In this issue...

ai24™ HEAT DETECTION:PROVIDES PROFITABLE RESULTS pg. 4-5

GENOMICS:WHAT WILL CHANGE? pg. 6-7

REAL COWS ON REAL DAIRIES:AUSTRALIA REPORTS pg. 8

MAXIMUM GENETICPOTENTIAL: EARLY LIFENUTRITION pg. 10-11

MASTER SERIES™: DELIVERSPROFITABLE, PROVEN GENETICSpg. 12-13

SEMEX HEALTH$MART™ SIRES:HEALTHY COWS COST LESS pg. 15

PREMIER™ DAUGHTERS:FUNCTIONAL, LONG-LASTINGpg. 17

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Page 3 Kerndt Stallion: Impressive Daughters

No Matter How You Break Them Down

Page 4-5 ai24™Heat Detection System Provides Profitable Results

Page 6-7 What Will Change? Genomics on Farm

Page 8 Real Cows on Real Dairies: Australia Reports

Page 9 Promate™ Helps Reduce Involuntary Cull Rates

Page 10-11 Attain Maximum Genetic Potential: Part 1: Early Life Calf Nutrition & Management

Page 12-13 Semex Master Series™

Page 14 We Need Cows With Utility Traits:

Ontario’s Hoenhorst Dairy

Page 15 Semex Health$mart™ Sires: Healthy Cows Cost Less

Page 16 Lencrest On Time Right on Time

Page 17 Premier™ Daughters: Functional Kind That Last

Page 18 Swissgenetics ‘ Red & White Line-Up

Balance is a magazine designed to promote dairy genetics, technology and management. Themagazine is published by the Semex Alliance. The Semex Alliance is focused on global leadership inthe genetics marketplace.

Semex Alliance Canadian Partnerships:

Hundreds of thousands of cows worldwide have studcode 200 blood pulsing through their veins. Theirowners, managers, milkers, calf feeders, breeders,caretakers and veterinarians are from all corners ofthe Earth.

Each have their own challenges and managementsystems, but they all share one thing. Each of them tellus that their Semex-sired daughters are the mostprofitable, easy-managing, efficient and durablecows on their operations. Semex daughters are thereal cows working on real dairies.

These daughters did not happen by accident; insteadthey are the result of generations of careful breedingdecisions made by you, the dairyman, and also bySemex’s genetics team. Working together throughour young sire programs worldwide we are

designing the most powerful, profitable and desirable genetics in the world.

As the owner of one of the largest proving programs in the world, Semex hasstrength in numbers. We have over 1,800 bulls tested and housed in six countries onthree continents. Each sire is carefully selected based on our 50+ years of experienceperfecting our Balanced Breeding philosophy. The results of this time-testedphilosophy are evident, with an industry leading nine Millionaire Sires and hundredsof Semex sires being named sires of sons worldwide. This true testament of breedersatisfaction is the greatest possible stamp of approval.

With this great history as our foundation, Semex clients are in the best positionpossible to put our diversified product offering to work for them. From the newesttechnologies of genomics and our Genomax™ product, to the world’s most reliableproven sires, and our time-tested Masters Series™ sires, Semex is poised to offerdairymen everywhere the key to genetic profitability.

Semex truly does work everywhere, and in these competitive times our customersatisfaction has never been higher. Our customers tell us that their Semex cows aretheir favorites. They’re the real cows on real dairies that are low-maintenance, high-producing, long-lasting and profitable.

On the cover: Newly born calf at MtElgin Farm in Guelph, Ontario.Photographer: Ruth Demandt.

Comments or submissions to the editor should be forwarded to Brenda Lee-Turner, Semex Alliance, 130 Stone Road West, Guelph,Ontario, Canada N1G 3Z2. tel: 519-821-5060, fax: 519-821-7225; email: bturner@semex.com

SEMEXX™, Genomax™, Repromax™, ProMate™, ReproMix™ , Semex Premier™, Health$mart™ and ai24™ are registeredtrademarks of the Semex Alliance.

The demands of today’s dairyman are ever growing, making itmore and more of a challenge to produce top sires to meet hisgenetic requirements. Semex sires are designed to make nosacrifices on type and production, siring cows that are long-lasting, healthy and productive. Semex’s new release sire0200HO05379 Kerndt Stallion has the potential to meet theseneeds and offer herds a higher genetic potential.

Sired by Semex’s internationally respected Pursuit SeptemberStorm *RC from an Mtoto dam, Stallion has breederappreciation built into his pedigree. His dam produced morethan 133,000 lbs in four lactations and has a lifetime fat andprotein percent of 4.1% and 3.4% respectively. Scored EX-91-2E-USA, she was an outstanding individual and was an idealbull mother. Stallion’s pedigree is filled with multiplegenerations of EX cows that milked extremely hard and havebeen proven breeders in their own right, for both their ownersand for AI organizations. On paper, September Storm x Mtotois a logical, great cross and today we’re seeing this greatmating become reality in this new graduate’s unlimitedpotential.

The Stallions are really impressive no matter how you breakthem down. They are cows that breeders are appreciating fortheir production, type, high components, low SCS and overallperformance. With 72% of his first 47 daughters classifiedscoring Good Plus and better, it’s safe to say he is siring cowswith solid type and balance. Stallion daughters are excellent fatproducers, making them very profitable for their owners. Hisdaughters have a wet and dairy look to them, giving theimpression that they will continue to produce wellthroughout their lactations and breedback easily to do the same in theirsecond lactation.

What is most impressive about theStallions is their consistent anduniform breeding pattern. Whetheryou see five or 25 daughters, thisbull’s breeding pattern is

immediately evident. Stallion has combined the strengths ofboth September Storm and Mtoto to breed quality cows thatwill stand the test of time. Wide-chested and deep bodied,Stallion is able to breed cows that are open and angular,having a great amount of dairy strength to them. Strongthrough their loins with a good slope to their rumps, they havethe width through their thurls that makes them very mobile,easy-moving cows. Stallion daughters are extremelycomfortable on their feet and legs, easily standing and moving,keeping them trouble-free and healthy throughout theirlactations.

Probably the most consistent trait in this young sire group,however, is their udder quality and depth of center support.Very silky in their udder texture with a well-defined centerligament, Stallions maintain an ideal teat placement, which willcertainly influence their longevity and related profitability.

With 132 registered progeny this sire is expected to continueto calve in more daughters stamped with the same pattern,building on Stallion’s impressive start and propelling hispopularity worldwide.

As the Holstein breed continues to look for a new and excitingsire to meet their needs and demands, Stallion arrives ready tosatisfy with the positive traits that will make him both anexcellent mating sire on dairies and by AI centers worldwide.

0200HO05379

Kerndt Stallion

3

Mike West, Semex Alliance Product Support Specialist & Sire Analyst

The Stallions are reallyimpressive no matter how youbreak them down. They arecows that breeders areappreciating for theirproduction, type, highcomponents, low SCS andoverall performance.

Wercat Virage StallionGP-84-2YR-CANFerme Ashton Inc., St. Leonard D’Aston, PQ, CanadaPhoto: Frank Robinson

Sylvio Stallion CatouVG-85-2YR-CANFerme Sylvio Inc., Roxton Pond, PQ, CanadaPhoto: Frank Robinson

4

In today’s world innovative technology is key to staying aheadand being profitable. For producers, learning to utilize thisnew technology can be the hardest part of taking advantageof its benefits.

Semex has teamed up with Micro Dairy Logic to introduce aheat detection system for dairy producers, ai24™, that’s on thecutting edge of technology. It provides 24-hour heat detection,utilizing Heatime™, and helps to cut semen expenses therebyincreasing profits.

