Genetic Trends - April 2011 by Accelerated Genetics

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April 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol. 63 No. 2

Accelerated Genetics Turns 70! page 4

April Sire Summary Recap page 8

Sire Feature: 014HO05639 CM page 10

Masterrind Partnership a Success page 12

More info at www.accelgen.com

Features

FEATURES & NEWS 70th Anniversary...............................................................4-7

Historical Timeline of Accelerated Genetics Celebrating Service Around the United States

Dairy Sire News................................................................8-9

Unique Pedigrees, Chart-Topping Sires Highlight April Sire Summary by Glen Jensen Accelerated Genetics Daughters Make an Impact at German Sale by Gary Fassett

Sire Feature....................................................................10-11

CM Blends Outcross Pedigree with Production, Longevity by Gregg Topp

ReproConnections.............................................................12

Reproduction Analysis: Can You Afford to Skip It? by Dr. Humberto Rivera

Innovative Resources..........................................................13

Genetic

Official Publication of Accelerated Genetics April 2011

Vol. 63 No. 2

Editor: Kari A. Stanek Graphic Artist: Kelly Kendall

Genetic Trends is published by Accelerated Genetics, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913.

Postmaster Send Address Changes to: Genetic Trends, c/o Diana Shaffer, E10890 Penny Lane, Baraboo, WI 53913 If you are receiving multiple copies of Genetic Trends, are no longer in need of this publication or it is being sent to an incorrect address, please call us at 1-800-451-9275, ext. 5466, or cut out your mailing label and return it with a note of intent to the above address.

Tri-Mic 1:50 and Tri-Start: Two Tools for Healthy Rumen Function

Alliance Partners...........................................................14-15

Masterrind Partnership Shares Goals, Philosophies and Sires by Kari Stanek

On The Cover

This year, Accelerated Genetics is celebrating 70 years of innovation! Our 70-year evolution has involved many changes throughout the years, including many improvements to our production facilites like the West Farm in Westby, Wis., as seen in the recent aerial view at left. As you page through this issue of Genetic Trends, relive some of the past highlights and read what customers have to say about Accelerated Genetics as we look forward to the future.

Administrative Headquarters E10890 Penny Lane • Baraboo, WI 53913 Phone: 1.800.451.9275 • 608.356.8357 Fax: 608.356.4387 Email: info@accelgen.com • Website: www.accelgen.com Find us on Facebook: Accelerated Genetics or follow us on Twitter: AccelGen

Genetic Trends - April 2011

Accelerated Genetics Board and Officers President & CEO Joel Groskreutz Board Chair, District 8 Brian Brown, Belleville, WI 1st Vice Chair, District 1 Dave Score, Boyceville, WI 2nd Vice Chair, District 3 Gary Eibergen, Granton, WI Secretary/Treasurer, District 10 Doug Thesing, Winona, MN District 2 John Pronschinske, Arcadia, WI District 4 Andy Dejno III, Independence, WI District 5 Nick Butzler, Cashton, WI District 6 Dennis Bell, Gays Mills, WI District 7 Rick Carlson, Hollandale, WI District 9 Jeff Styczynski, Pulaski, WI

By: Joel Groskreutz, President and CEO

appy Birthday, Accelerated Genetics! That’s right! We are 70 years young and going strong! Our theme for this momentus achievement, as you will see throughout the coming months, is “Celebrating 70 Years of Innovation.” Throughout our rich history, we have been the innovators, early adopters of new ideas, leading us to the new age of diversification, all directed by the needs of our customers. Accelerated Genetics is a cooperative symbolized by strength and vision. Strength - The strength of our cooperative is truly our people. We, undoubtedly, have the best in the business. Our employees are known for their integrity of conducting business and their knowledge of the sires, products and services they provide. Each representative is professionally trained to be sensitive to the needs of every customer he or she serves. As you page through this issue of Genetic Trends, take note of what customers across the nation are saying about our dedicated employees (pages 6 and 7.) In addition, learn more about the products that have contributed to our

diversity and how our microbial product Tri-Mic 1:50 is a natural fit for all herds (page 13.) Vision - It is often said the biggest advantage of cooperatives today is the opportunity for member involvement. I believe in that principle. Our customers’ input is important and provides the vision needed to direct the company’s operations. Recently, we held a brainstorming session with our cooperative member leadership, board of directors and executive team. Our event began with an educational session presented by agricultural economist, Gary Sipiorski. He shared his views on the current status of the dairy and agricultural industries including historical data on a variety of topics that all play a vital role in our business. One challenge, in particular, our industry currently faces is the rapidly growing population of the world. It is expected to reach nine billion by 2050! Think about it – our industry is responsible for

feeding these nine billion people! What an awesome privilege this is for us, and one not to be taken for granted. We, at Accelerated Genetics, are up for the challenge and ready to work with you to help accomplish this monumental task.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

