SELECTIONS FALL 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
4
u
SIRE SELECTION CHECKLIST
6
u
THE COW PROFIT MODEL
9
u
A.I. TRAINING IN HAITI
10
u
BEEF-ON-DAIRY ROADMAP
12
u
ELECTROLYTE EDUCATION
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE David C. Thorbahn, president and C.E.O.
The first 10 months of 2020 could be described as “uncertain times.” I’d like to flip that narrative. Let’s talk about what has been certain and ask ourselves, “What’s next?” Amidst the rollercoaster of 2020, we have certainly accomplished great things as an agricultural industry and as your cooperative. In the spring, our farmers and ranchers were recognized as essential workers and consumers were once again reminded of your dedication to feed our growing world. Here at Select Sires, our service remained uncompromised as we continued to work alongside you as your trusted advisors. For your herd I’m excited to announce the launch of the Select Sires Mobile app! As we look to the future, we are developing products and technology to enhance your herd. This easy-to-navigate app is available at no cost on the Apple App Store and Google Play. App features As our development team entered into discussions for this project, they identified three key goals. They wanted to develop an app that was quick, easy-to-use and offered offline data access. With these three points in mind, they created an app with features that will bring great value to herds of all sizes and with different breeding goals. There will be more technology updates coming down the pike at Select Sires as we work to enhance our services and continuously strengthen the value that we bring to your herd. Uncompromised service We’ve talked a lot about Select Sires’ team approach and I’m proud to share that our trusted advisors have been participating in tremendous discussions this year. These folks have been sharpening their skills and learning about the latest genetic and reproductive research from industry experts. This emphasis on industry education brings you, our farmer-owners, the most highly skilled and knowledgeable advisors to assist you in achieving your greatest goals. As 2020 winds down, let's not focus on the uncertain times, let's look to the future with positivity. We will continue to support one another and bring value to you and your operation. Contact your local Select Sires member cooperative today and get connected with your trusted advisor. u
2 u
3 u
SIRE SELECTION CHECKLIST
3
FOR BREEDING HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE AND FERTILE COWS
3 o
PRODUCTION
3 o
MASTITIS
3 o
LAMENESS
Chuck Sattler, vice president of genetic programs Jeff Ziegler, vice president of dairy cattle breeding Select Sires Inc. Feed lists, cow lists, to-do lists and more. We’re never short on lists these days. We use lists to stay organized, to remember tasks and items and ultimately, to achieve success. When it comes to genetics and reproduction, there’s another stack of lists that come to mind. Let’s choose one of those lists and give it a refresh-sire selection. Your basic goals in sire selection should include productive, healthy and fertile cows. These goals are especially important as we consider common genetic and reproductive strategies. Today, we’re using genetic data to rank cows in the herd before they even show their first signs of heat. While these culling strategies equip your herd with the best genetics for a successful future, they also lead to low heifer inventories and fewer replacements. With tighter heifer inventories, it’s a matter of fact that cows will have to stay in the herd longer. You will need to secure the best return on your genetic investments. Focusing your selection attention on the key traits that help cows remain in the herd will ease you through this transition. To achieve these genetic goals in your herd, Select Sires has identified five critical points to include on your sire selection checklist.
4 u
3 o
3 o
Shift sire selection from milk yield to Combined Fat and Protein. The value of milk components fluctuates over time, and recently, protein values have surged. A balanced emphasis on fat and protein should serve you well through future market cycles.
Mastitis is a leading reason for involuntary culling. On-farm performance audits show that herds including mastitis resistance traits in their selection index experience far fewer cases of mastitis. Powerful mastitis resistance and milk quality traits include CDCB Mastitis, Zoetis Mastitis and Somatic Cell Score (SCS).
