ABS News - December 2018 by ABS Chile

NÂ° 03

December, 2018 Latin America

I n f o r m a t i o n f o r M o r e P r o fi t a b l e D a i r y & B e e f O p e r a t i o n s

AT THE CENTER OF GENETICS! A journey through the best in American dairy farming

More information, more milk and more profit!

GOURMET MEAT The history of the Argentinian herd that has become a reference in superior meat production

Offering simplicity for users, ABS Monitor presents surprising results throughout Latin America.

Index

ABS NEWS LATIN AMERICA

Inside Look

Mexican breeder invests in genetics to increase milk production and adds value by producing high quality cheese

Markets and Strategies

The details behind DeNovo: the largest and most modern Holstein genetics nucleus in the world

Corporate Background

A little more about the career of Katie Olson, the Global Director for Milk Product Development at ABS Global Global

Field results

The success by Black Label, the Argentine beef brand produced with the help of ABS genetics

Cover story

ABS Monitor: the program’s success which has contributed to the herd’s reproductive management to ensure a profit for the farmer

Technical article

Learn more about efficient pregnancy production in herds on commercial dairy farms

Special Beef Tour

Travel Diary by Camila Mendoza, from the ABS Chile team, covering the road map for large US cattle farms

Special ABS Global Experience

A journey through the world’s largest gene pool: a road map for the best in dairy farming in the United States

Technical Talk

On the agenda: ABS’s advancement, with the incorporation of IVB as a technology inside its portfolio

The people behind ABS

The professional profiles from three managers who have contributed greatly to the company’s success

Academic Update

The economic viability of artificial insemination

News Briefs

The issues that have impacted the industry in recent months

The importance of listening... For technological innovation to be effective, it is necessary to listen and be in perfect harmony with our customer’s current and future interests. Otherwise, we may be at the forefront of one of the most common reasons for product failure: there is no need for it in the market. At ABS, we are proud to see the progress we have made in recent times, and we are without a doubt adding value to the market and our customers’ herds. On the other hand, our focus in Latin America is to offer not only products in a segmented way, but rather within a comprehensive improvement program designed especially for our customers. To do this, our professionals must be extremely prepared, besides requiring us to attract new talent and transform ABS into one of the most attractive companies in the biotechnology industry. One of the great experiences we have always had as a company is being able to share information with our customers through technical visits. That’s why we held our first “ABS Global Experience” this year where, together with more than 200 farmers from different countries, we visited properties on the forefront of our market in the United States. In addition, we had the chance to introduce our facilities and the privilege of showing what we do. In this new issue of ABS News, it is our pleasure to provide you with a variety of articles and interviews for your reading pleasure. As in previous issues, we have highlighted one of the most important pillars for our company: our customers. Enjoy!

Ricardo Campos Regional Director - ABS LATAM

Contributing Staff

ABS News is an informational magazine provided ABS Latin America

Lead Journalist

Layout Designer

Graphic Project

Marketing and Communications Manager

Intern

Assisting Editor

Faeza Rezende - 12323/MG faezarezende@namidiaassessoria.com.br

Livia França livia.franca@genusplc.com

Nativa Propaganda nativa@nativapropaganda.com.br

Laila Zago laila.zago@genusplc.com

Matheus Oliveira matheus.oliveira@genusplc.com

Pedro Marino Breno Cordeiro

INSIDE LOOK

Cheese: Mexican farmers’s investment in milk processing In Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico, ABS genetics has made the difference in Eduardo Faudoa’s farm, where 100% of the milk produced is processed into cheese

One of the ways to guarantee a product’s

works with daily on his farm in the state of

results in three tons of cheese. In recent

superior quality is to be present in all the

Chihuahua. Commanding a herd of 1,500

years, the genetic improvement provided

stages of its elaboration. Controlling the

animals, the property is entirely dedicated

by ABS has brought us important benefits,

manufacturing processes, managing

to the production of cheddar cheese - from

especially in regards to the adaptation of

the necessary resources and planning

the milk production to the final product’s

animals to the high temperatures in our

the best market strategy are some of

commercialization.

region”, says Eduardo.

“100% of our milk is processed into

The cheese factory operates six days a

It is with this thought that the Mexican

cheese, we produce 30 thousand liters of

week and the milk which is produced on

farmer, Eduardo Faudoa Guerrero,

milk per day from 800 milking cows, which

the seventh day is stored for use during

the ideas associated with this reality.

the following week. It is a simple strategy that allows us to guarantee a reliable stock, able to meet the high demand from the market. “Fortunately, we have an extremely distributed market. Virtually all our cheese ends up in the hands of the consumer, we do not have surplus production, so we always need to be evolving to keep up with the growth in this market”, says the farmer. According to Eduardo, the composition of the cheese in the northern region of Mexico is relatively similar. In this reality, where cheese is an attraction, he has found a way to set himself apart by custom manufacturing his own product. “What differentiates us is that the cheese is produced on the farm, in the same place where the milk is extracted and the other ingredients are processed. This allows us to better control the amount of milk and cheese quality, such as the taste, texture and color”, says the farmer. To ensure that the milk extracted from his cows is the most suitable to produce his cheese, Eduardo invests in ABS genetics. “It is a company that offers excellent bulls, with options truly capable of making a difference in a herd. But what really matters is choosing the right bull for each farm. It is this aspect in which ABS makes us the most satisfied”. The results obtained from using ABS genetics are so satisfactory that Eduardo foresees a future with great growth.

“When we started, we produced 300

amount again”, he says.

produced on the property.

liters of milk and 30 kg of cheese per day.

But Eduardo is not limited to producing

The farm also generates the methane

Today, 30 years later, it’s three tons. For

just cheese. Besides the main product,

gas used in cheese manufacturing, from

the past 10 years, we have doubled our

his farm also works with the concept

a wastewater treatment system, which is

output thanks to the genetic improvement

responsible for producing 35 to 40% of

in the herd, and what we expect is that

preservation. The forage used by the

over the next 10 years we can double that

team in the management of the animals is

sustainability

and

environmental

the electricity consumed. “We have received many visits from schools interested in showing students the stages of cheese production and also the ecological aspect with which we work. For us, it is a source of great pride. We are still not completely self-sufficient, but this is certainly one of our goals for the future”, says Eduardo. In relation to environmental responsibility and a production that stands out more and more, Eduardo Faudoa’s farm has found the secret to growth, mixing active participation in the cheese production process and the best that ABS genetics has to offer.

BET TER FERTILIT Y on heifers and cows *

A year after breaking the monopoly, Sexcel® Sexed Genetics remains the most advanced sexing technology available. There are already more than 1,000,000 doses produced. When customers ask for performance, they get it using Sexcel.

*Based on 150,000 sexed semen breedings in first and second service, including more than 50,000 Sexcel® breedings.

ABSAmericaLatina

MARKETS AND STRATEGIES

DeNovo: the future is here The genetic nucleus resulting from ABS’s partnership with De-Su already accounts for more than 30% of our TOP 100 in the market

DeNovo Genetics has been built up

the conclusion that these breeds were

as one of ABS’s most ambitious and

not meeting the goal of offering Holstein

innovative

genetics and that’s where the search for

partnership with another giant in the

partners began, and at the top of the list

livestock sector - De-Su Holstein - the

was Darin Meyer from the De-Su Holstein

new nucleus in genetics has already

Farm, one of the leading independent farms

shown surprising results, with forecasts

in North America with high NM $ animals

for even more news in the near future.

(net merit) and TPI (total performance

“In less than two years after the

index). Since the joint venture of the

project’s launch, the jump in quality for

two powers was announced, the market

our directory has been noticeable and

already knew that the world would see a

surprising. Among the top 100 bulls on

global improvement in the genetics of the

the market, more than 20 belong to the

Holstein breed. “From the outset, we had

program - an impressive proportion”,

considered De-Su as a potential partner

celebrates geneticist and Global Director

in the development of this project. The

for Dairy Product Development at ABS

results have been very good”, says Katie.

Global, Katie Olson. A project that began

In addition to the rigid selection for

in 2016. “We realized that by creating

characteristics currently sought by the

our own genetics, we could direct it the

market, De-Su Holsteins still differentiates

way we wanted it, and present better

itself as a large commercial dairy farm

solutions for our customers, compared

with 1,900 dairy cows and 2,250 heifers.

to using third-party genetics”, she

“De-Su is a commercial farm and we

explains. This is when it became evident

can see how genetics behave on a large-

the need for creating a nucleus for

scale commercial operation and validate

ABS after the company realized the

our work. We really do have a preview of

drop in the number of sires used for

the genetics we sell to our customers”,

the formation of ABS products. “Ten

points out Katie. Currently, about 50%

years ago, we used 80 to 90 Holstein

of the ABS directory originates from the

sires for our products and, over time,

DeNovo project and the goal, according to

that number dropped drastically. Today,

the director, is that it becomes the source

there are around 20. So, we come to

for 70% of Holstein genetics marketed by

projects.

Developed

DeNovo Genetics also includes creating small nuclei in strategical countries like Brazil, where embryos were sent (fruits of meticulously planned mating). The action enables ABS to have these elite Holstein products in production in the various ABS facilities in the most important markets, such as Latin America. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With DeNovo, I believe our customers have gained the certainty of a high-quality genetic supply. the company.

We have not even finished two years yet,

In 2017, ABS recorded an impressive

and we have already seen cows and bulls

volume of bulls (34%) in the top NM $,

emerging from this program. This has

with a large portion coming from DeNovo

been repeated in several evaluations.

Genetics (14%). Among the highlighted

It is a high quality and very consistent

bulls are Achiever, Kenobi, Yoda, Medley

productâ&#x20AC;?, celebrates Katie Olson.

and Josuper. The intention to spread the

CORPORATE BACKGROUND

Katie Olson Full name: Katrina (Katie) Olson Current Function: Global Director for Dairy Product Development at ABS Global Start Date at ABS: 2012 Academic Background: Bachelor in Agricultural Education, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science. Largest project undertaken: De Novo Genetics Market experience: She was a teacher, and also a researcher at the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), National Association of Animal Breeders, where she developed projects regarding genomic evaluations on dairy cattle. Secret to success: A great and valued team

From teacher to Global Director for Dairy Product

the projects that I have worked on”, according to her.

Development at ABS Global. A PhD in the field of applied

It is easy to understand the reason for Katie’s pride: the

genetics in dairy farming, she has played a key role in

combined work at ABS and De-Su has resulted in a paradigm

several ABS projects, such as Real World Data, the Transition

shift that has changed the genetics landscape. Even with so

Right and more recently the nucleus for De Novo Genetics, a

much work, there is still room for personal satisfaction at

world sensation.

