April 2012 Dairy HORIZONS by GENEX

APRIL 2012

2011: a Br e a kou t y e a r | a p r il p roof r e p or t | di s cu s sing r e p ro s t r at egie s

Genex

Cooperative, Inc. A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International

If you’re thinking Jerseys...

Think GENEX More Choices Than Ever Before 36 Jersey Sires Available

Elite Cheese Production Specialists 18 Bulls Above +$500 Cheese Merit (CM)

Home of the #1 JPI™ Bull 1JE00711 PLUS (Iatola x Artist)

Profit-Improving New Debuts Led by 1JE00792 MACHETE at +$717 CM

Five Udder Extraordinaires Topping +5.00 JUI™

Fantastic Fertility Seven Bulls Over +1.5 SCR

USDA/04-12, AJCA/04-12

TA B LE

Horizons April 2012 Vol. 18/No. 1 Published three times a year for dairy producers around the globe. |

CONTENTS

k On the Cover Circle Bar Heifer Ranch LLC is a platinum winner of the Genex Excellence in Reproduction award. Pictured are Nathan and Sarah Kells with Colby, Emma and Kaylee along with Ali, Mia, Tara and Vance Kells. The Kells are fifth generation farmers.

Address correspondence Cooperative Resources International P. O. Box 469, Shawano, WI 54166 info@crinet.com 888.333.1783 www.crinet.com

CANADA - Genex Cooperative, Inc. 291 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 4C, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7L6 genexcanada@crinet.com 888.354.4622

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Paul Greene, President Berlin, N.Y., 518.658.2419

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

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

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

Jacques Couture Westfield, Vt., 802.744.2733

Jim Crocker

CONTENTS Grassroots 4 | 2011 Was a Breakout Year

Valley City, Ohio, 330.483.3709

Jon Wayne Danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Patrick Dugan Casa Grande, Ariz., 520.251.6455

Harlin Hecht Paynesville, Minn., 320.243.4386

Harold House Nokesville, Va., 703.754.9534

Kay Olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

Bobby Robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.456.2357

Richard Vold Glenwood, Minn., 320.634.4665

Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Get The Inside Scoop!

In The News 6 | Leadership Award Winners 12 | GENESIS Bulls Lead Industry in Genetic Precision

| Develop Your Own Customized Bull Index

Genomically Speaking 11 | The Genomics Report Card Cooperative In The Community 17 | Celebrating 60 Years of Academic Agriculture Research Support

Product Feature 21 | Maintain Appetite and Digestion

During Times of Stress HORIZONS STAFF Jenny L. Hanson, Editor, jlhanson@crinet.com Angie Kringle, Assistant Editor, akringle@crinet.com Andy Graf, Graphic Designer

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

Join the conversation on Facebook: facebook.com/GenexCRI

Search for us on YouTube: GenexCooperativeInc

Reproductive Management 22 | Why Am I Not Finding Cows in Heat? 24 | Managing the Estrous Cycle 26 | Strategies for a Successful

Heifer Reproduction Program

29 30 31

| DG29™ Has High Return on Investment | Abortion in Dairy Cattle

| Genex Rewards Members and Customers for Quality Reproduction Mission Statement: Provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative. H ORI Z ONS

GRASSROOTS

t the annual meeting March 21 in Bloomington, Minn., Genex delegates, elected dairy and beef producers from across the United States, were told of the cooperative’s resiliency and resulting good financial year.

“Genex had a breakout year,” remarked Doug Wilson, Genex Chief Operating Officer. “This followed 2010, the greatest financial turnaround year the cooperative ever experienced. Though we have not forgotten 2009, and we know the cycle

can return, it is gratifying to recognize the resilience of Genex.” The financial report, presented by CRI Chief Financial Officer Larry Romuald, revealed CRI’s consolidated income (including both Genex and AgSource Cooperative Services) increased to $159,101,925, a 12.2% increase from 2010. Net savings after the provision for income taxes were $7,954,091, 5% of reported revenue. 

Leadership in Bovine Genetics As spoken by Genex COO Doug Wilson at the Genex annual meeting

his cooperative provides many services to help the membership, but the core product is genetics. The cooperative has been a leader in genetic innovation and adoption of new technology. Perhaps the most important step taken in dealing with our core product was the launch of the GENESIS Cooperative Herd 21 years ago. The intense desire to reduce generation interval and increase accuracy of female rankings has received its reward in the world of genomics. Today, your Co-op prefix is not only visible, but has become a unique asset envied by many. Your board and staff recognized others would aggressively attempt to duplicate GENESIS, and therefore put forth incredible effort and resources to accelerate the impact of the herd. There is also an incredible breed trend taking place which is clearly beyond a fad or niche. The appreciation level for what the Jersey cow provides has grown. Today our offering of Jersey sires numbers 33 and our staff is in an expansion mode of acquisition. Last year had to be our most gratifying in beef activity. Our breed-leading sires were appreciated globally, and the climate to continue to grow our beef program has never been better. Equal to the excitement of our genetic program is our unmatched and greatly envied fertility advantage. It is the databank of 16,175,547 observations which sets us apart. The sophistication of our analysis provides our production staff with the best tools they have ever had for bull screening. 

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2011

COOP E R AT I VE RE SOUR CES I NTER N AT I O NAL

2011 Was a Breakout Year

• ANN UAL R EPORT 2011 •

qE For a copy of the 2011 CRI annual report, contact customer service at 888-333-1783 or info@crinet.com.

Planning & Input Made These Results Possible As spoken by Genex President Paul Greene at the Genex annual meeting

011 was an exciting year for your cooperative, but the results of this year did not happen by chance. Three things prepared Genex for 2011. First and foremost, every three years the Genex board of directors and the senior management team develop a strategic plan. We participate in a very intense session and thought-provoking process to develop our strategy for the future. This procedure requires us to stretch our minds and think outside of the box. Ideas for adoption of new technologies as well as investment in global alliances have come from such strategic plans.

g Jenny DeMunck of Genex spoke with Stuart Gauthier about the GENESIS Cooperative Herd at the annual meeting's showcase of profitability.

Another area that prepared us for 2011 was the annual board meeting where we review the plan of work and key performance areas and adopt the budget. The board hears reports from each division, reviews the past year and sets goals for the coming year.

The third item that prepared Genex for 2011 was our delegate body. To be more specific, it was the outstanding input from the fall delegate meetings. Having served as a delegate for a number of years, I have seen firsthand how the input received at these meetings has influenced the direction of Genex. For several years, delegates have discussed real-life situations the board or management wanted input on. This allows the board to hear comments and opinions from delegates from all areas of the country as well as farms and ranches of various sizes. 

GRASSROOTS

Distributor Honored for Record-Level Imports

he CRI board of directors adopted a resolution acknowledging Juan Debernardi, S.R.L., CRI’s Argentine distributor, for importing more than 1 million doses of CRI dairy and beef semen in 2011. “Dr. Juan Debernardi and his staff began working with CRI predecessor Atlantic Breeders Cooperative in 1982. In that first year, they imported around 10,000 doses of semen,” notes Doug Wilson, CRI CEO. “Today, after years of steady growth, the company achieved a CRI record and first ever CRI single year volume of over 1 million units of semen.” The resolution ratified by the CRI board was presented to Debernardi at the CRI annual meeting. John Ruedinger, CRI Chairman, explains, “By presenting Juan with his award at the annual meeting, before the cooperative’s delegates, we were truly able to express our sincere

appreciation for the incredible record established and the professional manner in which CRI is represented in Argentina.” The resolution described the actions which allowed Debernardi to achieve success. It cited he developed an exceptionally skilled staff featuring education as the basis of sales; saw the need to advance proper utilization of U.S. genetics through a mating system and personally scored tens of thousands of cows; and sponsored and organized thousands of Argentine producers, university staff and industry influencers to visit the U.S. for an understanding of U.S. genetics and herd management. Michael Sleeper, CRI Associate Vice President-International Marketing, personally attests to the dedicated actions and success of the distributor.

J Dr. Juan Debernardi (center) accepted a framed copy of the CRI resolution celebrating his achievement. With Debernardi are Michael Sleeper (left), CRI Associate Vice PresidentInternational Marketing, and John Ruedinger (right), CRI Chairman.

“As much as any team representing CRI around the world, the Debernardi team has practiced and lived the CRI Mission of working to ‘maximize the profitability of … customers,’ in this case, within Argentina. They are a living testimony that if you maintain the proper focus on the customer, great things will result.” 

Board of Directors El e c t i o n s O G

enex delegates elected board members to represent membership regions 3, 6, 9, 12 and 13. Ronald Totten (Region 3), Jon Wayne Danielson (Region 9) and Bobby Robertson (Region 12) were re-elected. With the retirement of Jimmy Franks of Waynesboro, Ga., and Clarence Van Dyke of Manhattan, Mont., newly elected were Harold House of Nokesville, Va., and Patrick Dugan of Casa Grande, Ariz. Harold represents Region 6. He and his wife Donna own Dutchland Farm, a family farm dating back to the 1880s. They milk 350 Holsteins and farm 1,700 acres. Harold is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has served as a Genex delegate, FSA committee chair, county agriculture advisory board member, Virginia Holstein board member, and district Holstein Association member.

Patrick represents Region 13. He and his wife, Nadine, own Du-Brook Dairy. They milk 1,500 cows and their three children each own neighboring dairies. In addition to being a Genex delegate, Patrick has served on

11 8 9 10 7 5

1 32 4

13 6 J 2012 Genex Membership Regions

many boards including the United Dairyman of Arizona, United Way, Farm Bureau and the Dairy Council of Arizona. Patrick is also the co-owner of Dugan Brothers Harvest Company. The 2012 Genex board officers are: President Paul Greene, 1st Vice President Duane Nelson, 2nd Vice President John Ruedinger and Secretary Ronald Totten. The Genex officers, along with Alfred Wanner, Jr. are also on the CRI board of directors.  H ORI Z ONS

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2012 LEADERSHIP

g Six Genex employees were bestowed with Leadership Awards at the annual meeting.

