Welcome to the latest and most comprehensive Samen NZ Breeding Guide to date.
This year, 2025 it is 40 years since I arrived in New Zealand as a very young immigrant from Holland. Just out of Agricultural College it was my dream and ultimate goal to earn my own dairy farm. It didn’t quit work out that way and after working for Wrightson Breeding services and K.I. Samen in The Netherlands, I decided to set up my own company in cattle genetics in New Zealand.
In the year 1997 together with Bas Engelen and my wife Annie we established Samen NZ. This at the time farmers in New Zealand were discourage from using overseas genetics. Fast forward 28 years and Samen NZ has established as the largest privately owned and third largest genetics company in New Zealand.
Currently we have bulls in the Top rankings for Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Red breeds. We notice our main competitors using our genetics where they can, as they worked themselves in a corner with a very narrow New Zealand genetics base and little genetic progress compared to overseas.
This year’s selection already converts much higher than the current daughter proven bulls and looks very promising.
I am very proud of what we have achieved in the past, particular in the past few years. Thanks to a fantastic team of dedicated staff both in the field, office and despatch staff. As well as sire and data analysts.
Our team is there to assist you breeding better cows through many customer designed solutions. Get in touch and let us help you build a better herd. Talk to some of our 2000 clients to hear their Samen Experience and get onboard. You will experience the best genetic gain, great conception rates for conventional and sexed semen and great service. Look forward to helping you achieve better outcomes.
A study outlining how gNZI is calculated has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, the Journal of Animal Production Science.
Unlocking Genetic Potential for a Better, More Productive Herd
We unlocked vast genetic gain for NZ pasture-based dairy systems and here is how you can utilise this achievement to breed a better herd.
Each year there are over 10,000 quality sires produced from 13 of our major genetics suppliers globally. All of them focus on one thing, breeding better cattle that help produce more food for the world at a lower cost to the farmer. So how can we use this immense genetic pool of development to build better herds for our NZ pasture-based systems?
Samen has always maintained a strong line up of Outcross sires in order to ensure that New Zealand’s genetic pool remains viable, providing the farm owner with a variety of choices reducing the chance of inbreeding.
Calving Ease
Easy calving bulls are suitable for use over smaller cows and two-year-olds.
High Potency
Our New Zealand semen is produced at higher sperm counts than the industry standard per straw.
Sexed
Sexed Semen increases the number of female calves and we have a number of bulls available sexed.
Genetic Tools Management Tools
Sexcel
Sexcel® has been created using the most advanced technology available on the market today, combined with superior fertility and most profitable ABS genetics to help improve product performance.
Gestation Length
Short gestation length can help to tighten your calving season and allows for more days in milk by reducing length of pregnancy.
Polled Genetics
Polled sires possess either one polled gene or two polled genes.
PP (Homozygous) – This animal has no horns, and all offspring are born without horns.
Pp (Heterozygous) – This animal has no horns, but offspring might, depending on their mate.
The Samen Colour Code Selection Programme provides a constant revision of your breeding strategy and a focus on breeding every generation to it’s future environment.
Colour – Red
A bull with strength and width. Body capacity and ROUND qualities.
Colour – Blue
A bull that will bring dairy quality and angularity, or SHARP qualities
Colour - Green
A bull that is easy calving and suitable for use over smaller cows and two year olds.
Three Way Cross
A Three Way Cross is a breeding strategy designed to increase production and profit due to superior hybrid vigour. It benefits fundamental traits such as fertility, health and longevity.
New Zealand Index
Based on conversions from overseas genomic traits, the gNZI has high correlation with NZAEL Breeding Woth. This tool is highly reliable for predicting the potential BW of elite young sires.
Balanced Performance Index
The emphasis on protein production by BPI is an effective tool for supplying dairy companies that prioritize a high protein-to-fat ratio.
Breeding Worth
Breeding Worth (BW) is an index that ranks cows and bulls on their ability to breed profitable, efficient replacements.
Optimate Your Order
Optimise your mating and boost your herds genetic gain
Sexed Dairy Beef Program
Optimate your herd's mating season and transform your herd faster. Pick your favorite teams of sires and simply ask your rep to 'Optimate' your order and your reps will ensure you have just the right amount of Sexed, Conventional and Beef semen to propel your herd's development forward.
Subject to availability, order today to ensure you get the bulls your herd deserves and build a better herd for tomorrow.
$26 per straw upgrades avaliable
Female Genomic Selection
+ Sexed Semen
Maximise Herds Genetic Gains and Improve Breeding Efficiency
Genomics and sexed semen are transforming herd improvement, giving Kiwi dairy farmers the ability to fast-track genetic gains while improving efficiency and sustainability.
What is Female Genomic Selection?
G enomic selection allows for the identification of the best replacement heifers based on their genomic breeding values (GBVs) rather than relying solely on phenotypic performance or pedigree information.