ABS. “It’s exciting to be a part of ABS’s projects, and I’m

Always smiling, calm and willing to help, Dr. Katie

very proud of our trajectory. I believe that we are on the right

Olson, an ABS geneticist, was hired to help the company

track, and it is very gratifying to participate in the news that

in developing products that drive global milk production,

is happening inside the company”, says the doctor.

meeting the demands from breeders. “The dairy market has

Building a career dedicated to research requires

a demand for large volumes of milk, however the milk and

overcoming difficult obstacles, but Katie shows that she

the cow itself need to be healthy. That’s what dairy farmers

has what it takes to achieve this much deserved success.

want today”, she says.

“Sometimes the results are not what we expect, and it

That’s exactly what they want and that’s exactly what

takes the strength and perseverance to continue investing

she and her team have been working towards. Katie had

in the science and research”, she says, adding that she also

already completed her postdoctoral degree in dairy genetics

believes in the value of the team as a key to success in

when she started working at ABS, and she had already had

any endeavor. “In our case, we are quite fortunate to be

experience in the classroom as a high school teacher and

surrounded by such fantastic people and professionals.

in field research. “When I started at ABS, my first project

Especially for the success of De Novo which requires very

was Real World Data (RWD). From then on, I got involved

precise logistics and the team involved was responsible for

in programs like the Transition Right (a health index) and

making all that come to fruition”, she concludes.

other processes related to genetics, science and product

An effort that is recognized by the market. Katie Olson

development. That’s what led me to De Novo”, she revealed.

was recently elected president of the National Association

The spirit of valuing science, discovering new technologies

of Animal Breeders Board, one of the most important

and creating innovative solutions for ABS customers is what

organizations in the sector in the United States. The ABS

defines Katie’s work.

director is also the first woman to occupy this position. In

“What we are doing with De Novo is so incredibly unique that I think I would choose this as the highlight among all

this way, increasing Katie’s contribution to the future of genetic improvement in the world herd.

FIELD RESULTS

The success by the Black Label Genetics with its own genetic nucleus and complete production cycle With almost 50 years of history and three generations of work, the ABS customer has created a herd that is a reference to all, and today is one of the largest and best Angus animal selections in Argentina.

With around four thousand cows in the herd and expected to grow. A

As the market and the business have

just the heifers were inseminated. Then,

evolved, so has the producer’s vision.

we began inseminating the adult cows as

rigorous and recognized selection in the

“In the beginning, we had a commercial

Angus breed. Its own genetic nucleus

herd of Angus and Hereford cows, with

At that time, in 2008, Pedro began using

from animals chosen by the American

crossbreeding between the two breeds. In

ABS genetics. “The first bulls we used

Angus Association (AAA) EDPs and with

2006, we decided to change our concept

were the N Bar Prime Time, the Morgans

constant genetic improvement. All this

and focus only on Angus, with a breeding

Direction and the New Design 878. Over

complemented by bulls from the ABS

program based on fixed time artificial

the next ten years, we kept ABS as the

directory.

insemination, FTAI, with the use of proven

source of genetics for our herd”, he says.

In Tres Arroyos, at the Claudio Molina

bulls”, recalls Pedro.

well.

At that time, the herd was composed of

farm, in the southern part of Buenos Aires,

The change in the direction for the ranch

1,200 head. The steers were fattened and

the breeder Pedro Gatti runs Black Label

was crucial to the exponential growth that

the heifers were raised to obtain donors.

Genetics, where they have worked with

would happen in the following years. In

All work was guided by the breeding

an Aberdeen Angus herd since the 1970s.

the first two years after adopting FTAI,

program implemented on the farm.

“Our program’s aim has always been to obtain more maternal ability, calving ease and feed efficiency, so that the cows reach 15 months ready for reproduction. As for the males, we look for carcass finishing, good weight gain in confinement and a good feed conversion rate”, he describes. With a well-oriented breeding program guided for growth, it was necessary to choose the correct bulls to propel the herd’s evolution. It was then that ABS began to make the difference that further improved the farm’s selection in the Black Label Genetics. “In 2010, we started using the Mytty In Focus bull. We kept the animal for three years, it was the one that most improved the herd. During this time, more than three thousand doses were utilized, and it made a significant difference in our maternal program. We also used Foresight to improve adult cows, and by that time we had grown to 2,500 cows”, says the breeder. Beginning in 2013, the team started to have more contact with ABS Global in the United States. “We started participating in the US Beef Tour, which gave us the opportunity to get to know bulls like Absolute, Complement and Bruiser”. Bruiser’s conversion and efficiency rates impressed us particularly. We started using Absolute and Complement

began working on a bold new project: the

this nucleus were Brilliance, Consensus

to improve the heifers, and Bruiser with the

creation of a genetic pedigree nucleus in

7229, Protocol, Resistol and Full Return.

adults”, he explains.

Argentina, consisting of embryos brought

“The idea is to keep the nucleus as open

from the Woodhill Farm in the United States,

as possible, with heterogeneity in genetics”,

with ABS genetics.

explains Pedro.

During this entire time, the herd had not stopped growing. By 2013, there were already 3,200 cows. The following year, the

The idea has gained momentum and

The story does not end there. Last year,

farm began to distribute its own meat, which

currently the estate has a group of 150

the farm incorporated two new ABS bulls

represented a milestone in the company’s

pedigree animals registered in both

- Hickok and Broken Bow. “They are

history. In 2015 and 2016, Pedro bet on

countries, where the bulls that improve

very well-rounded bulls that fit perfectly

animals like Chinook and Substancial to

the herd are already produced, focusing

with our production requirements. They

evolve the genetics in heifers and he started

on the genome enriched EDPs and the

have good carcass numbers, calving

using the Reserve – together with Bruiser -

economic indexes targeted by the original

ease, feed efficiency and high daughter

to improve the adult cows.

breeding program.

pregnancy rate and they are a moderate

With the help from ABS Global, Pedro

Among the ABS bulls chosen for enhancing

size, which matches what we want for

our calves”, he says.

evolution of the genetic nucleus. “We used

we are planning to have a second auction in

Today, the farm has well-defined spaces

Sexcel sexed genetics in adult pedigree

the spring with the addition of bulls with high

for inseminations, first calving and services

cows to multiply the number of animals with

genetic indexes”, says the farmer.

for adult cows. The fattening of males and

this profile”, he points out.

feedyard for 100% of the females are daily

More than ten years after the start of the

Another important event for Black Label

relationship between Black Label Genetics

Genetics is the annual auction for the sale

and ABS, the results are more than visible.

The latest novelty from the Black Label

of the best animals, resulting from years

“ABS has become our pillar of support,

Genetics is the use of sexed semen, which

of hard work and dedication to the genetic

whether in Argentina, in neighboring

started this year. Sexcel was incorporated

improvement in Angus. “Next year, we are

countries, or even in the United States. The

into the insemination and production of

going to sell more than a thousand heads,

support we received was crucial to getting to

heifer embryos in the spring of 2018, for the

including genotyped pregnant cows. Now

where we are today”, proudly says Pedro.

activities.

INCREASE THE PROFITABILITY OF YOUR HERD THROUGH SIMPLICITY IN PRODUCTIVE CONTROL

Software for the reproductive management of dairy herds. Simplicity: less time and less complication in managing reproduction. More operational simplicity.

Quick understanding: ease in interpreting tables, graphs, and reports. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all very visual and right to the point.

Security: when loading updates from your herd, they are safe and secure on our server. If there is any problem, just download it again. No need to redo the work.

Ask the expert: technical assistance available 24/7 from a reproduction pecialist.

Higher profitability: decisions based on comparative and zootechnical indexes regarding economic impact.

Reports: periodic reports prepared by qualified and experienced technicians.

ABSAmericaLatina

COVER STORY

More information, more milk and more prof it! Offering simplicity to users, ABS Monitor presents surprising results throughout Latin America, and more and more customers are using the reproductive monitoring program to increase milk production. Since its launch in 2012, ABS Monitor has been attracting more and more users. The dairy herd management program enables a complete diagnosis of a farm’s reproductive data and, in the last two years, the number of registered animals has almost doubled - from 40 thousand to 75 thousand. The significant increase in the number of cows in the database indicates the success ABS Monitor has had among

the program’s users. The statistical information offered and organized by it allows the farmer to obtain an objective view of the farm’s results, opening up space for solutions adapted to each necessity. There are currently 600 users worldwide. In Latin America, the tool is being used in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina and Ecuador. “The rural farmer wants and needs simplicity, and this

is what ABS Monitor offers. Achieving the desired results through simplified reproductive management”, says Hélio Rezende, the Tools and Technical Services manager at ABS. More efficient management of herd indices allows the farmer to have more time for other activities that directly influence productivity. This is what happened with the production for the brazilian breeder Ana Cristina d’Ávila.

“After we started using ABS Monitor, we went from a pregnancy rate of 11% to a 27% rate - one of the best rates around the country. Before, our average was 350 liters of milk per day; currently, we are producing 4 thousand liters, with a projection of reaching 10,000. Of course, there is a parallel investment, but ABS brought a new look, with a lot of responsibility”, says Ana Cristina. This scenario of increased administrative efficiency is repeated throughout Latin America. In Uruguay, the breeder Never Choca runs the El Lelo farm, which houses a 440-head Jersey and Holstein herd in the San Jose region. In 2014, Never began using ABS Monitor and ever since has enjoyed more precise control of their animals. “The truth is that it provides tranquility in the day to day operations. It is easier to identify the problems and greatly facilitates the work of our veterinarian”, says the farmer, who also highlights the practicality of ABS Monitor and the opportunity to gain more control over the herd. In Nueva Plata, in the region of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the cattle rancher Dario Javier dedicates himself to breeding his 1,540 animals from the Holstein breed, including 800 lactating cows. Despite using ABS Monitor for only a short time, the breeder is already beginning to realize the benefits from its application in the herd. “It is too early to draw a full assessment, but I understand the practicality and speed in withdrawing the important information and data in order to obtain a true picture of the herd’s situation. It is an agile tool, and it helps in the day to day operations”, says Dario. Also, in the Buenos Aires region, in Argentina, is the Santa Isabel farm, that manages a Holstein herd with 198 donors.