AWARDS

b “a role model to his BPS team”

b “leadership from natural ability and learned skills”

Since his Genex career began in October 2006, Gerardo Moran has been committed to the success of those around him, whether fellow employees or the members he serves.

Gerardo J Moran Breeding Program Specialist Delhi, Calif.

As team leader, Gerardo works with 13 teammates to provide artificial insemination (A.I.) service to herds in central California, primarily Merced County. Within his team, he promotes growth and strength while striving to meet the expectations of each producer.

JEFF J Harder Profit Development Specialist Medford, Wis.

For nearly 25 years, Jeff Harder has contributed to the success of Genex by his excellent leadership and dedication to members. By growing up on a dairy farm and working alongside his dad, Jeff honed a strong work ethic and realized the rewards of commitment to duty. Jeff has brought those valuable traits to Genex and is routinely seen going the extra mile for customers.

In the past five years, the herds he works with have seen improved reproductive performance. When Gerardo began, the average pregnancy rate on his farms was 19%. Today those same herds average 26%. At the start of his Genex career, conception rates averaged 34% in his area and today have increased to 38%.

He is committed to ensuring the highest level of service to members. By developing strong relationships with local Genex Breeding Program Specialists, Jeff sets the bar high for a collaborative team approach to reaching profitable outcomes. Time of day and day of the week have never been a barrier to Jeff in meeting his members’ needs.

Gerardo’s supervisor highlighted one of the unique attributes that makes him a valuable team member: “We send any potential new breeders with Gerardo for him to evaluate their skill level. He is also able to recognize and re-train personnel who are having trouble with performance behind the cow.”

Jeff’s supervisor highlights two of his greatest strengths as, “It is the character and integrity of such an individual that contributes to the vision and success of a company.”

Gerardo is a proud father of his 8-year-old son. 

Jeff is father to five children and is expecting his first grandchild this year. His son Jesse is also a Genex employee. 

With close to 30 years of experience, Bob Diliberto has built a strong, loyal member base throughout Nevada and parts of central and northern California.

J BOB Diliberto

Profit Development Specialist Hilmar, Calif.

With the introduction of genomics to the industry in recent years, Bob has also taught his customers the advantages of this technology. This has led to producers who now take a new approach to looking at a bull’s genetic proof. In addition to his career achievements, Bob is an active member of the community through the Merced County Holstein Club and his local church. He volunteers for fund raisers, food drives, highway trash cleanup and also helps in the local soup kitchen. Bob has been married to his wife Annette for 29 years, and they have two grown children. 

H ORI Z ONS

K Bob Diliberto (left) with Genex member Roger Faust

A long-time advocate of Lifetime Net Merit, Bob has helped producers see the benefits of basing their buying decisions on this profit index rather than solely on PTA Type, Udder Composite or Foot & Leg Score. Many of his herds now utilize Lifetime Net Merit as their first criteria for bull selection.

b “changed the way many producers look at a bull.”

Ron Visser

Profit Development Specialist Dell Rapids, S.D. G

b “always concerned about the producers he works with”

Ron Visser began his Genex career in 2001 by providing consulting services for herds in northwestern Wisconsin. Ron thanks the breeding teams in that area for teaching him many valuable skills that have helped him as he has continued his career. Just two short years later, his career path took him to Shawano, Wis., where he worked with the GENESIS herd and had some sire procurement responsibilities. One of Ron’s most notable acquisitions while in this position was the popular 1HO08784 FREDDIE. A desire to be closer to their extended family brought Ron and his family to

RUSS PRINC

Area Sales Manager Wellington, Colo. G

Russ is well-respected by both ranchers and fellow employees and continues to foster outside relationships that will help grow the opportunities for his members. For example, Russ has developed relationships with land grant universities in Colorado and Wyoming and held a hugely successful A.I. school at Colorado State University.

in Leadership

Excellence

b “always willing to accept new responsibilities”

b “a true beef mentor”

Stan Lock

Since he began his career in the summer of 2006, Russ Princ has been devoted to the success of Genex beef producers. In recent years he has taken on additional responsibilities and now covers a beef area encompassing Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Area Sales Manager Republic, Mo.

Recognized by his peers as one of the true mentors among the beef sales team, Stan Lock has had a successful career with Genex since 2000. With responsibility for marketing in 18 states in the southeastern and south central United States, Stan is committed to working collaboratively to develop new opportunities for staff, members, customers and the industry.

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South Dakota in June 2006. By drawing on his background in genetics, Ron promotes high Lifetime Net Merit sires while helping to meet members' specific genetic wants and needs. Producers in Ron’s area often compliment the quality of the Genex team. Ron is quick to give credit to the members of his team including Zach Lutz, Elizabeth Radil, Derek Hjelm and the retired Curt Behrends, as well as the part-time employees who are willing to help when needed. Ron credits his wife, Kari, as his greatest supporter and their three children as his inspiration. 

By reaching outside the beef department, Russ has coordinated trade shows and breeding projects to help promote the Genex image throughout his area. With a clear commitment to the success of his beef members and customers, Russ organizes and attends beef breeding projects and holds employee training workshops and customer meetings. His hard work has led to a stronger Genex image and an increased beef customer base. Russ is married to his wife, Pam. 

In addition to these large-scale projects, Stan also coordinates beef field days and member meetings. He is considered an expert in the beef industry and has the respect of both allied industry partners and the Genex membership. Stan is married to his wife, Denise, and they are proud parents of a daughter. 

As a major force behind the 14-day CIDR® program, Stan worked with industry partners and academia at the University of Missouri to organize and oversee the field research behind this project. His hard work paid off, resulting in an approved and highly effective heifer synchronization program that has been beneficial to Genex as well as members and customers. Stan has trained numerous field staff on effective application of Genex chute-side services. Today, this service is an integral part of the beef program with over 90% of service work in Stan’s area being done in this manner.

J V

Check out a video of the Genex breeding barns in action at the following link: http://genex.crinet.com/Beef

H ORI Z ONS

PROOF

H IG H LIG H TS

PROOF HIGHLIGHTS

Get The Inside Scoop!

25 Bulls Added to Holstein Lineup;

Eight Surpass $700 LNM Traits Included in Lifetime Net Merit

tion Traits 35% uc Prod

Fat 19%

4 8%

H ORI Z ONS

i ts Tra

lth

lvin

p. 4%

1HO10456 JAQUAR %-I (Freddie x Ramos) follows in the footsteps of 1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I as a high genetic merit, elite health and fitness option. His +$770 LNM, +7.7 Productive Life, +2.57 SCS, +1.7 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), 4% Sire Calving Ease and 5% Daughter Calving Ease should earn him a place in many breeding programs.

DPR 11%

ze -6%

In the world of dairy genetics, there comes a time when every generation must rise up and challenge those who came before them. For 1HO10288 JAKE %-I that time is now. JAKE represents the second generation of genomics, his sire being Genex bull 1HO09527 MASSEY. JAKE bested his sire by $51 coming in at +$771 LNM. He’s also a components specialist with high Productive J Dam of JAKE: Coyne Farms Life (+6.3) and quality Ramos Jelly, VG-85 evaluations for feet and legs and udders.

SCS -10% Protein 16%

FL Com

J Dam of KRISTOFF: Brandt-View Colby Kimber-ET, VG-85, VG-MS

At his inaugural debut, KRISTOFF (Super x Colby) shines as an elite genetic option (+$774 LNM) for heifer pens. With a +8.2 Productive Life, his daughters are bound to last in the milking string while producing quality milk from healthy, well-attached udders (+2.55 Somatic Cell Score, +2.50 Udder Composite).

H Productive Life 22%

Body Si

he premiere additions to the lineup are a pair of 1HO08778 SUPER sons, 1HO10458 DAY and 1HO10455 KRISTOFF. DAY (Super x Bolton) made his grand entrance at +$787 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) and +2457 TPI . He is truly a “no holes” bull combining profitability, style and appeal. He adds pounds to the tank (+1426 PTA Milk), emits quality appearance at +3.68 PTA Type and produces what every dairy producer loves to see in the parlor, attractive udders (+3.36 Udder Composite).

bil

ity

Udder Comp. 7%

Conforma

tion

g Traits Included in Lifetime Net Merit

17%

At +$747 LNM and +2273 TPI, 1HO10446 WOLFGANG %-I towers as a profit-packed, high-power Bowser son. Sturdy feet and legs (+2.36 Foot & Leg Comp.), calving ease and longevity (+7.1) make him even more attractive. His capacity to sire fertile daughters with first-service success adds to his appeal too. Look no further for a profitable phenotype including medium frames, strongly attached udders (+2.27 Udder Composite) and sound feet and legs. 1HO10454 JACOB %-I (Super x Duce) provides the total package for efficiency including sufficient fluid Milk and Fat pounds (+1254 Milk, +55 Fat). ©2009 CRI

G0203-129

1HO10406 MEL %-I represents the first son of 1HO02611 SEQUOIA %-I to join the lineup. With the quick genetic progress made possible through genomics, MEL made his debut at the same time SEQUOIA added his first milking daughters. MEL’s claim to fame is excellent overall conformation (+2.27 PTAT, +2.02 Udder Comp., +2.11 Foot & Leg Comp.) with favorable health traits (+2.51 SCS, +6.6 Productive Life). The last of the eight new release sires over +$700 LNM is the son of yet another Genex active lineup bull. 1HO10436 SOLSTICE is sired by 1HO08631 LES and is out of a Buckeye cow. SOLSTICE improves udders (+2.29 Udder Composite) with several notable linear traits: +3.2 fore udder attachment, +3.3 rear udder height and +2.9 rear udder width. His repertoire of skills also includes improving longevity (+7.6), calving ease (6%) and siring daughters that breed back easily (+2.4 DPR). 

Lineup Leaders Lifetime Net Merit $: 1HO10218 DENIM %-I Milk: 1HO09846 JIGSAW Productive Life: 1HO10245 ABRAHAM %-I Daughter Pregnancy Rate: 1HO10218 DENIM %-I PTA Type: 1HO10263 CAIRO Udder Composite: 1HO10458 DAY Foot & Leg Composite: 1HO10263 CAIRO Sire Conception Rate: 1HO02789 SASON © 2 0 1 2 C RI

PROOF

H IG H LIG H TS

It’s that time again … when new sire evaluations are released and the latest bulls appear in the Genex lineup. Staying up-to-date on the new information to maintain genetic progress in your herd isn’t impossible. You may just need … the inside scoop.