Lameness is also cited as a major reason for involuntary culling. While both mastitis and lameness are affected by environment and management, these challenges can be lessened by genetic selection. For many years, producers have selected for improved feet and legs with the Feet and Legs Composite (FLC) trait, but this has not helped to reduce the incidence of lameness. Using Zoetis’ genomic evaluation for Lameness has been validated as an effective means to reduce lameness. CALF HEALTH Calf and heifer rearing remain one of the highest costs on a dairyman’s balance sheet. Healthy, trouble-free calves lead to savings from treatment costs and veterinary visits. Including traits like Calf Livability, Calf Respiratory Disease and Scours in your sire selection is a valuable opportunity to provide genetic improvement in an area that is critical to herd profitability. Look for the new Heifer Livability trait coming from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) in December. FERTILITY In reality, great genetic planning means nothing without a pregnancy. A genetic index with the most aggressive requirements for production, mastitis resistance, lameness and calf health, will be null and void without fertile cattle. Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) is commonly used to improve cow fertility. To boost fertility improvement, consider adding selection for reduced Cow Abortions. u
SE
7H
LEG
7H
ROM
7H
FRA
7H
LUC
7H
ROL
7H
HUE
7H
EIS
7H
SOL
7H
REN
7H
REN
ACCELERATED GENETICS
NM$
% Rel
DWP$
GTPI
+2991
14HO15181 TRIBUTE
+854
74
+1,029
+3014
+875
+2982
14HO15317 JANGLE
+850
74
+1,093
+2910
78
+1,003
+2926
14HO15223 CONWAY
+830
74
+1,029
+3007
+819
75
+709
+2981
14HO15201 MOONSHINER
+780
75
+822
+2956
7HO14859 MAXIMUS
+813
77
+984
+2894
7HO15099 RELIANT
+802
75
+745
+2950
GENERVATIONS
NM$
% Rel
DWP$
GTPI
7HO15151 FANTASTIC
+801
74
+818
+2925
250HO15152 AHEAD
RENEGADE x MYLES x YODER
+832
74
+951
+2990
7HO15115 RAGNAR
+797
75
+1,074
+2913
250HO14937 BULLSEYE
+802
74
+999
+2972
7HO15085 PARFECT
+771
74
+876
+2991
250HO15087 ROZLINE
+798
74
+724
+2963
7HO15349 EXTRA-P
+731
74
+954
+2850
SELECT SIRES
NM$
% Rel
DWP$
GTPI
7HO15337 SUPERCHARGE
+849
75
+942
7HO15069 TOP DOG
+841
74
7HO14250 LEGACY
+835
7HO15139 FANECA
LEGACY x Rubicon x MORGAN ROME x OUTSIDERS x Delta
FRAZZLED x YODER x LIQUID GOLD LUCIA x HELIX x Rubicon
ROLAN x Blowtorch x YODER HUEY x Achiever x SUPERSIRE EISAKU x FRAZZLED x Balisto
SOLUTION x FLAGSHIP x Monterey RENEGADE x Delta-Lambda x Denver RENEGADE x Charley x Josuper
®
®
LEGACY x RESOLVE x Josuper LEGACY x MODESTY x Delta RENEGADE x Granite x Draco TAHITI x FLAGSHIP x Delta
SOLUTION x ROCKETFIRE x DAMARIS RENEGADE x FRAZZLED x Rubicon
08/20 CDCB/HA 10/20 Zoetis Genomic Evaluations. All bulls qualify for semen export to Canada. Bull photos by Thomas.
Contact your Select Sires representative to learn how to join the NxGEN program and begin capturing breed-leading genetic trends today! 5 u
Matthew Utt, Ph.D., director of data innovation Select Sires Inc. A few years ago, I joined a group of Select Reproductive Solutions® (SRS®) specialists to evaluate the reproductive and genetic success of a particular dairy. In our conversations with the dairy herd owner, we simply asked him, “What is your number one goal?” His response was quick and so pragmatic that it has stuck with me over time. He said, “To make money.” I found this response profoundly different from the more common discussions that involve conception rates, pregnancy rates and other key performance indicators (KPIs). We typically hear specific goals and percentages regarding reproductive management within the dairy. His response has stuck with me throughout the years and has shifted my perspective on dairy management. Performance reviews In the past, dairy performance evaluation has focused on KPIs that assess either whole herd performance and/or performance by parity or other subgroups. All KPIs relate to profitability in one way or another. One example of this is 21-day pregnancy rate. Several studies over the last 20 years have shown increased profitability associated with increased *21-day pregnancy rate. We know that there are direct and indirect factors affecting this relationship to profitability. Direct factors include: breeding costs such as labor, pharmaceuticals and semen, each of which decrease with fewer services per conception. Some major indirect factors include: lactation revenue, feed costs and culling risk.
