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HorizonsA u g u s t 2 0 0 9

■ Now Available Even More Choices p.6

■ Producer Perspectives On Genomic Genetics p.20

■ Healthy Habits Improve Your Herd p.22

A New GeNerAtioN Surpassing Expectations

In January. 1HO08784 FREDDIE created a buzz in the industry with his genomic debut at #1 for Lifetime

Net Merit. Genex aggressively used FREDDIE as a sire of sons, and herds across the country welcomed genomics. As

FREDDIE adds milking daughters, he remains #1. Whether proven by genomics, or proven by daughters, he is the best.

Any way you look, #1 is the best.

Building on FREDDIE’s genomic success is new release 1HO02683 SEBASTIAN. Already being used as a mating sire, this complete sire offers it all from

+$824 Lifetime Net Merit to +2332 TPI™.

Schmidts Ponderosa Freddie 4660

3©2009 CRI HORIZONS

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Perspective 4 Much Has Been Said

Grassroots 5 Cooperatives Enable Members to Succeed 5 Co-ops Put Members’ Best Interests First

GenChoice™ 6 High Merit Sires Now Available in GenChoice 75™ 8 Five Reasons to Choose GenChoice

In The News 10 Genex Products and Semen Available Online

Regional News 12 A Marketing Alternative for Maximized Profitability 13 At Refuge Dairy, Every Voice is Heard 14 Genex Interns Learn for the Future 15 A Herd of Superior Genetics

Genomically Speaking 18 Milking Daughters Answer the Question 20 Enhancing Genetic Programs with Genomics

Healthy Habits 22 Health and Fitness Traits for More Functional Cows 24 Selection for LNM Improves Health Traits

Mission statement: Provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative.

to choose GenChoiceMore Reasons

perspectives on genomic siresProducers Share p.20

p.8

Horizons

August 2009 Vol. 15/No. 3Published three times a year for dairy

producers in the united states and Canada.

PubliCAtion nuMber 40022882

return undeliverAble MAil to: genex Cooperative, inc.

291 Woodlawn Rd W Unit 4C, Guelph, Ontario N1H 7L6

[email protected] 888.354.4622 www.crinet.com

boArd oF direCtorsduane J. nelson, President

Winthrop, Minn., 507.647.2540

Jimmy Franks, 1st Vice President Waynesboro, Ga., 706.437.0527

John J. ruedinger, 2nd Vice President Van Dyne, Wis., 920.922.9899

Paul greene, Secretary Berlin, N.Y., 518.658.2419

Jacques Couture Westfield, Vt., 802.744.2733

Jim Crocker Valley City, Ohio, 330.483.3709

Jon Wayne danielson Cadott, Wis., 715.289.3860

Kay olson-Martz Friendship, Wis., 608.564.7359

bobby robertson Tahlequah, Okla., 918.456.2357

ronald totten Stafford, N.Y., 585.344.0758

Clarence van dyke Manhattan, Mont., 406.282.7579

richard vold Glenwood, Minn., 320.634.4665

Alfred Wanner, Jr. Narvon, Pa., 717.768.8118

Horizons editoriAl boArd Members

raymond diederich, De Pere, Wis.

gerald evenson, Mora, Minn.

Jared Franklin, Bradyville, Tenn.

bob Prahl, Wausau, Wis.

ben Wilson, Mount Berry, Ga.

Employees

ron Hanson, Area Sales Manager, Vt.

ross leix, Training Programs Manager

Aimee rice, Area Program Consultant-Apprentice, Pa.

steve schnell, Vice President Dairy Genetics

John underwood, Area Sales Representative, Ariz.

ron visser, BPS Team Leader, S.D.

Horizons stAFFJenny l. Hanson, Editor, [email protected]

Angie Kringle, Assistant Editor, [email protected]

Maria sorenson, Intern

Amy seefeldt, Graphic Designer

rePrints Material may not be reproduced in any fashion without

Cooperative Resources International’s permission.

Cover: Ashley Mikshowsky of Bangor, Wis., caught these heifers enjoying the sun. See the rest

of the photo contest winners on pages 28-29.

The dairy economy has been debated at length during the last nine months. The absolute reality is this is the most severe time our industry has experienced. The late 2008/2009 period will become the new benchmark as a severe economic reference point. For those under 50, this displaces the early 1980s, which they have heard referenced on many occasions.

Much has been said about the economy and we cannot add to the many forecasts and analyses. The basic fact is, however, the cooperative will always mirror the members’ financial status. And, yes, Genex feels the impact.

What has not been said is the fact a cooperative business model absolutely shines during depressed periods. Your Genex staff meets every month with 13 producer-owners who experience economic stress daily. Your management staff is given clear direction as to the short-term and long-term expectations for managing this cooperative. Therefore, through the cooperative business model a cooperative does not get removed from the day-to-day reality of its member owners.