Genex Leads Top 30 TPI

enex bulls are the reason other studs are not talking TPI (see Graph 1). Genex claims 12 of the top 30 sires – that’s twice as many as any other stud! 1HO08784 FREDDIE %-I continued his reign as the #1 TPI bull. Following FREDDIE in the top 10 are 1HO09527 MASSEY at #3, 1HO09167 O-STYLE at #5, 1HO08778 SUPER at #6, 1HO09192 HILL at #7 and 1HO08658 LOGAN at #10. Rounding out the Genex sires in the top 30 are 1HO09321 SUDAN at #13, 1HO02531 HEFTY at #21, 1HO08777 AWESOME at #23, 1HO09175 SANTANA at #28, 1HO08645 GARNER at #29 and 1HO02509 FLAWLESS at #30. To top off the Genex domination of the TPI list, four of those top 30 sires carry the Co-op prefix and hail from the GENESIS Cooperative Herd! 

12 10 8 6 4 2 0

n Ge

t le c e s e S Sir

t ed r a t ic s e l e ce en Ac G

v Graph 1. Number of Sires in Top 30 TPI by Stud j

If You’re Thinking Jerseys – Think Genex M

ORE CHOICES. The expanded Jersey lineup has more choices than ever before. Seven new sires offer exciting profitimpacting opportunities. 1JE00792 MACHETE (Vibrant x Impuls) is a total performance standout at +$717 Cheese Merit (CM) with J Dam of MAYER: Sunset Canyon extreme Productive Futurity C Maid Life (+7.6). 1JE00791 DIVIDEND (Valentino x Restore) delivers quality production with +1631 Milk and +2.79 Somatic Cell Score; he’s also a natural for improved conformation at +2.2 PTA Type. The +$600 CM 1JE00793 DIVINE, a full brother to DIVIDEND, posts similar numbers for Milk and PTAT, but also delivers outstanding udders from a +5.35 JUI™. 1JE00780 MAYER hails from a renowned cow family, promoting solids (+0.22% Fat) and well-attached udders. 1JE00787 LOUIS (Legal x Lennox) has fitness finesse. 1JE00779 SHANK (Vibrant x Dale) transmits high fluid yield (+1662 Milk) from tall, strong daughters, and 1JE00798 BRAVEHEART is a progeny-proven bull with a Danish-free J Aspen Grove Braveheart Raisie pedigree (Duke x Mor).

PROFIT SPECIALISTS. An expanded lineup doesn’t simply mean more bulls, it means more elite cheese production specialists. The Genex lineup now includes 18 sires over +$500 CM.

ELITE JPI™. The lineup has the industry’s leader for JPI in 1JE00711 PLUS. Based on early data, with the first 25 daughters added to his proof, this Iatola x Artist son has a very promising future. He combines a +241 JPI with outstanding confirmation figures (+2.1 PTA Type, +5.45 JUI), plentiful production (+1544 PTA Milk) and fertility (+4.0 Sire Conception Rate).

J Dutch Hollow Plus Lyrika

J Dam of PERCIVALE: Gabys Jacinto Alyssa, EX-91%

UDDERS. To total five over +5.00 JUI, DIVINE and PLUS are joined by the all-rounder 1JE00785 PERCIVALE with his +5.04, polled sire 1JE00774 DOC-P with a +5.15 and 1JE00700 LEXICON with a +5.05. 

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Don’t Let Your Breeding Program Take a Summer Vacation!

Put Genex fertility-leading sires to work in your herd during the summer heat.

• Led by 1HO02789 SASON: +5.0 SCR 1HO02473 BOUTLAND: +4.3 SCR 1HO09875 ALMOND: +4.1 SCR • The Genex lineup includes 89 sires with Sire Conception Rate rankings over +1.0.

Make sure your breeding program is working as hard as you are this summer — rely on Genex high-fertility sires. USDA/04-12

GENO M ICALLY

SPEAKING

The Genomics Report Card By: Jenny DeMunck // Dairy Product Manager, Genex

Jerseys: How Much of a Change?

o evaluate the precision of genomic proofs, the standard is to compare bulls’ genomic genetic evaluations to their daughter-proven evaluations. This provides a sort of “report card” on genomic evaluations. The “report cards” below show minimal average changes in genetic evaluations as Holstein and Jersey sires go from genomic-proven evaluations to proofs primarily based on daughters.

The following tables show the average change in genetic traits as genomic-proven Jersey sires add a significant number of milking daughters (10 daughter minimum requirement for production proof, 10 daughter minimum requirement for type data). Table 3 shows as Jersey bulls have gained milking daughters their proof for Cheese Merit increased $41. This is based on data from 265 sires that average 73 milking daughters. Similarly, Table 4 shows that as Jersey bulls transition to daughter proven they have averaged a 0.13 increase in JUI™.

Holsteins: How Much of a Change? The two tables below show the average change as genomicproven Holstein sires add milking daughters. The report card includes Holstein bulls that were genomic-proven in August 2010 and now have a minimum of 40 daughters in their production proof and a minimum of 10 daughters in their type proof.

Genomic-proven bulls provide unmatched and documented opportunity to accelerate genetic progress and improve farm profitability. The recommended best practice for any producer is to use a group of genomic-proven bulls that fit the herd’s breeding goals. By using a group of bulls, producers will minimize impact of any one bull with significant changes in PTA and provide greater means to manage inbreeding and genetic diversity. 

For example, as Table 1 shows Holstein bulls industrywide average a $29 decrease in Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) as they gain milking daughters. This is based on data from more than 2,100 bulls that average 105 daughters. Table 2 shows Holstein bulls decrease 0.20 points in PTA Type as they gain daughters. This data is based on more than 1,500 bulls that average 59 daughters each.

Holstein o Table 1. Industrywide Change for LNM, Production and Health Traits as Holstein Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing August 2010 proofs to April 2012 proofs)1 k

Number of Sires 1

Avg. Number of Daughters

2123 105 40 daughter minimum requirement.

LNM

LNM Rel.

TPI

-$29

+12

-11

PTA Milk

Fat

Protein

Productive Life

DPR

-47

-2

-1

-0.6

+0.2

o Table 2. Industrywide Change for Conformation Traits as Holstein Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing August 2010 proofs to April 2012 proofs)2 k

Number of Sires

Avg. Number of Daughters

1504 59 2 10 daughter minimum requirement.

PTA Type

Udder Composite

-0.20

-0.10

Jersey o Table 3. Industrywide Change for LNM, Production and Health Traits as Jersey Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing August 2010 proofs to April 2012 proofs)3 k

Number of Sires

Avg. Number of Daughters

265 73 3 10 daughter minimum requirement.

LNM

LNM Rel.

+$12

+41

Cheese Merit JPI™ PTA Milk +$41

+10

+134

Fat

Protein

Productive Life DPR +0.0

+0.0

o Table 4. Industrywide Change for Conformation Traits as Jersey Genomic Bulls Add Milking Daughters (Comparing August 2010 proofs to April 2012 proofs)4 k

Number of Sires 4

Avg. Number of Daughters

187 35 10 daughter minimum requirement.

PTA Type

JUI™

+0.04

+0.13

A Author Bio: Jenny DeMunck grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She graduated with a degree in dairy science and a minor in Spanish. She began her career as a Genex A.I. technician and then took on a Genex consultant role. In 2006, she accepted a position within the cooperative’s training and education department. Most recently, Jenny was promoted to Dairy Product Manager within the Dairy Genetics division.

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GENESIS Bulls Lead Industry

in Genetic Precisi n

1HO10085 CO-OP UPD PLANET

YANO - ET

+$872 LNM

MS: Co-op BOLIVER YOYO - ET, VG-86, VG-MS

By: Jenny DeMunck // Dairy Product Manager, Genex

The Genex Holstein bulls derived from the GENESIS Cooperative Herd lead the industry in genomic accuracy. These 110 GENESIS bulls actually averaged a $3 increase in Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) as they transitioned from genomic-only genetic evaluations in August 2010 to daughter-proven genetic evaluations in April 2012 (minimum of 40 daughters). The average change among all 2,123 bulls industrywide over the same time period was a $29 decrease in LNM. “The numbers prove GENESIS has powerful precision,” explains Keith Heikes, Genex Vice President of Dairy Genetics & Global Alliance Development. “This precision is generated by unbiased testing of GENESIS females in commercial herds, extensive genomic testing of GENESIS cow families, and this cooperative’s willingness to embrace new technologies.”

1HO10226 CO-OP UPD AL

PERRY 410

+$754 LNM

Dam: CO-OP UPD SHARKY 2712, VG-85

1HO10220 CO-OP UPD MATRIX

PAX-RED-ET

+$551 LNM

GENESIS females must prove themselves in unbiased, commercial settings. They are put to work on real dairies devoid of special treatment. This allows for the identification of truly elite females and contributes to the credibility of their offspring. Extensive genomic testing of GENESIS cow families also improves the accuracy of the genomic predictions of Co-op bulls. In most situations the bull’s dam, grandam and siblings are all genomic tested.

Dam: CO-OP OMAN PANDORA-ET, VG-86, VG-MS, DOM

“The cooperative’s willingness to openly embrace new technologies, such as genomics, accelerates the impact of GENESIS,” notes Heikes. “Technology has helped Genex build a herd that is at the forefront of genetic progress and delivers predictable results. By providing a large number of bulls with exceptionally accurate genomic proofs, GENESIS is a benefit to Genex members and customers.” 

generations of

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Find, Sort and Compare Bulls & Develop Your Own Customized Bull Index By: James Arati // Support Programs Manager, CRI

s a producer, your everyday busy life leaves you with almost no time to dig for information or sort through growing bull lists to find the right genetics for your herd. So how do you find the right sire choices with the least time spent? Genex offers the solution – MPG™.

What is MPG?

MPG stands for Maximizing Profits through Genetics™. It is a Web-based program that allows you to quickly sort through all dairy bulls; it enables you to narrow bull lists according to your

How Do I Access the Customized Index Option?

