Heifers Category
Vander Woude Dairy Merced, California
To maximize genetic progress, the farm utilizes an IVF embryo program in addition to an A.I. program featuring a combination of Holstein GenChoice™ sexed semen and Angus semen.
Strategic Breeding Vander Woude Dairy has been genomic testing for the past eight years, so virtually all animals have genomic information available for use in the decision-making process. Once heifer calves receive genomic test results, elite females are designated as IVF donors and all heifers are enrolled in a strategic breeding program. The top 85% of heifers, based on genomic index criteria, receive two services of GenChoice™ semen with the rest bred to Angus sires after one embryo placement. Additionally, the cow herd is sorted monthly using a number of criteria, including Net Merit, Daughter
Pregnancy Rate and health events. Top cows qualify for GenChoice™ semen, while the majority of the milking herd is used as embryo recipients or bred to Angus semen. Herdsman Israel Varela is trained to transfer embryos and maintains the logistics of the ET program. Any program changes are monitored twice a year using the GENEX Calf Math program, which consultant Gwen Powers reviews with the farm team. SM
Genetic Focus Years of stringent sire criteria focused on a mix of health traits, fertility, and components have proven worthwhile in creating Continued on next page ... HORIZONS
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Excellence in Genetics & Reproduction Platinum Award Winner
The ultimate goal at Vander Woude Dairy is to keep profitable cows in the herd as long as possible. Owner Simon Vander Woude achieves that goal by maintaining a progressive mindset. The 3,500-cow Holstein dairy has a long history of using data and careful planning to achieve success. Their strategic reproductive and genetic protocols are continuously evaluated and have appropriately evolved over time; their heifer program is a shining representation of that.
The team of (left to right) Nicolas Deniz, Marco Valencia, Israel Varela, Armando Gomez, Jaime Moren, Jason Dores and Simon Vander Woude use IVF, A.I., genomic testing and sexed semen to maximize genetic progress.
