improve cow comfort, nutrition and health. Genetics, fertility-enhancing synchronization programs and market pressures have all had an impact as well. Today’s economics and the swift speed at which advancements have occurred mean yesterday’s reproductive goals are already out of date. Here are the top five statistics tracked on dairies today and updated performance goals for each.

Percent pregnant by 150 Days in Milk (DIM). Many of the herds GENEX works with have exceeded the goal of 75% of cows pregnant by 150 DIM, a goal that was sought after just a few short years ago. Confirming this, the GENEX Dairy Performance Navigator or DPN program shows the top 10% of herds by milk production (out of 280 Holstein herds over 500 cows) now average 81% of the herd pregnant by 150 DIM. GENEX Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Award winners for 2017 averaged 88% pregnant by 150 DIM. A new goal of >80% of cows pregnant by 150 DIM seems appropriate. SM

Today’s economics and the swift speed at which advancements have occurred mean yesterday’s reproductive goals are already out of date. Today, a good goal is to achieve 85% of heifers pregnant at 15 to 17 months of age.

HORIZONS

3-week pregnancy rate. Depending on the program a dairy uses, the calculation of cows that are eligible to be bred may vary. Ultimately, the pregnancy rate is driven by conception rates and service rates. Factors that diminish estrus expression or detection or reduce conception will reduce the pregnancy rate. Many factors that affect reproductive success are shown in Graphic 1 below. Holstein herds in the DPN program with 500 cows or more average 25% annual pregnancy rates; the top 10% by cow pregnancy rate have achieved a 34% average. A good goal for 3-week pregnancy rate is now 30%. SM

Conception by breeding code, service number, semen type. Many herds are using sex-sorted semen in the lactating herd as well as their heifers; this product frequently has lower conception than conventional semen. There are also differences in synchronization programs for first service and later services. It is best to track conception of differing breeding codes (example: resynchronization versus heat detection) and semen types, so if change in reproductive performance is desired, the areas can be monitored in relation to the goal and to historical performance.

Good goals would match the following: The top 10% of Holstein herds by cow preg rate in the DPN program are achieving first service conception >45% in their lactating herds. For heifers, the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Gold Standard for first service conception rate with sexed semen is 60%. SM

Percent of heifers pregnant at 15-17 months old. This is still a favorite measure of the overall efficiency of the virgin heifer reproductive program. The range can be adjusted based on a dairy’s voluntary waiting period but should allow time for breeding and pregnancy diagnosis. Delays in moving heifers into the breeding pen or inadequate heat detection will reduce this percentage. Skipping the pregnancy examinations or missing data will also skew this data. Increased percentages reflect efficient use of days (or months) heifers are fed before freshening and return income to the dairy.

Currently, the top 10% of Holstein herds by heifer pregnancy rate in the DPN program are achieving 85% of heifers pregnant at 15-17 months. That is an excellent goal for any dairy farm. SM

Number of eligible animals beyond first service deadline not inseminated. Many farms are achieving 100% of animals (both cows and heifers) inseminated within 28 days of their voluntary waiting period. It is important to have a fixed goal by which all animals should be inseminated (note: a dairy’s goal may be different than 28 days or may include weight for heifers). Animals removed from breeding pens and/or missed on synchronization programs may not be inseminated, reducing the service rate and the dairy’s efficiency. The goal for number of animals beyond the first service deadline that are not inseminated is zero. 

Tight margins, expense of heifer rearing and the drive to improve herd genetic potential have made excellent reproduction even more important.

Graphic 1. Cause and effect chart for pregnancy production Semen Processing Handling

Management Re enrollment Protocol

Bull Fertility

VWP DCCP

Shipment

Cow Locomotion Grouping Disease BCS Cyclicity Pregnancies

Technique Accuracy Synch Efficiency Labor

Formulation Feedstuffs Delivery Nutrition

Surfaces Heat Stress Time on Feet Environment

HORIZONS

Dairies Earn Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Awards CATEGORY WINNERS

< 500 Cows

Holmesville Dairy

Argyle, Wisconsin

Weisenbeck Farms LLC

Durand, Wisconsin

Platinum Gold Silver

500-2,000 Cows

Platinum Gold Silver

A-OK Farms LLC

Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Honorable Mention

Breezy Hill Dairy

Maple Ridge Dairy

Stratford, Wisconsin

Schilling Farms

Waunakee, Wisconsin

Darlington, Wisconsin

Spring Breeze Dairy LLC

Bryant, Wisconsin

(Part of the Breeze Dairy Group) Honorable Mention

> 2,000 Cows

Plymouth Dairy Farms, Inc.