6 u
In the future, technology will shift management practices from groups of animals to individual animals. We see this today with systems like CowManager® and gain great insights from the monitoring of animal health, reproduction, eating, rumination, and more. Milking parlor systems, especially robotic milking systems, provide milk production and milk quality reports. Increased connectivity between data systems will streamline evaluation and provide more comprehensive information about individual animals in a timely manner. This will improve our ability to assess how well individual cows make money. We can explore individual cow profitability using three major factors:
1
REVENUE: MILK AND CALVES
2
COSTS: FEED COST
3
CULLING/REPLACEMENT
Breaking down the model There are two layers of profitability at the cow level, lifetime and individual lactation profitability. The examples depicted on the following pages are for simple illustrative purposes and do not account for historical or predicted prices nor adjustments for inflation or discount rate. Other factors could be added to more accurately measure profitability, but those mentioned on the next page are major influencers. Note: values depicted are subject to differences among dairies and locales.
LIFETIME PROFITABILITY = SUM(LACTATION NET PROFIT1) - ANIMAL FIXED COST2 Lactation revenue The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers valuable tools on their Dairy Extension website, dairymgt.info. The Exploring Pregnancy Timing Impact on Income Over Feed Cost (IOFC) calculator allows for adjustments in milk and feed prices along with other specific metrics to calculate IOFC. For the example in Table 1, lactation curves were fit (MilkBot® model) based on data from a Holstein herd milking 1,786 cows and assuming milk and feed prices at $17.5/ cwt and $12/cwt, respectively. Dry period length was set at 52 days and gestation length at 277 days. Note the relative differences between lactation groups and increased annual profitability for first lactation animals by delaying when pregnancy occurs. Calf revenue The calf resulting from a lactation period is destined to become a replacement female or be sold. The scenario in Table 2 depicts extra revenue gained by adjusting the breed composition of the calf crop in Lactation 2 and 3+ animals, assuming all of these calves would be sold. Table 2 uses the same farm data and considers a seven percent calf loss from birth to three weeks, $50 dairy calf value and $130 beef calf value. Select Sires’ trusted advisors analyze herd data and goals to determine the number of replacement females with considerations for herd growth and an appropriate margin of error. Once replacement needs are met, all other pregnancies should be generated with the goal of maximizing revenue from saleable calves.
TABLE 1:
LACTATION NUMBER 1
2
3+
CURRENT
103
110
117
PROPOSED
133
110
117
CURRENT
$2,667
$3,334
$3,797
PROPOSED
$2,692
$3,334
$3,797
$25
$0
$0
VARIABLE
MODEL
DIM AT CONCEPTION ANNUAL IOFC
DIFFERENCE
CALF BREED TYPE (%)
TABLE 2: LACTATION % OF ANIMALS GROUP COW HERD
BEEF SIRE
DAIRY REVENUE REVENUE SIRE DIFFERENCE
2
495
28
19
81
3+
528
30
29
71
$65,959 $57,722
2
495
28
100
-
3+
528
30
100
-
$123,681
7 u
Making the model work Modeling lifetime individual cow profit requires storage of and use of financial data including, but not limited to, the revenue and cost sources previously outlined. Table 3 depicts the equations for lifetime profit of three different animals. Time and time again, farm data shows us that older cows are the most profitable group in the herd. Both the shape of their lactation curves and the dilution of animal fixed cost across multiple lactation periods, older cows are extremely valuable to the herd’s bottom line. Culling decisions By improving the management of your herd, you can significantly minimize involuntary culling risk. This management adjustment affords greater opportunities for voluntary, more strategic culling to enhance the genetics and profitability of your herd. In a recent article titled, “Why revisit dairy cattle productive lifespan?”, Albert De Vries, Ph.D., estimates an average lifespan of five lactations resulting from a 20 percent culling rate as optimal. Granted this model is optimized for today’s conditions and dollars, there are three major factors that affect the optimum:
1
LACK OF MATURITY COST: first and second lactation cows have lesser IOFC than older cows
2
REPLACEMENT COST: more lactations dilute the initial cost of an animal
3
GENETIC OPPORTUNITY: the older an animal, the more that could be gained in the future by replacing her with newer genetics
DRIVEN BY YOUR GOALS FOCUSED ON YOUR FUTURE CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR OPERATION INCREASES GENETIC VALUE SUPPORTED WITH TRUSTED SERVICE Visit www.selectsires.com/profitmax to learn how you can put your herd on the path to greater profitability and to view a video series about the pillars of ProfitMAX! 8 u