Once on the survey page, add your milk price, feed cost ratio, important traits and any other situational information specific to your farm. After these details have been entered, MPG suggests an already‑established index (Lifetime Net Merit, TPI, JPI, etc.) that best fits your

Why a Customized Index?

Creating a customized index allows you to identify a group of bulls based on a combination of criteria you feel meets your goals for your herd. The index you create is a real dollar value index calculated with similar formulas as used by USDA and breed associations, but with consideration for your trait weightings.

Next, insert minimum and maximum levels for the various traits (under column headers “Min” and “Max”). Depending on your needs, you may also put extra emphasis on certain traits by altering the weighting for the trait (under column header “Customize”). The total for the custom index weighting, under the “Customize” heading, must equal 100.

Go to http://genex.crinet.com/mpg. Choose “Bull Information” and “Customized Index” (see Image 1). This takes you to a survey which helps define a starting point for your personalized index.

How Do I Customize An Index?

specific traits of interest. MPG also has the flexibility to help you achieve your farm goals through the creation of your very own customized index.

j Image 1.

farm situation. The suggested index is merely a starting point. You are able to alter the weighting of specific traits and add minimum/maximum trait evaluation levels. On the customized index search filter, pick a source population of bulls; this is the population of bulls from which the bulls that meet your selection criteria will be selected. You can choose a preselected group (such as all active Genex Holstein bulls) or choose all active bulls industrywide and narrow your selection by stud(s) and breed as well as by the recessives or haplotypes to avoid.

For example (see Example 1), click on the LNM$ minimum box and enter 500 to include only sires that are $500 LNM or higher in the data set. Click on the Milk minimum box and enter 800 to choose sires that have 800 pounds or higher production. Set the weighting for Milk at +19 and so on. Once you have entered the search criteria, click the “Search” button to bring up a list of bulls that match your customized search criteria. The number of bulls in the customized search will display on the results table at the bottom of the Web page. To print a list of bulls or save the bull listing, choose the “Select All” button or individually select the bulls you desire to include. Then click “Export to CSV.” You are then able to select the individual trait evaluations you want included on the CSV file. The CSV file opens in a program such as Microsoft Excel. With MPG, sorting bulls has never been easier. You can develop a customized list of bulls for your breeding program in minutes. 

A Author Bio: James Arati has a bachelor's degree in ag business from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a master's in ag business from Kansas State University. He has worked as a farm manager and Genex consultant and A.I. technician. Today, he implements employee and producer training programs and assists with the development and education of Genex programs.

j Example 1. © 2 0 1 2 C RI

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DG29™ Blood Pregnancy Test Availability Expanded

and relocated to the CRI headquarters in Shawano, Wis. The CRI Support Services Division is responsible for employee training programs, product and supply distribution, transportation and fleet activities, mating programs, international customer support, resale products and special projects.

enex is now marketing DG29 in Canada and has made DG29 testing more efficient in the northwest United States.

In addition to dedication to the dairy industry, Herb shared the CRI philosophy of community involvement. He was actively involved in numerous local organizations: Junior Achievement, community foundation, arts council, Optimist Club, Boy Scouts, chamber of commerce and his church.

Dairy producers in Ontario, western Canada and the Maritimes can purchase DG29 from their local Genex representatives or by contacting the Genex office in Guelph, Ontario, at 888‑354‑4622. Canada’s DG29 testing is conducted at Conception Laboratories in Beaumont, Quebec. To ensure timely turnaround for producers in the northwest United States, AgSource Laboratories in Jerome, Idaho, is now a certified DG29 testing laboratory. The Idaho laboratory is the second U.S. lab certified to conduct the test; AgSource Laboratories in Menomonie, Wis., has performed the DG29 test since the product’s release in May 2010. DG29 is an easy-to-use blood pregnancy test allowing producers to draw blood samples from cattle on the farm, forward samples to a certified laboratory, and receive pregnancy diagnosis results quickly and accurately via fax or email. The test detects a specific pregnancy-related protein within the bovine’s blood sample and reports a positive (pregnant) or negative (open) result. For best results, the test should be conducted on cows or heifers 29 days or more post breeding. Cows must also be at least 90 days post calving before blood samples are collected. 

J Herb Rycroft

Dairy Community Mourns Loss of Herb Rycroft

erb Rycroft, CRI Vice President of Support Services, passed away Feb. 10. Herb was born and raised in western New York. He earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University in 1979 and then served as a research technician in Cornell’s Department of Animal Science before joining Eastern A.I. Cooperative, a predecessor of Genex, in Ithaca, N.Y. Throughout his career with the cooperative, Herb held the positions of Production Coordinator, Director of Farm and Livestock, and Vice President of Production. In 1999, he was named the CRI Vice President of Support Services

Every Day Counts when it comes to finding open cows. Know as early as 29 days post breeding with the use of DG29™ “With basis.

DG29, you can pregnancy check on a daily You don’t have to herd check on someone else’s schedule. We draw blood on

all cows 30 days after breeding.”

Matt Manning, Manning Dairy, Lansing, Iowa

In the words of CRI CEO Doug Wilson, “Herb’s life was cut short, his career was cut short. However, his impact on this cooperative, his impact on this community and church, and his impact on our lives was major. If you are motivated to do things right for the right reason, every individual can make this a better world, even in a short time. Herb taught us that.” 

Cooperative Board of Directors Authorizes Equity Retirement

he Genex and CRI boards of directors have authorized an equity revolvement to the membership this spring. The revolvement will be the member equity for 1988, 1989 and 1990. For active Genex members, the equity retirement will appear as a credit on your billing. There are no tax implications on this retirement; the equity redemptions have been from qualified issuances with taxes paid at the time of their allocation. This is the official public notice of this equity. Former members must notify Genex headquarters for redemption of their equity. The board reserves the right to suspend redemption if cash flow needs of the cooperative are impaired. If there are any questions, contact Genex Equity Specialist Candie Fisher at 715‑526‑7657. 

DG29 is a product of Conception (www.conception-animal.com)

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COLE Sires Quadruplet Heifers on California Dairy For Semen Units Produced & Sold

D A Five-Star Favorite An International Sensation

airy producers Mark and John Zuppan of Zuppan Dairy in Orland, Calif., are the proud owners of quadruplet heifer calves born on Dec. 6, 2011. The calves were sired by Genex sire 1HO02571 COLE, and all were born alive, healthy and at term without assistance. The chances of this happening were 1 in 179.2 million.

Complete Combination of Production, Conformation, Calving Ease and Sire Fertility

Submit Your TOYSTORY Daughter Photos Several Sons in Genex Lineup...

1HO02468

1HO02571

1HO09673

1HO09928

1HO02509

BINAS ISY

COLE

MONTA

CORY

FLAWLESS

Toystory x O Man

Toystory x Lynch

Toystory x Shottle

Toystory x Boliver

n anticipation of TOYSTORY soon achieving another world record – by producing his 2 millionth unit of semen – please share your TOYSTORY daughter photos. Post your photos on the Genex and CRI Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GenexCRI or email photos to CRI Communications Manager Jenny Hanson at jlhanson@ crinet.com. Be sure to include the cow’s name, classification (if available), the cow owner’s or farm’s name, and the city/state/country. Submitted photos may be used in promotional materials celebrating TOYSTORY’s upcoming achievement! 

b The chances of this happening were 1 in 179.2 million. J 1H002571 COLE

John Zuppan explained the cow conceived from conventional semen bred on a natural heat. The resulting calves were a pair of fraternal twins and a pair of identical twins. The dairy’s veterinarian, Michael Karle, explained in Bovine Vet Week-inReview, how this happened. “She likely released three oocytes from her ovaries which were fertilized, one of which then

split, producing two calves out of the four which are identical genetically.” According to Zuppan, this rare multiple birth was confirmed by the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University of California – Davis. Test results based on hair samples from the cow and all four calves confirmed they were all related. 

Shop Genex 24/7

Buy Semen, Products, DG29™ and A.I. Supplies Online at profitshop.crinet.com.

Grow your Career with Genex! Start your career with a growing company!

For further information visit: www.crinet.com/careers or email jbonnette@crinet.com H ORI Z ONS | 1 5

Josie and Teagan Bailey, Brown N Black Farm, Tomah, Wis.

Financing for Their Future.

Rely on John Deere Financial for the financing you need. Genex is pleased to offer John Deere Financial (formerly Farm Planâ&#x201E;˘) to provide you with unique finance options to meet the specific needs of your operation. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about your tomorrow or their tomorrow, John Deere Financial is a name you can rely on.

COOPERATI V E

T H E

CO M M UNITY

Celebrating 60 Years of Academic Agriculture Research Support By: Jenny Hanson // Communications Manager, CRI

Cooperatives follow the seven cooperative principles. One of those principles centers on concern for the community. Throughout this “Cooperative in the Community” series, learn how Genex and Genex staff demonstrate support for their local communities and the agricultural community.

he dairy industry is a science-based industry. Throughout history Genex and its predecessors have both conducted and supported scientific research efforts to advance the industry and ultimately positively impact the agricultural community. Supporting academic research is one more way Genex demonstrates the cooperative principle of concern for community. In 2011, Genex reached a milestone in supporting academic research. Genex celebrated 60 years of providing financial support for research activities at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Mike Kaproth, Genex Associate Vice President of Lab & Research explains, “From a note in our cooperative’s history (pp 36-39, “The Gene Revolution” by Erton Sipher) we can see that beginning in 1952 New York Artificial Breeders Cooperative, Inc. (later Genex) began supporting artificial breeding research at Cornell's Department of Animal Science.” Kaproth describes the relationship as “a happy collaboration between helpful individuals at both organizations.” The long and fruitful association has resulted in scientific advancements that improved Genex products and services and thereby positively impacted dairy producers. Another way to observe the level of support the cooperative has provided to academic agriculture research is to look at the number of published articles current Genex employees have co-authored with academic researchers. Kaproth along with Glen Gilbert, Vice President of Production; Al Kuck, Vice President of Beef Programs; and Gamal Abdel-Azim, Research Geneticist, are named as co-authors on more than 30 articles (a sampling listed below) which were published in the Journal of Dairy Science, Theriogenology, Veterinary Microbiology, the Biology of Reproduction or Animal Reproduction Science. The research aimed to advance the understanding of and processes involved in dairy genetics and artificial breeding. • A New Antibiotic Combination for Frozen Bovine Semen. 2. Evaluation of Seminal Quality • A New Antibiotic Combination for Frozen Bovine Semen. 3. Evaluation of Fertility • Assessing Cryocapacitation in Frozen-Thawed Bovine Sperm from a Commercial Bull Stud