Platinum Gold Silver

Dykstra Dairy

Platinum (tied) Platinum (tied) Gold Silver

A-OK Farms LLC

Schilling Farms

Holmesville Dairy

Honorable Mention

Omro Dairy

Mar-Bec Dairy

Goodhue, Minnesota

LeMars, Iowa

Maurice, Iowa

Verhasselt Farms LTD

Honorable Mention

Heifers

Hinsch Farm Inc.

Kaukauna, Wisconsin Omro, Wisconsin

Mondovi, Wisconsin Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

Darlington, Wisconsin Argyle, Wisconsin

Lawnhurst Dairy

Stanley, New York

It’s More Than Just the Numbers The following pages provide insider information on this year's platinum award winners.

HORIZONS

< 500 Cows Category

Holmesville Dairy Argyle, Wisconsin

Every great coach spends time assembling his or her team, and dairy farm owners are no different. For Holmesville Dairy, bringing together a long-standing capable team has made all the difference. Soon after the parlor was built in 2000, owners Tim and Penny Holmes were struggling with a 15‑20% pregnancy rate. Knowing they could do better, they brought in experts to improve their game, and they hit it out of the park! Today, Tim and Penny, along with their son Travis, milk 400 cows in a double-8 parallel parlor. Their herd provides a daily average of 94 pounds of milk per cow with 4.0% Fat and 3.1% Protein, milking three

times per day. If those numbers and a 107,000 somatic cell count don’t get your attention, then their impressive 40% cow pregnancy rate and 60% first service cow conception rate should.

Team consistency is key The Holmesville team, consisting of the owners, herdsman, milking crew, veterinarian, nutritionist, A.I. company and business consultant have been together for over 10 years. Tim attributes most of their reproductive success to team longevity. “It is a team effort that makes the difference,” explains Tim. Each player on the team plays an important part in the farm’s reproductive success. “It is the consistency that is key.”

All cows are bred to conventional semen, and heifers are raised on the farm and bred with sexed semen for the first two services. The Holmes also recently made the decision to breed fifth or greater service cows to beef sires. Incredible reproductive rates have added an unexpected income source for the farm, as they are now in a position to sell heifers. Herd veterinarian and local dairy reproduction legend, Dr. BJ Jones, says the success lies with the details. Last year new fans were added to the freestall barns. This year, a remodeling project will add to cow comfort in the form of larger stalls. Daughter Pregnancy Rate has also been a focus for a long time, and it is showing. “Genetics makes a difference,” says Jones. 

HORIZONS

Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Platinum Award Winner

Dr. BJ Jones (far left) and Tim Heiring (far right) are part of the long-standing team that has helped achieve reproductive success for Travis and Tim Holmes of Holmesville Dairy.

Quarterly meetings keep the whole team on the same page, while daily reproductive communication occurs between Herdsman Jim Holmes and GENEX Reproductive Program Senior Technician Tim Heiring. “Tim knows how to move through cows. He gets things done and moves on. Most of the time we don’t even know he is here,” comments Travis. Tim does a daily walk of the pens and touches up tail paint as needed, a vital part of the farm’s 12-day Presynch/Ovsynch timed A.I. program.

500-2,000 Cows Category

Maple Ridge Dairy Stratford, Wisconsin The team’s good cow management skills and protocol compliance are key to their success. Pictured are team members Dan Preuss of GENEX, Brian Forrest, Michael Martin, Jami Schultze and Ken Hein.

When asked what makes the reproduction program at Maple Ridge Dairy successful, herdsman Michael Martin jokes, “We don’t want to give away all our secrets!” All kidding aside, Dan Preuss, a GENEX Reproductive Program Senior Technician (also known as Breeder Man Dan) who has bred cows at the dairy for 11 years, explains that it comes down to good cow management. “The people, the compliance … it all leads to a really strong repro program here.”

Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Platinum Award Winner

“We stick to the protocols,” adds herdsperson Jami Schultze. “Compliance is very important to us. We try to get as close to 100% compliance as possible.” Owner Brian Forrest elaborates further, “Our facilities and stocking densities are nothing to brag about. We didn’t even have headlocks on this site until recently. It’s not our facilities or technologies that make us successful, it is the people and their dedication to compliance.”

The platinum breeding program For 2017, the dairy averaged a 39% pregnancy rate on cows with 87% pregnant by 150 days in milk. This was achieved while the top 25% of first lactation cows received a first service to GenChoice™ sexed semen and the bottom 40% of cows were 24

HORIZONS

bred with beef semen. Cows are ranked by Ideal Commercial Cow index parent average through the GENEX Sort‑Gate program.

The stage is set for progress from further female genetic selection with all calves currently being genomic tested.

The dairy’s reproductive program includes Presynch/Ovsynch with an added prostaglandin shot. The team learned about this protocol from Dr. Paul Fricke of the University of Wisconsin-Madison during an educational session held locally.

All-round good management

“Getting off the farm and asking questions is key,” states Brian. “Last year after the session, we worked with our veterinarian Dr. Jill Colloton to add the double lute shot to our synchronization protocol. It kicked our conception rate up 3% or more.” Along with the synchronization protocol, Dan or another member of the local GENEX team walks and chalks in six breeding pens daily.

Selecting for efficient cows The dairy’s focus is on creating an efficient cow – one that’s not too tall and not too short. They’ve also focused on components for years and consider traits like Daughter Pregnancy Rate and Somatic Cell Score as well. Sire Conception Rate is important too, though Dan says, “It seems no matter what we throw at them, they get pregnant!”

Compliance and good management are important for more than just the reproduction program. The care and attention to detail by the dairy’s team has led to an average somatic cell count of 99,000 and strong energycorrected milk values. The dairy is also known for its transition cow program where they strive to have cows in a negative energy balance for as little time as possible. Focus on cow comfort and health starts at the beginning of an animal’s life. They want healthy calves with pristine lungs, so calves are housed outdoors in hutches. Heifers are monitored regularly for body condition, stature, weight and foot health. While the dairy’s team possesses good cow management skills, there’s always more to learn. That’s why Brian says the dairy welcomes any educational opportunity. “We take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new. Both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin are excellent resources. Dr. Fricke’s session on synchronization protocols was obviously worth every penny!” 

> 2,000 Cows Category

Plymouth Dairy Farms, Inc. LeMars, Iowa After earning a gold rating in the GENEX Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction competition last year, Plymouth Dairy Farms, Inc. took top honors this year as the platinum award winner in the 2,000+ cows category. What did it take to achieve this distinction? The dairy recorded a 12-month average 36% pregnancy rate for 2017 and boasted a 78% heat detection rate as well. They also recently increased sexed semen use in lactating cows and have seen tremendous results. On average, 87% of cows were pregnant by 150 Days in Milk which was aided by a first service conception of 52%, all while averaging 87 pounds of milk per day. Plymouth Dairy, owned by the Feuerhelm family, was founded in 1999 with the first cows milked in August 2000. Over the years, the dairy has expanded to about 3,500 head. The growth, expansion and strong reproduction program are all the result of teamwork. There are a lot of moving parts to make a dairy operation function well. Plymouth Dairy promotes a constructive culture of teamwork, creating one of the best teams of owners, managers, herdsmen, veterinarians, nutritionists, technicians and consultants. Each member of the team has a role and responsibility and is encouraged to share

new ideas for the betterment of the dairy. GENEX has played a part on the team for nearly 18 years, bringing value in the form of genetics, service and expertise. When asked what has been done to bring about improvements in their reproductive program, general manager Kurt Wierda states, “It’s a combination of paying attention to the details and keeping it simple. Our employees are the most important part of the equation. We reward them for their hard work and for doing everything they can to follow our protocols. We have a reproductive group that meets quarterly. This group includes key players such as our vet, our nutritionist and our GENEX representative. We will kick around different ideas that are developing and decide if we want to try some new things.” As leaders in the industry, Plymouth Dairy strives for excellence and efficiency. Placing a precedence on employee safety and satisfaction, they have fashioned a knowledgeable and motivated on-farm team that emphasizes cow comfort and protocol compliance, completing tasks correctly and sensibly. Kurt concludes, “We have a team of 34 employees, each of whom is critical for our success.” 