70 Years and Going Strong

Working with you, our loyal customers, for over 70 years has truly been an exciting adventure. We are poised for the future with great sires and products, new, innovative technologies, and service opportunities that target your needs. We look forward to what is yet to come as we feed the world together. As always, your input is the lifeline to the success of your cooperative. As we celebrate our 70th year milestone, may we all experience continued success because ‘Together we can accomplish great things!’

Genetic Trends - April 2011

70th ANniversary

Celebrating 70 Years

of Innovation!

1941

1947

Two new semen cooperatives, Vernon County Breeders and Trempealeau County Breeders Cooperative, were established.

Vernon County Breeders and Trempealeau County Breeders Cooperative consolidated to form Tri-State Breeders Cooperative.

2001

Purchased 50 percent of World Wide Sires, Ltd.

2003

Achieved status as the world’s largest European Union (E.U.)-qualified sire population.

2007

Genetic Trends - April 2011

Made numerous facility improvements including a biosecure semen storage and distribution center and a state-of-the-art E.U. semen processing center.

1954

Frozen semen was introduced.

1995

Tri-State Breeders Cooperative changed its corporate identity to Accelerated Genetics®. Also, developed GemPC, the first on-farm computerized mating program.

2011

Accelerated Genetics is one of the world’s leading A.I. companies - 246 employees - 156 independent sales representatives - 126 dealers - 90 countries around the world

1994

Developed EDGE® (Evaluation and Development of Genetic Excellence), the first complete beef progeny test program to include both performance and carcass traits.

70th Anniversary

1957

Tri-State Breeders made its first international semen sale.

1959

Southern Wisconsin Breeders Cooperative and Tri-State Breeders merged.

1955

Tri-State Breeders became the first A.I. company to offer a formal young dairy sire sampling program in the Midwest.

1967

Don Beck of Tri-State Breeders became the first technician in the United States to breed 100,000 first-service cows.

1988

Genetic Visions速, Inc., our research subsidiary company, was formed and continues to be a pioneer in the commerical use of genomics in the A.I. industry.

1984

The first employees in the non-member market began selling in Missouri and Illinois.

1983

Started the Young Producer Program to develop future cooperative leaders. Tri-State Breeders became the first A.I. company to install a programmable semen-freezing machine.

1975 1978

Tri-State Breeders became the first A.I. company to offer Animal Health Products to producers with an on-farm delivery.

Purchased the West Farm property in Westby, Wis., to begin expanding our production facility.

Genetic Trends - April 2011

70th ANniversary

Celebrating 70 years VanEs Dairy, Dale and Jackie VanEs Marsing, Idaho Herd size: 5300 Customer since: 2006 (5 years) Representative: Ivan Smith

of Service! In the past 70 years, Accelerated Genetics has progressed in many ways. Yet, one thing remains constant - our dedication to quality products and service that is second-to-none. But, don’t take our word for it! Read what customers are saying about us from across the nation...

Favorite Accelerated Genetics product or service:

“We like the dependable service. Ivan is very professional, on-time and friendly. We also have a high conception rate, thanks to him!” Why do you use Accelerated Genetics?:

“Honesty. We are very pleased with our representative. He treats us well, and he is a hard worker. Not only does he provide great service to us, but so does the relief breeder. We can trust and rely on them to do their job and to do it well.”

McRee Dairies Michael and Andrea McRee Lavada and Leslie McRee Chowchilla, California Herd size: 1800 Customer since: 1986 (25 years) Representative: Benny Cotta

Boadwine Farms, Inc. Lynn Boadwine, William and Ester Boadwine Baltic, South Dakota

Favorite Accelerated Genetics product or service:

Herd size: 1600 Customer since: 2002 (9 years) Representative: Gerald Feikema

“We are very satisfied with the quality of bulls and the mating service that Accelerated Genetics offers. Benny makes great recommendations that are consistent and accurate. We’ve also integrated Accelerated Genetics’ fresh cow (Tri-Start™) boluses into our feeding program, which has been very useful.”

Favorite Accelerated Genetics product or service:

“I like the relationship that we have with our sales representative, Gerald. He works well with my employees and is someone who I can trust.”