The lead breeder, Jorge Oscar Saracho, began using ABS Monitor in October of 2014. “I started using the program to better control the fertility and pregnancy-related services. It has been a very useful tool in diagnosing ultrasounds, with very accurate and quickly calculated data”, says the farmer. Returning to Uruguay, in the Florida region, breeder Gonzalo Argul Gómez has been using ABS Monitor for the last seven years. For him, the program was useful in creating efficient and agile habits at the

Bella Vista farm. The herd is composed of 550 head of the Holstein breed, accompanied from the beginning by the ABS program. “We had already been using other ABS products and it just seemed natural to us that this part would also be done with them. As the herd data can be quite variable, the ABS Monitor allows us to have much greater and more precise control. We now review the information before each insemination, which allows for better planning”, says Gonzalo.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW ABS Monitor is not only beneficial to the customer. For the team of technicians who serve the farms, the program has facilitated the identification of production problems and allows for a closer relationship between technician and farmer. The ABS technician in Brazil, Lucas da Silva Rocha, says he cannot imagine a dairy farm that does not use ABS Monitor. “Without this assistance, it is as if the technician is working with his eyes closed. It opens up your eyes to how the farm is and helps to focus on the problems around the property. As the data is very simple and clear, the customer can follow the results, and realize how much the managerial changes we implement contribute to a better production”, he says. Lucas believes that ABS Monitor has changed the way technicians visit the farms. “We arrive with more information to know where and how to act. There are lots of advantages and the result is very clear - I get a lot of thanks from the customers, because they clearly understand how their daily lives have improved after our visit”, according to him. The ABS Ecuador distributor, Sebastián Cuadrado, points out the advantages to having ABS Monitor, highlighting the clarity and objectivity of the data available. “It’s a great tool for day-to-day work because the information from ABS Monitor makes it possible to make a complete diagnosis of the herd’s performance, which makes it easier to make decisions on adjusting the processes around the farm and increase service rates, pregnancies, among others”, he evaluates. The program works connected to an online database, which means that the data extracted from the herd can be accessed later by your smartphone, tablet or computer. With the information in hand, both the ABS team and the customer can better plan the solutions for each problem. “Similarly, when a change yields positive results, such as a new artificial

insemination protocol, for example, it is very easy to observe the impact caused on the herd. In addition, the benchmarking system from ABS Monitor allows for the farmer to compare the reality of each farm to the average statistics from around the country”, he concludes.

GREAT NUMBERS COLLECTED THROUGH ABS MONITOR! The evolution of ABS Monitor in recent years speaks for itself. According to the manager from Tools and Technical Services for ABS, Hélio Rezende, the performance demonstrates the positive effect that the program is able to exert on dairy herds. “In addition to verifying an overall increase in reproductive efficiency indexes in herds using ABS Monitor, we also noticed a decrease in the Days in Lactation, which we call DEL. This can greatly increase the profitability in milk production”, according to Hélio. Just in the Castro region of Brazil, the DEL index fell from 221 to 203, representing a potential gain of more than R$ 25,000 per day. The difference in reproductive data between 2016 and 2018 is also remarkable. In herds enrolled in the program, the service rate went from 49% to 64%, on average. The conception rate also rose from 32% to 34%. The pregnancy rate rose from 15% to 22%, and the percentage of pregnant cows jumped from 45% to 52%. After 150 days of lactation, the pregnancy rate increased from 45% to 61%. In total, 180 new clients contracted the program, bringing the number of farms registered to 580.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The interested dairy farmer registers with ABS and receives a login and password. With this information, they will have access to a virtual platform and they can also download a version of the program for their computer, accessible even without internet. “Offline, the user records basic information about the

YEAR

reproductive system on the farm and then with access to the internet, the user sends the data registered to the online system”, explains the manager Hélio Rezende. Once the data is registered, the farmer can generate a series of reports and have a more complete overview of the property. The graphs are simple and signify the farm’s situation through a color scheme:

SUBMITION CONCEPTION PREGNANCY RISK RISK RATE

DIM

green (good), yellow (deserves attention) and red (bad). “In this way, diagnosing the herd is simple. The user also has an ABS technician providing online consulting, contributing to better results and solving the issues presented on each farm”, informs Rezende.

% PREGNANT

% PREGNANT COWS @ 150 COWS DIM

ACCOUNTS

ANIMALS

2016

49%

32%

15%

221

45%

400

40.000

2017

59%

35%

20%

208

49%

52%

470

63.000

2018

64%

34%

22%

203

52%

61%

580

75.000

Evolution of accounts and animals

ANIMALS

ACCOUNTS

WHAT CAN ABS MONITOR DO FOR YOU? Organize the reproductive routine on your farm Safely store your herd information Issue periodic reports with property overview

Identify key issues and solutions Provide zootechnical indexes regarding economic impact so that you can make the best decision Generate Profit!

TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Efficient pregnancy production on commercial dairy farms Fernando Cavazos García Technical Service Manager for ABS Latin America Pablo Chesta Technical Services ABS Argentina

Efficient pregnancy production in modern high-yield dairy farms has been difficult in the last 20 years due to a decrease in dairy cattle fertility, especially in the Holstein breed. The need to induce pregnancy in a timely manner remains crucial to ensure a farm’s profitability and sustainability. We can summarize that, for efficient pregnancy production, the following points need to be reached: - Faster ovarian cyclicity in the post-calving period - Controlling variability regarding “Days-in-milk at First Service” - Early detection of non-pregnant cows - Rapid re-insemination of non-pregnant cows - Maintaining pregnancy rates above 20% - Preventing pregnancy loss as much as possible

FASTER OVARIAN CYCLICITY IN THE POST-CALVING PERIOD Some of the sought-after goals are generally to achieve over a 50% pregnancy

rate in the herd within the first 90 days after calving and at least 75% of the herd at 150 days post-calving. Above all, in order to achieve this first objective, it is necessary that cows recover their ovarian cyclicity in advance so that they can receive their first service once they have completed the voluntary waiting period and that, if the first service is not successful, one or two chances to conceive before 90 days after calving. Faster ovarian cycling basically depends on two important issues: That the negative energy balance in the days post-calving has not been so severe or prolonged. That the post-calving passes with adequate involution and uterine health, as well as a low incidence of metabolic problems.

Both require good management during the transitional period, during which it is necessary to maintain an adequate intake of dry matter, both in the weeks before birth and in the subsequent weeks - an indispensable condition to ensure the negative energy balance will not be so severe or prolonged and so that the incidence of post-calving diseases remains low. It is known that cows generally ovulate for the first time about two weeks after they have reached balance in terms of weight loss and at least no longer lose more weight, although this first ovulation is not always accompanied by an evident estrous period. During the transitional period, it is also necessary to apply the currently available resources to avoid not only clinical, but also subclinical hypocalcemia, as these affect the immune system’s ability to function and therefore increasing the risk of metritis postcalving. Calcium also plays an important role in the smooth muscle contractions of the uterus and the teat sphincter, and therefore hypocalcemia affects uterine involution and health, as well as the incidence of mastitis in the early days after calving. In the end, the main goal is for the cow to have at least one or two estrous cycles before receiving their first service, which improves the chances of success for this service. To make this happen, it is necessary that the vast majority of cows are able to ovulate for the first time up to the first 40 days post-calving. It is also very useful to establish a fresh cow program to accompany the cows in their first 2 or 3 weeks after calving and to discover any deviation from their health status in time to channel the problem cows into appropriate treatment protocols. This program should be considered a priority to avoid or reduce any stress factors on the newly-born cow.

2) CONTROLLING VARIABILITY REGARDING “DAYS-IN-MILK AT FIRST SERVICE”

This control depends very much on the first point already discussed about the restarting the cow’s cyclicity. As in any biological process, it is normal for there to be variation between cows in relation to the post-calving days needed to give them the first service. However, the important thing is that this variation is not exaggerated and that it fluctuates only within a range of 30 days after the cows have completed their voluntary waiting period. Assuming that the voluntary waiting period established on a farm is 50 days, the vast majority of cows (> 90%) should receive their first service between day 50 and day 80, and ideally, there should be no more first services after day 100 or that only 1 or 2% of the cows exceed this 100-day limit after calving. In the case of this example farm, the “Average days to the first service” should be 61 days (50 days of voluntary waiting + half a cycle, i.e. 11 days more), although it is more important that there is not a wide dispersion in the first services. Accomplishing the above item depends basically on the following:

Percentage of cows that are actually at the end of the voluntary

be properly programmed in the days prior to day 80 so that the treated cows receive their first service around day 80.

waiting period. As already mentioned,

Modern electronic detection systems, such as accelerometers, have tried to

this depends on a successful transition

eliminate the need to use these FTAI systems as a safety measure to ensure that

period supported by a good program

the first services are delivered on time; however, this goal has not been achieved in

of fresh cows and, above all, excellent

many cases.

nutrition and nutritional management. Even under the best conditions, it is possible that 10 or 15% of the cows are not in the cycle at the end of the VWP, especially if it is too short. Proportion of eligible cows that can be detected in estrus and exposed to semen in their first eligible cycle or within the first 21 days. This depends on everything that determines the efficiency

with

which

estrus

detected, that is, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Service Rateâ&#x20AC;? with which you are working with. The following factors are involved: a) the time dedicated to estrous detection, b) the time and frequency that estrous detection is performed, c) the auxiliary methods used in detecting estrus, such as pencils or chalk, tail paint, adhesive heat detectors, pedometers, accelerometers, etc. They also interfere with factors that affect or can affect the manifestation of estrus, such as the type of floor where the cows are (cement or dirt floor), space available for estrus to manifest, the grouping of livestock, etc Application of a fixed-time artificial insemination

system

(FTAI)

which

prevents cows from exceeding a certain limit, for example 80 days post-calving without having received their first service. If this was the goal (not to exceed 80 days), the synchronization protocols, and also very important, the pre-synchronization protocols, should

EARLY DETECTION OF NON-PREGNANT COWS

Before the first service there is a lot of flexibility in using pre-synchronization

programs combined with FTAI protocols, because we know that all cows are empty during this period, but from the moment cows receive their first service or subsequent services, we do not have that same flexibility, because the gestation could be affected, and this limits the use of certain hormones, such as GnRH. That is why we try to detect the non-pregnant cows as soon as possible to define which cows can be reentered into a program to re-inseminate in the shortest time possible. The end goal is to shorten the time between a failed service and the next service as much as possible, so the cow does not accumulate more open days. Yet this time period between one service and the next usually has two components: The number of days it takes to discover the non-pregnant cows The number of days it takes to re-inseminate the cow after it has been detected empty

4) RAPID RE-INSEMINATION OF NON-PREGNANT COWS The ideal scenario after a failed service or an early embryonic death is the

exception mentioned above in the cow that can manifest its estrus and it is detected and inseminated in this new estrous cycle. As these exceptions are not always a part of the majority, it is a matter of resorting to some â&#x20AC;&#x153;enrollmentâ&#x20AC;? system for cows that are discovered empty due to no estrus being detected since their last service. One of the most effective enrollment systems nowadays, assuming that pregnancy detection is performed on the 28th or 30th day post-service, is as follows: 7 days before pregnancy diagnosis, GnRH is applied to all cows. This GnRH would be the first injection of an Ovsynch protocol (the pregnant cows will receive this injection unnecessarily). On the day of the pregnancy diagnosis, the cows receive no further treatment and in the case of the empty ones, it is necessary to determine (preferably assisted by ultrasound) if, at that moment, the corpus luteum is functional. Cows that have the functional corpus luteum have to continue with Ovsynch, i.e. they are given a prostaglandin injection and then receive a second GnRH 56 hours later and are inseminated 14 to 16 hours after the last injection. Those animals that do not have a functioning corpus luteum at the time of discovering the pregnancy diagnosis will have to start a complete Ovsynch protocol once again and therefore receive the first GnRH application from the Ovsynch protocol. Notably, in both cases, better conception rates are obtained when, instead of using traditional or conventional Ovsynch, the protocol is used with a double prostaglandin injection, which implies only that a second prostaglandin dose is administered 24 hours after the first one.