Teamwork makes the dream work at Plymouth Dairy. Among the team are (left to right): Kurt Wierda (manager), Dr. Tyler Feldhacker (veterinarian), Dan Beatty (GENEX technician), Dr. Todd Trigg (veterinarian), Jeremiah Ploen (GENEX technician), Rodrigo Marquez (herdsman) and Nick Van Dam (herdsman). Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Platinum Award Winner

HORIZONS

Heifer Category

Mar-Bec Dairy Mondovi, Wisconsin Always learning No matter the question, Marty Hallock’s answer will likely reference learning and education. If asked how the team at Mar-Bec Dairy has made the operation better for cows, he’ll say they learned from others. They learned about and implemented tunnel ventilation, added more fans, switched mattresses, made stalls wider and longer, and applied preventive measures like liming/bedding every other day.

Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Platinum Award Winner

If asked how the team planned the calf care facility built in 2013, he’ll say they gained ideas from visiting other dairies. Those ideas, coupled with excellent calf care, have contributed to a low calf death loss rate; annually, they lose less than one‑third of 1% of calves. In short, education is valued. Both Marty and his son Jonathon, a partner in the LLC, received their educations at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Now, Marty is in his sixth year serving on the board of directors for the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, whose mission is “to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.”

Emphasis on education runs deep. As Marty shares, “If any member of our staff finds an educational opportunity that will benefit them or the dairy, we send them. If you never go out seeking new ideas, you are never going to get better.” The dairy also invites specialists in. “It takes a lot of people doing the right thing all the time to make a dairy successful,” explains Marty. “It’s a team effort, and we’re fortunate to be surrounded by a good team. Dr. Paul Quarberg from Mondovi Veterinary Service was instrumental in our success from the beginning. Today, we rely on Dr. Derek Lieffring of Mondovi Veterinary Service, Dr. Darin Bremmer of Vita Plus, Dave Becker of Dairy Business Consulting and Tony Betley of Investors Community Bank.” On the genetics and repro side of the business, outside experts are instrumental as well. Pete Weber, GENEX Senior Dairy Account Manager, partakes in records analysis and strategic breeding planning. A team of GENEX technicians – primarily Reproductive Program Senior Technician Tim Nemitz – conduct daily heat detection and artificial insemination along with providing sire recommendations. It’s the dedication to education and the insight from business specialists that contributed to Mar-Bec Dairy earning a GENEX Excellence in Reproduction & Genetics Platinum Award in the heifer category.

Outstanding numbers The herd’s genetic program has positively impacted reproductive performance too. “We were probably one of the first dairies to really focus on Daughter Pregnancy Rate,” details Marty. “We 26

HORIZONS

Education, insight and genetic progress have contributed to Mar‑Bec Dairy’s award-winning repro and genetics program, according to owner Marty Hallock.

bred strictly for that and Productive Life for more than 10 years. More recently we also started watching pounds of Combined Fat & Protein.” For the first quarter of 2018, bulls like 1HO11955 BEYOND, 1HO12436 TERRAIN, 1HO12932 JUICY and 1HO12827 AMBASSADOR headlined the dairy’s heifer breeding program. In total, heifer mating sires averaged +8.4 Productive Life, +3.1 Daughter Pregnancy Rate, +131 Combined Fat & Protein and +1043 for the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index. With generations of focus on female fertility and longevity, the dairy achieved a 42% average pregnancy rate on heifers for the year along with a 61% first service conception rate and 62% sexed semen conception rate. The breeding program protocols include daily chalking of heifers starting at 14 months of age. (Nearly 80% of breedings are off paint/visual heat detection.) Heifers not showing heat by 14 months are checked at vet check, and those with a CL are given prostaglandin. The first two services are to sexed semen with 72% of heifers bred with sexed semen. The 1% of heifers requiring a fifth service are bred to beef semen. 