Why do you use Accelerated Genetics?:

“The quality of sires and service. We can always count on Benny and his recommendations for our herd.”

Genetic Trends - April 2011

Why do you continue to use Accelerated Genetics?:

“I want to work with a good company that I can depend on and trust. It saves me time and hassle to only work with one A.I. company, and Accelerated Genetics is that company. I can trust Accelerated Genetics to handle my account.”

Herd size: 200 Customer since: 1976 (35 years) Representative: Bob Lange Favorite Accelerated Genetics product or service:

“Genetics. The technology behind the genetics that Accelerated Genetics offers has impacted our herd greatly. We like that there is no guessing game anymore. We can have the herd analyst pick out the better bulls that work for our herd, use those genetics and then see results.” Why do you continue to use Accelerated Genetics?:

“Not only can we depend on our technician, but we use Accelerated Genetics because we see results! We’ve always used top-end bulls, and I believe that is what has helped us through the years. When I see our heifers with good legs, body depth and excellent milk, I know we’ve gotten the results we wanted.”

Milk Train, Inc., Colleen Pank Sprakers, New York Herd size: 650 Customer since: 1989 (22 years) Representative: Tom Kugler

70th Anniversary

Alan and Fran Rademacher, Heidi Rademacher and Stuart Meier Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

Favorite Accelerated Genetics product or service:

“Working with our sales representative! Tom is great. He’s knowledgeable, answers all my questions and does a great job at picking out sires for our dairy.” Why do you continue to use Accelerated Genetics?:

“Pretty simple answer – service and product!”

North Florida Holsteins Don Bennink, managing partner Bell, Florida Herd size: 4600 Customer since: 1997 (14 years) Representative: Winslow “Freddie” Fredricksson Favorite Accelerated Genetics product or service:

“We use Accelerated Genetics for their bull line-up. We also rely on their genetic testing facility, Genetic Visions, on a weekly basis for freemartin testing.” Why do you continue to use Accelerated Genetics?:

“Quality of product and service!”

Genetic Trends - April 2011

DAIRY SIRE NEWS

Unique Pedigrees, Chart-Topping Sires highlight April Sire Summary By: Glen Jensen, Dairy Sire Analyst

he April 2011 sire summary results have created a great deal of excitement at Accelerated Genetics. Diverse pedigrees among the top bulls, including early sons of Marion, Elegant, Buckeye and Toystory, keep unique genetic opportunities available. Accelerated Genetics now has many high ranking sires in all breeds. The PACE program returned three bulls that rank in the Top 11 in the Holstein breed for TPI. Two of these sires, 014HO05639 CM and 014HO05560 Emerald, received outstanding second summaries. CM and Emerald provide the only source of non-Planet, Goldwyn, O Man or Shottle bloodlines among the Top 25 TPI sires. A Sharky son with impressive numbers for Net Merit ($630 NM) and TPI (+2109g TPI), 014HO05639 CM has already been used as a sire of sons. His daughters are uniformly moderate in size and strength with welded-on fore udders. 014HO05560 Emerald is a unique Marion son with the abiliity to sire strong, good uddered cows that carry an extremely high butterfat test (+.27% PTAF). Many of the best young cows classified recently have been Emerald daughters, so we may not have seen him peak yet. We are excited to start seeing 014HO04929 Man-O-Man’s influence

Libertyland CM 998

Genetic Trends - April 2011

Rod-Er-Dic Reality Kati-Red, sired by 014HO04645 Reality-Red, was nominated AllAmerican Winter Calf in 2010. Reality-Red is new to Accelerated Genetics’ lineup. carried on through his numerous sons. Plus, now Accelerated Genetics is offering Man-O-Man’s clone, 014HO06429 ManO-Man 2-ETN (affectionally known by the barn crew as “Boy-O-Boy”.) Man-OMan 2 carries the same genes and has the same outstanding proof as Man-O-Man. This month, we added many exciting new bulls to the lineup. A Buckeye son from Marion’s cow family, 014HO05617 Mystic sires high type cows with fine udders and superior feet and legs. Mystic also ranks among the top 50 TPI sires. Two Toystory sons also add diversity. 014HO05647 Davis offers lots of milk (+2316 PTAM) and solid type, while 014HO05681 Loto emerges as a fine sire of type and hard to find aAa 465 and DMS 561 numbers. Both bulls are an impressive 7% calving ease, making them a great choice for heifers.

