April 2010 Dairy HORIZONS by GENEX

Horizons April 2010

In This Issue

Annual Meeting Highlights p.4 ■ A Showcase in Red p.14 ■ Tips and Tools to Improve Repro p.18 ■ Training Cows How to Get Pregnant p.25 ■

“The advantage of using GenChoice semen is having a surplus of heifers when making a selection for selling or culling. Another advantage is having more heifers from a good genetic sire in a shorter period of time than usual.”

“There are two reasons I continue to use GenChoice™. #1: I can always find more reasons to cull cows, especially with heifers to put in their place. #2: I place a high value on calving ease when those virgin heifers come into the milking string.” -Alan Winsor, Winsor Acres, Harpursville, N.Y.

-Tienie Durr, Preekstoel Boedery, South Africa

“We chose to incorporate GenChoice into our breeding program to become more sufficient in raising our own replacements while expanding our herd. We have gone with Genex due to the very diverse selection of high fertility and high Lifetime Net Merit sires.” -Rick & Ingrid Portena, Moncton, Ontario, Canada

De Su Cavana 7843 751HO09040 501HO09040

CAVANA

Jaeger Logan 2158 501HO08658

LOGAN

Drinkall Gratitude Class 751HO09208

SHAMPOO

751JE00604 501JE00604

GANNON

T a b l e o f cont e nts

Horizons

GRASSROOTS

April 2010 Vol. 16/No. 2

4 2009 Revealed CRI’s Strong Foundation

5 Cooperative Highlights

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

Address correspondence Cooperative Resources International 117 E. Green Bay Street, P. O. Box 469, Shawano, WI 54166 info@crinet.com

888.333.1783

www.crinet.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Duane J. Nelson, President Winthrop, Minn., 507.647.2540

Jimmy Franks, 1st Vice President Waynesboro, Ga., 706.437.0527

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

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

Jacques Couture Westfield, Vt., 802.744.2733

Jim Crocker Valley City, Ohio, 330.483.3709

Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.456.2357

Ronald Totten Stafford, N.Y., 585.344.0758

Clarence Van Dyke Manhattan, Mont., 406.282.7579

Richard Vold Glenwood, Minn., 320.634.4665

Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

HORIZONS EDITORIAL BOARD Members Raymond Diederich, De Pere, Wis. Gerald Evenson, Mora, Minn. Jared Franklin, Bradyville, Tenn. Dave Loewith, Lynden, Ont., Can.

IN THE NEWS

6 Genex Employees Earn Leadership Awards

8 Family Ties Lead to Career Milestone

9 Online Resources

GENOMICALLY SPEAKING 10 Test Your Knowledge on Genomics

PROFIT STRATEGIES 13 With All These Choices, Where Do I Start?

SIRE SPOTLIGHT 14 Seeing Red is a Good Thing!

REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT 18 Choosing a Synchronization Protocol for Your Herd 21 Follow the Three C’s 21 Heat Detection Tips and Common Mistakes 22 On-Farm Technologies 27 How Realistic is a 25 Percent Pregnancy Rate?

GENETICALLY SPEAKING 25 Let Your Cows Work for You

Bob Prahl, Wausau, Wis. Ben Wilson, Mount Berry, Ga. Employees Angie Coburn, Dairy Procurement Manager Ron Hanson, Area Sales Manager, Vt. Aimee Itle, Area Program Consultant-Apprentice, Pa. Sarah Thorson, Training Programs Manager John Underwood, Area Sales Representative, Ariz. Ron Visser, BPS Team Leader, S.D.

HORIZONS STAFF Jenny L. Hanson, Editor, jlhanson@crinet.com Angie Kringle, Assistant Editor, akringle@crinet.com Amy Seefeldt, Graphic Designer

r 20 1 0 o f k c a B orizions The H ontest Photo C

10. uly 1, 20 J e n li d a De site ex Web n e G e h . S ee t e details for mor

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

Cover: Tienie Durr found success with Jersey GenChoice™ on his herd in South Africa.

HORIZONS

G rassroots

2009 Revealed CRI’s Strong Foundation The Cooperative Resources International (CRI) annual meeting was held March 23-24 in Bloomington, Minn. Over 250 delegates represented the CRI subsidiaries: AgSource Cooperative Services, Central Livestock Association (CLA) and Genex Cooperative, Inc. During the annual business meeting, Larry Romuald, CRI Chief Financial Officer, spoke to the cooperative’s delegates about CRI’s financial results. “2009 was a tough year for you and CRI,” commented Romuald. “The financial pain endured at your ‘farm gate’ was felt immediately by CRI and its subsidiaries.” Romuald went on to report the cooperative’s consolidated income of $131,768,141, an 8.6 percent decrease from 2008. Due to tight expense controls, a six percent reduction in expenses did create a positive cash flow. Net loss after the provision for income taxes was 0.9 percent of reported revenue. While the cooperative’s financial report was less than desirable, Romuald indicated there were positive outcomes from the year. For example, $1.75 million in equity were returned to members. “CRI weathered 2009, reporting an increase in cash flow and positive strengthening of the balance sheet. Investments were made that we believe positions CRI well for the future and the continued delivery of goods and services to the membership.” CRI Chairman John Ruedinger, a dairyman from Van Dyne, Wis., noted the cooperative’s continued commitment to its membership. “2009 challenged CRI. We witnessed many changes, were a part of many challenges and created many opportunities. However, our foundation of a strong mission, a detailed strategic plan and a very directional annual plan of work served us well. Because of this foundation, we will move this organization forward. We have vision for the future and passion for agriculture.”

AgSource Cooperative Services

AgSource has a diversified composition of Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) services, soil and forage labs, and food and environmental operations. The DHI segment flourished in 2009 recording an increase of over 200,000 individual cow tests. The addition of the Agri-Check laboratory in Umatilla, Ore., increased the agronomy services revenue by over $1 million, while a 19 percent increase in water testing greatly impacted the Food and Environmental Service Division’s revenue.

Central Livestock Association

CLA demonstrated growth in its traditional market area of the Upper Midwest as well as nationwide. The West Fargo, N.D., and Rock Creek, Minn., markets increased total volume of livestock sold, and the Albany, Minn., market increased cattle numbers over the previous year. Major renovations took place at the Zumbrota, Minn., market to facilitate growth and efficiencies. CLA also demonstrated an 82 percent volume increase in cattle marketed nationwide through TEAM (The Electronic Auction Market), an online interactive marketplace.

Genex Cooperative, Inc./CRI International Division

With an industry-leading attitude towards genomics and a powerful field service force, Genex and the CRI International Division completed 2009 with market share growth in the dairy industry as reported by the National Association of Animal Breeders. In overall beef genetics sales, Genex gained nearly five percent of domestic market share with a sales growth of over 41,000 semen units.

For a copy of the 2009 CRI Annual Report, contact customer service at 1-888-333-1783 or info@crinet.com.

HORIZONS

G rassroots

Cooperative Highlights Excerpts from Genex President Duane Nelson’s annual meeting speech. CRI’s International Division marketed over three million units of semen in more than 60 countries. We saw exceptional growth in Brazil - a 10 percent semen revenue growth. We are continuing discussions with Amélis and are working on several areas where we will share resources.

Genex and CRI Boards of Directors Elections for the Genex board were held at the annual meeting. Re-elected for three-year terms were the directors for Regions 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13. The Genex officers along with Ron Totten and Richard Vold represent Genex on the CRI board of directors.

The marketing team in Brazil had tremendous sales growth.

Genomics has given our dairy members the opportunity to increase the genetic level of their herds by being able to use bulls that would not have been available for another three to four years. It also allowed Genex to dispose of lower genetic sires at a younger age, thereby decreasing housing needs and expenses. Genomics magnified the value of GENESIS. Started 25 years ago, the GENESIS herd has evolved to be the premier leader in Holstein genetics in the U.S. with over 145 cooperative-owned females in the top one percent of the breed, including the highest genomic-tested female! The board visualizes this as a major advantage and has given approval to expand GENESIS. The Genex headquarters underwent renovations. The semen distribution area was expanded. The semen lab was updated and sorting machines were installed to produce GenChoice™ on dairy bulls housed in Shawano, Wis. In addition, a collection arena and lab were built at Stony Hill (west of Shawano) to collect and sort semen from beef bulls. The Genex beef program had unprecedented growth. Complementing the cooperative’s bull power is an Area Beef Representative force of 225 strong and the availability of beef GenChoice 75™ and GenChoice 90™.

The new collection arena and lab at Stony Hill were completed in December.

Region 1 Jacques Couture Westfield, Vt. Region 2 Paul Greene Berlin, N.Y. Secretary

Region 8 John Ruedinger Van Dyne, Wis. 2nd Vice President Region 9 Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis. Region 10 Duane Nelson Winthrop, Minn. President

Region 3 Ronald Totten Stafford, N.Y. Region 4 Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa.

Region 11 Richard Vold Glenwood, Minn.

Region 6 Jimmy Franks Waynesboro, Ga. 1st Vice President

Region 12 Clarence Van Dyke Manhattan, Mont.

Region 7 Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis.

Region 13 Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla.