Impressive numbers

Heifer Category

A-OK Farms LLC

Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin

The team’s constant search for improvement areas have led to a 46% heifer pregnancy rate and 57% first service conception rate. All heifers are genomically tested which allows the team to cull the ones with the lowest genetic merit. They then sort the remaining top 75% to be bred to sexed semen for two services before conventional semen is used. The bottom 25% receive conventional semen. The focus at A-OK Farms is fertile, healthy cows. Sires are chosen using the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) index with an average of $1100, as well as two of the sub‑indexes, Health (HLTH$) and Fertility & Fitness (FYFT$). “It is working,” says Mark. “Our cows leave the transition pen and are very hands-off.”

Team effort

At about three weeks of age, calves are placed in paired housing. Herdsman David Muder (left) and Owner Mark Breunig (right) say this technique has improved rate of gain as calves transition to group housing.

A history of innovation

Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Platinum Award Winner

It isn’t often you find a farm that was homesteaded the same year your state was admitted into the Union, but for Mark Breunig, the fifth generation to farm at A-OK Farms, it is reality. A lot has changed in 170 years, but the desire to blaze new trails and try new things still runs strong.

recently made in the type of sand used for bedding, and last year a separator was installed to reclaim that sand. The near future calls for tunnel ventilation to be added to the barns.

In addition to a great crew of 13 on-farm employees, quarterly team meetings are held with the nutritionist, veterinarian and GENEX Account Manager to focus on ways the farm can improve. Each team member plays a valuable role in the farm’s success. “If we are missing a link, it just won’t work,” explains Mark. One of the ideas that recently came from a team meeting was just-in-time calving and the A-OK team likes the results. “Things here are always evolving, and that is how we like it,” Mark adds. 

Mark, a University of Wisconsin Farm & Industry Short Course graduate, took over the farm in 2002 following his father’s unexpected passing. At the time, they were seven years into an expansion project which included a freestall barn and double-8 parallel parlor, only the second modern‑type freestall barn to be built in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Mark and Herdsman David Muder continuously look for ways to improve their 450-cow dairy. A change was

GENEX Dairy Account Manager Kat Nissen carefully prepares for each meeting at A-OK Farms, knowing she will be asked, “What can we do to get better?” HORIZONS

Leading the Industry #1 for ICC$, CM$ and JPI

™

1JE01057 JX Faria Brothers CESPEDES {3}-ET BBR 92 // JH1F, JH2F Marlo x Harris x Apparition +841 ICC$ | +745 CM$ | +215 JPI™ | +22.4 JUI™ | +137 CFP

Check out these GENEX sires joining CESPEDES {3} at the top of the industry: ICC$

CM$

JPI™

NEW

1JE01054 ACHIEVER {3}

BBR 100

+803

+710

+210

NEW

1JE01073 HALL {4}

BBR 100

+791

+662

+196

1JE00922 RONALDO {3}

BBR 92

+769

+645

+194

1JE01047 ARENA {3}

BBR 91

+739

+651

+196

1JE00984 USAIN BOLT {3}

BBR 90

+739

+602

+175

1JE00966 FUTURE {3}

BBR 93

+738

+623

+180

NEW

1JE01054 JX Pine-Tree ACHIEVER {3}-ET

All bulls are JH1F, JH2F. AJCA/04-18, CDCB/04-18, GENEX/04-18

Tips for Taking Repro to the Next Level Cooked or Too Cool: Semen Won’t Perform! Having a protocol in place to check the accuracy of your semen thawing equipment will pay huge dividends. Thaw units and thermometer temperature accuracy can change over time, sometimes quite rapidly and dramatically. Know that some herds have experienced serious conception drops due to faulty equipment. The fix is simple: check thaw equipment accuracy weekly. Pick a specific day and time to establish a routine check. An easy way to check for accuracy for a thermometer: place it in a container of ice water to get a 32°F (0°C) reading. If the reading in ice water is not 32°F (0°C), replace the thermometer. To check for proper temperature for a thaw unit, insert an accurate thermometer to get a 95-98°F (35-36.7°C) reading. Dan Cerretani, Director of Strategic Accounts

“We take advantage of every opportunity to learn something new.”