An Elegant son, 014HO05676 Dion is starting off well with high overall type, udder composite and production numbers. In addition, a new highly proven red sire has joined the lineup – 014HO04645 Reality-Red. One of the best red sires currently available, Reality-Red sires great type and is a breed leader in feet and legs. His outcross pedigree (Storm x Rennasiance) makes Reality-Red one of the lowest sires for inbreeding as well. Another Marion son 014HO05552 Grenade also graduates with some impressive numbers for both type and production. He sires the same great combination of milk and impressive frames as his sire, but at 10% calving ease, he is best used on cows. As I travel the countryside, I’ve been very impressed with the 014HO05300 Micah daughters I’ve seen lately, most of which have calved for the second time. Micah daughters are tremendous dairy cows that

Protein breed sires remain strong as well. In the Jersey breed, 014JE00473 Louie continues to be a breed leader for JPI, siring strong high producing cows that last.

Heifers from O Man sons 014HO04924 Kramer, 014HO04619 Jake, 014HO04876 Paxton and 014HO04956 Dotson look good as well and are filling the calf and heifer pens. We look forward to the early daughters to start calving this fall.

New this month, 014JE00503 Abram is an Abe son with high ratings for fat, protein and productive life.

Those looking for high type bulls have many bulls to choose from. For Goldwyn sons, look to 014HO05411 Palermo (+3.00 PTAT), 014HO05399 Kolton (+2.49 PTAT) and 014HO05378 Garret (+2.40 PTAT). For Shottle sons, 014HO05382 Contact (+2.70 PTAT) and 014HO05434 Trump (+2.40 PTAT) are the cream of the crop. Another Shottle son is 206HO00153 Struik (+2.24 PTAT) from Semenzoo. Struik is an ancestor of Brookview Tony Charity EX-97, one of the all-time greatest show cows. 014HO04784 Monument (+2.57 PTAT) and 014HO05075 Hvezda*RC (+2.72 PTAT) sire show winners too. Our Alliance partners add additional depth to the Accelerated Genetics lineup. From our German partner, Masterrind, 202HO00127 Jobert, a Jocko Besne son, has an impressive second crop proof of +1965 TPI.

In addition, Geneforce young sires 014JE00533 Vito, 014JE00555 Roy and 014JE00537 Lotto are the cream of the crop and already being used for A.I. sons. In the Brown Swiss breed, recently released Dynasty sons, 014BS00329 Promotion and 014BS00331 Dollar, added more daughters and continue to impress. Also, 014BS320 Dally remains one of the Brown Swiss breed’s best all-around sires. Plus, don’t miss our impressive group of Geneforce Brown Swiss young sires, including 014BS00350 Golden Boy (the number one PPR genomic young sire in the breed), 014BS00341 Emergency and 014BS00343 Kayson. For Ayrshires, 014AY0026 Charlie is one of the breed’s best production sires, and for Milking Shorthorns, 014MS00112 Royal Treble may be the most dominate bull of any breed. He is a great production

APril 2011 Sire Summary includes changes to the TPI® Formula Holstein Association USA made a few modifications to the TPI® formula for the April 2011 Dairy Sire Summary.

Dairy Sire news

milk well, and their soft, pliable udders have withstood a second calving. Micah daughters transmit impressive type and production. As his daughters mature, we expect to see his proof improve.

Protein (pounds), Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), and Foot and Leg Composite (FLC) each received one additional weight in the formula. Udder Composite (UDC) received two additional weights. Productive Life (PL) will now have five less weights. In addition, the constants at the end of the TPI formula were adjusted slightly. With these new changes there will be some re-ranking among the bulls.

Illawara sire from Australia and a logical choice for crossbreeding programs. Rounding out the breeds with Guernseys, 014GU00309 Kaptain is a top Guernsey milk sire and a few units of high type sire 014GU00310 Nick still remain. Accelerated Genetics’ April sire summary included many highlights and has something for everyone!

Sires from Semenzoo of Italy have done well for Accelerated Genetics, and a new group will follow suit. 198H113 Prince, a high net merit Britt son (+$642 NM), two Shottle sons, 198H00151 Parocas and 206HO00153 Struik, and the high component Mr Sam son, 206H00152 Arden, are now part of our lineup. Our Canadian partner, GenerVations, sends us a pair of ET splits – 250HO00902 Willrock-ETS and 250HO00903 Wildthing-ETS. Sired by Marion and from the same cow family as Goldwyn, both of these sires are scored EX-90. Daughter information is pooled into one proof for these genetic duplicates.