NOTE: The exception to this is when the cow is able to repeatedly show estrus after the failed service and is inseminated when its estrus is discovered. Unfortunately, these exceptions are not always part of the majority. To shorten component #1, we use ultrasound or pregnancy detection systems in blood samples, which allows the farmer to detect the absence of gestation on day 28 or 30 post-service. The case with component #2 is discussed in the following paragraph.

MAINTAINING PREGNANCY RATES ABOVE 20%

that is, at least receive semen in a given

given 21-day cycle. This is precisely the

21-day cycle. This implies that either

index that is most affected by the loss of

It is already widely known that the

they were detected in estrus or they

fertility in dairy cattle and it is the index

term Pregnancy Rate tells us which

were inseminated through the FTAI,

that presents the greatest difficulty to

proportion or percentage of “cows eligible

synchronizing their ovulation. Therefore,

increase because it depends on multiple

for service” are pregnant in a given 21-

a high service rate (> 70%) will mainly

factors, some of which are under our

day cycle. Today, there are farms with

depend on the efficiency of the estrous

control (such as thawing of the straws and

excellent reproductive performance that

detection, which is also obtained through

semen handling, insemination, general

maintain pregnancy rates per cycle up to

the intelligent usage of FTAI, either for the

hygiene throughout the process, precision

30%, and it is known that if a farm does

first service or for subsequent services.

in estrous detection, etc.); but there

not maintain pregnancy rates of at least

Auxiliary methods for detecting estrus

are other factors that are not under our

above 20%per cycle, it is not generating

play an important role (pencil or markers,

control, especially early embryonic death,

the number of pregnancies that should.

tail paint, adhesive heat detectors, activity

which occurs due to multiple causes, and

pedometers, accelerometers, etc.)

where heat stress, mastitis and severe

The pregnancy rate is the result of a combination of two factors:

Rate of Conception and Fertility: refers

Service Rate: refers to the percentage

to the percentage of cows inseminated

of eligible cows that can be serviced,

or serviced, which are pregnant in a

hoof inflammation play an important role.

PREVENTING PREGNANCY LOSS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE Pregnancies are lost at very different stages during pregnancy. Pregnancy losses

can be classified into three categories. EARLY EMBRYONIC DEATH, when the embryo dies before the day the mother’s pregnancy is diagnosed, which is the 17th day of embryonic life. In these cases, the cow does not recognize the existing pregnancy and normally the cow repeats a normal cycle and begins estrus on day 21-23. LATE EMBRYONIC DEATH: The embryo dies after maternal recognition on the 17th day of gestation. After these late embryonic deaths, the cow repeats estrus, but with an abnormally long cycle, which can last up to 35 days. By diagnosing gestation through ultrasound, some of these pregnancy losses can be detected at the time of diagnosis, when it is observed that the embryo or its membranes are no longer normal or that the heart is no longer beating. PREVIOUSLY DIAGNOSED PREGNANCY LOSS (ABORTIONS). Maintain these below 12%. Although it is impossible to avoid many of the early or late embryonic losses, as well as

- Promote and care for animal welfare

completely avoid abortion, efforts must be made to avoid these problems through the principal

in general and the comfort of livestock,

measures available:

respecting the necessary feeding areas,

- Complete immunization schedules against major abortion diseases in the region, including those that cause embryonic death. - Avoid using feed ingredients that may contain mycotoxins or other types of problems, such as listeria. - Strive to control mastitis in general as well as claudication issues

shade space, avoiding overcrowding, availability of fresh and clean water with enough space to drink. Not forgetting a clean and dry stall, which is comfortable for the cow.

SPECIAL BEEF TOUR

Beef Tour: the path for American livestock Camila Mendoza Toledo Medical veterinary for ABS Chile Limited ABS Latin America has been doing the annual “BEEF TOUR” in several locations around the United States for the last twelve years. The cradle of genetic progress in both milk and meat and a very efficient and highly productive business model. In this way, the participation from different countries, together with their delegations, such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and, of course, Chile, constituted a tradition that spans back more than a decade ago. This American tour lasts eight days, a period in which thousands of miles are traveled in search of knowledge, learning and experience from the different realities that this immense country has to offer.

07 14

Why the United States? The answer is easy: for us, it is the largest source of bovine genetics, where there are more registered animals and technology is at the forefront, dictating the models of development for the rest of the countries involved in agribusiness. Our tour begins with an invitation to our customers, including producers, administrators and veterinary consultants, to accompany us on this trip. The Chilean delegation was attended by Roberto Riquelme (Ñuble Region); José Miguel Riquelme (Ñuble Region); Luis Vásquez (Araucanía Region); Esteban Vinagre (Los Lagos Region); Sérgio Donoso (Maule Region); Tomas Moreno (Los Rios Region); Camila Mendoza (ABS Sales Team) and

Francisco Castaño (Ñuble Region). The trip began in Kansas and our first stop was at the American Angus Association, where, in addition to attending a talk, we were informed about the association’s work, not only in America, but for all who are or potentially might be involved with the breed. With the content about the impact and reach of its genetic lines, our expectations over being given the chance to know the facility were high; they were more than met after visiting their farms full of samples from several pedigree bulls registered in the United States. Our next stop was at Byergo Angus, a family farm that handles the complete cycle of the management: from breeding to marketing the meat, since they have

their own onsite slaughterhouse and sell all kinds of products to restaurant chains. However, this farm’s ability to diversify was not limited to regular tasks, but also includes the sale of genetics - the Black Magic bull was born from this herd; a sire whose semen is in high demand. The second day, already in Nebraska, began with a visit to the University of Nebraska with Dr. Matt Spangler, a Professor of Animal Science/Extension Beef Genetics Specialist, who told us about genomic evidence and helped us understand how technology enables prediction accuracy with productive and linear parameters for each bull. It was no doubt that the highlight of the day was in the afternoon when we met

Isabella, the star of the Baldridge Angus ranch, an extraordinarily fertile cow with more than 40 embryos per wash, which has delivered more than 70 extraordinary daughters and who is the mother of the best ranking bulls. Moreover, the farm has a herd rich in genetics; where 100% of the work is done through artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Thinking they could not surprise us anymore, we arrived at the Connealy Angus Ranch, another family farm, where 275 bulls are sold per year. A place that is a reference for the Angus breed. Jerry Connealy’s speech begins and ends with the importance of genetics. In the afternoon, the Butcher Block owner, Doug Deibler, was waiting for us at the

community slaughterhouse. This is where Doug and his wife receive the animals and deliver it matured and with each cut ready to freeze. Returning to Kansas, we met up with Brady Larson on his family farm appropriately named the Larson Angus Ranch & Feedlot. This is where Brady, in addition to working at the ranch, is a representative for ABS. Unsurprisingly, given the history of the previous farms, the estate was in perfect working order, run by the family. Undoubtedly, what most attracted the group’s curiosity was the care system in place for pre-calving cows in the winter, through a 360° camera system that allows for monitoring from home, useful for facing hard winters with

temperatures below freezing every week. During the afternoon we visited a Red Angus and Charolais herd, where Frank Wedel captivated us with his technical and personal knowledge, typical of someone who has dedicated their life to the field and the Red Angus. On this occasion, we were surprised by the F1, due to its infrequent crossbreeding and all its records. The next day, we were once again surprised at the Gardiner Angus Ranch, where five generations have been entirely dedicated to cattle, world references in the selection of the Angus herd. They were affected in 2017 by a fire that led to some animals, infrastructure and even their homes being lost; thankfully, no one was injured, but the entire event was devastating. With great excitement, Mark Gardiner told us that at that moment they realized the impact of the work they had done all these years has had on customers, friends, relatives and even the Angus Association, who helped them get back on their feet and working again. Everyone understood how important they were as people and their significant role in Angus genetics. Today, they have almost entirely recovered with their state-

of-the-art facilities and beaming smiles on their faces. Our second visit that day was to a commercial herd, which had two interesting points: the first was that the ranch was run by three sisters, each responsible for different areas of the field, and the second is that the ranch has belonged to this family since 1872 and the sisters have run the estate for the last 10 years. The great part is that the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management is run successfully in all its dimensions by women. It should be added that, during 2012, the farm established a

partnership with a local slaughterhouse, where its meat obtained a quality seal and the certification has helped to generate a higher per kilo profit. Our last stop of the day allowed us to meet a breed that does not exist in our country: A Zebu crossbred with Angus, called Brangus, at the Suhn Cattle Company, a ranch in Eureka, Kansas. The owner, Vern Suhn, has a specific way of developing his business; he rents part of his herd and owns the other part. It is interesting to see how this breed behaves, because although it is well-adapted to hot

climates, after 20 years of experience, Suhn Cattle shows that it can also adapt to harsh winters. To conclude, a Hereford herd, Schu-lar Polled Herefords, the source of the best bulls from the breed to US suppliers. It surprises with the animals’ structure and the bull’s characteristics, not only for meeting the demand for certain meat characteristics, but the excellence in maternal abilities. During the tour, we were able to get to know the heart of the United States, travel to a variety of locations and appreciate the importance of grazing, a prevailing factor in our country as a fundamental pillar in the production process. Without a doubt, the most impressive takeaways were the assertive and concrete responses from the American farmers to the questions we asked them as a delegation, for example: How do you achieve this body condition? At what

weight and age do they wean? At what age and weight are heifers inseminated? What is your daily weight gain? Faced with these concerns, the answers were always unanimous and accurate from the farmers: “Everything that we have is the result of the work and years of GENETICS”. They made it very clear the advantage they possess in being able to select and have the best bulls that accommodate their herds and with the characteristics they want. Currently, all bets are focused on genomic bulls, to shorten process times and accelerate genetic progress. To top it all off, the tour’s human factor: the conversations and exchanges regarding personal and professional experiences that were raised in the group, enriching elements that I hope that, when reading this article, encourage other people. We look forward to seeing you at the 2019 ABS BEEF TOUR.