Brian Forrest, Maple Ridge Dairy

“It’s a combination of paying attention to the details and keeping it simple.”

Kurt Wierda, Plymouth Dairy Farms, Inc.

Heat Detection: Find the Hot Spot Cows in heat can show a preference for certain locations or "hot spots." Hot spots may be determined in part by the footing available. Soft and dry areas are more likely to promote mounting activity. Locating hot spots should help in observing more estrous activity. When locating hot spots remember there are certain situations that could cause false identification of heats. Animals that are being moved, confined in a small space or being fed may falsely mount others. Meredith Bowers, Dairy Education Instructor

Combine TAI with Accurate Heat Detection Timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocols are very important for the success of reproductive programs on dairy farms. As important, however, is to combine TAI with accurate heat detection. TAI programs assure all cows are bred for the first time at the proposed time and are in risk of getting pregnant. Accurate heat detection following TAI helps assure all non-pregnant cows after TAI are bred as soon as possible. With good heat detection a good proportion of cows can be re‑bred before preg check and re-synchronization. This reduces the time to re-breed, increasing service rate and consequently pregnancy rate. Make sure your heat detection is accurate and you are breeding the right cows – that will definitely help you achieve your reproductive goals! Anderson Veronese, DVM, Dairy Account Manager and Consultant

“We believe strongly in consistency. Cows love consistency.”

Marty Hallock, Mar-Bec Dairy

“You have to believe in what you are doing.”

Tim Holmes, Holmesville Dairy

“Measure and then make decisions based on numbers.”

Mark Breunig, A-OK Farms

HORIZONS

Will She Live up to Her

Genetic Potential? By Liz Binversie, Resale Product Advisor, GENEX

A University of Wisconsin tool helps you recognize sick calves. Search for Calf Health Scorer on the iTunes App Store.

As soon as a calf hits the ground, she is exposed to a multitude of pathogens and contamination. How she responds is determined by the care she receives around this critical time. Once treated with the proper care, the team’s next goal is to get that calf to the milking barn in two years. Are you prepared for the road ahead? To stay on top of calf health, early and accurate disease detection is essential. In addition to daily observation, twice-weekly health screenings are recommended. (The University of Wisconsin Calf Health Scoring app or chart is a great tool to help you recognize sick calves.)

Some people use the terms BRD and pneumonia interchangeably; however, there are differences between them. BRD is a broad term usually defined as a collection of clinical signs of respiratory diseases. These clinical signs could include depression, loss of appetite, nose or eye discharge,

Two of the most common diseases calves face in the first two months of life are scours and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). It’s important to pay attention to scours in calves that are 1-2 weeks old and BRD in calves 3-6 weeks old. Often, calves with scours develop BRD a few weeks later. It’s also important to examine navels and joints for inflammation or infection. Ask your veterinarian to walk you through health examinations if you’re not familiar with clinical scoring systems. It may take some practice before feeling confident in catching these often subtle signs.

Understanding the disease BRD is a multifactorial disease often caused by environmental stressors that decrease the function of the immune system.1 Through a variety of pathways, this can allow viral and bacterial pathogens to proliferate and cause disease.

HORIZONS

Herd prevalence of subclinical pneumonia (with no visible symptoms) ranged from 20-67% in a recent report. Conveniently, ultrasound technology can be used to detect pneumonia and provide you with more information to successfully manage your calves.

droopy ears, coughing or fever.2,3 Unfortunately, some of these clinical signs can also be associated with non‑respiratory diseases. Pneumonia in calves, on the other hand, is usually a bacterial infection in the lungs that results in white blood cells filling the airways and air sacs of

Is she getting the quality care she needs? Invest in your herd’s future with Genesis colostrum and Push™ calf nutritional paste.

the lung. The lesions that result from this infection are called consolidation. Lung consolidation can range from small patches to whole lung lobes being affected. On post-mortem examination, healthy lungs are light pink and spongy, while abnormal lungs are dark red and firm, like liver.