Duerst-Larse Mystic 447 Genetic Trends - April 2011

Sire Feature

CM BLENDS OUTCROSS PEDIGREE WITH PRODUCTION, LONGEVITY By: Gregg Topp, Dairy Sire Analyst

n a time when mating programs (both computer and human) are looking for an outcross, highly-reliable and well-balanced sire to use on cows and heifers, 014HO05639 CM jumps out as the bull for the job. His release from the PACE program in December 2010 was impressive, but the April 2011 genetic sire summary pushes his superior genetic status to even a higher level at +2109gTPI. Adding over 36 daughters on production and 43 daughters on type, CM sets himself apart from the pack. He ranks eighth on the Holstein Association USA’s April 2011 Top 100 TPI™ list, and his pedigree is free of O Man, Shottle, Goldwyn or Planet bloodlines. Rediscovering this PACE graduate’s genetic excellence is a must for your spring breeding plans.

Hailing from Kentucky CM’s roots can be traced to south central Kentucky, just north of Mammoth Cave National Park. Embry’s Longview Farm, Inc. is owned and operated by Larry and Doyle Embry of Leitchfield, Ky. They milk 185 to 200 cows with a herd average over 23,000 pounds of milk. In addition, Embry’s Longview Farm, Inc. tills over 700 acres of land.

A Well-Known Cow Family Recognized around the world, 014HO05639 CM’s cow family traces back to New York state. His fourth dam is Spring-Born Cleitus Bess, who has marketed embryos and live animals around the United States and the world. His third dam, O-C-E-C Bellwood Baby, has marketed offspring and embryos worldwide as well. His grandam is the dam of current proven Manat son, Bojangles. Finally, his dam is a 2E-91 Excellent Outside daughter who was purchased as a bred heifer and then 10

Genetic Trends - April 2011

From top: Libertyland CM 998; Vista CM 6364 relocated to Kentucky. She is a Gold Medal Dam and Dam of Merit and has a pair of elite records, the top being 39,760M 4.3% 1712F 3.4% 1359P. A full sister to 014HO05639 CM, E-Longview

Sharky Bamboo is classified Very Good85 with a Very Good mammary system and has a two-year-old record that includes over 25,000 pounds of milk. The legacy of this cow family is known

Released through the PACE program in November of 2007, CM yields 98 daughters from 11 states in his production evaluation (93%R) and 62 daughters in his type evaluation (87%R).

A Mammary System Specialist A Sharky (Brett x Emery) son from an Outside daughter, CM’s type profile is complimentary to many current bloodlines. His daughters are medium-sized with well-balanced front ends, and he sires long bodies with adequate depth of rib and intermediate dairyness. However, CM’s specialty is the mammary system, where he sires snugly-attached, fancy fore udders that are held tight to the body wall. He is also a real “teat fixer,” pulling in the front and rear teats while shortening them as well. Rear udder width is another area where CM can be used to make improvement. The ability to sire elite production and health traits with a solid type pattern make 014HO5639 CM a rare commodity. At +1510M +.08% +76F -.01% +44P, CM is also one of a few bulls over +4.0PL and +1.0DPR, making him a unique blend of longevity and reproduction efficiency without sacrificing production. CM’s net merit of +$630NM as well as his adequate service sire calving ease (8% SSCE) confirm your need to look to 014HO5639 CM for long term genetic improvement from new bloodlines. CM makes a logical mating on daughters of Potter, Harry, River, Tredway, Champion, Ito, Toystory, Ramos, Boliver, Marion, Mr Sam, Lou and Encino.

An Exciting Future 014HO05639 CM’s high ranking and complimentary genetics make him a great asset to your herd’s genetic program. With growing demand around the world, CM proves that he will continue to be used as a sire of future PACE bulls. Jump at the chance to use one of the newest and most exciting Holstein sires available in 2011 before it’s too late!

Accelerated Genetics Daughters Make An Impact at German Sale By: Gary Fassett, Vice President-Sales and Communicaitons

Sire Feature

around the world, and 014HO05639 CM carries the torch to an even higher genetic level.