The Role of Sex-Selected Semen Using sexselected semen ensures that more elite female calves are born, significantly increasing the number of future milking cows with superior genetic traits.
By genomically testing heifers early, farmers can identify the top-performing cows and ensure these elite genetics are passed on to the next generation. Instead of sacrificing the best genetics on bull calves that won’t be
Dairy Beef
Identify your low performing cows and breed with beef to ensure a high-value beef calf, reduce/remove bobby calves and generate a second income stream.
replacements, sexed semen allows farmers to breed more high-value heifers—accelerating genetic progress across the herd. At the same time, female genomic selection helps pinpoint the lowest-performing cows, allowing strategic mating decisions. Instead of producing more low-value dairy calves from these animals, farmers can mate them to beef sires, creating high-quality beef-cross calves
that are in demand. This approach not only improves sustainable and ethical dairy practices by reducing the number of unwanted bobby calves and giving every calf a purpose, it also provides an additional revenue stream from valuable beef offspring.
An outline of a study researching the impact of female genomic selection and sexed semen technologies can be found with the QR code.
Sexed Semen
Identify your top performing cows and breed with sexed genetics to breed high-value replacements.
Mario PP
By utilising the Samen New Zealand FAST
Take your herd’s genetic progress to the cutting-edge. *Minimum of 6 bulls each pack *Limited supply 50 straws per bull per farm
► High gNZI homozygous polled red carrier with high component percentages
► Great overall health, longevity and temperament
► Small and strong, great sire for NZ type
VH Sims PRC
VH Sam PP RC
“
Max Varney Piopio
“The biggest game changer was when I installed the Easy Dairy Draft gate by Herd Automation and integrated it with Halter's fertility and health data”.
Automatic Drafting Made Easy
The Easy Dairy Draft gate has been designed and refined over many years to be reliable, easy to install and gentle on animals.
Take the pressure off during the busy season with the safe, reliable and easy to use Easy Dairy Automatic Drafting System.
Reliable, Robust , Easy.
VJ Monse
► Superior udder conformation
► Good overall health, Great hoof health
► Good production DNKJER59922-04292 VJ I Dandi Dance J
$22 A2A2
VJ Sultan
$22
VJ Dalin
A2A2
VJ Caicedo
VJ Nihari
$22 A2A2
VJ Nobu
Pp
VJ Sis P
$22 A2A2
VJ Stena Pp
Kaarmona Impeccable
$28
River Valley Circus Craze
Miami Premier Elsie EX90
► Exceptionally high for daughter fertility
► Good for mastitis resistance and cell count
$28 A2A2
Roulette
$28 A2A2
Dam of Electric
Front Runner
Born:
Sire:
► Extreme production and components
► Very fertile daughters ► Excellent udders.
Born:
Sire:
631 gNZI 65% Rel
► Son of the #1 BW sire Arkans Achievement
► Extreme production and high component percentage
► Excellent fertility
► Very good udders
Sire: Dam: Dam: Dam:
25/07/2018 13/07/2020 04/08/2023 561423 546123
Born: aAa: aAa: Glanton SS Bastille Arkans GSB Achievement Ardachie Dimple PP Freydan Gem Bracelet Arkan Presely Bangle ET Lynbrook Star Bowie
527
► High components percentage
► Extreme production
► Excellent fertility
► Very good udders
Achievement daughter group
DTR: BM Thompson, Ohaupo
Other Bulls Available 2025
A Third Breed, The Key To Crossbreeding Success
Crossbreeders are getting more from their crossbred herds by introducing a third breed to their mating season.
Adding a third breed gives you three key benefits;
Management tool for breeding rotation
Superior heterosis (boosts fertility, health and production)
Maintains a balanced herd
Scan the QR code to learn more
“Managing a traditional New Zealand KiwiCross herd that swung between Holstein and Jersey breeds posed its challenges, cows would either lean too much towards a Jersey or a Holstein. The VikingRed – a strategic addition to the mix, filled the gap perfectly in the herd breeding program.
Mathew Korteweg
500 Cows | South Otago
$22
Other Bulls Available 2025
Red Breeds
Hashtag x Weissensee x Herzschlag
► Grandson of Sisyphus who is proven successful in NZ
► Strong sire with a good NZ sized frame ► Good udder traits for health and production capacity
► Ideal NZ type Fleckvieh with moderate frame
► High component percentages
► Super udder health traits
Born:
02/06/2024
GS Mahatma PP x Sisyphus X Boulevard
Sire: Dam:
GS Mahatma
► High gNZI NZ Fleckvieh
► Great production with good components
► Sired by popular bull GS Mahatma BGKN-22-92
$22
A2A2
MP Symposium
► Outstanding daughter proven sire
► High daughter fertility
► Smaller frame
► Outstanding udders
► Leaves 27 % eye pigment in daughters
► Homozygous polled Grandson of our most succesfull daughter proven sire Sisyphus
Using beef sires over dairy cows is a key strategy for improving the value of non-replacement calves. By identifying cows that won’t be used for breeding replacements and using a beef sire, farmers can reduce or eliminate bobby calves, ensure high-value calves, and generate an additional income stream. Selecting the right beef bulls ensures easy calving, strong growth, and high-quality carcasses. Additionally, these beef sires have been selected for their shorter gestation lengths, maximizing days in milk and extending the postpartum to oestrus period.