SPECIAL ABS EXPERIENCE

More than 200 ABS customers from over 20 countries gathered to take part in a unique experience in the world’s largest dairy gene pool. The 1st ABS Global

A unique experience through the American dairy chain

Experience represented a great opportunity

ABS innovates and surprises customers with a special roadmap marked by a considerable amount of technology and an abundance of superior genetics: the ABS Global Experience

the future and certainly learning how to

for farmers who spent four days visiting farms and gaining insight on the best technology for dairy herds. “We had passionate dairy farmers from around the world. They are excited about put genetics to work for them”, says ABS Global Dairy COO, Nate Zwald. The tour took us through the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The itinerary was carefully prepared by the ABS Global team, who ensured impeccable execution from logistics to structuring the contents passed to the participants, providing the greatest

use of time and absorption of knowledge.

Campos, celebrated the result. “Certainly,

The positive assessment was also made

During the visits, the group was divided

our customers were extremely pleased

by Juan Esteban, responsible for ABS in

into four teams that visited interspersed

with what they saw and what they were

Argentina and Uruguay. “ABS made it

stations set up on the properties.

able to bring to their respective countries.”

clear that it is a company that is seeking

This was the 1st edition of the ABS

The largest group in the region was Brazil,

excellence in production, all the while being

Experience. The event was motivated by

with 17 participants. “They will certainly be

greatly committed to the customers”, he

the advances the company has undergone

ABS’s spokespeople, from everything we

said.

in recent years. “So many positive things

have done for all our customers, not only

For Luis Gonzales, responsible for ABS in

are happening right now, whether it’s

for those we bring, but for all farmers,

Mexico, the result was also eye-opening.

DeNovo Genetics, the Sexcel launch or the

regardless of whether they are big or small.

The trip was a wonderful experience. We

NuEra Genetics beef program that we own.

ABS is a company that serves everyone”,

were able to gather many farmers from all

It’s truly incredible, there’s no better time

highlighted Márcio Nery, the director for

over Latin America, who shared with us all

to bring these customers from around the

ABS Brazil.

their experiences and everything they know

world”, highlights the COO for ABS Global

Alejandro Luco, the general manager for

about this business. In addition, we got to

ABS Chile, also accompanied the tour. “It

know all the ABS technology, and it was

people

was a great experience. We are leaving

very interesting”, he said.

participated, including customers, potential

happy. The best part is that we learn things

customers and support staff. The ABS

that we did not know, which will allow us

Latin America General Manager, Ricardo

to improve the quality of our business.”

Beef, Jerry Thompson. From

Latin

America,

THE ITINERARY The itinerary planning was one of the most praised points by the participants at the 1st ABS Global Experience. According to Klaus Freitas, the Dairy Product manager for ABS Latin America, the schedule was set considering what is most important and modern for the industry. “We started by visiting farms that use our genetics, all the services offered by ABS, the best available genetics, sexed semen - Sexcel, which is a success. Then we visited the farms that produce these bulls that are being marketed. We also visited the bull studs, where we saw the bulls, the process of sexing, all the available technology, and highlighting everything that ABS is doing for its customers and showing all the customers around the world what can be done for them”, he said.

WEISS FAMILY FARMS

another

defining

Founded in 1887, the farm is run by

characteristic of the Weiss farm. There

the fifth generation of the Weiss family:

are more than 13 tons of milk produced

the couple Don and Colette Weiss, who

per day (40 kg per cow). To achieve

are already accompanied by their sons,

these impressive results, the family uses

Nathan and Noah, in administrating

a variety of ABS products. Among them,

the property. All of them together,

we can highlight sexed genetics from

accompanied by their very young

Sexcel, Icon Sires, ABS InFocus, GMS

grandchildren, welcomed the group

(Genetic Management System), RMS

and spoke very thoroughly about every

(Reproductive Management System),

detail regarding the farm’s history and

Genetic Audit and ABS Cornerstone.

day to day routine.

Productivity

“We started using ABS genetics in

The growth is in the farm’s DNA. In

1987 and I feel that the commitment

1985, the herd consisted of 54 cows,

to the superiority of the animals they

and the entire property occupied a land

have shown us was what turned us

of less than 65 hectares. Today, the farm

into a profitable property. Working with

extends over 2,500 hectares and houses

them enabled us to accomplish this

more than 2,000 Holstein animals.

achievement”, says Don Weiss.

BOMAZ, INC.

essentially Net Merit.

Brazilian national team, personalized with his

The gaze from participants were even more

“We use Net Merit, basically with the

last name. Of course, a reference for being the

focused and, let us say, dazzled with the

characteristic of the animals we use in our

gunner in producing proven superior animals.

visit to the Bomaz farm, the Zwald family’s

genetic program. We use animals that have

And there are many. Bomaz has been

property, which occupies more than 1,000

more than a 950 Net Merit and most, almost

consolidating itself more and more as an

hectares and is known for genetic excellence,

all bulls, have close to a 1000 Net Merit or

excellent source of cutting-edge genetics.

with several bulls in stud. Here, there are

higher. We do not select by type. We select

From the ABS Global directory, nine bulls

more than 2,000 Holstein animals, including

by production and health performance”,

were born here. Another 20 are under study

900 milking cows.

revealed owner Bob Zwald, who insists on

to be added to the company’s portfolio within

keeping track of the farm’s entire process.

a year. The quality of genetics is the result of

With more than 20 years invested in dairy farming, the family runs a farm that

It was Bob Zwald who welcomed the

much hard work and also counts on the help

is a benchmark in results and productivity:

entourage and from the group of farmers

from ABS. The farm makes use of Sexcel

almost 45 kg of milk is produced per cow

and technicians from Latin America, he

sexed genetics, in addition to Icon Sires and

every day. The focus of the selection is

even received a gift: the #10 jersey from the

the GMS.

cow. Each year, 1,400 new heifers are

guarantee the animals’ comfort and the

born in the herd, contributing to a rapid

high volume of milk produced. In addition,

It is not every day that one sees a herd

and productive growth. To achieve such

the fully robotic milking system impresses

with 1,280 milking cows. On the American

astonishing results, the Johnson’s Rolling

those who visit the place.

farm Johnson’s Rolling Acres, that’s

Acres team relies on a number of ABS

“Our goal is to always increase

exactly what you will find. Owned by the

products and programs: Sexcel sexed

production. When we reach a goal, we

Johnson family since 1967, when it was

genetics, Icon Sires, ABS InFocus, the

always want a little more effort, a little

founded, the dairy farm impresses with

GMS, the Genetic Audit and even DeNovo.

more results. We want to make sure we are

its structure and management of Holstein

All the work is overseen by the family.

getting the most out of the cows, without

Besides the investment in genetics, the

leaving aside health, comfort, cleanliness

There are almost 13.5 tons of milk

farm is also reference in structure. Large

and all the necessary conditions”, explains

produced every day - about 40 kg per

barns with Cross Ventilation system

the owner, Trinity Johnson.

JOHNSON’S ROLLING ACRES

animals.

DENOVO GENETICS

consists of 2,000 cows, including 1,200

The genetic development program set

milking cows. It calls attention to the

up by ABS and the De-Su Holsteins farm

simplicity and the rusticity with which the

two years ago has already produced

herd is treated, providing conditions that

very surprising results, surpassing the

are closer to reality.

predictions from experts such as ABS Global

geneticist

Ryan

Starkenburg.

has

exceeded

During the passage through the site, participants could see the progeny of

our

remarkable bulls, fruits of the nucleus,

expectations. More than 20 of the top 100

like Josuper. The group of daughters

bulls from around the world come from

presented, with exceptional and extremely

DeNovo, that is, more than 20%. For a

standardized udders, elicited compliments

program that is only two years old, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a

and sighs from those who understand and

great startâ&#x20AC;?, he says.

are passionate about genetics.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;DeNovo

all

By combining ABS and De-Su Holsteins, two companies that are unmatchable references in the field of bovine genetics, the program continues to show its true potential, leaving satisfied customers with each innovation that drives the market. A visit to the De-Su Holsteins farm, a partner in developing the program, was one of the most anticipated visits for the ABS Experience participants. Situated on more than 1,800 hectares, the herd

ABS GLOBAL

more bulls because they are young and

THEY LIVED THIS EXPERIENCE!

The ABS Global genetics facility

do not produce as much semen as the

located in Dekorra, Wisconsin, was the

older bulls. That is why we have seen

last stop on the visit. As expected, it is

an uptick in the number of animals and

possible to find exceptional animals at

barns at ABS”, said veterinary services

Mauro Paim Beraldo (Brasil):

the company’s headquarters, including

coordinator Ray Karls.

“I’m looking for a lot of evolution in my

Speaking about genomics, it has also

herd, and I believe this trip showed what

Those who visited the facility were

increased the demand on care for calves

is the best and most innovative. During

able to follow the collection process

that are already born with all the known

the ABS Experience, we learned what

from exceptional sires, which follow

genetic potential. Some animals as

the world is looking for in our industry”.

rigid biosafety standards. Customers

young as six months are already leaders

discovered details on the structure and

in the Holstein breed and therefore

Andres Hinostroza (Chile):

expansion plans to meet the genomic

deserve even more VIP treatment at

“We learned a lot on the tour regarding

era. “When genomics arrived, we began

ABS Global headquarters. The structure

the reproductive and nutritional parts of

to realize how good the animals would

of Future Genetics, set up to house

the animals. We know the reality and the

be from a very young age. Now, we

these promising bulls from the breed, is

knowledge each farm brings, which is

find that we do not have to wait years

getting fuller and more powerful.

different in each case. That made the

promising bulls for the market.

to know the potential of a bull. We need

whole trip very rich”. Eduardo Faudoa Guerrero (México): “We got to know breeders from many places, who have adopted different practices in their productions, and this

INTELLIGEN The IntelliGen lab is where the ABS

with the technology used to obtain the

is very interesting. Certainly, the visits to

final product, as well as the laboratory’s

the farms were very enriching”.

been

complete, modern structure. For the dairy

revolutionizing the market since its

farmer in Brazil, Reinaldo Figueiredo, the

Maurício Martín Weidmann

launch in September of 2017. By June of

visit clarified many aspects regarding the

(Argentina):

this year, one million Sexcel straws had

ABS product.

“During the trip, we did not come in

sexed

genetics, Sexcel, has

“In our day to day operations, we

contact with any cows we did not like.