Heatime™ technology was developed in Israel and has beenproven to change the way dairy producers manage theirherd’s fertility. The system includes a collar that records activitylevels and a user-friendly control and display unit (it also cancome with PC software for herds over 600).

The system has been proven effective across the UK, Canada,and the United States. Operations in Idaho, Texas, andWisconsin have tested Heatime™’s technology and it will soonbe used in California, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania andWashington. Currently there are over 300,000 ai24™ collarsin use worldwide.

“The technology does all the hard work,” says Chris Sheahan,ai24™ Program Manager, about the ease of using this system.He adds, “The main goal of ai24™ is to get more pregnanciesfor cows, especially now during low milk prices. Getting morecows pregnant is key.”

Todd Myren, a dairy producer from northwestern Wisconsinwho started using ai24™ and Heatime™ at the end of April,says he couldn’t agree more.

ai24™ Heat Detection System Provides Profitable Results

Heat Detection – the perfect solution for efficient ai

M i l k i n g 5 0 , 5 0 0 o r 5 0 0 0 c o w s

“It’s like having a herdsmanout there 24 hours a day. I don’t even look for heatactivity anymore.” --Todd Myren

Brianna Ditzenberger, Wisconsin Agri-View Editorial InternReprinted with permission from Wisconsin Agri-View

5

Myren, and his parents, Cyril andJanice, have been in a partnership since2002 running their 350 milking cowdairy operation, Oak View Farm, LLCnear Nelson, Wisconsin. Todd’s wifeAbby works off the farm as a nurse andthey have two children, Emma andSpencer. Oak View Farm’s herd has a30,000-pound rolling herd averagewith 3.2 percent protein and fat. Thefarm currently uses 225 Heatime™collars.

“We try to put the collars on about aweek after calving. I think the system isworking great,” says Myren.

Heatime™ works by collecting theactivity of each cow wearing a collar.Once a base level of activity isdetermined, the control unit identifiescows that are showing above normalactivity and are therefore in heat andready to be bred, or below normalactivity. Below normal activity may bean indication of subclinical issues likefevers or foot problems.

Myren says that even though he’s onlyhad the system since April he’s already

caught a couple subclinical issues hewouldn’t have without the collars.

“I had two cows show up onthe system with low activity.Just by looking at them in thepen they looked fine. Theywere eating and didn’t showany signs of something beingwrong. Sure enough theyboth had fevers. I wouldn’thave known otherwise,”credits Myren.

With the economical ai24™ system,utilizing Heatime™, producers will beable to pinpoint when to breed a cow,which will reduce semen costs. Breedingthe cow when you know she is at herpeak heat results in a better chance shewill settle. Heatime™ currently boastsan 85-90% true heat detection rate. Thesystem’s accuracy and 24-hourdetection allows producers to free upstaff members for other tasks rather thanwatching for heats.

In addition, Myren has found that he isable to reduce vet checks to every otherweek rather than every week resultingin additional savings. Myren hasexperienced the accuracy of this systemfirst hand. He says that he noticed twocows showing heat symptoms. Typically,he says he would have bred them thatday, but noticed they hadn’t shown upon the system.

“I told my [Semex] rep that if they didn’tshow up on the system they were in bigtrouble,” says Myren with a chuckle.“But sure enough the next day theywere both on it. I bred them and theyboth settled. That’s what really showed

me this system works. I haven’t had onenot show up on the system yet.”

Besides decreasing costs and narrowingdown open days, ai24™ includesexcellent customer service. Afterinstallation Semex representatives makefollow-up visits frequently and providetraining for the program. Also, if newstaff members are added to aproducer’s operation, Semex will trainthem as well so everyone is properlytrained on the new technology.

“I tell you, those guys are awesome,”says Myren of Semex’s customerservice. Oak View Farm also usesSemex’s ProMate™ computer matingsystem, a benefit included with theai24™ system.

The benefits and excellent features areendless when looking at this technology.ai24™ is an economical, reliable, andaccurate product for any producerlooking to improve the management oftheir fertility system.

“This technology is going to change theway people look at their breedingprograms,” adds Sheahan aboutai24™.

Micro Dairy Logic and Semex are partnering to provide dairy management solutions to increase your profits!

• Infra-redcommunications.

• Auto-detection ofcows.

• Easy to install.

• Graphicdisplay.

• Simple key pad.

• Available inEnglish,Spanish orDutch

Heat detection 24 hours a day,

365 days a year

Heatime™ is a trademark of SCR.

What Will Change?Dr. Jacques Chesnais, Semex Alliance Senior Geneticist

GENOMICSGenomic evaluations havereplaced traditional geneticevaluations in Canada inAugust 2009. This changeraises a number of questionsfor dairymen including:

• Should genomic evaluationsbe interpreted differentlyfrom the traditional ones?

• Will genomics change thetype of mating sires thatare available?

Understanding genomicevaluations

Genomic evaluations (LPI/TPI) can beinterpreted in the same way astraditional evaluations. The onlydifference is that if an animal isgenotyped, additional information fromits DNA profile is added to its parent,individual or progeny records.

This increased, additional informationtranslates into a higher reliability for theanimal, male or female, but for a youngsire or heifer that has little phenotypicinformation to begin with, the increasein accuracy can be substantial. If ananimal already has a lot of phenotypicinformation, as with a proven bull, thegenomic profile adds less.

Apart from the above, bull and cowbreeding values will look the same asbefore and the addition of genomicsdoes not change the selectionobjectives. Semex’s Balanced Breedingphilosophy will not change withgenomics. What genomics will changeis the speed at which we’ll be able to

progress for traits that were previouslydifficult to improve, such as daughterfertility, some foot and leg traits, and inthe future, health.

Choosing mating sires

The arrival of genomics means therewill be two products on the market fordairymen to choose from: semen fromproven bulls; and semen from unprovengenotyped bulls.

1. Proven bulls that have gone through traditional progeny testing programs remain the standard when it comes to accuracy and reliability. Currently there is no DNA profile that can replace a proof based on a sufficient number of daughters. Genomics, however, will impact proven bulls in several ways.

When genotyped with the 50,000-marker (50K) panel, proven bullshave slightly higher accuracy forboth Daughter Fertility and HerdLife. This can be seen in this roundof official evaluations in Canada. Itshould provide greater confidenceto producers who wish to select forthese traits.

Additionally, three to four yearsfrom now the genetic merit of allproven sires should jump upsignificantly compared to previousyears. This is because Semex andother AI companies beganpreselecting bulls for genomicsbeginning in 2008. In fact, Semexno longer samples a bull unless hehas been genotyped with the 50Kpanel and found to be superior.

2. A new type of mating sire will beyounger bulls with a DNA profile.These unproven bulls have areliability intermediate between thatof traditional parent averages andproofs.

With the current profile based on50,000 markers, the reliability nearlydoubles compared to that of the parentaverage, reaching 60% to 70% formany traits. Beware about reliability

figures; they do not tell the whole story.Even though 70% is close to 90%, areliability of 70% is closer to one of35% than to one of 90% in terms of theamount by which the evaluation candiffer from the true value of the bull, asshown in the table below.

In practice, this means the proofs ofsome genotyped young bulls maychange quite a bit when they getenough daughters, even if their initialreliability was 70%. Some could endup being significantly below average.

There is another risk with these youngerbulls. The release of official genomicevaluations in Canada was delayedfrom April to August mostly to makesure that younger genotyped bulls areranked correctly compared to provenbulls. The Canadian Dairy Networkdeveloped a new approach to addressthis issue. Without it, many younggenotyped bulls would have been over-evaluated and would have unfairly“swamped” the best proven bulls at thetop of the proof list.