Here is what Genex is doing:1. We have reviewed expenses in every division and have

made many cost saving adjustments. The board has been informed on all of these adjustments and the magnitude of the impact.

2. We have altered capital expenditures by a major magnitude and, again, reviewed this with the board.

3. We have adjusted our profit goals for the short term. This cooperative will be patient and manage cash flow rather than operating returns. We are operating in the black, but not eroding programs and product development in lieu of profits.

4. We are leveraging our powerful balance sheet rather than eroding product and program development.

5. We are aggressively gearing the new technologies of genomics and sorted semen to build for the future and not withdrawing for the sake of cost reduction. Excitement centers around the high-ranking GENESIS cows, and we have launched what we believe is an important sorted semen choice during these economic times - GenChoice 75™. Development of these programs are investments in the memberships’ future.

We will make short-term sacrifices before we deter product development to help our members. Yes, there have been some uncomfortable moments, but where have there not been? Your board has positioned this cooperative in a powerful manner. Never has their leadership been more important. As a member, you should feel a real sense of belonging to a cooperative with a grassroots direction.

This cooperative’s mission statement rings loud during these economic times:

Provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative.

Yes, much has been said about the dairy economy. For your board of directors, the direction to focus management is not a reaction, it is following our mission. Management staff fully appreciates the value of the 13 board members who manage a farming operation daily. It is during the tough times they are of the greatest value and respected the most.

P E R S P E C T I V E

By: Doug Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Genex

Much Has Been

Said


G R A S S R O O T S

Richard Vold and his family farm near Glenwood, Minn., where his grandparents settled in 1899. In 1994, the Volds formed a corporation named Dorrich Dairy

Inc. Vold and his wife Dorothy operate the dairy along with their two sons - Brad and his wife Suzanne, and Greg and his wife Charity. Together, they milk about 300 Holstein cows and farm 600 acres of corn, alfalfa and soybeans.

I have been part of this cooperative since the days before frozen semen. I was a member of Minnesota Valley Breeders Association, 21st Century Genetics and now Genex.

In 2003, I was asked to run for the position of director for Region 11. After discussing it with my family, I decided to run and was elected. I consider it an honor and privilege to represent the farmers and ranchers in Region 11.

In the past few years, it has been very interesting to be part of the many advancements this co-op has made - the advent of sexed semen, the breakthrough of genomics,

and the purchase and renovation of an office building in downtown Shawano, Wis., which truly symbolizes our world-class bull stud.

From 48 years of farming, I know Genex is an experienced organization with innovative products and services. Arm service, MAP™, Reproductive Profit Manager™ and the various semen options – genomics, GenChoice 90™, GenChoice 75™ and conventional semen – really enable us to fine-tune our breeding program.

In addition, I am impressed with Genex employees from Breeding Program Specialists to upper management. It is the people that make Genex a strong organization.

Being a member and serving as a director has taught me the importance of a business owned and managed by people like myself - people who understand the ups and downs of agriculture. This is especially important in trying times. Co-ops understand what their members are going through. Our co-op is facing challenging times as are our members. If we work together we will both emerge stronger.

Jimmy and Ginny Franks began dairy farming in Waynesboro, Ga., in 1992. At first, the couple leased their farm. Over the years, they purchased additional land and

now own 955 acres. They currently milk 180 cows (mostly Brown Swiss) and grow their own hay, silage and grain corn. The Franks have four children - Morgan, Chance, Whitney and Meri.

I believe in the cooperative way of business. A co-op should have the member’s best interest first. If this is done, it can save dollars and make the operation profitable. For that reason, I am a member of several co-ops.

Being a delegate for NOBA, a predecessor of Genex, gave me a sense that I was helping guide the organization and making a difference for members. I liked it a great deal. Now as a Genex director, I believe I have been able to take my delegate work to the next level. It gives me a lot of pride to represent the members of Region 6, one of the largest and most diverse regions of all.

I have served as a Genex director for 10 years and have held the positions of 1st and 2nd vice president. I have also been on the CRI board for six years and currently serve as vice chairman.

I am especially proud of two board decisions. These involve equity and Decisive. For the new equity program, we worked through issues to approve a program that worked for the members, yet did not hurt the co-op. The other major decision was Decisive. The Genex board, which is very forward thinking, thoroughly discussed this decision. It was an effort to push dairy farmers to the next level. In turn, it pushed the whole industry forward.

In the future, several Genex products and programs will be key to success. Gaining more information and reliability through genomic testing is a must for Genex to be on the cutting edge of genetics and technology. We feel GenChoice 75™ will work well in a lot of members’ herds. In addition, I think we have only touched on the surface of the potential of GENESIS.