Late last month, I attended the Schau der Besten Top Genetik – Auktion in Verden, German, an annual sale of top genetics prior to the Schau der Besten. The sale is sponsored by Accelerated Genetics’ alliance partner, Masterrind, and is considered one of the best cattle sales in Europe each year. This year was no exception with many high genomic heifers selling for top euro. In Europe, high genomic value heifers are selling very well. The influence of North American genetics have for many years been highly respected amongst German Holstein breeders. Accelerated Genetics had a very good evening with several daughters of our bulls selling in excess of 5,000 euro. With today’s currency exchange, that’s approximately $6,900. Some of the Accelerated Genetics offspring that sold for very good prices include: A 014HO04916 Jake daughter out of Welcome Goldwyn Penya that sold for 16,000 euro. This sale-topping February 2010 heifer caught the eye of many Holstein breeders with her angularity, stature and style. This heifer could stand a lot of competition in the heifer class this summer. A 014HO04929 Man-O-Man heifer out of a Goldwyn from the Juror Faith family sold for 12,000 euro. This October calf has very high genomic values in the German system. A Man-O-Man heifer out of a Shottle from the Canyon Breeze cow family sold for 10,500 euro. This November born heifer caught the eye of international buyers attending the sale. A Man-O-Man heifer out of a Goldwyn sold for 6,500 euro. She is another very stylish November 2010 heifer. A July 2010 Man-O-Man heifer out of Hendel Shottle Asia 2414 sold for 5,500 euro. A Man-O-Man heifer out of a Mascol from the Mark Prudence family also sold for 5,500 euro. Another Man-O-Man heifer out of a Shottle sold for 6,000 euro. For a sale with 42 lots total, it was easy to grasp the popularity of Accelerated Genetics’ sires! Genetic Trends - April 2011

REpRoconnections

Reproduction Analysis: Can YOU Afford To SKip it? By: Dr. Humberto Rivera, Reproduction Specialist

“I

f you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” That statement has clear application in any business and shows the management team if they are moving towards or away from their goals. In animal husbandry, this concept and its interpretation can apply to every area of your dairy. However, it’s especially critical when dealing with reproduction, since it becomes the driving force of the dairy operation. No pregnancies = no milk. It’s that simple. Record keeping is an essential starting point for a sound reproduction program. However if you don’t use the information properly, record keeping alone is useless. Comparing where you started to your current reproductive outcomes and goals and then making adjustments to your projections will help your dairy’s bottom line the most.

Where to Start First, determine some key indicators of reproduction success to compare to your dairy. Such indicators may be services per conception (or conception rate), heat detection rate, pregnancy rate, distribution of days in milk (DIM) to first insemination, fertility to first insemination, interval from calving to conception or calving interval. These indicators can be obtained from your farm cow cards, computer software or from your testing center if you are on official test. There are many other reproduction parameters that can be useful in your analysis, but those listed above are the most important for an initial diagnostic evaluation. In any case, the Accelerated Genetics ReproAnalysis team can help you identify the right numbers. Once your reproduction parameters have been determined, you need to identify all the management situations around your reproduction program (facilities, cleanliness, breed, nutrition, personnel, etc.) that 12

Genetic Trends - April 2011

may explain the results you are getting today (good or bad). Identifying your actual results and your weak points in the program is necessary to set realistic goals and optimize your future results. Accelerated Genetics’ ReproAnalysis team members can help you design a plan of achievable goals after performing a diagnostic evaluation.

Setting Goals There are many reproduction parameters that consultants, veterinarians and producers can track, and they are all important under specific circumstances. No matter whether you get good or bad results from the evaluation, you need to set goals so you can track your progress over time. Some important goals should include voluntary waiting period parameters, number of cows inseminated per week (unless you are seasonal breeder) and number of pregnancies achieved per week, month or 21-day period (pregnancy rate). If you found areas of low performance in your program, you need to identify those weak points and design a plan to improve results. The goal set in this plan needs to follow the “SMART” criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-framed. Also, you need to have a responsible person in charge and have a periodical evaluation of each goal. (Herd size - Culling rate) + Abortions Desired calving interval

Monitoring Feeding your computer with data and doing periodical records analysis are two completely different exercises. Often, dairy producers with acceptable record keeping system feel comfortable with their reproduction results based on a few good vet checks. Unfortunately, they don’t know how other factors on their dairies, such as seasonal effects, recent nutritional changes, changes in labor, are affecting their reproduction. Having a good reproduction analysis today does not immediately guarantee that a dairy will be in a good position six months down the road. Instead, periodical reproduction evaluations, about two or three times a year, should be part of a regular dairy reproduction management program. The ReproAnalysis team from Accelerated Genetics can work with your consulting team and/or herd veterinarian to guide you through the entire reproduction analysis process, from the very beginning of a diagnostic situation to setting goals, training, and designing a plan to monitoring the results and keeping your dairy profitable. Contact your Accelerated Genetics representative for more information on ReproAnalysis.