HORIZONS

I n T h e N e ws

Genex Employees Earn Leadership Awards Congratulations to these Genex employees who received recognition at the cooperative’s annual meeting for their outstanding leadership abilities. In mid-2006, John Field of Canyon, Texas, joined Genex as an Area Sales Representative serving producers in southwest Kansas, eastern New Mexico and western Texas. Since, he has demonstrated a great ability to think outside of the box and challenge traditional ways of doing things. John has shown growth in a very competitive market under economically challenging times. Through his efforts, he inspired fellow employees and taught them to look for opportunities rather than dwell on adversity. During 2009, John further demonstrated his leadership ability by organizing the membership meeting in Albuquerque, N.M., and working with Tom DeMuth, AgSource Manager of DHI Services, to develop new business for CRI. Now, nearly 20,000 cows in the area benefit from AgSource’s Dairy Herd Improvement testing and detailed herd management reports.

Jan Longacre of Geneseo, N.Y., is driven by success, not only for himself, but for the members and customers he serves. He works diligently with producers to help them achieve their genetic and reproductive goals. Making the most of his valuable time, Jan studies genetics and reproduction or develops MPG reports so he can provide the information needed to help each producer. One of Jan’s own successes was receiving his Quarter Century Service Award from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) this past year. It was a very proud moment for him, as it was a goal he set several years prior. Jan has set high standards for himself, and all Genex employees in the area benefit from it. He is constantly learning and sharing his findings with other employees in an unselfish manner. He also has one of the best, most detailed record systems. Adam Zimmerman of East Earl, Pa., joined Genex in October 1988. Throughout his career, Adam has worked with small and large herd producers in the Leola/Ephrata area of Lancaster County, Pa. As a Breeding Program Specialist, he provides complete reproduction management services daily including heat detection, synchronization protocol management, artificial insemination, and data input and analysis. Adam’s motto has always been to serve members and customers so that each day is a positive experience for them both. This everyday outlook and the outstanding customer service he provides have earned him a high degree of respect from both dairy producers and his peers.

Field fills a esentative Jo hn Area Sales Repr with liq uid nitroge n. se me n ta nk 6

HORIZONS

Adam’s positive attitude about members and Genex is contagious. It can easily be felt by new employees and other team members. His attitude and leadership ability are what make him an excellent field trainer for new employees.

What impresses Jeff’s manager most are the relationships Jeff has formed with local members and customers. Having a well-rounded industry background and strong dairy knowledge base makes him a vital information source for producers. In addition to dedication to his career, Jeff is actively involved in several industry organizations including the Marinette County Holstein Association and the Marinette County Dairy Promotions Committee.

iryBusiness Communi

Molly Zo rn meets wit h To m Ro ach, owner of a Cayug a Co unty, N.Y., dairy, on his herd’ s rep rod uctio n progra m.

Photo courtesy of Da

During his 20-year tenure, Jeff Fischer of Peshtigo, Wis., has held various marketing and consulting positions within two of CRI’s three subsidiaries. He began his career as a Field Technician for AgSource collecting milk samples and providing herd management records to dairy herds. He then transferred to Genex where he served as a sales and service technician before being promoted to Area Program Consultant. Today, Jeff serves as an Area Sales Representative providing reproductive program assistance, genetics and supplies to dairy and beef producers.

cations

I n T h e N e ws

Molly has served Genex and the dairy industry well. She has mentored countless new and seasoned co-workers in the areas of sales, genetics and reproductive efficiency. Her role as a judge for the Dairy Challenge at both the regional and national levels further demonstrates her commitment to the industry and tomorrow’s leaders. Molly is a team player and, more importantly, a team builder. Her ability to communicate, work closely with a wide variety of people, and focus and motivate others to achieve has strengthened the Genex teams she is a part of.

Excellence in Leadership Award

Dave Thisius of St. Charles, Minn., grew up on a dairy farm near Wells, Minn., and joined the artificial insemination industry before graduating from high school. For most of his career, he has served the dairy and beef producers in southeast Minnesota. He reached a career milestone in August 2006 as he topped 100,000 first services and was recognized by the NAAB for this achievement. Now after 33 years with the cooperative, he’s still going strong. Area Sales Representative Jeff Fischer discusses bulls with Todd Tomashek of Shawano, Wis.

While serving members in New York’s Finger Lakes Region and northern Pennsylvania, Area Sales Representative Molly Zorn has become a master at understanding the needs of producers and developing a solid relationship as a trusted advisor. Using her well-rounded small and large herd dairy experience, her sharp analytical skills and the management tools Genex offers, she is the “go to” person for many operations when it comes to genetics and reproduction.

Throughout Dave’s career, he has excelled whether working individually or in a team. He has not taken his current job title of “Team Leader” lightly. He has educated his fellow teammates and served as a mentor as the team has grown and matured. Members and customers throughout the service area hold each team member in high respect and accept them equally knowing each will provide professional service with exceptional results. Dave also possesses an incredible work ethic and is a natural problem solver. He takes both the challenges and the successes in stride. He addresses problems immediately so both the team and the member can move forward, and he celebrates the accomplishments with the entire team. ©2010 CRI

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Headline By: Name

Text.

Subhead Text.

A U T H O R B I O Name Text

Continued on page 6… Lee Glaeser celebrated 100,000 first services at Clover View Dairy with Kim, Steve, Kaitlyn and Matthew Fischer. At right: Lee accomplished his career milestone on cow 1825, a 1HO07235 TOYSTORY daughter. When we visited three months later, she was pregnant from that breeding to 1HO09208 SHAMPOO.

Family Ties Lead to Career Milestone By: Angie Kringle, Communications Specialist, CRI Before breeding his first cow, Genex Breeding Program Specialist Lee Glaeser was already familiar with the artificial insemination (A.I.) industry. Lee’s father retired after 12 years in A.I. just as Lee was finishing his training. From that beginning, Lee has grown in his career, achieving a career milestone on January 14, 2010, by attaining his 100,000th first service at Clover View Dairy, owned by his brother-in-law Steve Fischer. With a keen eye for pedigrees and good “cow sense,” Lee has bred generations of cow families in Manitowoc County, Wis. Through his time with Genex, Lee has witnessed many changes to his profession. From breeding receipts to handheld computers, conventional to sexed semen, and working as an individual to relying on others in a team, Lee has adapted to the changes. “I like the team approach with Genex. With a team you are more flexible. Everyone has an awareness of what’s going on with the farms and can step in. The flexibility allows you to do more.” Flexibility is important to Lee as he remains an integral part of his community. Last year he was recognized for 25 years with the Newton Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter and first responder. He has also coached basketball for seven years at the grade school and junior varsity level. Lee is a familiar face with local youth sports, serving as a coach and umpire for close to a decade. In addition to dedication to his career and his community, Lee continues to place an importance on family - his wife Peggy, daughter Kayla and son Brandon. With a family focus, it’s only fitting that Lee was able to share his career milestone with his sister Kim and her family (pictured above).

HORIZONS

“Lee comes from a family that knows cows and it shows. He really has ‘cow sense.’ He knows pedigrees and he knows my herd really well. I trust Lee and leave everything up to him. He chooses the sires and uses sexed semen at his discretion. It’s hard for me to keep up with the changing sires and Lee takes care of all of that.” -Steve Fischer, owner of Clover View Dairy “Prior to my career with Genex, Lee bred cows on my dairy farm for 25 years. His amazing ability to recall pedigrees from third and fourth generations of sires always impressed me. It still does. The other aspect of Lee’s professionalism is his willingness to provide service. I’ve heard him say a thousand times, ‘That’s no problem, I can do that.’ I consider having Lee on my team a great asset both as a dairy farmer and now as a manager.” –Peter Nass, Area Sales Manager

I n th e N e ws

Key Change Causes Online Resources Re-Ranking of Bulls USDA-AIPL implemented a change to the genetic evaluation model that caused significant re-ranking among Holstein and Jersey bulls. Cow evaluations were adjusted to reflect similar variations already present with Bull PTAs. This adjustment allows females greater contribution when estimating the SNP effects and therefore further improve the accuracy of genomic evaluations. There are some significant changes to individual bull PTAs. Similar to the base change and LNM revision implemented in January, it’s the ranking of a bull that is of greater importance than the specific PTA. Independent research indicates that this new model provides more accurate genetic ranking of animals than previous versions.

Shop Genex 24/7

The online retail store lets members and customers place orders for semen, products and supplies at their own convenience. Check out the Genex Profit Shop at http://profitshop.crinet.com.

AJCA Adopts New JPI™ Formula

Utilize an interactive, online marketplace to sell potload groups of finished cattle, feeder cattle, market cows and bulls, and bred heifers. Visit www.centrallivestock.com and click on TEAM for more information. Or, contact your local Genex representative/TEAM agent.

The American Jersey Cattle Association has adopted a new JPI (Jersey Performance Index™) formula which places more emphasis on fitness traits while slightly reducing the weight of PTA Type and Fat yield. JPI 2010 translates to a 57 percent emphasis on production and 43 percent on fitness compared to a 60:40 ratio in JPI 2006. The formula change caused some re-ranking of bulls.