Cooperatives Enable Members to Succeed By: Richard Vold, Genex Board Member

Co-ops Put Members’ Best Interests FirstBy: Jimmy Franks, Genex Board Member

“It is exciting to announce the addition of GenChoice 75™ to our GenChoice™ sexed semen product line,” proclaims Doug Wilson, Genex Chief Operating Officer. “Through this new sexed product, our members and customers have access to some of the industry’s most elite genetics.”

The new GenChoice 75, expected to produce 75 percent heifer calves, is currently available on 11 Holstein sires at the top of the breed for Lifetime Net Merit (LNM). These sires - 751HO09208 SHAMPOO, 751HO09952 KARSTEN %-I, 751HO09040 CAVANA, 751HO09103 CABHI, 751HO09092 LAZARITH, 751HO09554 HICLASS, 751HO08764 LOTTA %-I, 751HO08562 HOLMAN, 751HO08824 DESPAIR %-I, 751HO08812 MARCELLUS and Red, Polled sire 751HO02590 KASEY-P-RED - represent the elite for LNM and excel in health traits as well as conformation.

The first Jersey sire available in GenChoice 75 is the well-known 751JE00604 GANNON. GANNON is the industry’s top sire for milk and #4 for JPI™. He also sires exceptional udders (+5.09 JUI™). Watch for availability of 751JE00666 VERMEER, an outcross genomic sire who sires outstanding components (+0.05% Protein and +0.22% Fat) and increased type (+1.8 PTA Type).

“Genex is able to offer these incredible, breed-leading sires in a sexed product due to the production efficiency of GenChoice 75. It also allows for more favorable pricing for our members,” notes Wilson. “Utilization of new technologies, including the GenChoice products and genomics, will put our membership one step ahead.”

GenChoice 75 and GenChoice 90™ sexed semen products are produced by Sexing Technologies using the same technology and sorting process. Fertility is expected to be similar between both GenChoice options.

High Merit Sires Now Available in GenChoice 75™

6 HORIZONS ©2009 CRI

751HO08812 MARCELLUSBoliver X BW Marshall X RudolphG

lick

Mar

cellu

s G

inge

r

751HO09208 SHAMPOOShottle X O Man X Rudolph

Full sister: Pine-Tree Martha Sheen-ET, VG-85

751HO09040 CAVANAO Man X Orion X Corky

Dam: Wa-Del Orion Cass-ET, VG-86. VG-MS

751JE00604 GANNONJace X Gordo X Alf

Drinkall Gratitude Class, VG-87%

751HO08824 DESPAIR%-IRamos X Addison X Winchester

Mammoser Despair 6669

G E N C H O I C E ™


Introducing

Genex realizes a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work for every herd. With your unique goals and objectives in mind, Genex introduces GenChoice 75. As the only stud to offer a 75 percent heifer product, Genex provides more options than ever before to improve your herd.

The Holstein lineup boasts an incredible group average of: +$619 Lifetime Net Merit • +2.29 PTA Type

+4.9 Productive Life • +2.27 Udder Composite+1.1 daughter Pregnancy rate

Ask your Genex representative how the new GenChoice 75 can give you more choices.



5Reasons to choose

for improved profitabilityCreate heifers from your best maternal lines.At Alvis Farms LLC in Virginia, heifers are sorted genetically into two groups. Based on parent averages, heifers +$300 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) or higher are bred to GenChoice™. If a second breeding is needed, GenChoice will be used on that breeding as well.

Heifers below +$300 LNM are available as recipients in the herd’s embryo transfer program. Over the past five years, this herd has implemented an embryo transfer program to maximize genetic progress. The very elite females are flushed to elite LNM sires and their embryos are placed into recipient animals.

dennis Alvis, herd manager, feels genetic improvement is a high priority. “So far, our primary goal has been to improve and grow our herd. If we have extra heifers sometime, we would like to be able to merchandise them.”

GenChoice finds a fit with this herd’s concentrated breeding efforts by allowing them to reap the benefits of more heifers out of their top females. GenChoice breedings in this group of females complement the flush program well, allowing them to capture the most value possible.

Grow your herd from within.Carl neckers, owner of Ridgeline Farms in New York, set his sights on GenChoice when he made the decision to grow the herd. “I’d much rather calve in my own and grow the heifers than purchase young stock,” Neckers stated. A portion of the herd is Jerseys, and he also cited the low value of bull calves as an additional reason to give the product a try.

At Harvey’s Herd in New York, owner Craig Harvey is planning for growth. His 70-cow herd had been using sorted semen with success on heifers and decided to try GenChoice on cows. Harvey works with Gary Stoddard, Genex Breeding Program Specialist, to MAP™ and breed his herd. Currently Harvey is experiencing a 42 percent conception rate with GenChoice on the cows.