Finally, not all genomic evaluations arecreated equal! Their reliability is verydependent on the number of bulls usedto estimate the effects of the markers.The more proven bulls for thisestimation, the more accurate thegenomic predictions.

In Canada and the US, a common poolof more than 4,000 Holstein provensires was used to estimate the markereffects. Genomic evaluations based ona smaller number of proven bulls areexpected to be significantly lessaccurate, as was found for the Jerseyand Brown Swiss breeds.

This lower accuracy may or may not bereflected in reliability values dependingon how they are computed. Therefore,dairymen who look at genomicevaluations from any country would bewell-advised to find out how many bullsthe national evaluation center has usedto estimate the marker effects.

On average, unproven genotyped bullsshould have a fairly high genetic merit

6*In 90% of cases

Parent Average (PA): 35%Genomics + PA: 60%Genomics + PA: 70%Bull Proof (100 dtrs) 90%Bull Proof (1000 dtrs) 95%

RELIABILITY

Semex has been an industryleader in genomic research,and its Genomax™ productrepresents the very bestoptions for dairymen lookingto put tomorrow’s genetics towork today. Many Genomax™sires will appeal to largedairies, as these young sireshave already receivedfavorable genomic results andare awaiting their first cropdaughters. Through a careful selection processSemex offers the best genomic testedyoung sires available today. Thesesires are those that top the rankings,whether you’re looking for LPI or TPI:• Top Net Merit Bulls• Top TPI bulls• Top LPI bulls• Top Type Bulls• Top Calving Ease bulls • 4-6 Sexed genomic-tested sires,known as Genomaxx™ sires

Productive Life and SCR data isconsidered before being activated as aSemex Genomax™ sire.

0200HO02272 WABASH-WAY ARBOR-ET (SHOTTLE x BW MARSHALL)

0200HO02427 ARDROSS STERLING *RC (MR BURNS *RC x SHOTTLE)

0200HO05908 HENDEL BIGSTONE-ET (BOLTON x O MAN)

0200HO05663 REGANCREST BALTIMOR (SHOTTLE x DURHAM)

0200HO05929 GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER (BAXTER x SHOTTLE)

0200HO00555 RALMA-RH TRUMPET-ET (BAXTER x GOLDWYN)

0200HO02216 GOLD-N-OAKS GAVIN-ET (GOLDWYN x FORD)

0200HO02331 MR MARVELOUS-ET (TOYSTORY x FINLEY)

0200HO02366 WEST PORT ARRON DOON MITEY P (GOLDWYN xS STORM *RC)

0200HO03648 DOMICOLE CHELIOS (BAXTER x GOLDWYN)

0200HO05630 COMESTAR LAVANGUARD (GOLDWYN x TITANIC)

0200HO02308 SANDY-VALLEY GLORFINDEL (BUCKEYE x LANCELOT)

0200HO00458 LAVENDER REVOLUTION RED (SEPT STORM *RC x RUBENS *RC)

0200HO02167 STANTONS ACHIEVER (SHOTTLE x CONVINCER)

0200HO02274 WEST PORT MOBY RED (SALTO *RC x STEVEN)

0200HO02322 MISTY SPRINGS BURMLEY *RC (SHOTTLE x TALENT *RC)

0200HO03533 MS POSIBILITY PREDATOR-ET (GOLDWYN x TITANIC)

0200H005892 GEN-I-BEQ SKYFIRE RED (MR BURNS*RC x SEPT STORM *RC)

For Maximum Gain Use Genomax™ Teams:• Solid Parent Averages for production and type• Fertility and calving ratings based on their initial test sampling• Reduced generation interval• Accelerate genetic gain

The following team is available as gender selected semen,Genomaxx™:

0777HO03512 ART-ACRES GOLDKENT-ET (GOLDWYN x BW MARSHALL)

0777HO05567 R-E-W SEAVER-ET (GOLDWYN x DURHAM)

0777HO05575 GILLETTE JORDAN (GOLDWYN x DURHAM)

0777HO05623 GEN-I-BEQ BALNEAIRE *RC (SALTO *RC x STORM)

0777HO05658 KILDARE LAKOTA (GOLDWYN x BLITZ)

The following team was selected for its significant health traits:

0200HO02308 SANDY-VALLEY GLORFINDEL (BUCKEYE x LANCELOT)

0200HO05668 REGAN-ALH DRAGON (GOLDWYN x O MAN)

0200HO02216 GOLD-N-OAKS GAVIN (GOLDWYN x FORD)

0200HO05623 GEN-I-BEQ BALNEAIRE *RC (SALTO *RC x STORM)

0200HO03533 MS POSIBILITY PREDATOR-ET (GOLDWYN x TITANIC) 7

since they are younger than provenbulls by about three years. However,given the above, they should be usedwith caution until we have a year ortwo of experience with them. Thisdoes not mean they should not beused at all. In my opinion, producerscan use them for part of their herd,but they should make sure that asingle bull is not overused.

Bulls with only a parent average anda DNA profile are not “proven,” andthe proven bull is still the standard forthe producer who wants to utilize themost stable proofs.

Genomics willchange the speed atwhich we’ll be able

to progress fortraits that were

difficult to improveupon previously...

Contact Your Semex Representative To Put These Genomax™ Sires To Work Today:

8

One of the biggest upfront expenses dairy producers face isrearing heifer calves to maturity.

In Australia, on average, it costs a producer $1,239 US to rear aheifer from birth until she is two years of age, when shehistorically calves and joins the milking herd. The longer she thenremains a viable part of the milking herd, logically gives hermore time to repay the initial investment.

With the industry having a naturally sharp focus on openingdairy prices in recent weeks, longevity undoubtedly has a subtlebut vital role to play in the bigger picture ofbottom line costs.

Research recently revealed that Canadaleads the world for offering traits that supportlongevity, ahead of the US, Germany, theNetherlands and France, respectively.Canada’s Dairy Network’s (CDN) Brian VanDoormaal confirmed that Canada hasdeliberately responded to the globallongevity challenge.

“In the minds of many people, especiallyproducers, longevity is understandably themost important trait associated with dairyproduction,” Brian said. He says longevity isa reflection of a successful combination ofmany traits and from a genetic perspective the ideal was tobreed dairy cows that have the genetic potential to withstandvoluntary culling.

“And, given that voluntary culling does occur in all dairy herds,which prevents cows from staying in the herd as long as they arephysically able to, perhaps the best measure of longevity in apopulation is the average age of cows that die of natural causessuch as old age,” Brian said.

CDN reports by using the measure of old age, the averageHolstein cow in Canada has the potential to live to 9.1 years ofage, with 6.8 years of productive life (just shy of six productivelactations). Source: Closer Look At Herd Life, Canadian DairyNetwork, May 2009.

“The length of time that a cow remains in the herd reflects herability to meet or surpass the herd owner’s minimumexpectations regarding production levels, components, somaticcell counts, mastitis resistance, conformation, reproductive andcalving performance, disease resistance, temperament andmilking speed, among others.”

“The bottom line is that a cow would normally stay in the herdonly as long as she is perceived by the owner to be profitableand remains above the culling thresholds for these various

criteria.”

In terms of finding daughter longevitymeasures within bull proofs, the RelativeBreeding Values (RBVs) used in Canada forherd life have a breed average of zero and anapproximate range from 85 (undesired) to115 (desired).

The CDN has worked hard to facilitate thoseinterpretations giving five measures of actualdaughter survival on a sire-by-sire basis (listedwith breed averages for comparison andtransparency).

“Of these five measures, those of greatestinterest to producers are the daughter survivalrates to their second, third and fourth calving

(which average 70, 50 and 31 percent, respectively, for theHolstein breed).”