• Effect of Preparing and Loading Multiple Insemination Guns on Conception Rate in Two Large Commercial Dairy Herds • Effects of Airport Screening X-irradition on Bovine Sperm Chromatin Integrity and Embryo Development • Effects of Semen Thaw Method on Conception Rate in Four Large Commercial Dairy Heifer Herds • Evaluation of a Linear Type Program in Holsteins • From Babies to Bulls: Options to Consider for E.T. • Genetic Basis and Risk Factors for Infectious and Noninfectious Diseases in U.S. Holsteins. I. Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Single Diseases and General Health • Genetic Parameters for Somatic Cells, Protein, and Fat in Milk of Holsteins • Genetics of Health Traits in Holstein Cattle • In Vitro Production of Haploid Germ Cells From Fresh or Frozen-Thawed Testicular Cells of Neonatal Bulls • Large Batch Freezing of Bull Semen: Effect of Time of Freezing and Fructose on Fertility • Linear Type Trait Analysis with Genetic Parameter Estimation • Motility and Fertility of Bull Sperm in Whole Milk Extender Containing Antioxidants • Post-thaw Motility, Acrosomal Integrity, and Fertility of Antibiotic-Treated Frozen Bull Spermatozoa • Prediction of Sire Transmitting Abilities for Herd Life from Transmitting Abilities for Linear Type Traits • Prospects for Spermatogenesis In Vitro • Sperm in Poor Quality Semen from Bulls During Heat Stress Have a Lower Affinity for Binding Hydrogen-3 Heparin • Sperm Numbers Inseminated in Dairy Cattle and Nonreturn Rates Revisited • Validation and Application of an Assay for Deoxyribonucleic Acid to Estimate Concentrations of Bull Sperm • Variation of Milk, Fat, Protein and Somatic Cells for Dairy Cattle

Genex research support extends beyond these co-authored articles and the ongoing relationship with Cornell University. Annually, the cooperative supports seven to 10 external research projects at agricultural universities across the U.S. In 2012, Genex research support extends from coast to coast – from Oregon State University to Rhode Island University. By partaking in and supporting academic research, Genex has demonstrated support for the agricultural community and contributed to progress in the dairy industry. 

• Association of Type Traits Scored Linearly with Production and Herdlife of Holsteins • Bovine Viral Diarrhea is Inactivated When Whole Milk from Persistently Infected Cows is Heated to Prepare Semen Extender • Categorical Data Analysis of the Effect on Bull Fertility of Butylated Hydroxytoluene Addition to Semen Extenders Prior to Freezing • Correlations Among Body Condition Scores from Various Sources, Dairy Form, and Cow Health from the United States and Denmark

A Author Bio: Jenny Hanson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls with a degree in agricultural communications. While at UW-River Falls, she authored news articles for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Today, she communicates about agriculture as editor of the Genex Dairy Horizons.

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r e p u S 778

1HO08

There comes a time when every generation must rise up and challenge those who came before.

1HO08784

Because

Highest FREDDIE sons include: » 1HO10218 DENIM %-I » 1HO10257 TUCK %-I

of genomics,

» 1HO10456 JAGUAR %-I

that time is now.

All over +$770 Lifetime Net Merit

Welcome to the second generation of genomics.

Freddie %-I

1HO09527

Massey High-ranking MASSEY sons: » 1HO10288 JAKE %-I » 1HO10217 MASTER *BY » 1HO10227 SCRAMBLE Offer over 15 months combined Productive Life

Join the

GENOMIC

GENERATION USDA/04-12, HA-USA/04-12

» DAY genetics are already making

their impact on the next generation as he is a popular sire for contract matings. With impressive production numbers and outstanding appeal, he is a ‘no-holes’ sire!

+$787 LNM

Day

+1426 PTA Milk +3.36 Udder Comp.

1HO10458 Super X Bolton X Shottle

» KRISTOFF is an excellent next-

generation genomic sequel with his dam being full-sister to fitness phenom 1HO02827 DEWEY. This sire is backed by two Very Good dams who both completed 365 day 2 yearold records over 42,000 lbs milk, 1500 fat and 1200 protein!

+$774 LNM

Kristoff

1HO10455 Super X Colby X Potter

+8.2 Productive Life +2.55 Somatic Cell Score

» JACOB isn’t the only sire from

his family to make an impact on the Genex lineup. He has both a brother and sister by Planet who are making their name within the GENESIS program. JACOB is backed by four generations of Very Good dams with exceptional high component production records over 30,000 lbs milk, 1200 fat and 1000 protein.

Jacob

1HO10454 %-I Super X Duce X Jocko Besne

+$745 LNM +1254 PTA Milk +55 Fat lbs.

Genex, the Genomic Leader,

also provides Daughter-Proven

Success

In addition to high-ranking genomic sires, the Genex lineup HAS:

• 48 sires with daughters contributing data to their proofs • 39 sires with at least 90% reliability for production data • 33 sires with over 100 milking daughters in their proofs

USDA/04-12

PRODUCT

FEATURE

Maintain Appetite and Digestion in Cows and Calves

During Times of Stress By: Dr. Dan DuBourdieu // Vets Plus, Inc.

What does NuLife® ReBOUND™ do for the animal?

NuLife® ReBOUND™, available from Genex throughout the U.S., is a new method to aid cows and calves in maintaining appetite and healthy digestion during such times of stress. The use of ReBOUND™ can improve profitability levels of sick or stressed animals and help maintain the well-being of currently healthy animals.

How does NuLife® ReBOUND™ work? ReBOUND™ has a quadruple mode of action to help maintain appetite and a healthy digestive system in cows. The ReBOUND™ formula contains a synergistic blend of superior rumen direct fed microbials (DFMs), enzymes, activated charcoal and specialized peptide nutritional factors. • Unique DFMs out-compete pathogens for space and nutrients, thus leading to production of B vitamins to help maintain appetite.

b “We use both the paste and the powder at weaning. The little ones get paste for a week and they just love it.” -Jay Schonscheck, Oshkosh, Wis. k What people are saying about ReBOUND™ products

ost – if not all – producers know having cows and calves under stress can rob an operation of profits. These stressors can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from diseases and injury to normal production events, such as vaccinations or shipping/receiving. During times of stress, it is common for animals to experience loss of appetite. However, the right supplements can help animals better manage stress, resume eating normally and maintain performance.

b “We’ve seen a 5-10 pound increase in production per cow since we started incorporating ReBOUND powder into the TMR. With the high cost of protein, it’s nice to get more milk with so little cost involved!” -Tom Miller, La Crosse, Wis.

b “At earliest signs of dehydration, you just mix the electrolyte in with the milk. It’s nice to have it delivered along with the semen."

• Enzymes aid in maintaining fiber digestion and nutrient utilization, thereby facilitating dry matter intake and production. They also assist in sustaining rumen fungi and microflora, which can increase lactic acid utilization and help retain normal rumen pH. • Activated charcoal helps reduce the harmful effects of toxins, when they appear. • Specialized peptide nutritional factors help maintain beneficial microflora growth, while allowing animals to achieve normal health status. When dry matter intake is maintained during periods of stress, sick animals get back on feed sooner and healthy animals stay healthy through better feed utilization and natural immunity. © 2 0 1 2 C RI

–Larry Sequin, Eleva, Wis.

ReBOUND™ helps maintain normal levels of beneficial bacteria in the rumen and lower gut to improve nutrient intake and utilization. It also limits negative energy balance and maintains feed efficiency through a healthy digestive system. Healthy animals are better equipped to absorb required nutrients, resist infections and perform better, potentially leading to higher production in cows and better growth in calves. ReBOUND™ can also help maintain protein supply due to a greater number of rumen microbes, which increases the supply of bypass protein. Intestinally-digestible rumen bypass protein is critical to sustaining high levels of milk production. ReBOUND™ helps maintain milk yield and lactation persistency, while reducing sick days.

Efficacy of NuLife® ReBOUND™ is proven. ReBOUND™ for cows and calves has been used extensively and is ideal for animals experiencing stress. Stress occurs during periods of sickness following calving, weaning, feed changes, weather changes, vaccination, antibiotic therapy, post surgery, nutritional challenges, etc.

During periods of stress, ReBOUND™ helps: • Maintain appetite & digestion. • Maintain dry matter intake. • Maintain production.

ReBOUND™ can be a useful tool to help maintain production and profitability of a dairy operation. It is available in powder, paste and capsule forms to suit various operations and customer preference.  A Author Bio: Dr. DuBourdieu received his Ph.D. in pharmacognosy from the University of Minnesota. He is a scientist with Vets Plus, Inc. and has been researching animal nutrition for over 20 years.

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M ANAGE M ENT

Why Am I Not Finding

Cows in Heat? By: Bob Saar // National Account Senior Specialist, Genex

How does body condition loss affect cows showing heat?

First of all, one must determine if the problem exists throughout the entire herd or within a specific subgroup. To do this, analyze the dairy’s computer record system. Specifically, analyze the records for reproduction and events that have happened by lactation or lactation group. Once the group in which the problem exists is determined, one will be better able to find possible causes and solutions, such as the following.

How does the ratio of open to pregnant cows affect cows showing heat?

ne thing I often hear while working with Genex member and customer herds throughout the Northeast is “my cows are not showing heat and conceiving the way they should.” Let’s take a closer look at the issue and address factors affecting animals’ ability to show heat.

How does flooring affect cows showing heat? Slippery floors can be a deterrent to cows exhibiting heats and can also cause injury to animals. Generally concrete is the most common flooring surface in dairy facilities. To make concrete flooring more cow-friendly, one could groove or scabble slippery floors. Caution must be used when using grooving or scabbling floor options, as not to make the surfaces too abrasive on hooves. Another option is to use grooved rubber belting or similar rubber products.