More flexibility in culling.“When you have high quality genetics coming in, there’s no reason to mess with a problem cow. I think GenChoice will help the industry to eradicate problem diseases such as staph. aureus because a producer can

afford to send a cow down the road rather than hang on to her,” noted Justin ulrich of Ulrich Farms, Wisconsin, who is pleased with the culling options offered through using GenChoice. “I’ve definitely noticed the bulk tank average has gone up quite a bit.”

Advantages in calving ease.The ease of calving often comes as an added benefit to using GenChoice. Although Ulrich chose to start utilizing GenChoice to grow his herd, he has definitely noticed the calving ease advantage. “Prior to GenChoice, we pulled a lot of calves. In our fresh cow pen, we’ve noticed less metritis and tearing.”

shawn Cotter of Oak View Dairy, New York, echoes the same comments, “As far as calving ease, I’d say we’ve had far less calving issues with GenChoice semen than with conventional semen. Obviously, this is a pleasant surprise! In fact, last night we had two heifers calve completely on their own. Both were carrying GenChoice heifer calves.”

Genex offers you more choices.This summer, Genex released a new addition to the GenChoice product line – GenChoice 75™. This product offers producers the advantage of 75 percent heifer calves at a fraction of the price. Cotter, is currently maximizing his reproductive program by using both GenChoice products – GenChoice 90™ and GenChoice 75.

“We’ve been using GenChoice 75 since it came out. We sat down and penciled out the economics and then created a criteria list. Any cow that fits the criteria is bred to GenChoice 75. After a certain number of inseminations, we will evaluate the performance and determine how to proceed. We haven’t hit that number yet, but we’ve had our first pregnancy checks and the results are looking very promising!” Cotter has continued to utilize GenChoice 90 in heifers, while trying GenChoice 75 on cows.

Jackson smith, owner of Smith’s Cream Pitcher Jerseys in Utah, operates a herd of 600 Jersey cows. He has been using the GenChoice product on both heifers and cows. “We’ve been using GenChoice for about a year and have only seen a 10 percent decrease in conception rate. We breed to GenChoice on both first and second services.” Smith has taken advantage of GenChoice 75 in their current program as well. “With the current milk prices, I’ve started using GenChoice 75. A heifer on the ground is still worth more than a bull.”


I N T H E N E W S

After a successful first ever, national joint annual meeting in 2009, CRI decided to try this format again. The 2010 CRI annual meeting will take place in Bloomington, Minn., on March 23 and 24. CRI Chief Executive Officer, Doug Wilson, commented on the success of the 2009 annual meeting saying, “It was good for all of CRI to be assembled in one location. It gave members from across the country an idea of the breadth and depth of their organization.”

Delegates from CRI’s three subsidiaries, AgSource Cooperative Services, Central Livestock Association and Genex, will be present at the 2010 annual meeting. During the meeting, delegates will attend educational sessions and be presented with the 2009 financial results. Each subsidiary will also hold a meeting after the CRI annual meeting.

David Hileman and Harry Roth, both from Pennsylvania, are being honored at the 2009 World Dairy Expo. Hileman, a previous Chairman of CRI, will be named the 2009 World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year. Hileman has pursued his “field of dreams” lending the dairy industry from the barn and the boardroom. He is being honored for his leadership and innovation. Roth, who will be the recipient of the National Dairy Shrine Pioneer Award, is a previous general manager of Atlantic Breeders Co-op, a predecessor of Genex. He is being honored as a true giant in the artificial insemination industry whose career included everything from sire procurement to sales manager to general manager of the cooperative.

Subsidiaries to Assemble Together for Annual Meeting

Hileman and Roth to Receive Dairy Honors

Dates Set for Genex Delegate Meetings Delegates and alternates are encouraged

and expected to attend fall input meetings. Information gained from these meetings is important and highly valued by the board of directors and staff. Each meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude by 2:30 p.m. More information will be mailed at a later date.

the following are dates and locations for the meetings:Tues., oct. 13, Atlanta, Ga.Wed., oct. 14, Kansas City, Mo.Mon., oct. 19, Alexandria, Minn.Tues., oct. 20, Rochester, Minn.

Wed., oct. 21, Appleton, Wis.Mon., oct. 26, Cleveland, OhioTues., oct. 27, Harrisburg, Pa.Wed., oct. 28, Syracuse, N.Y.Thurs., oct. 29, Albany, N.Y.Thurs., nov. 5, Las Vegas, Nev.

A new era of purchasing arrived in June 2009. Genex products and genetics are now available through the click of a mouse. The concept of Web marketing was first introduced in 2006 by Genex delegates. Now with the opening of the Profit Shop, an online retail store, members and customers can place their orders for cattle genetics, products and supplies at their own convenience.