“Genetic evaluations for herd life in Canada provide an easyway to identify superior sires and CDN also provides actualdaughter survival rates for easy interpretation.”

Longevity has been boiled down to genetics, Brian said, becauseit is not a simple trait in itself, but a combination of many traits;individual herd management, voluntary culling by producers andenvironmental factors, like drought.

“For these reasons, a strong focus should be given to the geneticcomparisons across countries, which indicate desired progress inrecent years for most major Holstein populations globally. And,in this, Canada leads the way,” he said.

“It is difficult to make quantitative comparisons betweenAustralian and New Zealand animals with cattle from thenorthern hemisphere because of the environmental andmanagement differences (particularly in New Zealand which hasextreme seasonal calving patterns and gives limited opportunitiesfor cows to get in-calf),” David Mayo, Semex Australia Pty Ltd’sBusiness Development Manager said.

“However, Canadian genetics are recognized in both countriesfor their superior functional type - notably their udders, legs andfeet and their strength and capacity. These are critical traits,which allow cows to function well in every environment.”

Dianna Malcolm, For Semex Australia Pty. Ltd.

Genetic Trend for Longevity in Various Countries

95

96

97

98

99

100

101

102

103

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Year of Birth of Proven Sire

Ave

rage

Gen

etic

Mer

it (R

BV S

cale

)

Canada United States Germany Netherlands France

David Mayo, Semex Australia Pty Ltd’s BusinessDevelopment Manager

Real Cows On Real Dairies: Australia Reports on Canadian Genetics

“Canadian genetics arerecognized for their

superior functional type -notably their udders, legs

and feet and theirstrength and capacity.

These critical traits allowcows to function well in

every environment.”

9

Promate™ HelpsReduce Involuntary Cull Rate

Walt and Ellen Moore (with Walt’s parentsBill and Sally), are the fourth generation tofarm the fertile land in Chester County,Pennsylvania that is known as WalmooreHolsteins, Inc. Recently celebrating 100years of continuous farming on theirfamily’s land, their operation consists of1,100 acres over four locations with 750registered milking Holsteins and 550 youngstock.

The milking herd is housed in a 6-rowfreestall barn with sand stalls and flushalleys. This summer they just moved intotheir new milking parlor and treatmentcenter. The parlor is a double-12 rapid exitthat is expandable to a double-20.

Owner Walt Moore is a founding memberof Professional Dairy Managers ofPennsylvania (PDMPA), which now boasts200 members. One of the programsinitiated by PDMPA was a summer internprogram. In this program, students fromDelaware Valley College and PennsylvaniaState gain practical experience on dairyfarms. Over the last several years,Walmoore has been host to four differentinterns, two of which have continued in full-time employment.

Walmoore’s herdsperson, CharleneMowrey, was one of those interns placed

through PDMPA. A graduate fromDelaware Valley College, she has been atWalmoore for six years and is responsiblefor all breeding decisions within her givensemen budget. Charlene selects bulls thatare positive for fat and proteinpercentages, +1.5 for both FLC and UDCand she tries to avoid bulls that arenegative for any type category.

Charlene switched to Semex’s Promate™mating program in August 2005 becauseof Promate™’s ability to addother studs’ bulls into theprogram, and its capacity ofavoiding common faults.

“I like the flexibility inPromate™’s reporting,”Charlene says. “Wedownload the matings directlyonto our computer for easyuse.”

Since joining the Promate™program the herd has increased itsemphasis on longevity and type, while stillmaintaining the necessary high milkproduction of 85 pounds per cow onaverage.

“Even more important, Promate™ hashelped us reduce the involuntary cullingrates by improving our functional type,”comments Charlene. “It’s been great here,dropping the rate from 36% to 25%.”

Although all cows must leave all dairies atsome point, both voluntary and involuntaryculling rates are costly on dairies fromcoast to coast, with reported national USAaverages hovering around the 33% range.Based on financial and investment reasons,voluntary culling is derived by the expectedreturn an animal may or may not generate

at the dairy when compared to herpotential replacement. Each dairy isdifferent, but this decision includesnumerous considerations.

Involuntary culling are those that areremoved from the herd because the dairy isleft with no other choice. These cows areeliminated for issues including reproductiveproblems, chronic mastitis issues, poor feet& legs or other terminal issues. A highinvoluntary culling average can be

detrimental to a herd’s ability toreplace itself, especially when theremoval occurs early within acow’s career, before the dairy hasreceived payback from theirinvestment in raising her tomaturity.

In 2007, University of WisconsinExtension (UWEX) Agents collecteddata from 49 dairy farms, customcalf and heifer growers from acrossWisconsin. This study estimates,

under given assumptions including calfvalue and labor costs, that the averagetotal cost of raising a heifer from birth tofreshening ranged from $1595 to $2935,or an average of $2149 (including a givenvalue of $500 for the calf she is carrying).This was a 58% increase in costs over thesame study calculated in 1998.

Assuming that each cull cow has anaverage value of $500, we estimate basedon the UWEX study that the cost WalmooreDairy incurs each time to replace that stalldue to an involuntary cull is approximately$1649. As Promate™ helped to increasethe herd’s functional type, the savings seenin reduced replacement costs due to thisinvoluntary culling rate can be estimated atapproximately $136,000 annually.

“I pick the bulls I think should work in ourherd and let Promate™ put them in theright places. It saves me time because theindividual breeding decisions are madeand available to look up on the computer,”says Charlene. “We love it!”

Charlene Mowrey,Herdsperson, WalmooreHolsteins Inc.

36% Involuntary Cull Rate 25% Involuntary Cull RateMilking Cows 750 Milking Cows 750# Cows Lost Annually 270 # Cows Lost Annually 187.5$/Animal to Freshening (incl calf at $500) $2149 $/Animal to Freshening (incl calf at $500) $2149Avg Value of Cull Cow $500 Avg Value of Cull Cow $500Annual Cost to Replace Lost Cows $445,230 Annual Cost to Replace Lost Cows $309,187.50

Cam Davis, Semex USA Premier Consultant &Promate Evaluator

Investment in future milk production starts with the selectionof an optimal pool of genes for insemination of a dam thatwill hopefully transfer the desired genetic potential to theoffspring. After insemination, the genetic potential is set, butnutrition, management, and health play a key role inensuring that this genetic potential is fully expressed later inlife.

In dairy production, like in any otherbusiness, a careful allocation ofresources and planning is needed toensure optimal production in the future.The first step of this process requiressetting the correct objectives for rearingcalves. This task is a bit morecomplicated than setting the objectivesfor lactating cows because efforts madetoday will have consequences about twoyears later and will only generate profitafter a lactation begins. The three mainobjectives that should be considered when raising calvesare:

1. Optimize growth. Achieving a rapid growth anddevelopment may not only result in greater future milkproduction but also will render a calf strong enough to copewith environmental stressors such as diseases or severeweather.

2. Minimize health disorders. Implementing amanagement scheme that not only minimizes costs but alsoreduces risk (which should improve or maintain profitabilityin the long term) is pivotal for adequate calf rearing.Implementing a good health-monitoring scheme is clearlythe most effective way to reduce risk while growing calves.

3. Optimize the transition period from liquid todry feeding. Transition is the period of time during whichcalves adapt from liquid feeding to incrementing proportionsof fiber in the ration. If nutrition, environment, and healthare optimum, this growing phase can result in maximumreturns as animals grow very efficiently.