Get More Profit from Every Calf

JUI™ (Jersey Udder Index™) was also modified slightly with an increase in emphasis on udder cleft and reduced emphasis on rear udder height and width. The change caused a noticeable drop in the JUI score of nearly all Jersey sires.

Determine the ideal mix of semen products to maximize your dairy profits. Visit http://calfmath.crinet.com. For a more in-depth version with financial application, contact your local Genex representative.

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Follow AgSource and Central Livestock on Twitter. View instant updates online at twitter.com/AgSource or twitter.com/CLATeam.

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HORIZONS

G e nomically S p e aking

Test your Knowledge on Genomics Genomics has been a prominent word in the dairy industry now for a little over a year. During this time, much has been published on the subject. But how much have you really learned about genomics? Take this quiz to test your knowledge or just to learn a few more facts!

1. What is genomics? Answer: Genomics is the study of the structure, function and inheritance of the genetic material (the genome) of an organism, such as dairy cattle. The genetic material is contained within DNA which, among other things, consists of pairs of nucleotides.

2. What is a SNP? Answer: A SNP (pronounced snip) is a genetic variation in DNA (in the sequence of nucleotides). SNPs create the differing genetic abilities that exist among dairy cattle.

3. How many SNPs does the current genomic test examine? A. 50 B. 500 C. 5,000 D. 50,000 Answer: The genomic test used to determine the genomic genetic evaluations of dairy cattle examines 50,000 SNPs (Answer D). However, additional genomic tests are on the horizon. Earlier this year Illumina, Inc. announced the creation of a chip that examines over 500,000 SNPs. As technology and information systems are developed to utilize information from 500,000 SNP genomic tests, the industry should have even greater ability to describe the genetic characteristics of cows and bulls. On the flip side, research is also being conducted on a low-density chip which will look at about 3,000 SNPs. The low-density chip is expected to be a low-cost system used for widespread genotyping on commercial farms and should return fairly reliable estimates of an animal’s genetic level for Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) and most yield, conformation and health traits routinely summarized by the USDA and breed associations.

HORIZONS

4. For Holsteins, the gain in reliability of genomic evaluations over traditional parent averages is approximately for LNM, yield and conformation traits. A. 50% B. 30% C. 15% D. 5%

Answer: The correct answer is B. Table 1 below shows the parent average, genomic and combined reliability levels for several traits. For example, a typical Holstein sire has a 35 percent reliability for his LNM parent average. The gain in reliability for a typical Holstein sire’s LNM according to genomic information is about 24 percent. The proofs of genomic-proven sires include both parent averages and genomic information so sires average about 59 percent reliability for LNM. Each bull and each trait has it’s own individual reliabilities. Table 1. Holstein Reliability Value: Comparing Traditional to Genomic

Reliability Parent Average

Genomic

Parent Avg + Genomic

LNM

35%

24%

59%

Milk

39%

31%

70%

Fat

39%

36%

75%

Prod. Life

33%

66%

Daughter Preg. Rate

33%

20%

53%

PTA Type

29%

25%

54%

Trait

5. True or False: The genomic-proven sire reliabilities could be greater in the future. Answer: True. The overall reliabilities of genomic-proven sires will continue to increase as more animals in the breed are genomically tested and calculation methods continue to be refined. In addition, a genomic test based on more than the current 50,000 SNPs could result in reliability improvements.

1HO09728 Co-op Tres CARCAJOU *TV

1HO09048 Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET *TV

G e nomically S p e aking 1HO09928 Co-op Toystory CORY *TV

6. Name three benefits genomics provides. Answer: There are several benefits to genomics and a whole world of new opportunities on the horizon. Currently, genomics can be used to identify elite animals (males and females), verify parentage, increase genetic gain, decrease the generation interval and increase accuracy. More simply, genomics can be used to select service sires or females for breeding purposes.

7. How many Holstein sires in the Genex lineup are graduates of the GENESIS program? A. 3 B. 10 C. 19 D. 32

Answer: The correct answer is C. Currently, 19 sires in the Genex Holstein lineup were produced through GENESIS and are considered graduates of the GENESIS program. These sires can be identified by their Co-op prefix.

9. True or False: Half of the sires entering the Quantum sampling program are genomically tested.

Answer: False. All Holstein and Jersey sires are genomically tested before entering the Quantum program. Sires are actually tested as bull calves on the farm. This allows for the proper selection between full brothers. Conducting genomic testing at a young age also facilitates early semen sales of elite young bulls to cooperative members and the usage of these bulls as Genex mating sires as these animals are most often the best choice for genetic progress.

10. What two suggestions are commonly made regarding the use of genomic-proven sires?

Answer: When using genomic-proven sires, dairy producers should use the very best genetics available. While the average sire’s change to a proof is minimal as the bull goes from genomic-proven to daughter-proven, choosing the best genetics available should allow for the bull to improve the herd’s genetic level after receiving milking daughter information. Since reliability levels of genomic-proven sires are slightly lower than those of daughter-proven sires, the second recommendation is to spread semen usage over more bulls.

Genomic results have shown GENESIS, the cooperative’s nucleus herd, is home to some of the industry’s highest genetic merit cows and heifers. Genex members and customers benefit by having offspring of these elite females available in the active lineup.

8. The industry’s highest ranking, genomic-proven sire in 2009 was

Answer: Debuting in January 2009, 1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I was the industry’s highest ranking genomic-proven sire. Today, FREDDIE has 73 daughters and still ranks among the industry’s most elite at +$827 LNM, +8.0 Productive Life and +3.2 Daughter Pregnancy Rate.

HORIZONS

o-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toysry COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • o-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos ELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op ac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTENT • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman LABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op amos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • o-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos ARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • o-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream ARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op hottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman ust-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • o-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMANT • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream RMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op -STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op amos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • o-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • o-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory ORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON UAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • o-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside ASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • o-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden ARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • o-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman AVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op man LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • o-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toysry COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman ALABAMA • o-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos ELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op ac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos KARSTENT • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • Co-op Oman LABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream KARIM-ET • Co-op amos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op Shottle LAZARITH-ET • o-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman Just-ET • Co-op Ramos ARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET • Co-op Bosside MASSEY-ET • Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC • Co-op Oman LOGAN-ET • o-op Oman ALABAMA • Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMAN-ET • Co-op Jetstream ARIM-ET • Co-op Ramos MELVIN • Co-op Oman LOYDIE-ET • Co-op DON JUAN-ET • Co-op Jet Stream ARMY-ET • Co-op hottle LAZARITH-ET • Co-op Mac MARker-ET • Co-op Auden PARKER-ET • Co-op Tres CARCAJOU • Co-op O-STYLE Oman TheRamos cooperative-owned GENESIS nucleus• Co-op herd Bosside is home to some• of the Mac industry’s ust-ET • Co-op KARSTEN-ET • Co-op Toystory COLE-ET MASSEY-ET Co-op PEMBROKE *RC • o-op Oman LOGAN-EThighest • Co-op Oman ALABAMA Co-op Oman CAVANA-ET • Co-op Toystory CORY • Co-op Ramos ICEMANgenetic merit •animals. With two sires in the Top 25 TPI™,

t a h t s i Who ” “Co-op prefix?

You are!

“Co-op” is one of the most predominant prefixes.

HA-USA/04-10

P ro f it strat e gi e s

With All These Choices, Where Do I Start?

calfmath.cri n et.com

Genex offers dairy producers several semen product options. There’s conventional semen as well as GenChoice 90™ and GenChoice 75™. Determining the ideal mix of these semen products to maximize profitability on a dairy farm can seem like a daunting task, so Genex has developed a simple, financial spreadsheet called Calf Math™. Calf Math can help you decide how to use the various semen products to achieve herd goals and maximize farm profits.

Here’s how Calf Math works...

1Enter Your Herd’s Data 2Use default conception rates or enter herd-specific data.

3Adjust the

percentage of each semen product

4Adjust if herd-specific data is available

5Compare

Want more financial data? Ask your Genex representative for the full version of Calf Math. The full version

HORIZONS

S ir e spotlight

Seeing Red is a Good Thing! By: Angie Kringle, Communications Specialist, CRI Annie and Patrick Robert and Gilbert Robion stand by their farm sign featuring Sirene, maternal great granddam of Camary Isy *RC.

Dam: Aglae

Red genetics are taking the world by storm. Across the United States and around the globe, more and more producers are adding red and red carrier sires to their mating program. One of the latest additions to the Genex lineup is 1HO02480 CAMARY ISY *RC %-I who joined the lineup in January 2010. From the 55-cow herd of Annie and Patrick Robert and Gilbert Robion and a cow named Sirene, EX-90-FRA, this red carrier sire transmits the traits the family is known for. Started in 1986, Gaec de la Ville-es-Renault is the number one herd in France for ISU (the French equivalent of the U.S. TPI™ index). They began extensive breeding and embryo transfers over 15 years ago on their Holstein herd. In the past five years their interest in red breeding has grown, but the majority of the herd remains as the traditional black and white Holsteins.