The Profit Shop provides convenience with the ability to purchase the same high quality semen and products at any time of the day, seven days a week using MasterCard or Visa via an online payment system. Producers can count on fast delivery with orders shipped directly to their farm or ranch.

Online purchasing through the Profit Shop is another example of the Genex commitment to customer satisfaction. Genex representatives will continue to keep their current routes and stops, but will offer convenience and efficiency for those producers looking to do more business over the Internet. Check out the Profit Shop for yourself at http://profitshop.crinet.com.

Genex Products and Semen Available Online

Over a million units produced and sold

7,146 daughters in 2,949 herds Now with many sons in the lineup

Over a million units produced and sold

All-Riehl Toystory Pippi-ET, VG-85

Caresse, VG-85-FRA

Regancrest TS Benshae-ET, VG-87

Savage-Leigh Lavisha-ET, VG-89, EX-MS, sold for $340,000 at the August 2009 International Intrigue Sale.


R E G I O N A L N E W S - W E S T

Cattle marketing has turned a new page … a new Web page, that is. Dairy producers throughout the United States can maximize returns from the sale of animals through TEAM (The Electronic Auction Market), a new tool offered in conjunction with the cooperative’s sister subsidiary Central Livestock Association.

TEAM is an interactive marketplace that brings cattle buyers and sellers together through the power of the Internet. With multiple sales weekly, TEAM allows producers to auction potload groups (42,000-50,000 pound live weight loads) of finished cattle, feeder cattle, market cows and bulls, and bred heifers.

Frank Espinola, a Genex Area Sales Representative and TEAM agent from Hanford, Calif., has already organized several dairy cull cow and dairy bull sales. He explains, “Producers in this area use TEAM because they can make more per pound and save on commission. The results have satisfied producers. In fact, several plan to sell another potload of animals this week.”

Espinola’s responsibilities as a TEAM agent include providing photos of the animals as well as a basic description (head count, sex of animals, weights, breed, frame size, quality and condition of cattle, and vaccination history). “Basically, I am responsible for the group from start to finish. I gather the initial information and try to be efficient in getting the animals transported after the sale.”

Dairyman Travis Love of Boardman, Ore., has used TEAM six or seven times to market his cull cows. According to Love, “TEAM brings different buyers” for his animals compared to other marketing methods.

Why Utilize TEAM?Cattle marketed through TEAM go directly from seller to buyer. This method of marketing ensures cattle are exposed to as little stress, sickness and shrinkage as possible and keeps transportation costs to a minimum.

Most cattle marketed through TEAM are sold from the seller’s location meaning no transportation costs for the seller – a prime example of how TEAM can lower marketing costs and increase the seller’s bottom line.

Because TEAM sales take place over the Internet, anyone with Internet access can participate in TEAM auctions. This brings maximum exposure to a seller’s cattle.

Multiple auctions weekly gives TEAM a huge competitive advantage. The cattle seller and buyer can react to the ever-changing market conditions, making decisions in a manner timely to these fluctuations.

When cattle are marketed through TEAM, consignors have the option to accept or reject the final bid, placing more control in the hands of the consignor. Add it all up and discover the superior way to buy and sell cattle.

How to Get Started1. Visit www.centrallivestock.com and click on the TEAM

link for more information.2. Decide which cattle to sell.3. Contact your local Genex representative. 4. Your local Genex rep/TEAM agent will take digital

photographs and record a description of the cattle.5. Your Genex rep will submit your cattle for a TEAM sale.6. Cattle buyers will preview your cattle prior to sale time

in person or online.7. The cattle will be auctioned online at the designated

sale time.8. When the bidding has ended, you will be contacted

online or by phone to see if the final bid is acceptable. If the bid is acceptable, your cattle are sold!

9. Your Genex rep will be present for the weighing and pickup of the cattle.

10. Once the cattle are weighed, Central Livestock will manage the settlement.

A Marketing Alternative for Maximized Profitability By: Jenny Hanson, Communications Manager, CRI


R E G I O N A L N E W S - S O U T H

In 1995, Refuge Dairy, Kerens Texas, was just bare ground and open pasture. Owner Glenn Sodd sat down with Bran McCoy to design facilities and develop a rotational grazing system. Today the management team consists of Sodd, McCoy and accounting and maintenance supervisor, Glynn Saunders. With a listening ear and team approach, this dairy finds success.

Black and White Beginning“In January 1996, we started with around 400 Holstein cows. In 2000, we were milking a few Jersey crosses and knew they performed well on the pasture environment, so we sold the Holsteins and bought Jerseys and Jersey crosses. Through internal herd growth we have grown to over 1,100 cows.”

McCoy went on to explain the grazing setup, “We have 41 different eight-acre paddocks. Utilization of pasture depends on its condition and is used as a supplement. We also have a feed lane where we feed a TMR (Total Mixed Ration) year round.”