These objectives can be met with proper management andnutrition. The first action to perform is to ensure that thenewborn calf receives an adequate amount of antibodies tostay healthy. An 88 lb calf needs about 0.88 ounces of Ig G(antibodies) to be able to fight infections. To attain this level,an 88 lb calf should be fed at least 3.7 oz of Ig G (due tothe relatively poor absorption). This amount can usually beobtained by feeding at least 0.79 gallons of high-quality

colostrum within the first 3-4 h after birth and a second dose12 h later. High-quality colostrum means that it containsmore than 1.76 oz of Ig G per quart (it’s responsible forproviding immunity to the calf) or a density greater than 60mg/ml (can be measured with a colostrometer), and that it isnot contaminated with bacteria (both infectious and

environmental). Ideally, bacterial counts inthe colostrum should be less than 50,000bacteria/mL. Hygiene during the collectionand storing of colostrum is thus animportant factor. The most common causeof immunity transfer failure is the use ofcolostrum that has a high bacterial count,insufficient amounts of Ig G, or that it isgiven too late or in inadequate amounts.All these mistakes should be avoided.

Once colostrum has been provided the calfshould be transferred into an individualhutch without possibility of licking other

calves. Ideally, hutches should be straw-bedded daily byhand (to avoid dust). It is very important that the calf is dryat all times. During the liquid-feeding period diarrhea is themost common threat. The most effective method to minimizeits occurrence is cleanliness. Special care is needed to washand clean the nipples, bottles, and water bowls daily, andensure that the animals are clean and dry.

Nutrition at this age should be based on water, whole milkor milk replacer, and a starter. Water should be madeavailable to calves at all times. Milk or milk replacer doesnot reach the rumen (it goes directly into the omasum), andthus only water will provide the necessary moist environmentthat bacteria need to colonize the rumen. Insufficientprovision of water limits starter intake and thus growth.Calves need to consume, in addition to the milk or milkreplacer, 0.88-1.32 gallons of water for every 2.2 lbs ofstarter. Milk or milk replacers represent the main source ofnutrients for the young calves. Feeding whole milk is usuallynon-economical and may pose problems of consistency ofnutrient composition. On the other hand, milk replacers (MR)represent an economic advantage and have a veryconsistent composition. However, they do provide lessenergy to the calf than whole milk, thus growth performancemight be comprised. A good MR should contain 25% crudeprotein and 19% fat. There is a commercial tendency tosubstitute milk protein for vegetable protein in the MR withthe aim of reducing costs, however, digestibility of thesestarters tends to be lower than those with high proportions of

Attaining maximum expression of genetic potential:

Part I: Early life calf nutrition and managementAlex Bach, IRTA-Ruminant department, Barcelona, Spain

10

Aer insemination, thegenetic potential is set, butnutrition, management,and health play a key role

in ensuring that thisgenetic potential is fullyexpressed later in life.

milk protein, and thus animals tend to grow less andpresent more diarrhea problems.

Typically, MR are fed at a dilution rate of 12.5% (similar tothe solid contents of milk). However, ADG can be doubledby following intensive liquid feeding programs that consiston feeding MR up to a 17% dilution and offering up to1.76 gallons/d of MR. This type of program requires,however, a good monitoring of starter intake to ensure thatanimals do not fall back after weaning. Ideally, intensivefeeding programs should use a high-quality MR with 28-30% crude protein and about 15-17% fat. Independentlyof the feeding program used, it is important that duringcold weather MR are fed at a greater dilution rate (i.e.,15% instead of 12.5%) to provide more energy to calves tocover the increased maintenance requirements.

A good starter should not contain unpalatable ingredientssuch as corn gluten feed and should have less than 4 %fat, 30% neutral detergent fiber, and about 22% crudeprotein. Finally, roughage should not be provided tocalves until they are weaned. Providing roughage early inlife limits total energy consumption and thus delaysgrowth. A good quality forage can be introduced after 2months of age.

At the age of 49 d, calves should be pre-weaned byreducing the offer of liquid feeding to only one 1/2 gallondose a day, and completely wean them at 56 d. It isexpected, that calves would be consuming about 3 lbs ofstarter at 49 d and 5.5 lbs at 56 d, which should ensurethat they could maintain an average daily gain (ADG)above 2.2 lbs/d after weaning. There seems to be someindication that rapid ADG during the first 2 months of lifeis positively correlated with future milk production. A studyconducted by IRTA at Rancho Las Nieves (RLN) in Spainshowed that for every 1/4 lb of ADG during the first 56 dof life, calves would produce an additional 397 lbs of milkduring the first lactation. For example, it could beexpected that calves following an intensive liquid feedingprogram gaining about 2.2 lbs/d would produce about1,984 lbs more milk during their first lactation than calvesreared on a traditional system gaining about 1.1 lbs/d.

In addition, weaning has usually been associated with amoment of stress. For this reason, it is commonlyrecommended to keep calves in individual hutches one or

Figure 1. Solid feed intake of calves during the pre-weaning week while receiving one daily dose of milk replacer either individually or in groups.

11

Regarding solid feed, texturizedstarters are very common in NorthAmerica; however several studieshave shown no differences betweenpelleted and texturized starters andthere are some studies that evenadvocate for pelleted starters toimprove feed efficiency.

Contiued on page 19...

12

anchored in stability

�Semex will be utilizing the “Masters Series”

designation to label the sires that meetstringent criteria. Just not any second cropsire will do; the sire will have to be highlyreliable on his genetic information. He willhave daughters in numerous herds anddifferent environments and will have

officially over 97% reliability. The proof ofthat sire will be relatively unchanged fromhis first information. In other words, the siredelivered what was originally promised. �

13

Lately a lot of marketing information hastouted Second Crop success by all of theNorth American bull studs. According tothe competition, any bull that has manydaughters now milking and is still in theactive sales lineup is a second cropsuccess.

Is that really second crop success? Not inmy mind. Success implies to me that thedairymen really admire the qualities of thatsire’s daughters and are activelycontinuing to use that sire to create a betterherd. In other words the bull is a “We LikeSire.” Hundreds of dairymen are not onlysatisfied but continue to add that sire’sgenetics to their breeding program to increase profitability andlongevity.

That class of sire has the ability to make uniform daughters thatexcel for certain traits. He has a predictable breeding patternthat you can easily utilize in mating programs to achieve thedesired results. Consistent, reliable, profitable, durable,predictable and superior are the key components of true secondcrop success. The sire must be a source of top genetics forcertain traits as compared to other sires, whether we are talkingabout production, type or management traits.

Semex will be utilizing the Master Series™ designation to labelthe sires that meet these stringent criteria. Just not any secondcrop sire will do. The sire will have to be highly reliable on hisgenetic information. He will have daughters in numerous herdsand different environments and will have a very high reliability.The proof of that sire will be relatively unchanged from his firstinformation. In other words, the sire delivered what waspromised. Looking at a group of sires that includes SeptemberStorm *RC, Morty, Buckeye, Spirte, Samuleo, Lheros and Talent*RC, you can readily see their consistent results.

Comparing them to their marketed contemporaries shows apattern of superiority as they increased their reliability fromaround 82% to over 98%. They stayed true to their pattern morethan other sires of that age that tended to drift downward. Theaverage sire on the United States base was losing about 400pounds of milk, 14 pounds of protein, 15 pounds of fat, about0.85 for type, 0.85 for udder composite and 0.65 for foot andleg composite during this time frame. This group on averagebeat those trends for the most important traits significantly. Inseveral cases they are now higher for certain traits than theyhave ever been.

Taking a look at the individual sires reveals:•Samuelo’s second crop information has included a 41% increase in his LPI and a 300% increase in his PTA protein

•Buckeye has seen a 30% increase in his FLC and a 24% increase in his PL ranking

•Spirte has seen a 36% increase in PTAT and a 38% increase in PL

•Givenchy has seen a 300% increase in his UDC and a 76% increase in PTAT

•Lheros has seen a 54% increase in UDC and a 23% increase in PTAT

•Derek has seen a 67% increase in PL and a 67% increase in UDC.