With the visit to the headquarters of the

are happy when a heifer is born using

They are all animals that I would very

innovative technology, the farmers- many

Sexcel technology, but we could not have

much like to take home”.

of them using Sexcel to improve the

imagined that it represents the result from

genetics their herds - had the opportunity

12 years of constant work. Here, the work

Alenjandro Pérez (Uruguai):

to have a more intimate look at all the

does not stop, and we know more about

“Everything caught our eye. The size

stages in the process of developing

the fight that was necessary to get to this

of the facilities, the controlled and

sexed genetics.

point”, he says

adjusted systems. They are very efficient

already been marketed worldwide.

The visiting farmers became familiar

properties, with high production and with great control over all processes”.

TECHNICAL TALK

All the solutions in genetic improvement in one place! ABS announces the integration of IVB and consolidates to become the largest company in the industry around the world with the offer of a complete package of solutions for customers.

The integration of IVB into ABS goes far beyond the union of the two companies. This is a milestone for the bovine genetics market, with the possibility of innumerable opportunities for creating new technologies capable of changing the reality of the industry. ABS has now definitively consolidated itself as the market leader by offering genetic improvement on three fronts: conventional semen, sexed genetics and embryos. The ABS LATIN AMERICA DIRECTOR, RICARDO CAMPOS, talks about the importance of this moment for ABS and, especially, for the customers

1- ABS NEWS: What, in your opinion, is the impact from integrating IVB? How is ABS being seen by the market? RICARDO CAMPOS: Actually, the integration has

in many countries where this technology is used. We

had a very large impact, because we will finally

will continue to grow, not only in Brazil and Mexico.

leverage the strengths of both companies, not only

Another important thing is the commercial structure

regarding technology, but also in relation to people.

that we have in Brazil and Argentina, which has

We are combining two extremely competent teams

improved the customer service, and also promoted the

and consolidating them into one. The customer

growth in research and development for the sector. In

will certainly feel the effect of this process on the

this way, we will be able to create new products that

technologies offered by IVB and ABS.

will represent new innovative solutions for the market.

Currently, in terms of market share, our embryo technology is a world leader with a strong presence

2- ABS NEWS: How does ABS see the embryo market? How much is its representation in Latin America? RICARDO CAMPOS: A very important aspect is

and this makes the process simpler and easier for

that ABS is totally focused on the development of

the customer. We have numerous points of sales,

biotechnology. With the integration, we have become

expanding access to our technologies everywhere.

the only company on the market that offers genetic

It is important to mention that we have also modified

improvement through semen, sexed genetics

the company structure. By doing this, we have

and embryos. This is a remarkably competitive

prioritized the Latin American customer, and formed

advantage, and we want to take advantage of this

a hierarchy that serves customers in the simplest,

factor, not only in relation to the ABS growth, but

most correct and efficient way possible to deliver

also to offer genetic improvement to customers

the highest quality products and services.

around the world, especially in Latin America. The sales process will also be simplified. The product offering will be only one, through ABS,

3- ABS NEWS: With the integration, IVB has become a technology within ABS. Will investments in IVB Technologies continue? RICARDO CAMPOS: Investments will continue,

analyzing expansion mechanisms in Latin America

similar to what happened with IntelliGen, the

and around the world. We have projects in Asia and

company responsible for the sexed genetics

Europe, but without forgetting to focus on the key

technology. For example, we are inaugurating an

countries to our company, located in our region.

absolutely brand-new laboratory in Brazil, we have a first level laboratory in Mexico, and we will continue

4- ABS NEWS: What do you foresee for the future of genetic improvement? RICARDO CAMPOS: I see a tremendously bright

will include three insemination mechanisms - semen,

future. ABSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to offer genetic improvement.

sexed genetics or the embryos themselves - allowing

This is how customers distinguish the value of our

unique solutions to be tailored to the specific needs

services. With the integration of In Vitro, this ideal

of each customer.

is even more evident. Product sales will be greatly simplified, and the line of genetic breeding programs

THE PEOPLE BEHIND ABS

“Unifying everyone’s efforts toward a common goal is one of the differentials at ABS” Juan Camilo Escalante Alvarez Graduated in Animal Science, Juan Camilo Escalante Alvarez has been working at ABS Colombia for the last eight years. However, before starting his career at the company, he had already gained experience working in the area. It was in Australia, where he gained his first experience within the sector. There, he worked in biotechnology centers in the collection and processing of semen. During this time, Juan had his first contact with the ABS Colombia team and in 2010 he was asked to take the position of GMS (Genetic Management System) evaluator. “It was an important opportunity for me, and it represented my official entrance into ABS. As I already knew a good part of the team, the transition process was very smooth”, recalls Juan. After a year dedicated to the GMS, Juan was transferred to

work as the director of technical services for ABS Colombia, a position in which he also stayed for one year. Finally, he reached his current position - commercial unit manager. “It’s been an incredible experience, especially in relation to the team. The unified effort by all for a common goal is one of the differentials at ABS. Our work is always developed as a team, and this is one of the most enriching parts of the process”, he believes. Regarding ABS’s impact on the Colombian market, Juan makes it clear about the growing importance of the company: “ABS Colombia is expected to sell triple the results we had eight years ago. This not only shows us that the company is growing economically, but also that there is more ABS genetics being marketed in Colombia, which is a great achievement”, he said happily.

“ABS has changed the market all over the world” Klaus Hanser de Freitas In 1993, Klaus Hanser de Freitas graduated in Animal Science from the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (MG). Four years later, he joined ABS, where he has remained to this day. During his 21-year journey within the company he has built a career dedicated to the development of genetics in dairy farming. Prior to 1997, Klaus trained in Israel and also in Switzerland, where he gained knowledge that contributed to him joining ABS. Klaus worked as the company’s commercial representative for the first six years. Then he was a field technician in the Technical Dairy Department for three years and spent three more as the Tropical Dairy Product Manager in Brazil. After that, he assumed the role of Dairy Product Manager for four years and finally established himself as the Dairy Product Manager for Latin America, a position which he has held for the last five years. “ABS is practically the only company I’ve worked for. Over the

course of these 21 years, I have come to have a great admiration for the team and all the experiences we have exchanged here”, said Klaus. He went on to explain that the long journey within the company has given him an extensive look at the market and customer demands. “One of the attitudes I learned to take is how to put myself in the customer’s shoes. It’s a key process that ABS does very well – always concerned about the customer, what they need at any given moment, how to help them on a daily basis according to the reality they are experiencing”, according to Klaus. In addition to the attention to customer service, ABS stands out as a leader and pioneer in the market. “I’ve seen a lot happen at ABS. We have had leading bulls, both in Holstein and in Jersey, as well as Gir and Girolando. “ABS has changed the market all over the world”.

The company’s innovation is one of the points most focused on by the manager. “A lot of what happens in the market is a consequence of the innovation that ABS has brought to it”. ABS created the linear assessment for the GMS that was used by the Breed Associations to generate the evaluation for bulls. We also created genetic transport with nitrogen storage tank. And, of course, we have sexed genetics, which has revolutionized the

market. That is ABS’s DNA”, he highlights. With all these achievements, Klaus has more than shown how proud he is to be part of the company’s history. “We are market leaders, through innovations, techniques, new technologies, always leaning on science to a great degree. I am very proud of all this and I am very pleased with how we interact as a team on a daily basis”, he concludes.

“We set standards for the market, we lead the way towards evolution and we give the industry its northern heading” Márcio Nery Communicative, detailed and extremely attentive to the market, the customers and, especially the people who are part of the ABS team. The ABS general director in Brazil, Márcio Nery, has been in the company for nearly two decades and has an established career in the industry. A career that started even earlier. Graduated in Agricultural Engineering from the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (MG), Márcio Nery, before joining ABS, worked for 10 years as a classifier and records superintendent for the Holstein Cattle Breeders Association of Minas Gerais. After that, he was hired by the company to work as a field technician, from there he went on to managing the European Dairy and Tropical Dairy Product, Commercial Dairy Management and in 2007 he became the current general director. For Márcio, his trajectory at ABS, which also included a role in the Marketing and Communication department, helped to shape his innovative style and evolve as a professional, in parallel with the company. “Having gone through so many different functions inside the company has made it possible to take a different look at market opportunities. I actively participated in designing projects that would later be very important products and services for us”, he explains.

Nery has directly participated in creating several projects, such as ABS Monitor, ZPlan, GPlan, Sync, IATFmax, ABSNeo and the ABS XBlack index. “All these actions were made possible thanks to the contribution from a great team that has always supported me. We set standards for the market, we lead the way towards evolution and we give the industry its northern heading. The history of artificial insemination has always been linked to ABS Global, and in Brazil it is no different”, he points out. ABS’s innovation and pioneering spirit are reasons of pride for Márcio, who always carries with him these ideals to develop the best work possible. “Being part of the ABS team is a privilege. It is a team of respectful people, who intensely live the Genus values”, affirms the director. The general director for ABS Brasil emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the teams from all the countries in Latin America. “It was this cooperation that has allowed us to develop great projects together. No matter the department, from production to administrative, to the exciting IVB youth, I am very proud of the company we are creating”, he concludes.