Input from AllMike Denton, Genex Area Sales Representative who works with Refuge Dairy, speaks highly of their management style. “Whenever I stop, I have a good conversation in addition to dropping off the product. We discuss issues and brainstorm solutions.” The management team echoes the same praises for Mike, “We value his opinion and perspective. He is a good outside set of eyes and always brings a lot of ideas to the table.”

A listening ear is also tuned in to the employees. Through monthly lunch meetings, each employee is brought up to speed on what is happening around the farm. Everyone is responsible for one area such as mastitis, fresh cows, inventory, reproduction or maintenance. Employees are responsible for keeping track of benchmark numbers and reporting them at this meeting.

“The whole point is to keep everyone aware of what is going on. Everybody is part of the process and we value their input. Our goal is to keep up with every aspect of the operation and identify management problems early on. Rather then telling employees what to do, we ask what they think we should do. We weigh the options together.”

McCoy was quick to point out that although employee turnover is extremely low at Refuge Dairy, they aren’t problem-free. “Anytime you have employees, you are sure to encounter employee issues from time to time. That can’t be avoided.” What sets Refuge Dairy apart is the willingness to work through those issues and determine what is best for everyone involved.

The Economy’s RoleAlthough Refuge Dairy is 40-50 minutes from the nearest dairy, they aren’t isolated from the current economy. “We’re hurting just like everyone else. The current economic situation has been a good time to point out why we keep areas such as herd health, reproduction and milk quality in line. Employees are aware times are tough, and they understand the importance of paying attention to details in their work.”

At Refuge Dairy, Every Voice is Heard By: Angie Kringle, Communications Specialist, CRI

The faces of Refuge Dairy, including manager Bran McCoy and Glynn Saunders, are pictured at left. Among the cows are milking daughters of 1JE00552 ACE and 236JE00003 IMPULS.

R E G I O N A L N E W S - M I D W E S T

For three months every summer, interns gain experience to help in their future endeavors. This summer 22 interns from across the country are working with CRI and Genex in marketing, GENESIS, dairy genetics, research support, sire production and public relations. Regardless of what type of internship, all interns play an important role at Genex.

Doug Wilson, CRI Chief Executive Officer commented, “Internships have been a key part of the Genex management plan for many years. In today’s search for new talent, it is a key aspect for us to evaluate students and for students to evaluate this career opportunity. Step one in an employee development program is to find a good employee/employer ‘fit.’ There is no better means to accomplish this than the internship program.”

Each internship has its own unique job description. Marketing interns, such as Josh Munro from Sunderland, Mass., pictured above at left, provide daily cattle reproductive services including heat detection, artificial

insemination and data input and analysis within their respective areas.

Sire production intern Nate Kringle from Barron, Wis., works at the Genex collection facility in Shawano, Wis. “I assist in activities related to the care of sires, including collection of semen, health testing, handling sires, feeding and grooming,” stated Kringle.

Also working in Shawano are three GENESIS interns, Kayla Jackson from Douglasville, Ga., Allan Mergener from Newberry, Mich., and Hailey Upton from Orangvale, Calif., pictured center. These interns monitor the health of donor and recipient females and observe and record signs of estrus and calving. Mergener commented, “This internship has allowed me to gain valuable experience with cattle that will help in my pursuit of an animal science degree and my long range goal of obtaining a degree in veterinary medicine.”

Interning at the Genex Headquarters, dairy genetics intern Lydia Hardie from Blair, Wis., pictured above at

right, assists with evaluating the QUANTUM sire sampling program and photographing sire progeny. “With my interest in genomics I’m enjoying working with a company that has embraced this technology and is using it to remain competitive in the industry,” Hardie stated.

Kim Tarvis, research support intern from Westport, Mass., hopes to use this experience while pursuing her master’s degree in male reproduction. “I am researching the semen handling techniques Breeding Program Specialists use to thaw straws and how semen is affected by the different methods,” stated Tarvis.

Also working at the CRI Headquarters, marketing/public relations intern Maria Sorenson, from Valders, Wis., assists in developing promotional materials and updating herd data. “I gained experience in this internship that will benefit me during the job hunt in a tough economy. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my farming background with a job in communications.”

Genex Interns Learn for the Future By: Maria Sorenson, Marketing and Public Relations Intern, CRI


Other 2009 summer interns are: Casey Barker, Shiocton, Wis.; Kevin Borst, Rochester, Minn.; Ashley Campbell, Pound, Wis.; Leann Gatesman, Lucinda, Pa.; Danielle James, Arygle, Wis.; Lucas Krueger, Menomonie, Wis.; Leon Sexton, Millville, Minn.; Josh Vomastic, Shawano, Wis.; Robert Westman, Howard Lake, Minn.; Phillip Smith, Millersville, Pa.; Jenelle Bussard, Castlewood, S.D.; Brianna Pfluger, Green Bay, Wis.; Samuel Drenth, Decorah, Iowa; and Crosby Krischel, Meriden, Iowa.