To support better breeding decisions, we have developed a beef evaluation model that assesses key traits in beef sires used over dairy cows. This model combines genetic records and real performance data to predict calving ease, gestation length, growth, and carcass quality, refining breeding values for more accurate sire selection.
This catalogue showcases our lineup of proven beef sires, each chosen for their ability to bring profitability and efficiency to dairy farms.
Difference between premium beef and NZ beef:
Our Premium Beef Pack features elite imported sires from around the world, carefully selected for their superior genetics for both dairy and beef for proven performance. These sires offer a competitive edge, delivering exceptional genetics market premiums for dairy beef systems.
The NZ Beef Pack includes high-quality, locally sourced beef sires bred for New Zealand conditions. These bulls provide reliable genetics making them a valuable and practical choice for dairy farmers looking to maximize returns.
Whichever pack you choose, our sires are selected to add value, efficiency, and profitability to your dairy operation.
Dairy Beef Index (DBI) & Dairy Beef Prime Index (DBPI)
The Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and Dairy Beef Prime Index (DBPI) help farmers select bulls that produce high-performing dairy beef calves. These indices balance key traits to optimize calf survival, growth rates, meat quality, and ease of calving.
Dairy Beef Index (DBI)
The DBI ranks bulls based on their ability to produce efficient and profitable dairy beef calves. It is specifically designed for New Zealand's beef production system, focusing on growth (600-day weight), muscle (Eye Muscle Area - EMA), and carcass efficiency (Retail Beef Yield - RBY).
Key traits in Dairy Beef Index:
Gestation Length & Calving Difficulty (20% each)
Shorter gestation and easier calving reduce risks for dairy cows and optimize profit in your dairy operation.
Growth Performance (15%)
600-day weight ensures good early growth.
Meat Quality (20%)
Retail Beef Yield (10%), Eye Muscle Area (5%), and Intramuscular Fat (5%). These traits help improve overall carcass value.
Carcass Weight (25%)
Heavier carcasses increase profitability.
This index ensures dairy farmers select bulls that minimize calving problems while producing fast-growing, high-yielding beef calves suited for New Zealand’s standard beef production system increasing the calf's sale value for the dairy farmer.
Dairy Beef Prime Index (DBPI)
The DBPI is tailored for premium beef markets, where meat quality is a priority. This index is used for beef that is expected to meet high-end consumer demand, focusing on intramuscular fat (IMF) for better marbling and tenderness.
Key traits in Dairy Beef Prime Index:
Gestation Length & Calving Difficulty (15% each)
Supports easy calving and days in milk for maximum profit in your dairy operation.
Retail Yield (5%) & Muscle Area (5%)
Supports efficient carcass composition.
Key Differences:
Intramuscular Fat (35%)
Increases marbling and meat tenderness for premium beef.
Carcass Weight (25%)
Prioritizes heavier carcasses.
DBI → Focuses on growth efficiency and carcass traits for mainstream New Zealand beef production. DBPI → Targets premium meat markets, where marbling and meat quality are valued.
Both indices heavily focus on gestation length and calving ease, ensuring that dairy farmers can use these sires without increasing calving risks and can maximize days in milk.
By selecting bulls based on DBI and DBPI, farmers can maximize profitability, ensuring smooth calving and strong beef calf value, whether their calves are destined for standard processing or premium high-value markets.
$15 PER STRAW
Premium Angus sires are top-selected from thousands of US bulls for dairy beef production, offering easy calving, short gestation, and superior growth. They produce well-muscled calves with exceptional carcass quality, providing a reliable and profitable solution for dairy farmers.
InFocus NuEra T14
NuEra powers Beef InFocus, ABS’s top beef-on-dairy program, with only the top 4% of bulls qualifying. It ensures proven
Sourced from elite proven dairy beef programs, our Charolais option offers the benefits of PP polled genetics or double Muscled
NEW ZEALAND
Excelling in calving traits, growth, and premium carcass quality, NZ Angus is a versatile breed suited to all farming systems across New Zealand. With short gestation and all-round performance, it remains a trusted choice for dairy-beef and commercial beef production.
Ease
Black Hereford
Featuring black calves with a white face, the Black Hereford often commands market premiums over calves with the red gene. Homozygous black and homozygous polled, it offers excellent calving ease, making it a reliable and stress-free choice for breeders.