INDIVIDUAL LACTATION NET PROFIT (LNP): MILK AND CALVES u Income Over Feed Costs (IOFC, total milk$ - total feed$) u Revenue from calf sales ANIMAL FIXED COST (AFC) Heifer (in-herd or purchase) + development cost or springer purchase u Subtract salvage value u
TABLE 3: COW ID
LACTATIONS LIFETIME PROFITABILITY COMPLETED
4001
1
LNP1 - AFC
3450
2
(LNP1 + LNP2) - AFC
2801
5
(LNP1 + LNP2 + LNP3 + LNP4 + LNP5) - AFC
Your profit potential The factors affecting cow profitability described above can be influenced by making better management decisions in addition to genetic selection. Select Sires is committed to creating innovative, data-driven tools, coupled with an elite, diverse genetic offering to enhance your business. Work with your local Select Sires representative and team of trusted advisors to identify adjustments that can be made in your reproductive program to capture your greatest profit potential. u
A.I. TRAINING IN HAITI FROM THE DESK OF EARL INGRAM, RETIRED REPRODUCTIVE AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING SPECIALIST, SELECT SIRES INC.
It was mid-2019 when I received an email from Rick Ellerbrock, a good friend and colleague. He asked about my availability and interest in traveling to Haiti to offer A.I. training and education. My response to Rick, “Of course!” As the planning began, I learned more about the special project and the community I would be visiting. Haiti has been a constant on our news channels in the United States. The country has been plagued by natural disasters, political instability and a poor economy. These details made it difficult to set a final travel date and the trip was postponed twice. Finally, in February 2020, I flew to Port-au-Prince and then took a local flight to Les Cayes, the location of Good Vision Farm. That initial request from Rick was on behalf of Matt Steiner, owner and operator of Pine Tree Dairy in Marshallville, Ohio, and board president of the HarvestCall Haiti Dairy Program. In 2014, the Haiti Dairy Program (HDP) was formed by a small group of Apostolic Christian brothers as aid to the community in Torbeck, Haiti. Good Vision Farm is the name for the model farm and through this mission, the HDP offers dairy management guidance while sharing Christianity. Throughout the years, the 13-acre parcel has been transformed to a dairy production and processing facility and provides great sustenance to the local Haitian community. Today, Good Vision Farm has facilities for feed storage, animal handling, milking and milk processing, as well as living quarters for missionaries and guests. Local dairy farmers bring their animals to Good Vision Farm each morning to be milked and are paid for production on a weekly basis. Milk is then processed at the farm and available to the community at local markets. The milking facilities at Good Vision Farm offer a source of income to families and help to stimulate the local economy. The processing facilities offer a safe and healthy source of protein for the community, especially Haitian children.
The resources provided by the HDP cover all aspects of dairy farming, from planting crops and cow health, to milk processing and genetics. The young Haitian men were extremely engaged and interested in learning about all aspects of dairy management, including genetics and reproduction. I worked with an English to French translator to train six individuals on techniques to A.I. cows. Our only limitation – not enough practice cows. Training these men was as much of a learning experience for me and fellow volunteers as it was for them. We also discussed cow nutrition and protein sources. Good Vision Farm makes silage to feed their cows, but it is challenging to find a quality source of protein for the ration. In Haiti, you can’t visit your local feed store and buy soybean meal or cotton seed meal. Instead, they use tropical legumes and must be careful to select a crop that is not consumed as a human food item. In our discussions, I recommended Leucaena leucocephala and Pueraria phaseoloides. Both crops are used in tropical countries around the world. I saw Leucaena growing wild all over the neighborhood of the farm and was told that Pueraria, also known as Kudzu, is being used on a nearby farm. Another goal of the program is to provide better genetics to local dairymen. We spent many hours discussing cattle imports, the need for heat-tolerant genetics, benefits of crossbreeding and genetics to improve milk production. To say that this community is eager to learn is an understatement. I was inspired by their interest in dairy management and how that interest yields great sustenance for their local community. u Select Sires extends sincere gratitude to the HarvestCall Haiti Dairy Program and Matt Steiner for including our team in this tremendous program, and to LuAnn Troxel for sharing these photos. As a farmer-owned cooperative, Select Sires is committed to supporting and educating farmers and communities in their work to feed the world.