How does lameness affect cows showing heat? Lameness causes stress on an animal. Lameness also tends to cause animals to lie down more and eat less. Obviously, if an animal lies down more, it becomes more difficult to observe signs of heat. And, if an animal eats less, lameness can cause a cow to lose body condition. 2 2

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It is a known fact in the industry that a one point loss in body condition can inhibit an animal’s ability to exhibit heat. Keeping rations adequate to prevent body condition loss are critical. An old saying I have heard and believe has a lot of merit in this situation: “rations need to be balanced adequately to maintain production and reproduction.” Remember a cow is a mother; she needs enough energy to produce milk (feed her calf) before she will want to reproduce again.

The higher the number of pregnant cows in a pen the lower the amount of estrus that is shown; pregnant cows and cows in mid cycle are much less likely to mount cows in or near heat. A possible solution for this issue is to maintain a higher percentage of open cows within the breeding group.

How does transitioning affect cows showing heat? The more metabolic problems an animal has when freshening, the greater probability of anestrus. According to the article, Effect of Disease on Reproduction in Dairy Cows: a Meta‑Analysis, clinical ketosis, dystocia and retained placentas are associated with more days to first service and a lower conception rate at first service (Fourichon, Seegers and Malher, 2002). Overcrowding of transition groups may also lead to more metabolic problems at or after calving. Some recently available data looks at bunk space for overcrowding rather than stall space.

REPRODUCTI V E

M ANAGE M ENT

How does failure of proper observation for estrus affect cows in heat? Jeffrey S. Stevenson of Kansas State University says, “The greatest limiting factor to successful fertilization is associated with detection of estrus. It is estimated that approximately 50% of heats go undetected on the average dairy farm in the U.S.” (1997). He goes on to state, “There are two important challenges in heat detection. The first is accurately recognizing signs of heat and the second is catching all possible heats in breeding heifers and cows. One might be quite accurate in catching cows in heat, but still have a major heat detection problem because too few heats are observed.” One solution for the issue of failure to properly observe estrus may be to adequately train employees in heat detection technique. In regards to specific timeframes for observing animals for heat, the proper time to observe animals is not while they are eating; instead, for the best results, it should be every employee’s job to make sure they observe animals at all times and properly identify the animals in heat. If herds are housed in stanchion barns, they need to be turned out daily, to conduct proper heat detection.

Sign of Heat Á Standing to be mounted

Secondary Signs of Heat Á Á Á Á Á Á Á Á

Mounting other cows Red, swollen vulva Clear mucous discharge Increased motor activity Roughed up tail head Increased vocalization Chin rubbing Dirty flanks and sides from being mounted by other cows

J The heifer above is displaying a secondary sign of heat, chin rubbing. h Maintaining proper body condition is important. Loss of body condition can inhibit an animal's ability to exhibit heat.

In conclusion, there are many different factors that could cause a producer to say, “My cows are not showing heat and conceiving the way they should.” To overcome the obstacles, a producer needs to drill down through all layers to find the source of the problem - problems that could relate to the cows not showing heat or people not heat detecting correctly. There are also products available to aid in heat detection – such as tail paint, Kamars®, heat detection systems, heat detection workshops and protocol programs – but I suggest not just putting a Band-Aid on an underlying problem. Work with your local resources (veterinarian, Genex consultant, etc.) to determine the problem and fix it from its source.  References k

How does heat stress affect cows in heat? As M.A. Varner of the University of Maryland explains, “The term ‘heat stress’ refers to the stress of hot weather and not the estrous or heat cycle.” He goes on to share how reproductive efficiency is affected by heat stress. “First, cows are harder to detect in estrus and are sometimes classified as anestrus. Second, cows that are bred by artificial insemination have a hard time becoming or staying pregnant. The second problem shows up as low conception rate or high services per conception.” A solution for heat stress is to have a great heat abatement strategy, which may include sprinklers, fans, tunnel ventilated barns, a source of water close to cows exiting the milking parlor, or multiple water sources for cows on pasture. © 2 0 1 2 C RI

Fourichon, C., H. Seegers, and X. Malher. “Effects of Disease on Reproduction in Dairy Cows.” Theriogenology 53.9 (2002). 1729-59. Stevenson, Jeffrey S. “The question would be are their cows really not showing heat or are we not heat detecting correctly.” 1997. Varner, M. A. “Stress and Reproduction.” Dairy Integrated Reproductive Management. Special thanks to Jerry Bertoldo, DMV, Dairy Specialist, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Genesee County, N.Y.

A Author Bio: With 35 years of experience in farm management practices with Genex and predecessors, Bob Saar of Perry, N.Y., has an incredible reputation as an on-farm trouble shooting pro. He also demonstrates an exceptional talent for using Dairy Comp 305 and PC Dart to design profit-improving opportunities for Genex members and customers throughout the northeast U.S.

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Managing the Estrous Cycle By: James Arati // Support Programs Manager, CRI

aking profits on your dairy depends upon successful breeding. Neither milk nor meat can be produced without pregnant cows. Getting cows pregnant is achieved through reproduction management. In theory, the process is simple: watch cows for heats or set them up to ovulate and breed at the appropriate time. However, managing reproduction is complex and can be frustrating if not done right. We are continuously looking for that magic solution to solve all of our cows’ reproductive problems. Many will agree the magic solution is dependent on how well reproduction is managed. Understanding how the cow’s estrous cycle works is a good starting point to successfully manage reproduction particularly in optimizing the timing of artificial insemination (A.I.). The estrous cycle, also referred to as the heat cycle, is a series of events and hormonal changes that repeat approximately every 21 days (range 18 to 24 days) in non-pregnant cows. The cycle is shown in Figure 1 and a detailed description follows.

The Heat Period The estrous cycle starts on Day 0 when a large fluid-filled blister-like structure on the ovary (called the follicle) creates the hormonal push necessary to initiate estrus, or heat. The follicle contains the egg and produces estrogen, which causes cows to exhibit “estrus behavior” such as: bellowing, secreting cervical mucus, standing to be mounted and the “toning” of the uterus that aids in transportation of semen at the time of insemination. Typically, estrus lasts for 12 hours, but it is common to observe cows in heat for only six to eight hours. Estrogen is also responsible for triggering the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus in the cow's brain. GnRH causes the release of another important hormone, luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland.

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Ovulation, Fertilization & Formation of the Corpus Luteum On Day 1, about 32 hours after estrus began, LH will cause the cow’s follicle to ovulate, releasing an egg into the oviduct where it will wait to be fertilized. If sperm are present in the oviduct and fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg (embryo) will remain in the oviduct for three to four days before entering the uterus. Following ovulation, estrogen levels drop, decreasing the hormonal drive for displaying standing estrus behavior. Also after ovulation, an important structure called the corpus luteum (CL) begins to form on the ovary in the place vacated by the follicle. As the CL grows it begins to secrete the hormone progesterone four to five days after heat and reaches mature size and progesterone production nine to 10 days after heat. Progesterone is essential for pregnancy as it prevents the cow from returning to heat and signals the uterus to prepare for a fertilized egg.

Regression of the Corpus Luteum By Day 12, the CL has grown to its maximum diameter. If fertilization occurs and a viable embryo is present in the uterus by Day 18, the CL is maintained and continues producing large amounts of progesterone, which prevents the return of estrus. However, if fertilization does not occur and the uterus fails to detect a growing embryo, the uterine lining will release the hormone prostaglandin (PG). PG will cause regression of the CL, resulting in the rapid decline of progesterone and triggering the development of another follicle. The cow would then enter standing heat again, completing the 21-day cycle. The decrease in progesterone triggers an increase in GnRH. In addition to stimulating the release of LH, GnRH also stimulates the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH acts on the ovary to stimulate rapid growth of another ovulatory follicle. The follicle will secrete estrogen to cause the next heat and ovulation.

REPRODUCTI V E

M ANAGE M ENT

Dominant Follicle

Figure 1: Estrous cycle h

Ovary

Egg Dominant Follicle

Dominant follicle produces estrogen which causes physical signs of heat

Ovary

DAY 20

Ovary

DAY 1 Early Corpus Luteum (CL)

Regression of CL CL

GnRH directs release of LH causing the release of the egg

DAY 0

Decreased progesterone triggers development of another follicle

If not pregnant, protaglandin causes CL regression

DAY 18

DAY 4-5

Ovary

DAY 12 DAY 9-10 Maximum diameter of CL.

Mature CL produces progesterone which maintains pregnancy

CL CL

Ovary

Now that we understand how the estrous cycle works, we can begin to understand the hormones used on estrus synchronization protocols for dairy cows. These hormones are used to manipulate the heat cycle replacing those ordinarily produced in the bovine estrous cycle in an effort to control precisely when ovulation will occur.

Gonadatropin-Releasing Hormones

Prostaglandins

The success of manipulating the heat cycle of cattle depends however, on not just the drugs and timing, but healthy animals that are disease-free and on a good nutrition program. Producers need to know how to use the products correctly and must have good facilities to adequately restrain their cattle. If not using any timed A.I method, then excellent heat detection is mandatory. 

Prostaglandins such as Lutalyse, Prostamate or Estrumate work by causing regression of the CL when it is present on the ovary. Prostaglandins only work when the CL is mature. Therefore they will only function during Days 7 to 17 of the heat cycle. Basically, an injection of one of these drugs will put the appropriate cow’s cycle right to Day 18, with destruction of the CL leading to decreases of progesterone levels, an increase in follicular growth and an increase in estrogen production. Heat and subsequent ovulation will occur two to five days after the prostaglandin injection.

Progesterones Progesterone-like compounds, such as MGA (melengestrol acetate) and EAZI-BREED™ CIDR® (controlled intra-vaginal drug releaser) will not allow the follicle to ovulate or the cow to exhibit signs of heat, just as a functional CL during Days 6 to 17 would. © 2 0 1 2 C RI

GnRH such as Cystorelin, Factrel or Fertagyl causes the release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. These hormones will stimulate the ovary to grow follicles to produce an egg and stimulate its release from the follicle.