The Roberts identify the strengths of this family as, “Excellent quality of udders, overall type and capacity, and good functional traits.” These strengths have been present for generations through Ucocotte, granddam of CAMARY ISY *RC and Aglae, dam of CAMARY ISY *RC. A mating to Roumare brought improvements to type, body capacity and component percentages resulting in CAMARY ISY *RC. With unique genetics from a fantastic French cow family, CAMARY ISY *RC brings some excitement and diversity to U.S. breeders. Among the best sires in the Genex lineup for Somatic Cell Score at +2.61, CAMARY ISY *RC provides udder health while also improving udders all around (+1.10 Udder Composite). Consistent with the herd breeding goals that produced this sire, CAMARY ISY *RC also possesses strengths when it comes to components and solid feet and legs.

The great granddam of CAMARY ISY *RC is a cow by the name of Sirene, sired by Jelt. Sirene has earned her fair share of recognition in the show rings as she was named “Best Udder” at the SPACE show (one of the largest breeding shows in Europe) in 2005 and then followed with success at the Paris show in 2006.

Camary Isy *RC 14

HORIZONS

sir e spotlight 1HO08910 MATRIX-RED

1HO09951 PEMBROKE *RC 1HO09951 Co-op Mac PEMBROKE *RC is a great choice for improved profitability. At +$590 Lifetime Net Merit, PEMBROKE *RC is one of the highest red carrier sires in the industry! A graduate of the GENESIS program, PEMBROKE *RC is a product of generations of concentrated breeding efforts. He is an elite sire with over +2.00 for Udder Composite, PTA Type and Foot and Leg Composite.

1HO02740 SATCHEL-RED From a family with generations of production power, 1HO02740 C&MR-RUN LB SATCHEL-RED, transmits red genetics partnered with improved production and admirable health traits. This high +1966 TPI™ red sire has it all with +706 PTA Milk combined with +4.7 Productive Life and +1.3 Daughter Pregnancy Rate.

1HO02800 ACHIEVE-RED

New!

The newest Genex red addition is 1HO02800 Glen-Toctin ACHIEVERED-ET. With +$504 Lifetime Net Merit, ACHIEVE-RED stands in the 95th percentile as the highest red sire in the Genex lineup. With sought-after pedigree diversity, +5.4 Productive Life, 7% Sire Calving Ease, impressive components (+0.09% Fat and +0.06% Protein) and improved udders, this sire can help any herd ACHIEVE great red daughters!

Allen Matrix-Red Kayla

1HO08910 Mi-Ro-Ze Mrmx MATRIX-RED-ET is a sire with milk pouring through his pedigree and into the next generation. This red sire transmits healthy production to his daughters through +1041 PTA Milk with +2.75 Somatic Cell Score. Drawing on the strengths of previous generations, MATRIXRED also sires daughter longevity (+4.7 Productive Life) and fertility (+1.5 Daughter Pregnancy Rate). At +2.1 Sire Conception Rate, this sire creates pregnancies!

1HO02590 KASEY-P-RED 1HO02590 Mellow-Brook LB KASEYP-RED offers a unique option for producers. As a polled sire, KASEYP-RED transmits a dominant trait that can eliminate dehorning! Combine the polled capabilities with his red genetics and you have unique opportunities. This highly fertile (��GenCheck™) sire creates long-lasting (+4.4 Productive Life), fertile daughters (+2.8 Daughter Pregnancy Rate).

1HO07794 PARA *RC The shining example of a successful mating, 1HO07794 Orthoapple PARAdox Peter-ET *RC, passes on the strengths of improved production (+1291 PTA Milk) and reliable calving ease (6% Sire Calving Ease and 7% Daughter Calving Ease). PARA *RC also possesses the fertility advantage by creating pregnancies through his +1.5 Sire Conception Rate.

McCormick Para 7693

HORIZONS

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

FREDDIE, SUPER Top the Industry

1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I reigns atop the industry with a +$827 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) and +2298 TPI™. This impact sire O'Harrows Freddie 7023 not only ranks no. 1 for LNM and TPI, but also possesses an elite combination of health traits: 5% Sire Calving Ease, +3.2 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and +2.70 Somatic Cell Score. His outstanding longevity evaluation equates to eight more months (or 240 more days) of productive life for his daughters compared to daughters of the average sire! The popular mating sire, 1HO08778 SUPER, stands in the limelight ranking no. 2 in the industry for TPI. In the 99th percentile for LNM, SUPER also increases producer profits. His superb status includes appealing conformation (+2.03 PTA Type, +1.89 Udder Composite), health traits (+6.4 Prod. Life, +1.6 DPR) and a +4.4 Sire Conception Rate. 1HO08658 LOGAN has gained interest around the globe as a high genetic merit, health trait sire available in conventional and GenChoice™ sexed semen. This GENESIS graduate earned the no. 11 spot in the industry’s top 100 TPI list as well as a 98th percentile LNM ranking.

Among the newsmakers is new release 1HO02848 PARKER. As the only Auden son available in the industry, this high caliber GENESIS graduate demands attention with his +$738 LNM, and impressive production and components (0.09% Protein, 0.12% Fat). With profit potential and calving ease, he’s an excellent choice for heifer pens. 1HO02683 SEBASTIAN is a genomic-proven Mac son with a well-rounded reputation. He’s admired for his +$699 LNM, +6.6 Productive Life, +2.1 DPR, 6% Sire Calving Ease and overall conformation (+2.49 PTAT, +2.36 Udder Composite and +3.02 Foot & Leg Composite). SEBASTIAN is now available in GenChoice. 1HO09728 CARCAJOU transmits high Fat (0.32%) in a +$681 LNM package. Like his father, 1HO06833 TRES, he specializes in health traits with desirable figures in all categories. Use CARCAJOU for easy calvings. Rounding out the lineup leaders is 1HO02771 JOCK %-I. JOCK’s outstanding scores for profit-making traits combine for a high LNM of +$678. He has the components, conformation, longevity and calving ease to meet all needs. Daughters should have outstanding udders according to his +1.77 Udder Composite and linear.

With More Profit Power, Genex Jerseys is Where it’s At The April sire summary provided Jersey producers with four new and unique sire choices: 1JE00655 ARTISTIC, 1JE00741 SENECA, 1JE00726 JAVELIN and 1JE00639 SUN VALLEY. ARTISTIC, an Artist x Bahre x Mor, debuts with an excellent +$467 Lifetime Cheese Merit (CM) ranking. Cheese production capabilities are supported by positive component percentages (+0.05% Protein, +0.16% Fat) while quality production stems from a low Somatic Cell Score (+2.85). SENECA (Abe x Artist x John) is out of Heartland Artist Salina EX-91%. SENECA truly earned his spot in the lineup as his +$464 CM and +146 JPI™ offers producers plenty of profit potential. Long-lasting daughters are another benefit of this top-notch sire (+4.8 Prod. Life). 16

HORIZONS

JAVELIN’s proof emphasizes udders, Sun Valley SV Vicky conformation and health traits in an impressive package. He stands at +1.3 PTA Type and +2.95 JUI™. Daughters are fertile (+1.0 Daughter Pregnancy Rate) and last over 4.6 months (or 138 days) longer than daughters of the average Jersey sire. Behind this +$382 CM sire is a pedigree stack of Lennox x EX-90% Futurity x VG-87% Pointer x Vertol. Producers choosing to breed for more profit-packed Jersey heifers should consider SUN VALLEY. This Impuls x EX-94% Fair son is available in GenChoice 90™ and conventional semen. SUN VALLEY has over 40 milking daughters and ranks in the top 10 for JPI at +155. His dairy and deep-chested daughters are good milk producers (+1524 PTA Milk) with high rear udder attachments.

stalls You knowyouhowneedmanyto fill…

Choose to fill them with the

best genetics!

Create heifers from your best maternal lines More voluntary culling options GenChoice 90™ and GenChoice 75™ provide more options Outstanding lineup of high genetic merit bulls

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt

Choosing a Synchronization Protocol for Your Herd By: Sarah Thorson, Training Program Manager, CRI The two questions producers ask me most are, “What synchronization protocol is the best?” and “What synchronization protocol will give me the highest conception rate?” No matter how many times I have been asked these questions, I still struggle to find an answer that will satisfy the curiosity of the person asking me the question. The truth is there is no easy, one-size-fitsall answer. There are many studies which may indicate one protocol has a leg-up over another, but in reality the best strategy that will yield the highest results is the one that matches your management style and goals.

use a heifer program on cows and expect good results and vice versa. This is because many synchronization protocols, especially those that involve timed A.I., do not synchronize heat but instead synchronize ovulation. They do this by altering the follicular wave pattern of the females being synchronized. In general, cows have two follicular wave patterns during the course of their estrous cycle and heifers have three. A cow protocol (designed for a two follicular wave animal) will not have correctly timed injection and breeding times to accommodate a heifer (a three follicular wave animal).

Let’s take a few minutes to examine the points to consider when choosing a synchronization program.

4. Heat Detection Versus Timed A.I.

1. Begin With a Healthy Herd

There are a number of things to think about when choosing a synchronization program. First, a synchronization program cannot take the place of adequate nutrition and herd health programs. To get the best results with any synchronization program, the cows must be healthy and regularly exhibiting estrus.