R E G I O N A L N E W S - E A S T

Nestled in western New York in a town called North Tonawonda is a fifth generation dairy farm owned by Robert Koithan. The tiestall barn with a herd of 75 cattle, 30 of which

are milking, is home to high-quality dairy cows. “We’ve been with Genex since the beginning. The farm started using artificial insemination back in 1964, and it’s the best decision we’ve ever made,” commented Koithan.

Genex Progeny Support Specialist Morgan Welper visited this dairy farm and was amazed at the high-quality genetics and excellent-looking daughters. She came across a TOYSTORY daughter, as pictured upper left, on this farm and was blown away. “She is one of the larger two-year olds I’ve seen, but balanced at the same time. What excited me most was how she had capacity, style, strength and substance without being too heavy-boned or coarse. To me, this conveys a cow with longevity that isn’t going to break down after a few lactations.

“Her frame and body isn’t the only eye-catching thing about her. The udder on this cow is one you can’t walk past without stopping to take a second look, especially the rear udder, about as solid of a rear udder attachment as they come,” commented Welper.

Although this daughter caught the eye from a professional, the comment didn’t seem to faze Koithan. “She’s nothing special. She looks like every other cow I’ve got in the barn.”

The reason behind Koithan’s comment is his extensive use of MAP (Mating Appraisal for Profit). Koithan takes advantage of the Genex MAP program by using pedigree mating. Pedigree MAP is a genotypic approach to mating using sire and grandsire records for each heifer or cow. MAP estimates the cow’s or heifer’s conformation based on her sire’s breeding pattern, and the mating is typically based on which sire can improve the cow or heifer’s worst fault. MAP indicates the best genetic mating from the Genex lineup and is a key in genetic progress.

“Our breeder, Mark Johnson, introduced me to the program after he took over this area. Ever since using MAP our cows have been getting better and better. I haven’t made a breeding decision in years,” commented Koithan.

He went on to say, “Focusing on genetics introduces better cows with better milk and components into the herd. Having cows like that is the only way to survive now-a-days. With using MAP I have gone from having cows that produce 60 pounds of milk to anywhere from 85-92 pounds. It’s truly paid off.”

Johnson commented on the sires he uses while breeding cows on the farm, “Robert is open-minded about the sires to use. I always use the first choice sire MAP shows.”

Koithan’s cows are usually bred to high Lifetime Net Merit and the results can be easily seen. He has fantastic looking daughters from 1HO07127 SHARKY, 1HO07535 TOYSTORY, 1HO06833 TRES, 1HO06670 RIO and many others.

Genetics isn’t the only factor in Koithan’s success. He also relies on the advice of his nutritionist and veterinarian. “I need to make sure I’m doing good things all-around not just on the breeding side of things,” commented Koithan.

Johnson and Genex Area Sales Manager Rod Heale praise the type of farmer Koithan is. “He is always willing to move forward, listen and take advice. He makes it easy for us to help improve the genetics and his farm.”

Koithan’s dairy farm is a prime example of what Genex is able to do for dairy producers. His barn is filled with outstanding, genetically fascinating cows that are created through MAP. As Johnson and Heale stated, it takes an open mind and willingness to improve genetics to make every farm progress.

A Herd of Superior Genetics By: Maria Sorenson, Marketing and Public Relations Intern, CRI

Breeding Program Specialist Mark Johnson (left) works closely with Robert Koithan (right) to create a herd of superior genetics through MAP mating.

P R O O F H I G H L I G H T S


For those who cautiously waited to utilize genomic sires, the wait is over! Genomics is real. The proof is evident in the industry’s #1 Lifetime Net Merit (LMN) sire 1Ho08784 Freddie %-I. First released as a genomic sire with no milking daughters, this breed leader now has 60 and still stands over +$900 LNM (84% Rel.). Furthermore, he’s a health trait extraordinaire with a +3.5 Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and the industry’s #1 Productive Life rating at +8.9.

The proof of 1Ho08778 suPer adds more confidence in genomics. SUPER hails as the #2 bull for LNM out of all sires with milking daughters. Now with 94 daughters, he jumped $69 to +$797 LNM. This SUPER-star package excels in health traits (+7.9 Prod. Life, +2.1 DPR) and is over +3.00 for PTA Type and Udder Composite.