•Morty has seen a 5% increase in PTAT and a 6% increase in protein.

•September Storm *RC has shown a 64% increase in FLC and a 19% increase in PTA fat

•Talent *RC has seen an 800% increase in PL and an increase of 11% in UDC

No other stud over this time period can boast ofthe number of sires with the customersatisfaction level as high as this group of sires.Other studs have had a few sires stand theultimate test, but not the number nor thecustomer enthusiasm of the Semex kind. All in this group rank in the elite group of siresfor profit-driven traits that include production,type characteristics or health and fitness traits.Any Master Series™ sire will be an elite sirethat the dairymen who are milking hisdaughters will be using again in their herds, inother words very high customer satisfaction.

Master Series™ sires will be available that appeal to the largestof commercial dairymen or for the keenest of breedersinterested in high classification. They will include premierproduction sires, show-winning sires, sires with longevity, sireswith calving ease, sires high in fertility with fertile daughters, aswell as sires with low daughter health costs. The designation ofsome sires as International Master Series™ may happen in thefuture as well, denoting a sire that has had internationalcustomer satisfaction, profitability and appeal. The Semexprogram has been proven to deliver the balanced resultsnecessary for any size dairy or any dairyman’s goals in thisnew profit driven world.

All of these results occurred because of the extensivecooperation between every employee in the company to makethe Semex progeny test system the best in the world. This levelof confidence would not be possible without the sales peoplewho get the semen in the field and have their customers provideinformation on the good as well as negative points of everysire. Without the genetic staff purchasing the right kind of siresthat are needed for the future, eight years before they areneeded for that future. Without all of the laboratory and barnstaff who provide such a top quality product from healthy siresthat live for many years. Without all of the other supportingdepartments that are necessary to make this success possible.The Semex team is also what makes those special sires eliteenough as to be labeled Master Series™.

So whenever you see the Master Series™ logo in the future ona sire like Lheros, September Storm, Talent, Buckeye, Spirte,Samuelo, Derek, Morty and Givenchy you can feel verycomfortable knowing that the strength of your company and ofthe unbiased superior genetic information means that you canuse this sire enthusiastically in any herd worldwide.

2009 2nd Crop

99% Reliability3,096 Dtrs.

2005 1st Proof

84% Reliability75 Dtrs.

30%Foot & LegComposite

19%Udder

Composite

15%PTAT

9%Milk

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO RELY ON THE

PREDICTABLE PROVENRESULTS OF A

SIRE TO DELIVERPROFITABLE GENETICSTO ANY CUSTOMER.

R-E-W Buckeye0200H004779

Dr. David Selner, Dairy Cattle Geneticist & Consultant

14

“We need our cows tolive long and producewell without problems,”Gerrit Wensink ofHoenhorst Farm inInnerkip, Ontario says.“We have no time tobaby the cows. She mustbe trouble-free and shemust work.”

Fifteen years ago GerritWensink, his wifeMargriet and their fourchildren were recentimmigrants to Canadafrom Holland, farming100 acres in Innerkip,Ontario.

Featured in the Fall 1997issue of Semex’s “Alliance” magazine,Gerrit described his breedingphilosophy, “We try to make a livingby milking cows, and I want cows thatmilk and that stand up to free stallconditions in a large herd environment.The more traits you choose for, the lessprogress you make on any single one.It’s simple. It’s nothing fancy.”

In April of 2008 Gerrit moved hismilking herd to a new freestall barnbuilt just behind the older facility, whichis now home to young heifers, bredheifers and dry cows. The new 125’ x365’ facility is every modern dairycow’s dream. It’s outfitted with watermattresses, Lely Discovery mobile barncleaners, 6 Lely robotic milkers and theai24™ Heatime™ detection system.

Today the 350+ cow milking herd isthriving, and the Hoenhorst Farm hasgrown to encompass 525 workingacres. Gerrit’s breeding philosophyremains the same and the results speakfor themselves with a 305 ME of25,986 lbs, a 25% pregnancy rate anda 13.5-month calving interval.

For Gerrit, a Masters of AnimalScience graduate from WageningenUniversity in Holland and an ExecutiveMBA, Masters of BusinessAdministration from the University ofWestern Ontario, all dairying decisionsare based on economic reasoning.Making the move to robotic milkersand the ai24™ heat detection systemand using Semex sires makes economicsense.

“We’ve decided to trust the ai24™Heatime™ system and that’s it,” saysGerrit. “Now we don’t spend timedoing observations. We’re savingmoney with the switch by putting thePC version in with the cows and theStand Alone with the heifers.”

The 500 collars used on cows andheifers for heat detection have madetheir impact on the herd’s reproductivesuccess. The herd’s average days opennow sits at 122 days, well belowOntario’s average of 142 days. Basedon an approximated average cost of$4.50 US/day (2006 University ofFlorida) for each extra day open past100 days, Gerrit’s savings by this one

cost reduction is $90 US per cow.

Additionally, the herd’s pregnancy rateis now at 25%, up from the 18-20%before ai24™ and Heatime™, provingthat not only are the cows getting bred,but they’re getting bred at the right

time. A predominantly Semex-siredherd, the 200 stud code boasts animpressive 38% conception rate.

“We need cows that are survivors, withexcellent health including utility traits,mammary systems, calving ease, lowSomatic Cell Count and a will tosurvive,” says Gerrit. “I learned frommy education in genetics that if you tryto select for too many traits you makeno progress. We’ve limited our traits tofocus on production and health,emphasizing somatic cell, calving easeand milking speed (because of therobots) and we look for no negatives.”

Working within the Semex lineup tofind bulls that meet his requirements isno problem for Gerritt, who viewssemen as his cheapest herdimprovement tool.

“One thing that persists in a herd isgenetic improvement. Your herd’sgenetic potential doesn’t change withdifferent feed or a new building,” hecomments. “We find what we need inthe Semex lineup, focusing on just acouple bulls at a time. Right now wehave a lot of 0200HO05049Morningview Ashlar calves being bornand we’re using 0200HO09804Crockett-Acres Eight and0200HO04779 R-E-W Buckeye on thecows. We enjoy watching the geneticsbuild.”

“As dairies in Ontario and around theworld become more commercial, more

people will value economic traits likefertility, calving ease, milking speedand feet & legs,” says Gerritt. “Ourfocus in selection is shifting. We needto breed for cows that are ‘survivors’that have excellent health and utilitytraits. That is the future.”

We Need Cows With Utility Traits: Hoenhorst FarmBrenda Lee-Turner, Semex Alliance Marketing Communications Specialist

Hoenhorst Farms will be a featured stop on the Precision Dairy Management Conference farmtours held March 2-5, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario.

Gerrit and his favorite cow by Henkeseen Emperor with over121,474 lbs 1817F 1695P to date will freshen again this fall withher fourth calf at 6 years of age.

15

Removal of animalsfrom the herd, whethervoluntary orinvoluntary, is anexpense most dairymenare looking to reduce.

Culling by definition isthe removal of a cowfrom the dairy due tosale, slaughter, salvageor death. Although allanimals must be leavethe herd at some point, there is a difference in thereasons for removal. Voluntary culling refers to adecision the dairy makes to remove an animal due to economicreasons such as low production, cow behavior or sale toanother dairy as a milking cow. Involuntary culling refers toremoval due to health issues, leaving the dairy no choice but toremove her.

Replacing that animal and filling her stall is a costly venture. In2008 De Vries and Olson obtained DHIA lactation records from38 states from Dairy Records Management Systems andestimated that the national average cull rate was approximately33%. Meaning, roughly 1/3 of all cows on these farms studiedleft the herd each year.