2. Consider Your Resources

You will need to consider what resources are available and how much of these resources you are willing to devote to a synchronization program. Consider points such as: how many times are you willing to handle the females throughout the program and how much money are you willing to spend on synchronization products. Some synchronization strategies may require less time, because they utilize timed artificial insemination (A.I.), but they may require a greater input of financial resources due to more injections or the use of EAZI-BREED™ CIDRs®. For some synchronization strategies the financial output may be less, but require a greater investment of time.

The “Protocol Comparison” on page 20 of Horizons indicates the amount of cost and labor associated with each synchronization protocol. Use this section as a reference guide when deciding which protocol to use.

3. There Are Differences Between Cows & Heifers

Also think about the group of animals you are going to synchronize. There are different protocols for synchronizing heifers and cows. Generally you can’t

HORIZONS

Heat detection gives many people trouble when it comes to getting cows pregnant. Breeding cows that were misidentified as being in heat and missing cows that are actually in heat can significantly decrease the number of females that become pregnant following a synchronization program.

While heat detection is not a very difficult job, it is often not given the attention needed to result in a successful reproduction program. If you choose a synchronization protocol that involves heat detection make sure the person responsible for heat detection understands how important their role is to the overall success of the synchronization program. In addition, the individual needs to be familiar with both the primary and secondary signs of heat. Consider using a heat detection aid such as DETAIL™ Tail Paint or Estrotect™ to make heat detection easier. FYI- Most synchronization protocols for cows involve timed A.I. in lieu of heat detection, while most heifer protocols include at least some heat detection. Generally, cows are more difficult to catch in heat than heifers, have fewer instances of standing heat and show fewer secondary signs of heat.

5. Don’t Set Yourself Up For Failure

After choosing the synchronization protocol you will use, it is important to develop standard operating procedures. Consider who will give the injections, the time of day the injections will be given, what days of the week injections are administered, who will conduct heat detection and when, and finally, who is responsible for deciding which females will be enrolled into the program.

Noncompliance to synchronization protocols is probably the number one reason why synchronization programs fail. The investment of time and money in a synchronization protocol is significant, so make certain everyone involved understands the importance of the right cow getting the right shot on the right day. Without standard operating procedures, results can easily be below par. For instance, an average protocol compliance of 80 percent accuracy for each of the three shots in the Ovsynch® program is only expected to synchronize 51 percent of the animals (0.80 x 0.80 x 0.80 = 0.512). If the accuracy of each shot is 95 percent, still only 86 percent of the animals are expected to be synchronized correctly.

6. Choose a Program That Suits Your Situation

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all program when it comes to synchronization. Just because a program works well for your neighbor does not necessarily mean it will work well for you. How a synchronization protocol aligns with your goals and resources is far more important than what works for others.

Use DETAIL™

to increase heat detection efficiency and create more pregnancies. DETAIL is a water-based, non-toxic paint developed and tested in New Zealand to identify animals in heat. The applied tail paint is removed or “broken up” when the animal is ridden indicating estrus or standing heat. If the animal is not ridden, DETAIL will last for weeks with minimal touch-up every seven to 10 days.

4 A va i l a b l e i n o ! s r l o c t n e c s f lu o re

In conclusion, no one can tell you what synchronization protocol is right for you based on university research or an article in an industry publication. However, your local Genex representatives are equipped with the knowledge and tools to help you make the best decision based on your individual herd goals. Once you have chosen a program, they can help you implement the program so you can achieve the best results. For more on improving your herd’s reproductive performance, read “How Realistic is a 25 Percent Pregnancy Rate” on page 27. Learn how three different herds have used these guidelines to achieve outstanding reproductive performance in their own herds.

Need a review of the estrous cycle and the effects of a timed A.I. program? Read the article “Tricking the Estrous Cycle” by Ross Leix, Genex Marketing Development Associate. Go to genex.crinet.com/page2842/TrickingTheEstrousCycle.

HORIZONS

Cow Synchronization Protocols

Heifer Synchronization Protocols

Ovsynch®

Oral MGA

GnRH

PGF2∝

Treatment Day

Double

A.I.

GnRH

10 9 12-24 hrs

PGF2∝ GnRH 17 Treatment Day

PGF2∝

GnRH A.I.

26 27 12-24 hrs

G6G/Ovsynch® PGF2∝ GnRH 0

PGF2∝

8 Treatment Day

PGF2∝

GnRH A.I.

17 18 Up to 24 hrs

6 Treatment Day

GnRH GnRH

PGF2∝

A.I.

Treatment Day

COW PROTOCOLS

GnRH

A.I.

PGF2∝ ..16 days.. 14 Treatment Day

..66 ± 2 hrs.. 30 33

Low

Medium/High

High

Medium/High

High

Cosynch

Low

Medium

Cosynch + CIDR®

High

Medium

High

COST

LABOR

Oral MGA

Low

Medium

2PGF2∝

Low

High

CIDR®

High

Medium

High

Medium

Ovsynch®

Presynch®

A.I. 7

GnRH

LABOR

Ovsynch®

Cosynch + CIDR®

..48 hrs..

COST

G6G/Ovsynch®

CIDR®

Heat Detect

Comparison of Protocols

Double

PGF2∝

14-day CIDR®-PGF2∝ CIDR®

Treatment Day

Heat Detect Treatment Day

CIDR®

Cosynch

39 Heat Detect

CIDR®

GnRH

2PGF2∝

PGF2∝ GnRH

..18 days.. 14 Treatment Day

Ovsynch®

GnRH

PGF2∝

MGA

HEIFER PROTOCOLS

Presynch®

14-day

CIDR®-PGF2∝

PGF2∝

GnRH

PGF2∝

GnRH A.I.

GnRH

Cystorelin®, Factrel®, Fertagyl®, OvaCyst®

28 Treatment Day

37 38 12-24 hrs

PGF2∝

estroPLAN®, Estrumate®, In-Synch®, Lutalyse®, ProstaMate®

HORIZONS

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt

Follow the Three C’s By: Kevin Boyle, Genex Area Program Consultant, Newalla, Okla. The most successful heat detection programs contain the three C’s…

Consistency refers to uniform chalking in each pen. Uniformity is especially critical on dairies where groups of breeders work together or alternate between satellite operations. Consistency means chalking each cow in one direction, using the chalk like an ink pen and not a battering ram, and applying enough chalk so the color is bright. When done with a pen, the breeder should be able to look down the row and see a consistent chalk color. They’ve then made finding heats the next day a little easier! Concentration. I tell breeders over and over that they cannot

have an “off day” when heat detecting. Their focus needs to be on each cow and whether they need to pay closer attention to her that day. With emphasis on giving cows more down time and out of the lockups, heat detectors can’t afford to daydream. Concentrate, make good decisions and move on!

Commitment. When I work with new breeders, I give them a

printout that sums up the components of good repro programs. On it, I comment that their responsibility to the program is to bring their “A game.” This stems from a piece of advice given to me during my early years; the advice was to never drive out the driveway without thinking you did your best.

Breeders who are truly committed to excelling at heat detection are not satisfied with only finding those “easy money” heats. If they haven’t lifted a few tails or palpated a couple questionable cows, they are probably having an “off day.”

ESTROTECT™ is a self-adhesive, friction-activated heat detection aid. Apply the patch to the tailhead before standing heat or at the initiation of a synch protocol. When heifers are mounted during standing heat, the scratch-off surface of the detector is rubbed off to expose a fluorescent layer underneath. The Kamar® Heatmount® Detector is a pressuresensitive device with a built-in timing mechanism designed to be activated by standing heat activity. When the detector is glued to the tailhead, pressure from the brisket of a mounting animal requires approximately three seconds to turn the detector from white to red. The timing mechanism helps ensure activation from true standing heat and not partial mounting activity. DETAIL™ Tail Paint is a water-based, non-toxic heat detection paint. When applied in a 2-by-6 inch strip to the tailhead of an animal, it serves as an accurate heat detection aid. The paint is removed from the mounting action of other animals. DETAIL contains a bittering agent to discourage other animals from licking the paint off and lasts for seven to 10 days with minimal touch ups.

Heat Detection Tips and Common Mistakes When heat detecting …

1. Staff in charge of heat detection should have appropriate time to do the job correctly. They cannot be assigned to other duties at the same time. 2. Look for activity in a pen. First, focus on the cows creating the activity to avoid scattering of heat, pre-heat and active cows. 3. Cows should have visible, easy to read identification. 4. Facilities should be heat detection aid friendly; back rubbers sometimes activate heat detection aids placed on the cow’s rump as she rubs on them.

By: Ed Silba, Regional Support Consultant, Asheville, N.C. The most common heat detection mistakes deal with the reporting of heats. In many instances, heat detection is conducted but not reported in a timely manner or at all. It’s also important to report all heat signs, even bloody discharge, and to make certain to correctly identify the animal. In the southeast, herds that visual heat detect most often use Kamars® or ESTROTECT™ as aids which tend to be more easily seen by staff. However, the constant challenge is that staff tend to take heat detection aids as law rather than a tool to help detect cows in heat, as they were meant. ©2010 CRI

HORIZONS

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt

On-Farm Technologies:

Dairy Automation and Management Using Sensor-Based Data While genomics and sexed semen are two new industry advancements, there are many other developing technologies that will undoubtedly affect the way cows and farms are managed in the future. In March, dairy producers and industry professionals traveled to Toronto, Canada, to learn about these new opportunities. The event was the First North American Conference on Precision Dairy Management and the Second North American Conference on Robotic Milking organized by the Progressive Dairy Operators.