9 u
WHERE DO I GO NEXT?
YOUR ROADMAP FOR BEEF-ON-DAIRY SUCCESS Sandra Utter, beef business development and supply chain specialist, Select Sires Inc.
There’s a line of folks knocking at your barn door to talk genetic strategies. They evaluate your data, review your goals and outline your options using elite genetics, sex-sorted semen, embryos and beef semen. Determining your genetic strategy is an early stop on the journey to enhance your business. If you’re planning to incorporate beef semen into your breeding program, Select Sires’ trusted
GENETICS
As a dairy producer, you understand the value of elite genetics and the direct connection to your bottom line. The impact of genetics in regard to milk production is no different than the impact on beef production. Superior genetics yield the best steak. We want to create a steak with the right shape and a carcass with cutability and yield. When selecting the best beef genetics for your cattle, you’ll need to consider which beef breed complements your cow base to either overcome or match the maternal side of the mating. You are breeding for consistency and so it’s important to utilize sires with similar EPDs to create calves of comparable phenotype and carcass.
10 u
advisors are well-equipped to help you at every turn as you navigate a new market. At first, the beef-on-dairy market can be a bit intimidating. It’s a new journey, but we’ve put together a roadmap headed toward a familar destination, profitability. The goal is simple-to produce beef for consumers. To achieve that goal and enable long-term success in the marketplace, we must consider each stage of the supply chain. Here’s your roadmap with key considerations as you navigate toward beef-on-dairy success.
TRACEABILITY
Most beef-on-dairy calves receive a dangle tag and no entry into dairy software programs. Meanwhile, traceability could offer the most significant consumer value within the production chain. The challenge lies in individual or herd identity and if that identification is lost or cut out at the calf ranch or the feedyard, traceability is stopped in its tracks. The EID tag is an exciting, new option for identifying these animals. This information can then be entered into a dairy software program and calves will be connected to the home dairy or the genetic source. Keep in mind that most beef-on-dairy animals will be harvested approximately two years after the A.I. date. To capture this value for a potential branded beef program, those records need to be retained for two years as it may take that long for the market premiums to develop.
CALF CARE
Outstanding calf care is vital to ensure these animals perform to expectation. In short, we must treat beef-on-dairy calves with the same elite care, defined nutrition goals and health care standards as female dairy calves. Research demonstrates that a pre-weaned calf that experiences two or more health events is severely compromised in their ability to perform in the feed yard and on the rail. Throughout the production chain, they won’t gain or grow as desired and the ability of the carcass to produce a Choice or Prime product is likely gone. An elite colostrum management protocol at the dairy is critical. Successful passive transfer is not only extremely important for immune development in the first weeks of life, but has also been shown to positively impact many other performance factors throughout the animal’s lifetime. Select Sires has a complete line of calf care solutions to get calves off to a healthy start.
PROGRAMS AND MARKET ACCESS
To gain market access, you need to breed to match a program or utilize sires that you know are in demand in the marketplace. To protect your investment, become associated with a program that has partners along the production chain, including the packing segment. If you hone in and focus your genetic efforts on a specific niche program, first secure a contract for the purchase of those calves. In an instance that no contract is in place, investigate alternative buyers and outlets pending any changes in the market environment. While it’s convenient to have a buyer pick up wet or day-old calves, confirm that the channel is solid and that your calf buyer has several options for those calves along the chain. As packers become more knowledgeable about genetics and genetic suppliers, it’s critical that you are working with a genetic supplier that offers market access for your calves, even if you aren’t retaining ownership.
FLEXIBILITY IN MARKETING
As dairy producers become more familiar with the beef production arena, the opportunity and financial gain by retaining ownership along the production chain may have great value. As you evaluate programs, genetics and partners, keep that flexibility in mind. Ownership retention may offer dairies a means to diversify the operation and spread risk based on market conditions.
