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CHANGES YOU CAN MAKE TODAY TO INCREASE YOUR PROFIT Lyle Kruse, Vice President U.S. Market Development, Select Sires Inc. King Smith, Vice President Select Dairy Solutions, Select Sires Inc. Greg Collins, Select Dairy Solutions Data and Training Support, Select Sires Inc. In reviewing data from dairy operations across the U.S., we often see some missed opportunities to be more efficient with resources, especially as production and replacement rearing costs have risen significantly in recent months. Here are 10 changes that stand out as areas of opportunity for increased profit on your operation.
1
Know your replacement needs.
Despite the increased focus on herd inventory management in recent years, there are still some operations raising too many replacements. This provides the opportunity to reduce herd replacement costs, which is one of the key dairy profit indicators. A well-designed replacement plan includes utilizing the best combination of dairy and beef genetics with conventional semen, sexed semen or embryos to maximize genetic progress. This also generates the most profitable pregnancy outcome for each cow and heifer in the operation. Each operation demands a unique approach and your Select Sires trusted advisor team can help design a program and determine how many replacements you need to create each month.
2
Reduce replacement heifer losses.
Many dairy operations have heifer mortality losses prior to six months of age that exceed 5%. Along with losing heifers with promising genetic potential, poorly designed heifer programs can lead to increased health challenges that also hamper resulting performance potential as lactating cows. Along the way there are opportunities to improve calf health, including: facilities, sanitation, colostrum management and pre- and post-weaning nutrition. There are also genetic tools available to select for improved calf livability and wellness. Continue reading on page 4. 3 u