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REPRODUCTI V E

M ANAGE M ENT

Strategies for a

Successful

Heifer Reproduction Program By: Kristi Fiedler // Senior Reproductive Specialist Manager, Genex

oday’s outstanding dairy reproduction programs are creating a new environment for farmers. The traditional mentality has been to raise every heifer because she will be needed as a replacement. Now dairy producers are changing their strategies because of more opportunity to raise the best replacements – they have more heifers than needed to maintain herd size. Raising healthy replacements is still a high priority for dairy farmers, but now they can choose which calves will be the most productive on their farm. This article will summarize strategies commonly used to raise the highest quality heifers in an economical fashion.

Healthy Calves A cow’s or heifer’s transition affects the health and reproductive status of the resulting calf. The dam not only needs to be able to deliver a healthy calf, but also produce quality colostrum to build calf immunity. Newborns need clean high-quality colostrum equal to 10% of their body weight within 8 hours of birth (Leadley, 2009). The Attica Veterinary Associates website, http://bit.ly/H6z8GF, includes several educational articles on colostrum management. With adequate colostrum, healthy newborn calves will have fewer illnesses, higher growth rates, increased fertility and improved production over their lifetime.

Disease Prevention Preventing disease is essential for successful and profitable reproduction programs as many diseases have a strong impact on reproduction. For example, calves with respiratory disease are twice as likely to leave the herd and first calving will be delayed approximately six months when compared to calves that didn’t experience respiratory infections (Bailey, Murphy, and 2 6

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James, 2009). Additionally, calves with scours will calve at 30 months of age or greater (Bailey, Murphy, and James, 2009). According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension website, the key areas of disease prevention management include parasite control; coccidiosis; infectious diseases like Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), Parainfluenza-3 virus (PI-3) and Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV); and others such as pinkeye, foot rot and mastitis. The Virginia Cooperative Extension website, http://bit.ly/GOlMfc, provides good background, explanations and suggestions for vaccination protocols. It is important to note the prevalence of some diseases may vary by region. Seek advice from a local veterinarian or animal health consultant to set up a proper vaccination and treatment protocol.

Growth Rate & Nutrition Ideal growth rates for dairy calves are 1.7 to 2.0 pounds per day (“Dairy Calf & Heifer Association”, 2012). As they grow and mature, calves also need different protein ratios in their feed. Work with a nutritionist and veterinarian on rations that best fit each age group. Table 1 is from a 3,200-cow herd that tracks daily gain on all heifers from birth to post freshening. The data shows the replacements with average daily gain (ADG) greater than 1.71 calved earlier (AvAGEFR = average age at freshening) and produced more milk (Av M305 = 305-day mature equivalent milk production, Av305PR = Actual 305-day milk production). As the ADG from birth to post freshening increased so did milk production in the first lactation.

REPRODUCTI V E

o Table 1.

ADG

A dairy herd's comparison of the average 305-day mature equivalent, 305-day actual production and age at freshening for first lactation cows according to their average daily gain. k

Number of Cows Av M305 Av305PR AvAGEFR

<1.51

23,186

29,561

26.3

1.51-1.71

322

24,056

31,548

23.8

1.72-1.81

336

23,841

31,823

22.5

1.82-1.92

486

23,666

31,975

21.7

1.93-2.13

230

24,326

32,763

21.8

>2.13

24,168

32,705

21.9

By 13-15 months of age, Holstein heifers should weigh 850 to 900 pounds, and possess a hip height of greater than 50 inches and a whither height of 48 inches (“Dairy Calf & Heifer Association”, 2012). According to the American Jersey Association (2012) the target weight for breeding age Jersey heifers should be 55 percent of mature weight. Therefore if mature cows are 1,000 pounds the target breeding weight is 550 pounds.

Breeding A good goal is to breed all heifers within 21 days of the set artificial insemination (A.I.) date. If the herd’s breeding age is 12 months or 365 days, then all heifers should be inseminated by 386 days of age. During this 21-day period, several methods can be used to detect estrus including KAMARs®, tail paint, visual observation, activity monitors or a combination of methods. A common heifer breeding protocol is to inject prostaglandin and utilize a heat detection method the day the heifers are moved to the A.I. pen. Observe and breed heifers displaying estrus activity. Give a second prostaglandin injection 10 to 12 days later to heifers that are not yet inseminated. Heifers not inseminated during the period of giving prostaglandin injections may not be cycling. Two approaches can be taken with this group; enroll them into a five-day CIDR ® synchronization program or have the veterinarian check them for other issues such as freemartins.

Re-enrolling in Breeding Program Pregnancy check all bred heifers 29 to 42 days since last heat through rectal palpation or DG29 blood pregnancy testing. Heifers that are not pregnant should be injected with prostaglandin or enrolled into a five-day CIDR program. Virgin heifer abortion rates average 3%, so it is necessary to follow up with a pregnancy check at 60 to 90 days since last heat to confirm heifers are still carrying a calf. This step is more important for heifers that are first confirmed pregnant less than 32 days since last heat because they are at a higher risk for early embryonic loss. Finally, perform another confirmation pregnancy check at 180 to 200 days carried calf.

M ANAGE M ENT

In today’s high feed cost environment, it is extremely cost effective to calve heifers around 23 months of age. Heifers that calve at greater than 25 months continue to consume feed longer versus returning a profit through milk production. Also, as mentioned previously, they are more likely to have calving issues and leave the herd earlier (Leadley, 2009).

Culling Strategies Over the past five years, the bar has been raised for reproduction management in the dairy industry. It is not uncommon for herds to have a pregnancy rate for cows greater than 25%. The Genex Reproductive Profit Manager™ (RPM™) program benchmark for the average Holstein herd was 16.6% in 2008; in 2011, it increased to 19.7%. Jersey herds went from 20.1% to 21.9% respectively. In 2011, the Jersey RPM benchmark averages 18% sexed semen use in cows and 55% in heifers. The average Holstein herds used 7% in cows and 35% in heifers. The point is dairy herds have improved reproduction performance and implemented sexed semen use, resulting in more replacements than ever before. The Genex RPM benchmark also indicates the average Holstein herd has a 97% replacement rate or 0.97 heifers for every cow in the herd, up from 84% in 2008. The average Jersey herd had a 60% replacement rate in 2008 and now has a 106%, or 1.06 heifers for every cow. Knowing these statistics, the question becomes: does a herd need to raise every replacement? The simple answer to the question is no. A herd does not need to raise every replacement. Taking that into consideration, how does one determine a breeding strategy that will result in the highest dairy profits? Here are some basic steps to follow to develop an appropriate breeding strategy. 1. The first step is to know your herd goals. Are you planning to expand? By how much? Do you still need all your replacements from a previous expansion? Do you want to sell bred heifers? Do you want to cull calves early? Do you want to sell beef crosses? What is your ideal cull rate? 2. Then determine how many replacements are needed each year to achieve herd goals. Calf Math™, available at http://calfmath.crinet.com, is a simple calculator with individual herd inputs that can help you to determine the number of replacements needed annually. The calculator also offers options for breeding strategies. For instance, through Calf Math, a dairy producer may determine if they increase sexed semen usage in heifers by 10%, they would have enough replacements and be able to breed the bottom 10% of their herd to beef semen to take advantage of high beef prices. 3. Next, decide how animals are to be sorted. Today, many options are available to sort herd data, such as herd software programs, dairy herd improvement record processing centers and genomic testing. When sorting animals, remember parent averages are about 45% accurate versus genomic data at nearly 70% reliable.

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REPRODUCTI V E

M ANAGE M ENT 5. After thinking through the entire process, make a plan. Write down the plan, indicating how everything will be implemented and who will be responsible for each step along the way. Ensure everyone involved knows their role and monitors the results. In summary, the priorities in developing replacement strategies are as follows: • Good dam health and transition • Quality and quantity of colostrum • Disease prevention • Growth rates greater than 1.7 pounds per day • A structured and well-planned breeding program Once these essential priorities are in place, a dairy has more options to raise the highest quality replacements in both health and genetics. 

J Genex Breeding Program Specialists Adam Zwiefelhofer and Dave Franck conduct heat detection on a group of heifers.

An example of how one might sort cows is by the desired traits. For example, sort the cows by those that calve every 13 months, have above average milk production and have low somatic cell scores or few mastitis events.

A 1,200-cow Holstein herd in Wisconsin uses the Genomic Selection Guide from AgSource Cooperative Services to determine the Lifetime Net Merit averages on the milking herd and 6K genomic tests all Holstein heifer calves at birth.

4. One of the most important steps is to decide what to do with the sort information. The strategies can be as simple as culling any calf with more than three health events or culling heifers that are not pregnant after four insemination attempts. Strategies can also be as complicated as genomic testing all animals, selecting the elite few for flushing and transferring their embryos into bottom-end cows.

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The 1,200-cow herd mentioned previously uses the AgSource Genetic Selection Guide to determine the top and bottom 15% of the cows. Those cows in the top percentages are “cherry picked” to be bred to Holstein sexed semen. Those in the bottom percentiles are bred with Angus semen. The cows bred to Angus bulls remain in the milking herd as long as they calve and produce enough milk to be profitable. The crossbred calves are then sold at a premium price or some are raised as steers on the home farm. With this strategy, the herd maintains a 25% pregnancy rate and still has more replacements than needed. In fact, together with the vet it was decided the herd could cull four additional heifer calves per month. The bottom four calves based on the 6K genomic test results will be culled each month. |

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J Genex Breeding Program Specialist Dave Franck breeds a heifer on a western Wisconsin dairy. References k Bailey, Tom, Julia Murphy, and Robert James, eds. "Dairy Heifer Health, Disease Control, and Vaccinations." Virginia Cooperative Extension, 01052009. Web. 2 Apr 2012. <http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/404/404-284/404-284.html>. "Every Jersey Heifer a Quality Heifer." American Jersey Cattle Association. US Jersey, 2012. Web. 2 Apr 2012. <http://www.usjersey.com/Reference/ QualityHeiferBrochure.pdf>. "Gold Standards II." Dairy Calf & Heifer Association. n.p., 2012. Web. 2 Apr 2012. <http://www.calfandheifer.org/resource/resmgr/files/goldstandardsiifour_page_ver.pdf>. Leadley, Sam. "Antibody Absorption." Calf Facts by Sam Leadley. Attica Veterinary Associates, 2011. Web. 2 Apr 2012. <http://www.atticacows.com/orgMain.asp? orgid=19&storyTypeID=&sid=&>.