SELECT A PARTNER
As the beef-on-dairy market evolves, it’s important to select the right partner. Select Sires will guide you as your operation diversifies with beef production. Along with genetic consultation, Select Sires has programs in place to offer critical market access. Consider incorporating the stops on this roadmap as steps to guide you in your beef-on-dairy endeavors. Select Sires is equipped with the tools and resources to support you at every turn as you move towards a more profitable future. u
11 u
ImageŠ Farmgirl Photography
Jill Strangstalien, director of herd management products and solutions, Select Sires Inc.
Not all electrolytes are created equal. It’s a common misconception that all electrolytes are the same and can provide the same efficacy in treatment. In reality, this simple misconception can be very costly when considering the importance of hydration therapy in the recovery process of a sick calf. Research indicates that scours account for up to 75 percent of deaths in calves less than three weeks of age. Early identification and aggressive fluid therapy are critical in correcting the metabolic complications associated with diarrhea. In addition to scours, fluid imbalance can occur from environmental changes, transport, crowding, temperature extremes, reduced feed intake, exposure to new animals, and management procedures like dehorning, castration or vaccination. To identify the right electrolyte for your program, start by looking at the ingredient list on the label. The ingredients listed from highest to lowest inclusion rate are key in selecting the best electrolyte product for your calves. Some electrolytes on the market are formulated with ingredient inclusion rates outside of the recommended levels by industry and university experts. Knowing expert parameters and benchmarks is a wise, standard practice. Here’s five factors to consider when selecting an electrolyte for calves.
12 u
FACTOR NO. 1
RELIABLE ENERGY SOURCE
When a calf is sick, its natural, bodily response is to pull any energy available to help combat the challenge. This can add stress to normal body functions resulting in a struggle to recover and lower average daily gain. A dehydrated calf needs an energy source to correct hypoglycemia and negative energy balance. A common and effective energy source is dextrose. It aids in maintaining body condition while transporting sodium to the cells. The inclusion rate is vitally important as an electrolyte with high levels of dextrose can bring harm to calves by slowing down gut movement; thus, resulting in a bloated calf. If a calf already has scours, too much dextrose can cause its symptoms to worsen.
FACTOR NO. 3
FACTOR NO. 2
STRONG ION DIFFERENCE (SID)
Calf scours can cause a large loss of sodium and potassium which can result in metabolic acidosis-a drop in blood pH. A calf is not able to correct acidosis without intervention. For moderate acidosis, calf electrolyte products with a high SID inclusion can help balance the loss. If the metabolic acidosis is too severe, oral therapy will likely not correct it alone, and intravenous therapy may be necessary.
ALKALIZING AGENTS
Alkalizing agents, often referred to as buffers, are used to achieve optimal blood pH levels. Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most common alkalizing agent ingredients in calf electrolyte products as it helps to counteract acidosis. Other alkalizing agent ingredients include acetate and propionate. Both of these agents produce energy when metabolized and facilitate absorption of water and sodium. Improving sodium absorption is critical in rehydrating the calf by replenishing total body fluids. Additionally, neither acetate nor propionate interfere with milk clotting in the abomasum. When considering all of these benefits, the most effective electrolyte should include a combination of these three ingredients.
FACTOR NO. 4
OSMOLALITY & CALF HEALTH SUPPORT
Osmolality is a term used to measure the level of solids in a solution. Look for a calf electrolyte product ranging from 400-600 Osm/L. If there is an osmolality greater than 700 Osm/L, the calf scours could become worse or the calf could experience abomasal bloat due to delayed emptying of the stomach.
FACTOR NO. 5
DIRECT-FED MICROBIALS (DFM)
DFMs provide beneficial microbes that help to combat the negative effects of stress by preventing pathogens from overtaking the gut. They assist in stimulating the calf’s natural immune system. DFMs also recolonize the gut with beneficial microbes following depletion by antibiotics or disease.