Precision Dairy Farming

According to Jeffrey Bewley of the University of Kentucky, precision dairy farming is the use of technologies to measure physiological, behavioral and production indicators on individual animals to improve management strategies and farm performance.

segment, DeLaval’s Jeff Durkin, DVM, spoke about the use of precision dairy management tools to overcome the limitations of using only common heat detection aids. “Activity monitoring systems that collect data 24/7 can efficiently find animals in heat, especially those in very short estrus duration,” commented Durkin. He went on to explain several activity monitoring systems available in the market today. “Afikim™ has produced an activity monitoring system for 25 years. In this system, the activity monitoring is accomplished by an activity tag worn on the animal’s leg. The tags are pedometers which register steps. When the pedometers are read, the software calculates steps per hour and the system develops a 10-day average steps per hour for every cow. Most cows in heat have a 100 percent deviation from their average steps per hour.

“The list of precision dairy farming technologies used for animal status monitoring and management continues to grow,” commented Bewley. “Many precision dairy farming technologies including daily milk yield recording, milk component monitoring, pedometers, automatic temperature recording devices, milk conductivity indicators, automatic estrus detection monitors and daily body weight measurements are already being utilized by dairy producers.

“Afikim’s new activity tag helps to eliminate false positive high activity cows. The new tag still measures activity by steps per hour. Additional measurements include rest bouts, rest duration and rest time per session. An average rest ratio for each session is also calculated from the data. A cow in a true high-activity heat will show a decrease in rest time and rest ratio.

“Other theoretical precision dairy farming technologies have been proposed to measure jaw movements, ruminal pH, reticular contractions, heart rate, animal positioning and activity, vaginal mucous electrical resistance, feeding behavior, lying behavior, odor, glucose, acoustics, progesterone, individual milk components, color (as an indicator of cleanliness), infrared udder surface temperatures and respiration rates.”

“DeLaval has been the leader in neck mounted activity monitoring for 10+ years. Neck mounted activity tags [such as with the DeLaval ALPRO™ system] are second generation activity tags. They are not a simple pedometer. They are motion detectors which measure a cow’s movement. These movements include walking, lying, getting up and down, and stationary head movements. Antennae are mounted in the cow’s environment which record activity tag measurements every hour. A farm computer collects the activity every hour.”

The conference presented leading-edge technologies and challenged traditional ways of thinking. Presentations focused on many technologies with very different goals. Some highlighted products already widely available. Others featured products in the research phase or described opportunities that may exist well into the future.

Repro Technologies

One conference segment centered on reproduction technologies and heat detection tools. During this

HORIZONS

Durkin and others also spoke about a product that has the potential to revolutionize bovine reproduction – the DeLaval Herd Navigator™. The Herd Navigator, currently available in some European countries, has the ability to measure parameters that impact reproduction, udder health, and feed and energy balance. The Herd Navigator is a joint venture between DeLaval, Foss and Lattec. It is an inline milk sampler which

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt

measures progesterone, LDH, BHB and urea, shared Durkin. The progesterone level shows the reproductive status of each cow. The other measurements detect subclinical mastitis cases at an early stage, indicate ketosis and other feeding-related conditions, or indicate an excess or deficiency in the protein supply in feed. During his presentation, Fernando Mazeris of DeLaval International AB, Sweden, had this to say about the Herd Navigator’s impact on reproduction. “Herd Navigator detects consistently above 95 percent of all heats of the herd (including silent ones) and the fact that the system is able to pinpoint the time of the heat and the likelihood of a prospective insemination, the pregnancy rates achieved on farms using the system improved considerably.”

Words of Wonder

Many topics were addressed at the precision dairy management conference. Presentation titles such

as “A new method of analyzing dairy milk production and electrical conductivity to predict disease onset” or “The economics of small scale dairy farms having robotic milking” make one wonder what the future holds. Other topics like robotic slat cleaners, precision dairy management in feeding and nutrition, improving automatic detection of abnormal milk, and the use of body temperature to detect estrus and predict optimal time of insemination make the imagination stretch even further. These topics form a picture of what the future of the dairy industry may hold. As more of these technologies become a reality, dairy producers must decide what is cost effective, how to utilize the information the technologies provide, and what returns (time and money) these new options offer. Visit www.precisiondairy2010.com for more information on the conference.

Heat Detection For the

Next Generation

Make more informed breeding decisions with the ALPRO™ Activity Meter. ALPRO’s neck mounted tags collect activity data every hour - day and night - to ‘learn’ the activity behavior of each cow and provide dairy producers with highly accurate heat detection records. The Afikim™ identification and heat detection system monitors each cow’s steps per hour. The pedometer, attached to a leg strap, transmits valuable heat detection information each time the cow enters the milking parlor. Genex Farm Systems provides milking products to dairy producers within the following areas: For more information contact Genex Farm Systems at 1-800-636-5581. ©2010 CRI

HORIZONS

Want Fertile Cows? Then Breed for It.

Cows Do What They’re Bred to Do FREDDIE %-I 1HO02759

MAR 1HO08631

99th Percentile LNM

+3.2 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

1HO02827

LES

Tilkens Les Looney

Schmidts Ponderosa Freddie 4660

1HO08784

97th Percentile LNM

DEWEY

+3.1 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

1HO08927

VARS %-I

97th Percentile LNM

+2.9 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

97th Percentile LNM

+2.9 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

97th Percentile LNM

+3.5 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

Improve Fertility

While Making a Positive Genetic Impact: Choose bulls based on their Lifetime Net Merit ranking. The LNM index applies emphasis to traits that affect profit, including Daughter Pregnancy Rate.

DANGER

Seidl’s Mountain View Danger 1719

1HO08521

96th Percentile LNM

+3.6 Daughter Pregnancy Rate

G e n e tically S p e aking

Let Your Cows Work for You By: Angie Coburn, Dairy Procurement Manager, Genex contribution on a herd’s overall Lifetime Net Merit (LNM), Somatic Cell Score and DPR. Table 1 provides a sample of Results data from one of the GENESIS nucleus herds, comparing the top 25 percent and bottom 25 percent of the cows in the herd, based on the sire’s evaluation for DPR. Tables 2 and 3 list the sires represented in each group. Table 1. Results Report.

To maximize reproduction in our herds, dairy producers teach their employees how to detect for heats, employ synchronization protocols and hire artificial insemination (A.I.) technicians skilled at insemination techniques. Wouldn’t it be great if we could train the cows how to get pregnant? In fact, many cows do have a better natural ability to conceive and retain a pregnancy. In the United States, we measure that ability with the genetic evaluation, Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR). This genetic index reflects the average days open of a bull’s daughters and is expressed as a percentage of non-pregnant cows that become pregnant during each 21-day estrous cycle. For example, a bull with a PTA for DPR of 1.0 percent implies that daughters from this bull are one percent more likely to become pregnant during that estrous cycle than daughters of a bull with an evaluation of zero. Each percentage point of DPR also corresponds to four days open. Industry data indicates an average value of $1.50 to $4.00 cost per animal for each additional day open. The cost of longer average days open is specific to an individual herd and depends on how many pregnancies are required by the herd to reach the targeted number of calves born on a monthly or annual basis. That said, fewer days open means more profit in every situation.

Explore the Real-World Impacts

To demonstrate the impact DPR can have on days open in a herd, Genex offers Results™ profiles for individual herds. This value-added program will provide a profile of a herd’s top and bottom quartiles and the impact of sire

Sire Cow PTA Daughter Log Somatic Days Pregnancy Rate Cell Score Open

Calving Internal

Top 25% Daughter Pregnancy Rate

2.25

2.54

121

382

Bottom 25% Daughter Pregnancy Rate

-1.62

2.44

137

403

Difference between quartiles:

3.87

-16

-21

(Based upon 228 cow records)

Table 2. Sires of Top 25 Percent of Cows

SIRE 1HO05045 LYNCH 1HO05518 HERCULES 1HO06360 WIZARD 1HO06721 HOSEA 1HO06845 LETHAL 7HO06417 OMAN 7HO07872 ADVENT 11HO05486 TOMAHAWK 11HO05889 ACCLAIM 11HO08046 RAMOS 14HO03597 POTTER 29HO08538 DIE HARD

DPR +1.7 +1.9 +3.6 +1.4 +1.6 +2.5 +1.6 +1.6 +2.0 +2.5 +1.5 +2.6

Table 3. Sires of Bottom 25 Percent of Cows

SIRE 1HO06959 SATIRE 1HO08311 BATTLESHIP 7HO05708 BLITZ 7HO05710 DANE 7HO06025 TEAMSTER 7HO06838 MATCHES 14HO02958 DUTCH BOY 14HO05129 END ZONE 29HO12209 SHOTTLE 70HO0969 RUBENS 71HO01468 GIBSON 200HO00044 MORTY 200HO01584 FROSTY 200HO01649 APPLAUSE 200HO04754 OFFROAD