ACADEMIC UPDATE

Profitability with natural mating and fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cattle By Glauber dos Santos; Rodrigo Dorneles Tortorella; and Daiane Fausto

indexes can be achieved by using breeding

According to the latest surveys, Brazil

Reproduction plays a key role in the

has the largest commercial cattle herd in

efficiency and profitability for the beef

biotechnologies,

the world, numbering around 210 million

cattle production system, in which low

artificial insemination (FTAI), which does

head. At the same time, both the population

production rates are often associated with

not require estrus detection and allows for

and the demand for animal protein has

prolonged infertility during post-calving,

a greater number of inseminated animals

increased, which means a greater need

little usage of biotechnologies in the

in a shorter time frame.

for meat production by cattle ranchers. On

herd, and the extractive form of Brazilian

The FTAI is characterized by the use of

the other hand, the total area of land used

livestock (Pires et al., 2004). In this context,

hormonal protocols that aim to manipulate

for livestock farming has declined year

natural mating (NM) is the most widely

and increase the induced estrus fertility,

after year, due to the advances made with

used breeding system in beef cattle, but

and the precision of the ovulation moment

crops such as soybeans and corn (IBGE,

despite advances in the breeding systems,

(McKinniss et al., 2011; Tortorella et

2016). In this context, it is important that

the problem associated with prolonged

al., 2013). In addition to the advantages

livestock farming undergo modernization

post-calving anestrus still persists in

and professionalization in order to increase

cows. This situation leads to a decrease

the profitability and attractiveness in the

in the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productive efficiency, since it

meat production chain, i.e. in practice, the

increases the calving to first heat interval,

producer must be prepared to create more

calving to conception, and the calving

animals in a smaller space, with lower

interval (CI). The improvement in the

costs and greater efficiency.

reproductive and consequently productive

such

fixed-time

of Artificial Insemination (AI), which

increasing the producer’s profitability (Bó

and indirect costs is fundamental. It is

aggregates genetic and economic values

et al., 2005).

often neglected by the producer, which

with the use of genetically superior bulls,

Regardless

which

reproductive

leads to a misinterpretation in the breeding

the FTAI concentrates the farm’s labor

management is adopted by the farm,

system’s profitability. It is common in

while synchronizing and inducing the

there will always be costs, either with

cost analysis to omit information such

animals’ cyclicity. Therefore, a greater

hormones in the FTAI, with skilled labor

as opportunity cost of land, capital and

number of cows are inseminated at

in the artificial insemination or with the

depreciation, which is likely to lead to the

the beginning of the breeding season,

acquisition of bulls for NM. That is why

medium and long-term failure of many

increasing the amount of pregnancies,

the decision to adopt one or any other

properties. This study’s purpose was to

which allows a longer recovery time for

management option must be made from

evaluate the benefit of: the cost of using

new gestation in the following season

technical and economic data, in order to

natural mating or fixed-time artificial

(Sá Filho et al., 2013). In addition, calves

minimize errors that may compromise

insemination during the mating season

born from FTAI at the beginning of the

productive performance (Amaral et al.,

of a beef cattle production system in the

calving season are heavier at weaning,

2003). In this context, analyzing the direct

Guarapuava, PR region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The data used to elaborate the work was based

type. To analyze the profitability, the cows were divided

on a breeding farm located in the municipality of

into two groups, natural mating (NM, n = 150) and fixed-

Guarapuava (PR) located at the 25° 22’S longitude and

time artificial insemination (FTAI, n = 150). Regardless

51° 52’W latitude with 500 hectares. The predominant

of the group, the cows were allocated to pastures of

climate in the region is temperate, with well-defined

Brachiaria decumbens (1.2 UA ha-1 stocking) with water

winters and summers and precipitation distributed

and mineral salt ad libitum.

throughout the year.

The cost per pregnancy in NM used the following

The cost and revenue analysis were made based on the

parameters: number of cows in the NM system (n = 150),

data obtained between the Breeding Season [BS] from

bull’s lifespan (six years), value of the discard bull (R$

December, 2016 to February, 2017 (90 days). The breed

3,380.00), return on capital per year (R$), fattened bull

was composed of 300 multiparous donors, between 30

price in 2017 (R$ 140.00 @-1), annual operating costs

and 60 days post-calving, with a mean body condition

per bull (R$ 250.00) and annual rent for bull grazing (R$

scoring of 2.5, with 1 = lean and 5 = obese (Wildman et

201.60). The annual pasture rent per bull accounted for

al., 1982), with calves at foot from the breeds Charolais

12% of the kilo value (@) for the fattened bull multiplied

(Bos taurus) and Canchin (which is a 5/8 Charolais and 3/8

by 12 months. Operating costs included food, vaccination,

Zebu crossbreed), a great representation of most farms in

andrological examination, worming and labor costs. The

the region with regards to the number of donors and breed

value of the discard bull was based on the final slaughter

weight in kilos (26@) multiplied by the value of the fattened

passed through the corral three times, including the

cow (R$ 130.00). For calculating the return on capital per

day of insemination. The total time regarding handling

year, in reals, an average 12% Selic rate was used. Within

(10hrs) was the basis for the cost analysis with the farm

the property the number of bulls used also influenced the

labor, according to the employee salary. A base salary of

cost per pregnancy, with regards to the farm in question,

R$ 6.25 after taxes per hour was used. However, since

the proportion of 1 bull for every 30 cows was respected.

the second and third insemination times were shorter, an

In this way, five bulls from the Angus breed were used

average was taken from the 3 to be used.

with a unit purchase value of R$ 9,000.00. In addition, a

In the FTAI group, up to three inseminations per

pregnancy rate of 20%, 30% and 75% was estimated at

cow were performed, that is, on the ultrasonographic

30 days, 60 days and the end of BS, respectively (Sá Filho

examination 30 days after the FTAI, the nonpregnant

et al., 2013). The cost per pregnancy/bull was obtained

cows were resynchronized and inseminated again. In

through the following eq. (1):

this way, the bull was not used, totaling a BS of 80 days. Sales et al. (2013) reports an average pregnancy rate of

CP = (CTo × n° T) / TFP (1)

50% with FTAI, which would result in an 87% pregnancy rate at the end of BS. The cost per pregnancy/FTAI was

where, CP: cost per pregnancy; CTo: cost per bull; n° T:

calculated by eq. (3):

number of bulls; and TFP: total pregnant females The cost per bull was calculated by eq. (2):

CP = (CTr × n° FTAI) / TFP (3)

CTo=Dp+AP+CO+[(Dp+AP+CO+VC)×RC] (2)

where, CP: cost per pregnancy; CTr, cost per treatment; n° FTAI: number of inseminations at fixed time; and TFP:

where, CTo: cost per bull; DP: depreciation; AP: pasture rental; CO: operating cost; VC: value of the bull’s

total pregnant females. The cost per treatment was calculated by eq. (4):

purchase; and CR: return on capital The analysis of the cost per pregnancy with the FTAI

CTr=VF+RF+[(VF+RF) × RC] (4)

(n = 150) was based on the model followed by most farms that hire this service in the region, in which the veterinarian charges a closed value per inseminated

where, CTr: cost per treatment; VF: fixed value; RF: employee compensation; and RC: return on capital.

cow. The value, around R$ 60.00, included labor

Regardless of the experimental group, the expenses

(hormone application and insemination, R$ 20.00),

with depreciation in cows, vaccines, medicines, interest

semen (R$ 20.00), hormones and disposable material

on fixed capital (donors, land, machines and facilities)

(R$ 20.00). In this case, the farm had no depreciation

and interest on capital cost were not included. For Arruda

costs for materials such as the semen canister, or

(1993), while the cow is weaning the calf, these costs

operational costs such as maintaining the liquid nitrogen

are being credited to the calves, therefore, these costs

levels inside the canister.

are only valid after weaning.

Another cost item was the return on capital per year, in reals, in which the average 12% Selic rate was used. A hormonal protocol was used in which the animals

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

After analyzing the results, it was possible to observe

possible to observe that from a fixed pregnancy rate,

that the cost per pregnancy was R$ 117.62 and R$ 217.66

the higher the acquisition cost of a bull would increase

for the NM and FTAI groups, respectively. However, this

the interest in optimizing its use in a larger number of

difference may be higher or lower depending on factors

females to dilute the cost per pregnancy. To do so, it is

such as the ratio of bull to cows and bull acquisition

important that a pre-BS andrological examination be

costs. Table 1 showed the cost simulation per pregnancy

performed to ascertain the general and reproductive

according to the price of the bull and the ratio of bull to

health of the male.

cows, starting with an end pregnancy rate of 75%. It was

Table 1. Cost per pregnancy, in reals, for natural mating according to the price of the bull and the bull:cows ratio, in the overall pregnancy rate for the 75% mating season

BULL PRICE

BULL:COW RATIO 1:25

1:30

1:50

7,000.00

108.29

90.24

54.14

9,000.00

141.15

117.62

70.57

11,000.00

174.01

145.00

87.00

---- R$ ----

The R$ 100.00 difference between pregnancy costs

produce a calf. Brazil has around a 60% birth rate and

when FTAI is used may cease to exist when, due to

a 21-month calving intervals, whereas in more technical

some situation, the bull dies (1-3% mortality rate) or

systems the same rates are around 80% and 12 to 13

loses service capacity during the BS. In addition, in

months, respectively (Kichel et al., 2011). One of the

some situations the bull can become cumbersome for

reasons for the low birth rate, which increased the cost

the property management, since it requires a specific

per pregnancy, was the low reproductive efficiency of

pasture for when it is outside the BS. In addition, due to

cows with calves (Yavas and Walton, 2000). This is due

the more aggressive temperament caused by a higher

to the fact that when not stimulated artificially they end

concentration of testosterone, it can lead to increased

up demonstrating estrus only at the end of the BS or

fence maintenance (breakage) or even injuries to

even after its completion, that is, the male may be able

employees.

to reproduce, but the female does not show interest in

In table 2, maintaining the 1 bull to 30 cow proportion,

accepting the mating. This physiological factor from the

another factor was inserted that interferes with the

female during weaning is aggravated by the conditions

cost per pregnancy, the pregnancy rate at the end of

in Brazilian pastures, in which 80% are estimated to be

the BS. It was easy to see that the lower the pregnancy

in the process of degradation.

rate at the end of the BS would lead to a higher cost to

Table 2. Cost per pregnancy, in reals, for natural mating according to the price of the bull and the final pregnancy rate during the mating season, maintaining the 1 bull to 30 cow ratio

BULL PRICE

PREGNANCY RATE 60

7,000.00

112.30

90.24

74.87

9,000.00

146.38

117.62

97.58

11,000.00

180.45

145.00

120.30

---- R$ ----

Despite the higher cost per pregnancy in the FTAI group,

kg, so for the 18 heifers it would require R$ 37,050.00,

a higher pregnancy rate was observed in relation to NM

a higher value than that received from the sale of the

(130 and 112). From this result, it was possible to make

discarded cows.

a revenue forecast at the time of the weaned calf sale

Amaral et al. (2003) carried out simulations to

with 6 to 8 months and 240 kg at a price of R$ 7.00 per

compare the cost of pregnancy of the bull versus the

kg for the weaned calf. The revenue using the FTAI would

conventional AI versus the FTAI. They concluded that the

be around R$ 13,440.00 higher than if NM were used. In

bull presented the lowest cost followed by conventional

addition, it is common to get rid of nonpregnant females

AI and FTAI. According to these numbers, the FTAI had in

at the end of the mating season, involuntary discarding,

the cost of hormones and relative low pregnancy rate (~

which resulted in an indirect replacement cost to the

50%) the main factors that increased the investment for

herd with the acquisition of heifers or decreased sales

its achievement.

from weaned calves, that is, a portion of the heifers that

Table 3 shows that when the FTAI pregnancy rate was

could be sold and generating revenue, should remain in

higher or the cost of semen was lower, the cost per

the herd to replace this extra number of nonpregnant

pregnancy ended up decreasing. To illustrate, when the

females being discarded. Simulating, in the NM group,

pregnancy rate at the end of the BS increased by 5%

18 more cows would be lost than in the FTAI group, at a

(87% to 93%) using a semen at R$ 20.00, the cost per

fattened cow value of R$ 120.00 and a slaughter weight

pregnancy decreased by around 20% (R$ 217.66 versus

of 16 @ would generate R$ 34,560.00 in revenue.