The five factors above will set you on the right path to selecting an effective electrolyte, although it is important to understand that a calf cannot meet its energy needs with just an electrolyte. It is recommended to keep a calf on a pasteurized milk or milk replacer diet in addition to electrolyte therapy during health issues. Additionally, it is best practice to feed an electrolyte recovery solution separate from the milk or milk replacer as mixing the electrolyte powder into the milk will change the solids level and can be harmful to the calf.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Valuable partnerships with industry experts and product development brings great products to your calf program. Accel RS is formulated to be a more complete recovery solution than typical electrolytes on the market. The Accel RS product can be fed as a recovery solution when calves are troubled by illness or when calves simply show decreased appetite. Decreased appetite is a key indicator that a calf is becoming sick, and Accel RS can assist to avoid illness or lessen the severity. Accel RS can also be fed as a proactive measure to reduce the incidence and impact of scours. For more information about Accel RS, talk with your local Select Sires representative. u
BENCHMARKS
ACCEL RS
Sodium 90-130 mmol/L
Sodium 128 mmol/L
Chloride 40-80 mEq/L
Chloride 70 mEq/L
Potassium 10-30 mmol/L
Potassium 27 mmol/L
Osmolality 400-600 mOsm/L
Osmolality 472 mOsm/L
Alkalizing Agents 50-80 mmol/L
Alkalizing Agents 56.37 mmol/L
Source: Treatment of Calf Diarrhea: Oral Electrolyte Therapy, Geof Smith, 2009
13 u
14 u
Genetic News DELIVERING RESULTS Select Sires’ Holstein lineup exemplifies the cooperative‘s consistency and commitment to farmer-owners. With three product lines in Select Sires, Accelerated Genetics and GenerVations, the offering includes elite, progeny-proven and young sires that excel on a variety of index lists. Sire procurement and development answers your call for balanced genetics, healthy cattle and profitable pedigrees.
Monitoring the health, fertility, nutritional status and location of your cows with impressive accuracy.
AUGUST 2020 CALVING EASE ADJUSTMENTS Calving traits that previously were problematic for many producers have been successfully improved through better genetics and management practices. u
u August Holstein PTAs average 2.2% for Sire Calving Ease (SCE) and 2.7% for Daughter Calving Ease (DCE).
With the August summaries, the range of all calving traits significantly decreased. Most Holstein sires range from 1% to 4% SCE.
The benefits of CowManager® 24/7 eye on your herd The most accurate product on the market Saves labor and ensures a sustainable herd Simple to use ear tag sensor
u
Selection thresholds for SCE and DCE are no longer necessary as they are accounted for in NM$ and other indices. u
u The Stillbirth traits are now expressed as percent stillbirths to heifers, just like the Calving Ease traits.
Rankings based on 10/20 Zoetis and lineup data.
Fantastic 24/7 support at your disposal Available exclusively in the U.S. from Select Sires Inc. Contact your local Select Sires representative to learn more.
Accuracy. No less. 15 u
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Minster, Ohio 45865 Permit No. 2
SELECTIONS MISSION
11740 US 42 NORTH • PLAIN CITY • OHIO • 43064-0143
To enhance the productivity and profitability of dairy and beef producers, Select Sires is committed to be the premier provider of highly fertile, superior genetics accompanied by effective reproductive- and herdmanagement products and services. For more information, visit www.selectsires.com or call (614) 873-4683. Product of the USA.
TM gender SELECTED, ProfitSOURCE Sires and ProfitSOURCE Partners are trademarks of Select Sires Inc. Jersey Performance Index, JPI, Jersey Udder Index and JUI are trademarks of the American Jersey Cattle Association. ®NxGEN, ProfitMAX, Your Success Our Passion., Select Reproductive Solutions and SRS, are registered trademarks of Select Sires Inc. CowManager is a registered trademark of Agis Automatisering. Dairy Wellness Profit Index, DWP$, Wellness Trait Index, WT$, and CLARIFIDE are registered trademarks of Zoetis Inc., its affiliates and/or its licensors. Total Performance Index (TPI) is a registered trademark of Holstein Association USA. The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Inc. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Limitations and Conditions of Sale: gender SELECTED semen shall be used only for the single insemination of one female bovine during natural ovulation with the intent to produce single offspring unless specifically approved on an individual customer basis by Sexing Technologies in writing. As a condition of purchasing gender SELECTED semen, the purchaser agrees that gender SELECTED semen will not be reverse sorted or re-sorted unless specifically permitted, in advance, on a case-by-case basis by Select Sires in writing. Select Sires intends to monitor the use of the gender SELECTED semen and vigorously enforce these restrictions on use. Please see http://www.selectsires.com/designations/genderselected.html for additional details. Buyer assumes all responsibility for use, storage and handling of herd management products. All claims, representations, and warranties, expressed or implied, are made only by the company responsible for manufacturing and not by Select Sires Inc., its member cooperatives, its agents or employees.