A Author Bio: Kristi Fiedler received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. After college, she joined AgSource Cooperative Services working with milk testing and dairy herd improvement records. In 2007 she joined Genex providing genetic and reproductive consulting throughout northeast Wisconsin, and in 2009 was promoted to the National Account Profit Center. Kristi also holds a master’s degree in management.

REPRODUCTI V E

M ANAGE M ENT

DG29 Has High Return on Investment ™

By: Colten Green // National Account Manager, Genex

he dairy forecast is looking rough. Feed prices are sky high and milk prices have started to drop. A market like this favors producers who have a highly efficient management model in place. For those with low reproductive efficiency, it gets harder and harder to farm profitably. If your reproductive program forces your herd's average days in milk (DIM) upwards of 190 DIM or you find yourself needing to purchase replacements because you just can’t seem to get enough heifers, then it is likely beneficial to re-evaluate your management scheme. John Ellsworth, owner of Success Strategies dairy business and financing consulting firm, has said the best indication that a dairy is able to cash-flow is DIM. We know DIM is driven primarily by reproduction on most farms. There is more to think about than just the cows though. The often forgotten breeding-age heifers need to get pregnant as quickly as possible because they increase your operating costs every day they stand in the breeding pen without carrying a calf. The solution is simple, streamline your reproductive program and your operation should decrease DIM and decrease variance for heifers’ age at first calving. The mantra for dairy producers to consider is that investing in an efficient reproductive program is not expensive. Rather it is expensive to invest in a less efficient program that appears cheaper on the surface but causes more days open. One easy way to generate a more streamlined and efficient reproductive program is to diagnose non-pregnant cattle early and often. The highly reliable DG29™ product available through CRI might be the tool you need for the job.

A.I. Low Protein

Recheck

Pregnant

Not Pregnant

High Protein

Not Pregnant

Pregnant

Re-breed

To purchase DG29 in Ontario, western Canada and the Maritimes, contact your local Genex representative or call 888-354-4622.

To purchase DG29 in the U.S., contact your local Genex representative, call Genex customer service at 888-333-1783 or visit the Profit Shop at http://profitshop.crinet.com.

If each week, you were to test all cattle at 29 to 35 days post-insemination as part of your reproductive program it would enable a smaller inter-breeding interval on all cattle diagnosed as non-pregnant. This would thereby increase your service rate (or heat detection rate) and drive down days open which will eventually positively affect DIM. It is important to reconfirm all pregnancies shortly after 60 days post-insemination, so cattle that undergo pregnancy loss can be immediately re-enrolled into the breeding program. A small change in your reproductive program can go a long way. Incorporating proven technology that helps to increase efficiency in your reproductive program probably won’t show as a source of cost savings on your monthly expenditures. However, if you read between the lines and look at vital statistics such as DIM and days open (cows and heifers), you can take comfort in the fact your investment is indeed working – even if it is working behind the scenes.  A Author Bio:

Re-breed Figure 1. Decision Tree

Blood pregnancy diagnosis with DG29 is a highly accurate and reliable method of diagnosing pregnancy status in dairy cattle. As shown in Figure 1, there are two outcomes of a DG29 examination – cattle either have high or low protein levels. Those cattle with high protein levels are pregnant (reconfirm at a later date). Those with low protein levels have two possible outcomes. One possibility is the protein levels are abnormally low for the stage of gestation and the animal should be rechecked to evaluate the situation (perhaps experienced pregnancy loss, breeding date was incorrect, etc.). The other, more common reason for low protein is that the animal is not pregnant and should be immediately re-enrolled into your breeding program.

Colten Green earned his master’s degree in animal science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. During his graduate work, he published several articles on early chemical pregnancy diagnosis and cattle resynchronization programs. He also has cow-side experience from serving as assistant fresh cow manager on two large dairies. Today, Colten works with Genex members and customers on the West Coast.

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REPRODUCTI V E

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Abortion in Dairy Cattle:

General Concepts By Gustavo Peña // National Account Specialist, Genex

Abortion is one of the major causes of economic loss in the dairy cattle industry. Hovingh, an Extension Veterinarian in Virginia, estimates a cost of $500 to $900 per occurrence (2009). This includes costs associated with loss of milk production, feed and replacement costs. At such an expense, it is no wonder dairymen may become concerned about pregnancy lost and want to better understand possible causes and prevention methods. The word abortion is usually used to define the termination of a pregnancy; however a distinction should be made between early embryonic death, abortions and stillbirths. Early embryonic death is pregnancy loss before the organogenesis (the formation of the calf’s internal organs) is complete, which usually occurs around day 42 of gestation. Pregnancy loss between days 42 and 260 of gestation is considered a true abortion. Stillbirth occurs anytime a calf dies from 260 days of gestation up until 24 hours post calving. Knowing the difference between these observations helps ensure the problem is investigated correctly. To determine if abortions are an issue on a dairy a good place to start is to compute a monthly abortion rate (divide the number of abortions by the number of pregnancies generated that month). Data from a USDA dairy report indicates 72.5% of all interviewed operations had a 4.9% or less annual abortion rate and 27.5% reported annual abortion rates range at 5.0% and above (2010). I would consider abortions a problem if a farm has an annual abortion rate greater than 6%; however, every farm has a little different management scheme so one could set a goal on an individual herd basis. There are multiple causes of abortions in dairy cattle. Perhaps the most frequent cause is infectious agents such as bacteria (Brucelosis, Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Haemophilus sommus, Mycoplasma, Listeria). Other causes include viral agents (Bovine Viral Diarrhea and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis); other agents (Neospora caninum, Trichomonas and Campylobacter fetus); fungi and mycotoxins; genetic abnormalities; heat stress; and even infection conditions that do not directly affect the fetus. Research by Risco, Donovan and Hernandez at the University of Florida indicates, “Cows that had clinical mastitis during the first 45 days of gestation were at 2.7 times higher risk of abortion within the next 90 days than were cows without mastitis” (1999). It may be difficult to determine the cause of abortions due to lack of evidence and/or deficient samples from which to determine the cause. To better determine a reason work with a veterinarian to select and prepare the proper samples to submit to a laboratory. Good sample sources include the whole fetus, the placenta or a blood sample from the dam.

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o Table 1. Pathogenic abortion in cattle. Modified from Hovingh, E. (2009). k

Agent Leptospira spp Listeria

Abort Occurs

Method of Transmission

Third trimester (L.pomona) Anytime (other lepto agents) 2nd or 3rd trimester

Water contaminated by wildlife or other cattle

(Trimesters)

Comments Can be prevented by vaccination

Poor quality silage

Ureaplam and Mycoplasm

Anytime

Natural service or poor A.I. practices

Bovine virus diarrhea

1st or 2nd trimester

Purchase infected animals

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis

2nd or 3rd trimester

Animal to animal contact

Neospora caninum

2nd or 3rd trimester

By dogs

Trichomonas / Campylobacter

1st trimester (trich); 4-7 months (camp)

Infected bulls to a clean cows or vice versa

Mycotoxins

Early embryonic death or late lactation

Feed

Vaccination is effective Abortion is consequence of other disease Test bulls annually during breeding soundness exam

Prevention must be centered on keeping accurate records and collecting good samples for laboratory analysis. As indicated in Table 1, employing good biosecurity practices that inhibit the introduction and spread of infectious agents and utilizing vaccination programs could limit abortion occurrence. Maintain the general health and immune function of animals by providing a well-formulated ration, clean water and a clean/dry environment.  References k Hovingh, E. 2009. Abortion in dairy cattle -1: Common causes of abortion. Virginia Cooperative Extension. Web. Risco, C.A, G.A. Donovan, and J. Hernandez. 1999. Clinical mastitis associated with abortion in Dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 82(8): 1684-1689. USDA. 2010. Biosecurity Practices on U.S. Dairy Operations, 1991–2007.

A Author Bio: Gustavo Peña earned his master’s degree in dairy management from Utah State University and a doctorate of veterinary medicine from Mexico State University. He completed his residency in food animal reproduction and medicine at the University of Florida. Gustavo’s practical dairy experience extends from holding positions on large dairies including those of manager and herdsman.

REPRODUCTI V E

M ANAGE M ENT

Genex Rewards Members and Customers for Quality Reproduction T

he cooperative’s first-ever Excellence in Reproduction awards honor dairy herds and heifer raisers from across the United States and Canada for outstanding reproductive performance. Genex members and customers were nominated for the award by their Genex or AgSource Cooperative Services representative. “Choosing the 2011 Excellence in Reproduction award winners was not an easy task due to spectacular performance by all nominees,” explains Kristi Fiedler, Genex National Account Specialist Manager. “Selection criteria for the award included pregnancy rate, service rate, conception rate, percent pregnant by 150 days in milk (DIM) and the Lifetime Net Merit level of breeding sires. High emphasis was placed on percent pregnant by 150 DIM because cows open past 150 DIM are an economic strain on a dairy. Each herd’s performance numbers were placed in a matrix with preset value ranges and the winners were selected based on the matrix calculations. “The reproduction numbers for the winning dairies and heifer raisers, as demonstrated by herd records and record management systems, are among the top percentages in the dairy industry.” Combined, the winning dairies in the three dairy farm award categories average a 30% pregnancy rate, 45% first service conception rate and 43% conception rate on cows. In addition, they average 81% of cows pregnant by 150 days in milk. The winning heifer raisers average a 48% pregnancy rate, 64% first service conception rate, 66% conception rate with conventional semen and 53% conception rate with sexed semen. 

k Schilling Farms LLC

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Outstanding production (+1544 PTA Milk), daughter longevity (+4.1 Productive Life), impressive +5.45 JUI and +4.0 Sire Conception Rate will create pregnancies resulting in profitable daughters in the next generation. USDA/04-12, AJCA/04-12

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