Disease detection Have you ever wondered why calves respond differently to clinical BRD? Do calves that never had BRD have variable growth rates? Besides differences in individual calves and environmental factors, we now know calves may be affected by different forms of respiratory disease. Respiratory disease is divided into three main categories: upper respiratory tract infections (similar to a human cold), clinical pneumonia and subclinical pneumonia.4 Veterinarians are now using the ultrasound machine (the one your vet uses for repro checks) to detect pneumonia in calves. With a few sprays of rubbing alcohol and less than one minute’s time, your veterinarian can determine if a calf has pneumonia.

Without the use of ultrasound, it is very difficult to differentiate between an upper respiratory tract infection and clinical pneumonia, and there would be no way of telling that a calf has subclinical pneumonia! A recent report showed that the prevalence of subclinical pneumonia can vary from 20% to 67%, depending on the herd.4 Without differentiating between upper respiratory tract infection and clinical BRD, a study found that herd prevalence of clinical BRD ranged from 20% to 90%.5 (How much of this do you think was true pneumonia?) Some of the newest BRD research shows both clinical and subclinical BRD leads to decreased mature equivalent (ME) 305 milk production in the first lactation and increased risk of removal from the herd before first calving.6,7

How does this apply to your herd? In the calves that I’ve worked with, most experienced changes in lung health throughout the preweaning period. To understand how respiratory disease could be affecting your calves, it is recommended

your veterinarian initially assess calves from multiple age groups. Your veterinarian can then regularly monitor similar aged calves and determine if calf health has worsened. Changes in management, passive transfer status of calves (usually resulting from colostrum quality, quantity or delivery), pen cleanliness, air quality or weather patterns could all impact respiratory health. When calves get sick or aren’t growing as they should, investigating the source of the problem can be frustrating! Now that we are aware calves can also have subclinical pneumonia, the problem may seem even more challenging. With my background in calf care, I can work with you and your veterinarian to identify potential problem areas. Often, it’s the small things that can make a big difference. Let’s work together to ensure your calves are healthy, live up to their genetic potential and remain valued members of the herd! If you have questions, email me at ebinversie@genex.coop or contact your GENEX representative.  References available upon request.

Before joining GENEX, Liz earned a master’s degree in dairy science with a research focus on respiratory disease in preweaned dairy calves. She worked primarily with herds that utilized group‑housing facilities and fed calves via automated feeders. Calves raised in a group climate undergo additional challenges compared to those raised in individual housing. Regardless of housing, it is recommended you discuss lung ultrasounds with your veterinarian. This convenient technology provides another piece of information to successfully manage your calves.

HORIZONS

Genex Cooperative, Inc. PO Box 469 Shawano, WI 54166 Phone 888.333.1783 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Columbus, WI Permit No. 73

Daughters of 1HO11889 AVENGER

Narrow Your Genetic Focus

To Better Achieve Your Breeding Goals Production Efficiency (PREF$)

A Sub-index of the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) Index for Holsteins Use the PREF$ sub-index to pinpoint genetics that result in high-yielding cows with lower feed costs. PREF$ emphasizes pounds of Protein and reverses the trend for taller cows.

NEW

1HO11955 Hartford Josup BEYOND-ET

ICC$ Leaders

PREF$

ICC$

MILK

CFP

1HO11881 PRINCETON

+757

+877

+2699

+191

1HO11955 BEYOND

+640

+1148

+2152

+151

1HO11952 SILVERTON

+611

+918

+2097

+143

1HO10396 CABRIOLET

+603

+953

+1064

+154

1HO12965 RADICAL

+603

+955

+1399

+178

1HO12409 TETRO

+587

+1071

+1971

+157

1HO11950 CHICO

+581

+928

+2445

+157

1HO12990 NET

+572

+1113

+1867

+125

1HO11925 BANCROFT

+564

+1044

+1934

+166

1HO12932 JUICY

+562

+1078

+1494

+139

888.333.1783 // www.crinet.com

B-18463-18

Product of the U.S.A.

Please Recycle.

CDCB/4-18, HA-USA/4-18, IB-M/USA/4-18, HA-M/USA/4-18, CDN/4-18, GENEX/4-18