= # of pregnancies per month

# of pregnancies per month X Conception rate = # of Inseminations needed per month Example: Herd size: 500 cows Culling rate: 30% (150 cows) Abortions: 6% (30 cows) Desired calving interval: 13 months

(500-150) + 30 13

= 29 pg/month

29 X 30% = 97 inseminations needed/month

The example above shows a 500-cow herd with a 30 percent culling rate, 6 percent abortion rate, a calving interval goal of 13 months and an actual conception rate of 30 percent. With this information, you can use the simple equation on top to determine your herd goals. If the problem identified was low heat detection, you need to technically train one person to be responsible for achieving a goal for 97 cows inseminated per month, or about 25 per week, to achieve your goal.

utrition programs are challenging balancing acts for herds because many factors can affect them. Yet, answering just one question may solve many nutritional problems on a dairy: “How can we improve the herd’s rumen health?” Poor rumen function can lead to many problems, including low milk production and components, displaced abomasums, retained placentas and reproduction issues. The challenge usually isn’t identifying the problem; it’s finding a practical and cost effective solution. Many times we hope the problem clears itself before the herd’s production suffers too much, but usually this is not the case.

Instead, a proactive approach would be to promote healthy rumen function prior to problems occurring. There are tools available to help herds get through those periods with minimal reduction in rumen function. One great product from Accelerated Genetics that promotes rumen health is Tri-Mic 1:50. Tri-Mic 1:50 is a direct-fed microbial for ruminating dairy and beef cattle. It contains a combination of different strains of naturally-occurring, beneficial living microbes that are involved in rumen fermentation. The basic concept of this product is simple – the key to a cow’s production and health is to have a healthy rumen.

In order to have a healthy rumen, the microbes inside the rumen need to be in the right balance and in high enough numbers to break down the feed the animal is eating. This helps the animal get the most benefit from the feed.

INNOVATIVE RESOUrCES

Tri-Mic 1:50 and Tri-Start: Two great tools for healthy Rumen Function

To enhance a cow’s rumen environment, Tri-Mic 1:50 implants live beneficial microbes to a correct balance that ensures proper rumen function. This is especially important when challenges, including mold, mycotoxins, depressed intakes from calving or heat stress or poorly digestible feed, push the microbe numbers down. Even a small decrease in rumen microbes can have an effect on rumen function and efficiency. Often, we accept this as part of feeding cattle. But, do we have to settle for less than optimum performance? Cows are constantly challenged by the random pockets of poor feed in the bunk, the bout of dysentery that goes through the barn, heat stress through the summer months or the stress from calving and transitioning to the lactating diet. While feeding Tri-Mic 1:50 has benefits throughout the entire lactation, making sure the herd is covered through these stress periods is a great way to get the most out of each lactation. Feeding Tri-Mic 1:50 becomes a great insurance policy in case those uncontrollable issues challenge the animal.

Stretch your feed dollar$ with

Tri-Mic 1:50

Get More Out of Your Feed . . . Get More Out of Your Cows . . . Get More Out of Your Milk Check! Tri-Mic 1:50 DFM for Dairy Cattle Improved Feed Utilization More Consistent Feed Intakes Enhanced Rumen Environment

Although prevention is always the best medicine, occasionally a cow will go off feed. This is when Tri-Start comes into the equation. Tri-Start boluses are the same combination of microbes as Tri-Mic 1:50, but at a much larger dose. When a cow goes off feed, rumen fermentation slows down and the number of beneficial microbes decreases. Giving one Tri-Start bolus each day for two or three days helps repopulate the rumen with those beneficial microbes and “reboot” rumen fermentation to get her back on full feed faster. The next time your Accelerated Genetics Representative visits, ask about Tri-Mic 1:50 and Tri-Start, and see how both products can help you reach your goals for a healthy, productive herd. Genetic Trends - April 2011

Alliance Partner

MAsterrind Partnership Shares Goals, Philosophies and Sires By: Kari Stanek, Industry Relations Coordinator

everal years ago, Accelerated Genetics developed an alliance with Masterrind GmbH of Germany. The relationship between the two companies works well because we share many similarities in business philosophy. First, we both are cooperatives and function with the needs of their customers in mind. Secondly, we both have the desire to encourage, educate and provide opportunities for young dairy enthusiasts, and finally, we both share similar breeding goals. Cord Hoeltje, general manager of Masterrind, took a few minutes to answer some questions about their company and why the relationship with Accelerated Genetics works so well. 1. How was Masterrind founded? Masterrind GmbH was founded in December, 2006 as a limited liability company resulting from the union of three cooperatives: Rinderproduktion Niedersachsen GmbH (RPN), Zuchtrinder- Erzeugergemeinschaft