Known for their exceptional muscle growth, distinct colour markings, and high-demand calves, NZ Charolais is a standout choice for dairy-beef production. This breed delivers strong, well-muscled progeny that consistently attract premium market interest.
A proven and reliable breed, Hereford bulls rank in the top 5 of the Beef & Lamb Dairy Beef Trial. With strong market demand and high-value calves, this breed remains a trusted choice for dairy-beef producers.
Excelling in calving traits, growth, and premium carcass quality, Murray Grey offers the same reliable performance as Angus, with the added advantage of light-coloured markings. This versatile and adaptable breed thrives across New Zealand farming systems.
With short gestation, easy calving, and exceptional growth, NZ Simmental excels in dairy-beef production. Known for high-value progeny, the breed’s reputation is reinforced by Glenside Crumpy, ranked #1 in the Beef & Lamb Dairy Beef Trial.
Calving Ease
Mating Accessories
Straw Thaw Units
Product: Straw thaw units are the key to ensuring semen is accurately thawed and ready for insemination. Highly recommended when using sexed semen.
AI Gun Warmers prepare your pistolettsfor the job at hand helping increase your conception rates. Highly recommended when using sexed semen.
How Does It Benefit You?
Semen Handling: Prevents cooling that can harm semen quality.
Productivity: Allows you to carry multiple guns, making the job faster without risking temperature loss.
Convenience: Offers a clean, comfortable, and practical way to carry the guns.
AI Electric Gun Warmer™
Goods & Services
Packing & Dispatch
Samen NZ distributes both on farm as well as to other AI Companies throughout NZ. If you wish to use another breeding company technician, we can despatch your order to their main distribution centres for the semen to be placed in your technician’s bank.
Samen NZ does not charge a handling fee for semen received from other New Zealand based AI companies when that is to be added to your order. Our standard handling fee will however apply.
The standard despatch and handling fee is $60.00 per on farm consignment. For orders shipped to other AI companies our handling fee is only $25.00. Other company handling fees may apply.
AI Technician Services
Samen NZ can provide you with experienced and qualified AI technicians, where required.
Equipment
Samen NZ offer a wide range of AI equipment and supplies at competitive prices.
Bank Lease
Lease banks are available from Samen NZ, where minimum order limits are reached. Our lease bank service includes the first fill of nitrogen and costs $195 per bank.
Nationwide Breeding Consultants
We have a nationwide team of breeding consultants who pride themselves being on the road and available for discussion anytime.
Prices and Supply
Supply is subject to availability. All prices in this catalogue are subject to change without notice and are exclusive of GST.
IP Clauses
Free Semen Storage
Semen belonging to Samen NZ clients will be stored between seasons, in our storage tanks, free of charge. Limit Applies.
Client tanks can also be stored with Samen at no extra cost, for convenient despatch the following season.
Colour Coding Programme
Our colour coding programme sets us apart from our competitors. Alongside carefully selecting genetics that give our clients more uniform, higher producing herds.
Heifer Genomic Testing
Heifer genomic testing available on request. Includes gNZI, BPI, Genomic breeding values, ASI, Polled and Parent match.
Terms & Conditions of Sale
A full explanation of our terms and conditions of sale is listed on the back of the customers copy of our order form. The semen and/or sperm contained in the semen provided to you is protected by intellectual property rights, including by trade secrets which have an indefinite term. We grant you a non exclusive, non transferable, limited, revocable, non sublicensable, one-off license to use such intellectual property rights and the semen. Full details can also be found on our website at www.samen.co.nz
Due to the success of our introduced genetic programs and to protect our investments in these genetics Samen NZ have from the 1st of January 2020 introduced IP Clauses on all genetic product in addition to that of those already imposed by our suppliers. For full terms and conditions please refer to our website www.samen.co.nz
Cees Van Baar
Annie Van Baar-Moons
Jody Blomfield (MSc (Hons))
Yvette Ykema
Craig Mckimmie
Hamed Amirpour (PhD)
Tarsh Leigh
Managing director Accounts Accounts
Admin and General Enquiries Genetics Program Manager Research Geneticist
Despatch Manager
North Island Breeding Consultants
Brad Quigley
Sharon Kooter
Victor Kooter
Heather Davies
Ernst-Jan Hut
Kaylene Aubrey (BSc)
Ute Rank
Belinda Hermansen
Zoë Campbell (BAgSci)
Darron Schroder
Northland
South Auckland, North Waikato
Area Manager, Waikato
East Waikato
King Country, Waipa
South Waikato
Area Manager Taranaki, Central Hawkes Bay
Bay of plenty, Hawkes Bay, Central Plateau
South Taranaki, Manawatu, Whanganui Manawatu, Wairarapa