Dairymen can expect on average that each cull cow has a valueof $500. Determining the loss sustained from the removal ismore difficult, as numerous factors including lactation, stage oflactation, reproduction, etc. play a factor.

In 2007, University of Wisconsin Extension (UWEX) Agentscollected data from 49 dairy farms, custom calf and heifergrowers from across Wisconsin. This study estimates, undergiven assumptions including calf value and labor costs, that theaverage total cost of raising a heifer from birth to fresheningranged from $1595 to $2935, or an average of $2149(including a given value of $500 for the calf she is carrying).

Assuming an average replacement is valued at $2149 less thevalue of the cull at $500, replacing one stall on a dairy maycost $1649. Looking at varying sizes of dairies with a nationalaverage of 33% cull, the cost to dairies is staggering.

Increasing the survivability of the herd and decreasing theinvoluntary cull rate, therefore, is key to increasing profitability.

Semex has identified Health$mart™ sires as those that sire themost valuable and profitable cows on the dairy. These siresexcel for qualities that dairies can easily quantify in theirledgers. Dairymen can trust that a Semex Health$mart™ sirewill have a positive financial impact, saving on vet bills,medications and staff time, as well as lost breedings and lostproduction.

The selection criteria for a Health$mart™ sire isbased on:

• Health Traits: Herd Life, Somatic Cell Score,Daughter Calving Ability, Milking Speed,Daughter Fertility

• Production: Milk, Fat and Protein

• Durability Traits: Final Conformation, MammarySystem and Feet & Legs

A tight dairy economy has leftdairymen worldwide searching foranswers to reduce their expendituresand increase profitability. Looking atherd expenses one can quicklydetermine that health issues have adetrimental effect on a dairy’s ledgers.

# COWS $ LOST/YR1 $1,64950 $82,450100 $164,900250 $412,250500 $824,5001000 $1,649,0002000 $3,298,000

COST OF 33% CULL RATES

Ask your Semex representative about how Semex Health$mart™ sires can increaseyour herd’s survival rates today!

200HO0113 CEDARWAL SPIRTE200HO5156 COMESTAR LITTORAL200HO9804 CROCKETT-ACRES EIGHT200HO1406 EMERALD-ACR-SA T DEREK200HO3218 GILLETTE BRILEA FBI200HO3280 GILLETTE FINAL CUT200HO1196 HARTLINE TAYLOR-ET200HO1715 JEFFREY-WAY TOPLEVEL

200HO5378 KLOVER-HILL JAVA200HO5398 LANGS-TWIN-B FINLEY200HO7317 MAGOR BOLIVIA ALLEN200HO0402 MAINSTREAM MANIFOLD200HO9448 MONUMENT KENETH200HO5049 MORNINGVIEW ASHLAR200HO0379 MORSAN FRONTRUNNER *RC200HO5428 MY-JOHN KARIK

200HO4779 R-E-W BUCKEYE200HO4608 REGANCREST-MR SAMUELO200HO5127 REGANCREST-MWS MAGNA200HO9008 SANDY-VALLEY ED200HO3427 SPRINGWAY CLEVELAND200HO5217 VIEUXSAULE MALICIEUX200HO3404 WILLSONA SILAS

RIGHT ON TIMESemex’s Lencrest On Time Takes Jersey Center Stage

Harley Nicholson, Jersey Program Manager

For several years milking females in the branch of theDuncan Belle family headed by her EX-94-CAN 2*granddaughter Piedmont Declo Belle, have dominated thehighest positions on Canada’s LPI list. In August 2009, 15of the top 22 positions in the Top 100 LPI list were occupiedby Declo Belle and her family members. Declo Belle ranked#3 with numerous daughters, granddaughters and even agreat granddaughter holding Canada’s highest positions.

Jersey breeders worldwide were excited in April 2008, asDeclo Belle’s first AI sampled son, 0200JE00423 LencrestBlackstone graduated with an LPI that placed him at the topof the breed in Canada. Just 16 months later, PiedmontDeclo Belle has again demonstrated her potent transmittingabilities with the emergence of her second AI proven son,0200JE00430 Lencrest On Time by veteran Semex sire,SHF Centurion Sultan, as the new breed leader with aphenomenal LPI of +1853, 100 points ahead of his closestrival!

How is On Time related to the famous DuncanBelle?

On Time is out of, Piedmont Declo Belle EX-94-2*. To date,six sons of Declo Belle have been sampled through Semex’sprogeny test programs. Declo Belle’s best record was 5-03305d 24,775 4.9% 1,208 3.9% 955 lbs and she hasproduced 75,587 5.4% 4,067 4.1% 3,071 lbs in threelactations.

She was All-Canadian Junior 3 Yr Old in 2003, placing 1stJr 3 Yr Old and Intermediate Champion at the Royal WinterFair and Honorable Mention Grand Champion that year.Two years later she was Nom. All-Canadian 5 YrOld.

Declo Belle is sired by Barbs MBSB Declo and was fromRock Ella Brook Belle EX-93. Brook Belle was sired by MollyBrook Brass Major and out of the famous Duncan Belle EX-20* with a 4-05 322d 20,091 5.8% 1,162 4.0% 811 lbs.

On Time’s breeding pattern

Since May 2009, On Time has been Semex’s most heavilyused Jersey mating sire. His daughters are sharp, dairy andvery angular. They are above average in stature and showintermediate strength and width of front end. A number ofdaughters exhibit the same style that made On Time’s damand great grandam, very successful show cows.

Bone quality in the leg is very desireable, with tendencytowards being more straight than set. Feet show adequatedepth of heel and strong pasterns. Rumps show good width,leaving lots of room for rear udders.

Mammary systems are perhaps On Time’s greatest strength.He sires high, wide rear attachments, and leaves snug foreattachments considering the level of production of hisdaughters. Teat size, shape and placement are alldesireable. Milking speed and temperament are aboutaverage, however On Time can be counted on to improveSomatic Cell Scores.

On Time should mate well with daughters of the followingsires: Senior, Counciller, Minister, Danish bloodlines,Renaissance bloodlines, and daughters andgranddaughters of Avery, Sambo, Hallmark and Jace.

Whether your breeding goals are highproduction, sound conformation for alengthy herd life, show winning type orall three, On Time has arrived and he is“on the money” when it comes to

delivering the traits that suit the mostdiscriminating of breeding programs.

Silverdene On Time Evangelina VG-85-2YR-CANphotos by Frank Robinson

Silverdene On Time Pixie VG-85-2YR-CAN

16

“I’m very satisfied with the Premier™program, so I’ve signed up for the SilverLevel,” Marc comments. “I’m convinced thebulls work for us, and the help andprofessionalism that the Semex staff providesis awesome. They help with all daughterphotos, making it easier for us when we takesome of these daughters to the local fair!” 17

David and Mina Covert of Prattsburg, New Yorkbegan dairy farming in the spring of 1977 withjust 30 cows. Over the years they’ve grown theiroperation to 1,036 milking cows and 2500acres of crops.

Today, Damin Farms LLC includes David andMina, as well as their three children, spousesand grandchildren. Daughter Keri and herhusband Marc Clemons are in charge of thecows and heifers, making all management,genetic and nutritional decisions.

Marc began working on the farm when he wasjust 13, and with 24 years of experience he’sbecome a driving force on the dairy. The 1000+cows are now milked 3x/day and are boastingan impressive herd average of 24,470 3.5%865 3.0 723 lbs and a 30% conception rate.

A partner in Semex’s young sire program,Premier™, since April 2004 Marc is proud ofthe results in his herd.