DPR -2.6 -0.8 -2.9 -2.4 -0.9 -1.5 -0.8 -1.6 -2.3 -1.1 -1.7 -2.3 -0.6 -0.3 -1.2

The average sire PTA for cows in the top 25 percent is 2.25 percent DPR. The cows represented in this quartile average 121 days open with a 13-month calving interval. On the other side of the coin, the bottom 25 percent has an average sire DPR of 3.87 percent less and the cows in this quartile averaged sixteen more days open and nearly a month longer calving interval. The herd uses a professional A.I. technician and all cows are bred using a combination of synchronization protocols and observed heats. With 57 cows in each quartile and a conservative value of $2 per day open, the bottom 25 percent costs the herd $1,824 in just one short year. It’s easy to see selecting for DPR can drive the bottom line. The overall profit opportunity is even greater with LNM$ which combines the net income for all traits. Continued on page 26… ©2010 CRI

HORIZONS

G e n e tically S p e aking

Past and Present Fertility Trends

Since 2003, USDA-AIPL has provided PTAs for DPR as part of the routine genetic evaluations for males and females of all dairy breeds. Prior to this, historical trends of selecting for increased production unfortunately led to decreased cow fertility. Charts 1 and 2 illustrate trend lines for both milk yield and DPR in the Holstein and Jersey breeds, respectively. These graphs illustrate the contradicting nature of high production and low fertility. 1

Chart 1. Holstein Milk Yield and DPR Trends (1960-2008).

30000

7 25000

Milk Pounds

DPR Value

20000

15000

10000

Milk lbs 0

5000

DPR (BV)

-1

0 1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2008

Chart 2. Jersey Milk Yield and DPR Trends (1960-2008). 6

20000

Milk Pounds

DPR Value

Milk lbs

15000

10000

5000

DPR (BV)

-1 1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2008

Since cow fertility has an extremely high relationship with culling decisions, the industry has been able to indirectly select for improved cow fertility by using the Productive Life trait, which aided in slowing the rapid decline seen in the graphs. Once DPR was developed as a direct measure of cow fertility, it was incorporated into the LNM formula with a trait emphasis of seven percent. As a result, the

HORIZONS

2010 base change implemented in January reflected, for the first time, no negative decline in the genetic progress for DPR. However, I believe dairy producers would agree we cannot be satisfied and must work to further improve cow fertility. Presently, DPR has a relative weighting of 11 percent within LNM. Improvement is expected by the next base change.

Going for Greater Improvement

At Genex, even greater emphasis is given to DPR in selection of mating sires and bulls for the Quantum sampling program and GENESIS program. While it’s a bit of a balancing act, it is our position that we can accomplish even greater improvement for both cow fertility and yield traits. Genomic technologies aid in pursuing these goals. First, we are able to screen substantially more bulls to determine which bulls are elite for all traits being considered. Of greater impact is the ability to make this determination at less than a year of age. We do not have to wait until a bull has milking daughters to gauge reproductive efficiency. Instead, we can use information on both genomic-proven bulls and virgin heifers to determine optimal mating decisions. Milk lbs

DPR (BV)

Practical use of DPR everyday on the farm is simple and a no-brainer. First, and most importantly, look at the bulls based on their overall LNM ranking – remember, LNM includes DPR within the index and applies the right amount of emphasis relative to other traits that affect profit. Once you have a group of bulls that fit your overall needs, mate your cows to bulls from the group that will return optimal results. There are occasions when a negative DPR bull is still the right bull to use (consider that a couple of bulls from Table 3 - the bottom 25 percent of the Results example - were influential mating sires). Mating programs like MAP™ (Mating Appraisal for Profit™) are available to quickly and easily accomplish the task of matching bulls to cows. If the majority of the semen you use is from bulls with positive values for DPR, you should be able to see noticeable changes for days open and calving interval in just one generation. Milk lbs

DPR (BV)

Putting the cows to work for you on the farm is an easy task. Certainly they should do their part to generate farm profitability. United States Department of Agriculture-Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory.

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt

How Realistic is a 25 Percent Pregnancy Rate? Achieving an annual average pregnancy rate of 20 percent (based on a 21-day heat cycle) is a common goal for producers across the United States. Three herds from across the country have achieved 25 percent or higher pregnancy rates. Their breeding programs vary, as do their use of Genex programs. These herds utilize Genex for everything from genetics and refresher training to complete reproductive program management. The herds are located in various climates and have differing facility set-ups to illustrate the reality that a 25 percent pregnancy rate isn’t wishful thinking.

Bach Dairy •

Dorchester, Wisconsin

•

Steve and Linda Bach, Owners

• 1,025 cows with an annual production average per cow of 80 pounds • Annual average pregnancy rate: 26% • Annual average conception rate: 43% • How Genex fits in their breeding program: Genex provides arm service and genetics. They also use the Mating Appraisal for Profit™(MAP™) program, conduct Reproductive Profit Manager™ (RPM™) analysis and plan to use Calf Math™ in the future. Five years ago, Bach Dairy switched from bull-bred to artificial insemination (A.I.). At that time they installed the AfiMilk system and have been working with Genex for reproductive program management. Jeremy Goessel, Steve Bohn, Christine Blader, Linda Bach and Steve Bach

T&K Dairy •

Snyder, Texas

•

Will Collier, Owner

• 2,800 cows with an annual production average per cow of 70 pounds • Annual average pregnancy rate: 27% • Annual average conception rate: 35% • How Genex fits in their breeding program: Genex provides MAP, RPM analysis every quarter, Holstein semen and refresher training of the on-farm technician. Located a few hours from the nearest dairy operation, T&K Dairy believes in putting the right person in the right job and trusts the breeding responsibilities to two employees. Genex provided initial training and continues to offer refresher courses as needed.

Mayo Dairy •

Le Grand, California

•

Mark Mayo, Owner

• 1,500 cows with an annual production average per cow of 84 pounds • Annual average pregnancy rate: 25% • Annual average conception rate: 40% • How Genex fits in their breeding program: Genex provides tail painting, arm service and genetics. Mayo Dairy has utilized A.I. for as long as it has been available. Genex began breeding and managing tail painting in 2001 and has been an integral part of the breeding program since. Mayo dairy has also utilized GenChoice™ semen on cows. Mark Mayo stands with Josh Davis and Bob Diliberto of Genex.

HORIZONS

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt

Bach Dairy T&K Dairy

Heat Detection and Sire Selection Bach Dairy Heat detection method: AfiMilk system and visual observation Top criteria for sires: 90th percentile Lifetime Net Merit, health and fitness traits such as Productive Life and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR). How important is Sire Conception Rate (SCR) when choosing sires? It is very important. We always strive to use the top SCR sires. We also keep track on an individual sire basis using the computer programs to determine which sires are doing the best within our herd. T&K Dairy Heat detection method: Visual observation with tail chalk Top criteria for sires: For the past two years we’ve really focused on sires in the 85th percentile for Lifetime Net Merit with good health traits (Productive Life, DPR and Somatic Cell Score), positive feet and legs, and positive Udder Composite. How important is SCR when choosing sires? SCR is definitely a big factor. Most of the sires are well above average for fertility and there are definitely no negative SCR bulls used here. Mayo Dairy Heat detection method: Tail paint managed by Genex Top criteria for sires: Lifetime Net Merit, udders, complete production (Milk, Fat and Protein). How important is SCR when choosing sires? It’s important but not at the top of the list. We try to avoid low fertility sires in general.

HORIZONS

Reproduction Protocols Bach Dairy How often do pregnancy checks occur? The vet palpates weekly those animals that are 80 days postbreeding. Christine, Assistant Manager, ultrasounds animals that are 31 and 45-50 days post-breeding on a weekly basis as well. Reproduction protocol: We practice a modified Presych® followed by Cosynch + CIDR®. 21d: A shot of PGF2∝ is given to be sure they are clean. 35d: A second shot of PGF2∝ is given. If a strong natural heat is observed, cows are bred off that. 49d: GnRH and CIDR 56d: CIDR is removed and a third shot of PGF2∝ is given. 59d: Cows are bred by Genex Breeding Program Specialist Jeremy Goessl. Jeremy is given a list of animals ready to be bred (determined by shot protocol) or those who are in heat as determined by AfiMilk. T&K Dairy How often do pregnancy checks occur? Pregnancy checks occur weekly for animals 36-42 days postbreeding by the herd manager. The vet visits once a month and palpates to verify pregnancies. Reproduction protocol: We use a Presynch program with two PGF2∝ shots. The first shot is given to cows at 34-44 days in milk (DIM) and the second shot 14 days after that. After receiving the second shot, cows are marked and bred off that shot. Three days after the second shot, animals are palpated and those in heat are bred.