Genetic Trends - April 2011

Hannover e.G. (ZEH) and S채chsischer Rinderzuchtverband e.G. (SRV), each with equal shares. All three were originally organized as cooperatives similar to Accelerated Genetics. In 2002, RPN and ZEH formed Nordrind GmbH, which was later renamed Masterrind after SRV joined the group. 2. Why did the three companies merge? All three organizations desired to become a stronger partner company for its membership and wanted to develop a competitive organization in the global market of bovine genetics. This merger is the first in the German A.I. and dairy industry between companies located in the former western and eastern parts after German reunification. In the area of RPN and ZEH, most farms are family-owned and focus mainly on registered cow populations and high genetic profile cows. In the SRV cooperative territory, about 95 percent of the cows are under a milk-recording program (DHIA-

type system) and about 60 percent are registered where operations are more focused on commercial dairy production. 3. Both Accelerated Genetics and Masterrind have benefited from the partnership. What are some of your favorite Accelerated Genetics bulls that have been marketed in Germany? Currently, Masterrind is marketing 014HO04916 Jake, 014HO05378 Garret and 014HO05095 Alando-Red. A solid, all-around bull with a high total index, Jake sires impressive milk yield and a very good protein percentage, which is very important in the German market. Garret, a Goldwyn son, is a very nice type bull, and Goldwyn sons are very popular in Germany today. For the Red Holstein population, we market Alando-Red as an outcross bull with very solid figures. And, of course, we are using 014HO04929 Man-O-Man and 014HO05411 Palermo as sires of sons. (continued at right)

The second bull is 202HO00002 Clown Live animal marketing provides a great because he was the first important Cleitus service to members because it generates son in former East Germany with many additional income to the dairy operation. One of the most important bulls at this high lifetime production daughters on large Since the merger, Masterrind has become moment is 202HO00127 Jobert, a very dairy farms. Later, 202HO00016 Manat did Germany’s largest cattle export organization, successful second crop bull in the U.S. a very good job for us. Finally 202HO00085 which attracts customers from many Contact your Accelerated Genetics representative, today! with over 4,300 daughters worldwide and Alves, who also is well known in the U.S. countries who are interested in importing +1965g TPI. Jobert is a popular bull in many with great second-crop figures, is quite Holstein heifers. countries because of his high production, possibly the most complete bull among sound feet and legs, great udders and low 7. How are you involved in youth activities this group with nice type, great udders and inbreeding coefficient. in Germany? Why does Masterrind super production. continue to support youth? Sired by Jordan-Red from the famous EX-95 6. How have the heifer and embryo Durham daughter Kamps-Hollow Altitude, Young breeder clubs are organized auctions and exports benefited your 202HO00290 Jotan-Red is a very popular throughout the Masterrind membership company? How often do you have Red bull sampled in six countries, including areas. Clubs operate independently, yet the auctions? the U.S. He is +1792g TPI. company supports them through various Marketing of live cattle is very important activities. We assist them by providing Currently, 202HO000742 Bakombre, with for Masterrind and its members. Last year, financial resources for workshops that a net merit of +$629 NM, is one the world’s our company sold more than 85,000 head demonstrate clipping, showing and judging highest Baxter sons based on his genomic of cattle for our members producing a total at local shows as well as trips and meetings. information. His dam is a Goldwyn revenue of almost 71 million euros (over In both East and West membership daughter from an O Man out of Durham $100 million USD). territories, Masterrind organizes at least one Daisy, a member of the famous Raven young breeder open show per year. family at Markwell. Masterrind is using In the western area, auctions are organized Bakombre as a sire of sons. every month, leading to about 4,500 head There are thousands of reasons to work sold in 2010. Public auctions are very together with young breeders. The 5. What bulls have had the greatest impact useful to achieve the right price level for interaction between our membership and on your company? export heifers. Currently, export markets young people with similar interests is a very are the most important component of important way to invest in the people who One bull is 231HO03038 Bonatus. He is heifer marketing for us with almost 29,000 are the future of our industry. one of the best German Blackstar sons with Holstein heifers shipped in 2010 to 30 many daughters and is extremely wellcountries. known if we talk about breeder satisfaction.

Alliance Partner

4. What are some of your favorite bulls that you market to Accelerated Genetics?

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Genetic Trends - April 2011

No Shottle , O Man or Goldwyn!

TOP TPI SIRES with Unique Pedigrees

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1.800.451.9275 • www.accelgen.com 80191