“I think Semex does an excellent job selectingthe bulls that they sample,” Marc says. “I amimpressed with the number of bulls I have usedthat Semex has returned to their active line-up.”

Bulls used at Damin through the Semex’s youngsire programs include 0200HO01818 Blue-Haven-Ltd Brick, 0200HO05217 VieuxsauleMalicieux and 0200HO03315 BraedalePagewire. Marc’s Malicieux daughters havebeen widely publicized with Damin-AcresMalicieux 1214 VG-86-(EX-MS)-3YR-USA andKeri-Co Malicieux 1212 GP-84-3YR-USA beingfeatured in Malicieux advertising around theworld.

Important to Marc is his herd’s longevity and thedurability built in by using Semex Premier™Young Sires.

“We’re happy with the sound, functionaldaughters we’ve bred with Semex,” commentsMarc. “Most of these daughters haveoutstanding longevity, lasting for severallactations. This is important because we knowthat Semex is helping us grow the herdinternally. We don’t have to go looking forreplacements”

“For cows to last for us they have to have goodudders, and exceptional feet & legs to take themback and forth to the parlor.”

“We have more Semex sired daughters thanany other in their third and fourth lactations,”Marc comments. “They last.”

A comment heard more and more from Semex’spartner herds, Semex young sires are selectedto provide dairies with long-lasting profitabledaughters… The real kind of cows that work onreal dairies.

“Our number one goal is to provide our clients

in the USA and worldwide with the siresthey need to increase their profitability,”says Pierre Laliberte, Semex Senior Vice-President, Global Genetics & Research.

“We offer a wide variety of bloodlinesthat emphasize health, production andfunctional traits, making Semex’s youngsire program very attractive to anydairyman. Our USA program is key toour global program and it continues togrow and provide the world with thehighly reliable and profitable sires Semexand the USA are both known for.”

A Premier™ partner for five years, Marcsays that his Semex sired daughters arevery functional, long-lasting cows andcredits the program for providing himexcellent incentives to purchase provensemen.

Utilizing these semen credits has openedthe door for Marc to use Semex’s provensire lineup, an important benefit in today’s

tough economic and dairy climates.Proven sire 0200HO01584 Diamond-Oak Frosty is making his mark, with 18milking daughters at Damin Farms LLC.

“When I went to buy him I had threereasons for buying him,” says Marc.“First, I liked his pedigree. Second, myneighbor had one that had been picturedand I really liked the looks of her. Third,he was on special at the time and he’s afertile, Repromax™ sire!”

Recently Marc reaffirmed his commitmentto Semex and its proving program byjoining the Semex Premier™ Club as aSilver Level Member.

• Up to $15 per each calving easerecord reported

• Up to $15 for each heifer identified• Up to $50 for each milkingdaughter

• Participation in Holstein USA’sS.E.T. classification

• Regular meetings with aspecialized Premier™ consultant

• Regular herd matings with thePromate™ mating system

• Competitive proven sire semenpricing

The Premier™ Club program offers three partner levels: Standard,Silver and Gold. Your Premier™ Consultant will match your needs andcommitment to one of these levels with significant rewards available:

Marc & Keri Clemons with Malicieux Daughter

Premier™ Daughters: Functional Kind That LastCam Davis, Semex USA Premier Consultant & Promate Evaluator

18

• Conformation at the highest level• Large production increase per lactation• High fertility (sire and daughters)

SAVARD-ET Reg.# CH 120.0228.4064.3 aAa 423 615

BRAD x STORM x JONN

SAVARD CHICOUTIMI

MAIN RED & WHITE SIRES IN SWISSGENETICS LINE-UP

• Outstanding fitness traits• Top feet & legs• Calving ease

DOMINATORReg.# CH 120.0011.7075.4 aAa 156 324

DOMINATOR PAULINE

• From the strongest Swiss R&W family• Excellent teats and udders• Wide rumps

LEONARDReg.# CH 120.0350.2216.6 aAa 153

TALENT x RUBENS x CREATION

• High production• Good udders• Long herd life

RINO Reg.# CH 120.0182.2932.2 aAa 426 315

UNCLE SAM x HANS x TRIPLE TINO

RINO ANUSCHKA

• Productive and functional cows• Very healthy udders• Strong type

DEVISReg.# CH 120.0077.0725.1 aAa 165 243

STADEL x MILESTONE x TRIPLE TEXAN

DEVIS MAJA

STADEL x PATRON x KENTVILLE STARDUST

www.swissgenetics.com

LEONARD AMANDA

19

two more weeks after weaning. However, this practice isexpensive, as individual housing carries greater labor andbedding costs. A study conducted by IRTA in RLN todetermine the effects on performance of moving the calvesfrom individual hutches to super hutches (in groups of 6-8animals) immediately after weaning or moving them oneweek after weaning showed that weaning and moving theanimals directly to super hutches improved ADG.

Furthermore, a second study aimed at evaluatingperformance and incidence of disease of moving calves ingroups before weaning concluded that the best practice towean calves is to move them in groups at 49 d of age, andthen pre-wean them while calves are kept in groups byfeeding MR (or whole milk) in troughs that all calves canaccess simultaneously.

This study showed that when calves are pre-weaned ingroups, starter consumption is greater during the first weekwhen MR is cut to one daily offer compared with calves thatare pre-weaned in individual hutches (Fig. 1). Moreimportant, the study showed that calves weaned in groupshad a lower number of respiratory episodes than thoseweaned individually. It is important that MR is offered in atrough (no nipples) to avoid inter-sucking.

With a proper nutrition scheme for the transition, calves caneasily grow about 2.6-2.9 lbs/d and do it very efficiently(about 40%) resulting in the most profitable developmentstage that calves or heifers will undergo during their entiregrowing period. It is recommended to start the transitionwith the same starter the animals were weaned on, and thenchange them to ration that will progressively increase the

proportion of fiber through the inclusion of forage, startingwith about a 5% and finishing by the age of 4 months with a15% forage inclusion level. These forage increments shouldbe implemented weekly.

Transition calves, however, frequently experience respiratoryupsets that may compromise performance. During thetransition, ensuring a good air quality is important. It is

common for this type of animal to be housed in smallcovered pens called super-hutches. Air quality can beimproved by appropriate air turn-over and clean bedding.Straw bedding should be added frequently and it ispreferable to do it by hand rather than using blowers andalike to minimize dust and thus diminish the irritation of therespiratory tract. Air quality can also be modulated bystocking density.

Figure 2 shows how the incidence of respiratory problemsincreases as animal density increases. It is thus important toavoid over-crowding of transition calves. Respiratoryproblems may have profound consequences on calfperformance and can even end with death. However, thelong-term effects of respiratory problems can be effectivelyminimized if detected promptly and treated properly.Therefore, allocating the necessary time to check the healthstatus of calves at least once a day and rapidly treating theanimals for respiratory problems should minimize furtherconsequences of the disease.

Summary

The nutrition and management that calves receive early inlife may have important consequences on future milkproduction. Providing adequate amounts of good qualitycolostrum and keeping the calves clean, dry and healthy arethe first steps to success. Calves need to drink large amountsof water daily, and forage should not be offered untilreaching two months of age. Attaining rapid growth duringthe first two months of life is being correlated with greatermilk production in the future. In addition, calves that growfaster will be stronger to cope with environmental threats(climate and diseases). An effective method to minimizestress associated with weaning and foster solid feed intakeconsists of grouping calves in small groups (about eightanimals) right before reducing liquid feeding to once a dayand weaning the animals while in groups.

Figure 2. Incidence of respiratory afflictions of transition calves kept in groups of 5, 6 or 7.

Con’d from pg 11. Attaining maximum expression of genetic potential: Part I: Early life calf nutrition and management

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