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt We pregnancy check all cows at least 70 DIM without a breeding date. They are given GnRH if cystic, otherwise a shot of PGF2∝. If they are not bred within the next week they start on the Ovsynch® protocol. If they come into heat as a result of the GnRH shot, we will breed off that. We will A.I. all cows until 250 DIM or confirmed pregnant. After that point they are moved into the pen with a bull. Mayo Dairy How often do pregnancy checks occur? Pregnancy checks occur weekly by ultrasound. Anything bred 29 days or greater as well as those with no heat or breeding greater than 55 DIM. We do a follow-up pregnancy check at 55-61 days post-breeding and then confirm at dry off. Reproduction protocol: We synchronize everything to start, but normally the cows beat us to a natural heat. About 65 percent of our breedings are on natural heats. I see synchronization as a safety net that catches those cows that would otherwise fall through the cracks. 100 percent compliance on our synch program is very important. We have spent up to three hours finding a cow to be sure she gets her shot. We practice a Presynch followed by Ovsynch56 program as recommended by our vet: 31-37d: First shot of PGF2∝ 45-51d (14 days after first shot): Second shot of PGF2∝ 52-58d (7 days later): First shot of GnRH 59-65d (7 days later): Third shot of PGF2∝ 56 hours after (16 hours prior to breeding): GnRH We will also utilize CIDRs as needed for the cows that are not cycling or showing heats.

Transition and Fresh Cow Management Bach Dairy How do you manage your transition and fresh cows? Following their first milking, the cow is moved to a postfresh group with less than 50 cows in it. All cows at 14 DIM or less are temped daily and health is monitored through the AfiMilk system. Cows are moved when they are doing well and have exhibited no health problems. T&K Dairy How do you manage your transition and fresh cows? We have two fresh cow technicians both of whom are great “cow men.” The cows in our post-fresh group are locked up after the morning milking and observed for how they are eating and the appearance of their eyes, ears and nose. Cows that appear “off” are marked. The technicians then observe the back side of the cows, noting manure consistency and cow cleanliness. Dirty cows and those

marked from the front have their temperature and rumen checked and are palpated for uterine progression. If the cow has a temperature over 103 F and is dirty or has metritis, she is treated and marked with pink chalk. If she doesn’t have a temp and is clean, she is checked for mastitis and rumen sounds and treated accordingly. All cows given a pink mark are checked at least two more days. When her temp improves, she is marked with a different color. We look at every cow each day from the day she freshens until she leaves the pen 21-27 days later. Mayo Dairy How do you manage your transition and fresh cows? Our main indicator of successful fresh cow management is urine pH. We manage it by using a limited anionic salt program and monitoring intakes regularly. We do urine analysis once a week and alter feeding to accommodate the needs of the cows. Keeping urine pH in balance is a huge indicator for us as to how the transition is progressing. Continued on page 30… Both T&K Dairy and Bach Dairy utilize the Reproductive Profit Manager™ (RPM™) program. This program provides a comprehensive herd analysis and report to help producers overcome profit barriers and improve reproductive performance. Using management records, RPM benchmarks herd performance against a peer group in the areas of milk production, somatic cell, reproduction, culling and animal health. RPM consulting leads to diagnosis of problem areas and solution implementation.

Advantages

• Genex consultants use RPM to help discuss potential problem areas with herd owners, managers, key employees, veterinarians, nutritionists and other management team members. • RPM provides powerful facts and trends to help a herd diagnose problems and implement solutions that maximize their profitability. • RPM is compatible with Dairy Comp 305 herd management software and AgSource or DRMS milk testing records.

Interesting facts

• Since the program went national only three years ago, 1,534 reports have been created. • Today the RPM database contains over 630,000 cows with an average herd size of nearly 1,100 cows. • Herds have been processed in other countries including Canada, Mexico, Chile and Iran. • Currently the program has over 40 benchmarks including different herd sizes, geographical areas, top performance for reproduction, milk production, somatic cell and many more.

Curious about RPM in your herd?

RPM is available through your Genex representative or through U.S. Jersey Area Representatives. Different databases are available for each breed. RPM is a useful tool for any breed, allowing to track and compare numbers over time. ©2010 CRI

HORIZONS

R e productiv e M anag e m e nt Evaluating Success Bach Dairy How do you evaluate your reproductive success? In the short term, we evaluate weekly herd checks. For long term, we keep updated at consultant meetings. Every six weeks to two months we meet with Genex representatives, the nutritionist and the veterinarian. The meeting is lead by Pete Weber of Genex. What is your top reproduction benchmark? We strive for over 50 percent of the herd pregnant at herd checks. T&K Dairy How do you evaluate your reproductive success? We are currently relying on the RPM data. We compare ourselves to the benchmark group on the RPM report. What are your top reproduction benchmarks? Our reproduction goals include: annual pregnancy rate over 25 percent, 55 percent or more of the herd pregnant at a given time and an average of 50 pregnancies per week. Mayo Dairy How do you evaluate your reproductive success? We monitor the numbers and keep an eye on repro data. What is your top reproduction benchmark? The top, by far and away, is pregnancy rate. We rarely drop below 20 in the summer months. Someday I’d like to have an average annual rate of 28 percent. A steady flow of fresh cows and aggressive breeding is what makes us money. We have also noticed fewer body condition problems as our breeding program improves. We are not fighting “fat cow” diseases by getting the cows bred back on time.

Overcoming Obstacles and Offering Advice Bach Dairy Have you had to overcome any obstacles to reach the point you are at today? In the past two years, we have made significant changes to eliminate ground current electricity problems. Since making changes in 2008, production has increased by 3,000 pounds, somatic cell count has decreased, reproductive performance has improved and the number of displaced abomasums occurring each month has decreased. What’s one secret to your success? We all agree on the importance of communication and teamwork. Everyone here works together and the communication lines are open to share concerns. Everyone looks out for 30

HORIZONS

Bach Dairy everything (cow behavior, animals in heat) even if it’s not their specific job. It’s the domino theory; if something is out of place in one spot it can all cascade quickly. T&K Dairy Have you had to overcome any obstacles to reach the point you are at today? In the past seven years, we have been slowly improving our reproductive performance. We’ve tried different things from different synchronization protocols to times of breeding. We’ve learned the main thing is to focus on heat detection and get semen in the cows as often as possible. What’s one secret to your success? We focus really hard on heat detection simply with tail chalk. We give our A.I. guy time to find cows in heat. The only job he has in the morning is to find cows in heat and get them bred. We give him time to be a “cow-man.” You also need to recognize that it’s not just one factor that makes your repro great. You can synchronize as much as you want, but if the cows aren’t conditioned properly or the semen is placed incorrectly, you still won’t get a pregnancy. Mayo Dairy Have you had to overcome any obstacles to reach the point you are at today? One disadvantage that we’ve had is our set up. We are a 100 percent confined herd. That makes it hard to catch cows in heat without aggressive observation and management. What’s one secret to your success? Pay careful attention to transition and management of fresh cows. I’d say that 80 percent of the battle happens in the close-up and fresh cow pens. If the cow gets a good start early on and her dry matter intake is good, she will transition better and start the lactation with better health. Good health at critical points translates into successful reproduction.

HAVING PURCHASING POWER DOESN’T TAKE SUPERHERO SKILLS

Purchase semen or arm service and take up to six months to pay.

Genex and Farm Plan™ know producers need payment terms that allow for better cash flow management. Therefore, Genex and Farm Plan have teamed up to provide unique finance options to meet the needs of your operation. The 180 program provides 180 days No-Payments/No-Interest.* Get what you need when you need it. Just say, “Put it on Farm Plan.” Contact your local Genex representative for more information on the 180 program.

*Offer ends August 31, 2010. Subject to Farm Plan credit approval and merchant participation. Visit with your Genex representative for complete details. After the promotional period, interest will be assessed at the rate provided in the Farm Plan Credit Agreement. Farm Plan is a service of FPC Financial, f.s.b.

Presort Standard US Postage Paid Columbus, WI Permit #73

Genex Cooperative, Inc.

A subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International 117 E. Green Bay Street, P.O. Box 469 Shawano, WI 54166 • Phone 888/333-1783

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Dollars Per Hundredweight

In an industry of uncertainty…

20 19 18

B0330-030

Product of the U.S.A.

Milk Prices 2000-2010

17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10

20 10

20 09

20 08

20 07

20 06

20 05

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20 03

20 02

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20 00

The Genex fertility advantage is certain. Average Annual Sire Fertility* Rating by A.I. Stud 2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Genex 1.2

1.0

1.3

1.0

0.9

1.5

2.0

2.1

0.0 -0.5 0.3 0.1 0.5

0.3 0.3 0.8 0.3 -1.4

0.5 0.1 0.0 0.5 -0.4

0.1 -0.2 -0.5 0.3 0.2

0.2 -0.1 -0.4 0.4 0.8

0.0 0.3 -0.8 0.3 0.7

0.1 0.3 -0.8 0.3 0.9

1.0 1.2 -0.5 0.7 1.3

1.2 2.2 -0.4 1.1 1.5

1.5 2.0 -0.3 0.7 1.2

Stud A Stud B Stud C Stud D Stud E

0.1 -1.2 -0.7 0.1 -0.8

*2000 through 2008 data represents USDA ERCR evaluations. 2009 to present represents USDA SCR evaluations. Source: USDA-AIPL and Raleigh, N.C. 2010 data based on January and April sire summaries.

For over a decade, Genex has offered sires with industry-leading fertility.