R$ 180.51). Sรก Filho et al. (2013) found a pregnancy

However, for the acquisition of 18 heifers, an amount

rate of 7% to 10% higher at the end of the BS when

of R$ 1,950.00 would be disbursed per animal starting

comparing groups that used FTAI WITH others that used

from the base price in the range of R$ 6.00 per kg of

conventional AI or NM.

live weight for a heifer with an average weight of 325

Table 3. Pregnancy cost, in reals, for artificial insemination at a fixed time [FTAI] according to the semen price and the final pregnancy rate of the breeding season after three FTAIs

SEMEN PRICE

GROUP PREGNANCY RATE AFTER 3 FTAIS 78

15.00

258.82

206.00

172.15

20.00

271.38

217.66

180.51

25.00

283.94

226.00

188.87

---- R$ ----

Silva et al. (2007) evaluated the cost benefit of

did not until the end, which reduced the chances of NM.

conventional AI versus FTAI in crossbred cows at 60

The anticipation of pregnancy with the formation

days post-calving and found that the cost per pregnancy

of calves groups was also interesting at the time of

was lower in conventional AI. However, not all cows in

weaning. Those coming from the FTAI, besides having a

the conventional AI group could be inseminated since

higher morphological pattern, presented greater weight

they did not demonstrate estrus. In addition, it took 35

which would increase the profitability for the farmer

days to inseminate every lot of AI, while in the FTAI all

who works with cow-calf. Bรณ et al. (2005) observed that

were inseminated in one day. In this way, the anticipation

the FTAI calves were around 10 to 20 kg heavier than

of pregnancy generated a financial saving because the

those from NM. Two causes can be linked to this fact,

cost of the nonpregnant cow was higher than that of the

the first being the anticipation of calving which would

pregnant cow since the future calf will generate an extra

increase the time for calf growth and the second linked

revenue.

to the higher genetic quality in the bull semen when

One of the great advantages of FTAI in relation to NM

using FTAI. In a simulation with the value of the weight,

was the anticipation of pregnancy, which led to a longer

in kg, the weaned calf at R$ 7.00 would receive from

recovery time for the female after delivery to the next BS,

R$ 70.00 to R$ 140.00 more at the moment of each

increased the likelihood of re-pregnancy and decreased

calf sale. According to Neto and Dalchiavon (2017), the

the discard rate (Sรก Filho et al., 2013). The cause for the

use of fixed-time artificial insemination in beef cattle is

higher pregnancy rate at the beginning of the BS was

a project that has economic viability, provided that the

the induction of ovulation in post-calving anestrous cows

values with the sale of donors at the end of the project

that took some time to return to cyclicity. Post-calving

are considered.

anestrus, a period without estrous demonstration, is a

Starting with the higher initial investment of R$

physiological phase in the female endocrine recovery.

100.00 more in the FTAI group for pregnancy, when it

However, when prolonged, it ends up reducing the

was subtracted from the extra revenue with the highest

reproductive and productive efficiency in livestock (Yavas

weaning weight (R$ 105.00) and pregnancy rate at the

and Walton, 2000). Therefore, at the beginning of the BS

end of the breeding season (R$ 1,680.00 * 10% = R$

many females did not show estrus, and some of them

168.00) is a value of - R$ 173.00. Showing that the

economic result can be satisfactory even with a higher

material depreciation expenses.

initial investment. However, even with some advantages

Conclusion. The natural reproductive strategy has a

associated with FTAI, it is not recommended that it be

lower initial cost than fixed-time artificial insemination.

performed without a nutritional planning for females and

However, when considering other animal trait advantages,

a good animal husbandry and financial management

FTAI is more cost-effective, especially in females that

system in place at the property. In addition, in the first

are not cycling regularly. It should be emphasized that

execution of this biotechnology it is recommended that

other care such as proper diet and sanitary management

you form small groups, around 50 females, which will

of animals are fundamental to the FTAI technique to

allow the farm’s team to be more systematic in their

present positive economic results.

activities. This biotechnology is also feasible for small breeders (10 to 20 females), mainly using the method with the full service contracting, which would eliminate

REFERENCES Amaral, T.B.; Costa, F.P.; Corrêa, E.S. 2003. Touros melhoradores ou inseminação artificial: um exercício de avaliação econômica. Embrapa/CNPGC, Campo Grande, MS. n°140. Arruda, Z.J. 1993. Considerações econômicas sobre a produção de bezerros de corte. Embrapa-CNPGC, Campo Grande, MS. n°47. Bó, G.A.; Cutaia, L.; Chesta, P.; Balla, E.; Picinato, D.; Peres, L.; Maranã, D.; Avillés, M.; Menchaca, A.; Veneranda, G.; Baruselli, P.S. 2005. Implementacion de programas de inseminación artificial en rodeos de cria de argentina. Proc VI Simposio Internacional de Reproducción Animal. Córdoba, Argentina, p. 97–128. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística [IBGE]. 2016. Pesquisa Pecuária Municipal. Disponível em: <www.sidra. ibge.gov.br>. Acesso em: 12 jul. 2017. Kichel, A.N.; Costa, A.A.A.; Verzignassi, J.R.; Queiroz, H.P. 2011. Diagnóstico para o planejamento da propriedade. Embrapa/CNPGC, Campo Grande, MS. n°182. McKinniss, E.N.; Esterman, R.D.; Woodall, S.A.; Austin, B.R.; Hersom, M.J.; Yelich, J.V. 2011. Evaluation of two progestogen-based estrous synchronization protocols in yearling heifers of Bos indicus × Bos taurus breeding. Theriogenology 75:1699-1707. Neto, N.Z e Dalchiavon, F.C. Viabilidade financeira da inseminação artificial em tempo fixo de bezerros cruzados Nelore e Aberdeen Angus. Revista IPecege 3(3): 23-27, 2017 Pires, V.A.; Araujo, C.R.; Mendes, Q.C. 2004. Fatores que interferem na eficiência reprodutiva de bovinos de corte. In: SIMPÓSIO PECUÁRIA INTENSIVA NOS TRÓPICOS. Anais... Piracicaba: Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz, p. 355-398. Sá filho, M.F.; Penteado, L.; Reis, E.L.; Reis T.A.; Galvão, K.N.; Baruselli, P.S. 2013. Timed artificial insemination early in the breeding season improves the reproductive performance of suckled beef cows. Theriogenology 79:625-632. Silva, A.S.; Silva, E.V.C.; Nogueira, E.; Zúccari, C.E.S.N. 2007. Avaliação do custo/benefício da inseminação artificial convencional e em tempo fixo de fêmeas bovinas pluríparas de corte. Revista Brasileira de Reprodução Animal 31: 443:455. Tortorella, R.D.; Ferreira, R.; Dos Santos, J.T.; Neto, O.S.A.; Barreta, M.H.; Oliveira, J.F.; Gonçalves, P.B.; Neves J.P. 2013. The effect of equine chorionic gonadotropin on follicular size, luteal volume, circulating progesterone concentrations, and pregnancy rates in anestrous beef cows treated with a novel fixed-time artificial insemination protocol. Theriogenology 79: 1204-1209. Yavas, Y.; Walton, J.S. 2000. Postpartum acyclicity in suckled beef cows: A review. Theriogenology 54: 25-55. Wildman, E.E.; Jones, G.M.; Wagner, P.E. 1982. A dairy cow body condition scoring system and its relationship to selected production characteristics. Journal of Dairy Science 65: 495-501.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Annual meeting of Latin America This year, the traditional annual meeting of the Latin American region was held in Brazil. Representatives from countries such as Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Mexico met to discuss guidelines for fiscal year 2018/2019. The meeting was hosted by the Director of Brazil, Mรกrcio Nery, and the meeting was coordinated by the Director of Latin America, Ricardo Campos. The meeting also had the effective participation of an entourage of ABS Global, including COO Dairy, Nate Zwald.

Mexican farms receive visit from brazilian breeders

A group of dairy breeders from the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, participated in a tour of Mexican farms in the Torreon and Chihuahua regions. Organized by veterinarians from the GS Consultoria company, the trip took Brazilian producers to learn more about how large properties in Mexico are managed. The visitors also had the chance to stop by the IVB laboratory headquarters, and were accompanied by the ABS Mexico director, Luiz González, the ABS Brazil technical department manager, Raul Andrade, and the Services and Technical Tools department manager for ABS Brazil, Hélio Rezende..

ABS Colombia receives its f irst embryos from Brazil

After the sanitary agreement reached between the two countries, ABS Brazil carried out the first embryo export to Colombia in early October. The action marks the beginning to a new stage opening up in the Colombian market for Brazilian products, and the company intends to increase exports to the region. The embryos are the result of the GMS program (Genetic Management System), Girolando breed products produced from Gir donors owned by the Canto Porto farm, using semen from the ABS Holstein sire directory. The ABS initiative is to supply different parts of the world with embryos suitable for various climatic conditions and multiple production systems.

Breeders from latin america participate in the world dairy expo

In the first week of October, the traditional World Dairy Expo took place in Madison, Wisconsin. This event is of great importance for the dairy farming sector. In this year’s edition, dairy producers from Latin America were present at the trade show, where they were able to learn about the latest news and technological innovations in the industry. The WDE is considered the largest and most important dairy event in North America. With a history dating back to 1967, the World Dairy Expo is an opportunity for anyone who wants to know the very best dairy genetics worldwide.

ABS Mexico announces the latest innovations during Digal 2018 ABS Mexico was present at this year’s Digal (International dairy farmer’s day), in the city of Delicias, in the Chihuahua region. The event focused on dairy farming took place in September and brought together breeders, dairy companies and researchers to present the latest innovations that promise to move the dairy industry around the country and Latin America. Digal is one of the most important events for the segment in Mexico and it has enabled ABS to strengthen their relationship with their customers, and even signing new contracts.

ABS Colombia gives tropical livestock lectures In October, ABS Brazil’s foreign trade coordinator, Rodrigo Moraes, and ABS Colombia’s commercial manager, Juan Camilo Escalante, gave presentations about tropical livestock at the Universidad de la Amazonía in Florencia, Caquetá state in Colombia. Rodrigo spoke about “Genetic Strategy for the Tropics”, and Juan Camilo explored the theme “Racial Groups and Crossbreeding in Beef Cattle”. The talks, open to the public, brought together more than 200 members from the agricultural sector around the area. ABS’s initiative in promoting lectures in the Caquetá region aims to offer more knowledge to local breeders, considering the region’s complex geographic characteristics.

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