New releases 1Ho08658 logAn (O Man x BW Marshall) and 1Ho08631 les (Bret x Manfred) earned excellent genomic proofs. Now, they have 88 and 114 daughters respectively, and rank in the top two percent of the breed for LNM. LOGAN is a calving ease sire with over +1700 Milk, +2.25 PTAT and +2.57 Foot & Leg Composite. LES specializes in udders and health traits with a +7.2 Prod. Life, +2.66 Somatic Cell Score (SCS) and +3.6 DPR.

As FREDDIE, SUPER, LOGAN and LES transitioned from genomic to daughter-proven, their elite proofs remained stable demonstrating the accuracy and effectiveness of the genomic model. As sires like these prove themselves

worthy, new opportunities arise for other genomic sires like 1Ho02683 sebAstiAn, 1Ho09208 sHAMPoo, 1Ho02565 CAssino %-I and the sons of TOYSTORY.

SEBASTIAN, a new Mac x O Man son, stands as a leader for profitability ranking +$824 LNM and +2332 TPI™. His combination of outstanding health traits and evaluations over +3.30 for PTAT, Udder Comp. and Foot & Leg Comp. make him a valuable mating sire.

The well-known SHAMPOO, available in GenChoice 75™, has already established himself as a high-ranking (+$829 LNM, +2314 TPI) genomic bull that will sire healthy, long-living, tall, deep and fancy cows.

At +$800 LNM, producers with CASSINO daughters cash in big. CASSINO transmits the complete package for any breeding program: calving ease, correct udders and feet and legs, low SCS (+2.66) and longevity (+6.9 Prod. Life).

The elite 1Ho07235 toYstorY, with over one million units produced and sold, has three genomic sons in the lineup. The attractive PTAT and production sire, 1Ho02571 Cole, proves profitable at +$776 LNM. New release 1Ho09928 CorY, from the same family as COLE, is production packed (+2290 Milk) and improves conformation (+3.36 PTAT, +3.14 Udder Comp., +2.34 Foot & Leg Comp.). 1Ho09673 MontA, a TOYSTORY x LYNCH son, stresses health traits with a +2.0 DPR, +4.4 Prod. Life and 6% Sire Calving Ease.

While 236Je00003 iMPuls (the industry’s #2 Cheese Merit sire) and 1Je00604 gAnnon (#4 for JPI™) maintained their strong standings in the Jersey breed, it was the genomic-proven 1Je00666 verMeer, 1Je00670 Joule and 1Je00634 stone that stole the limelight. This trio of outcross sires – all available in GenChoice™ - is proving their worth with elite genetic capabilities.

VERMEER delivers a power-packed proof with +$564 Cheese Merit (CM)

and +261 JPI. In addition, this Artist son is a problem-solving sire for Fat percent, longevity, conformation (+1.8 PTAT) and udders (+4.87 JUI™).

Another CM specialist at +$537, JOULE is best for breeding healthy, profitable cows with amazing longevity (+5.5 Prod. Life), low somatic cell counts (+2.70 SCS) and exceptional fertility (+1.2 DPR).

New release, STONE, is an IMPULS son out a Hallmark daughter. This rock-solid sire debuts at +$487 CM.

STONE transmits exceptional udders (+5.33 JUI), tremendous dairy form and a steep foot angle.

1Je00630 lovAbull-P (Jace x Exceed), is a new Polled option. This all-rounder excels in CM (+$503), Fat percent, PTAT (+1.9) and udders (+4.69). He joins 1Je00522 Honour-P, a sire that added over 70 second-crop daughters and experienced positive changes in nearly every trait. Notable improvements include an $83 increase in CM and a +5.44 JUI.

Wait No More!

Genomic Jersey Sires Prove Their Worth


B U L L P R O F I L E

Whether your breeding goals are to improve components, production or type, these elite Cheese Merit sires should catch your eye. Available in GenChoice™ sexed semen, you are sure to build your herd on the best. The exciting technology of genomics makes them available today.

VERMEER: Outcross Excellence

1Je00666 Cave Creek verMeer-ET comes from six generations of Excellent or Very Good dams, and it shows through his +1.8 PTA Type and +4.87 JUI™. As an Artist son out of a Lemvig cow, he also offers a unique option for outcross genetics.

VERMEER comes from a family and a farm dedicated to quality components. In addition to raising quality Jersey cows, Cave Creek is also known for the high-quality yogurt produced on their farm. For this reason, the milking herd excels at adding quality milk to the bulk tank. With +0.05% Protein and +0.22% Fat, VERMEER is no exception.

JOULE: A Jewel of a Sire

“1Je00670 Den-Kel Artist Joule-ET is the jewel of Genex sires,” commented Scott Carson, Genex Dairy Procurement Specialist. This statement is true of the early Artist son from Den-Kel Jerseys in Byron, N.Y. This jewel offers Cheese Merit, profitable health traits and pedigree diversity.

Receiving his first genomic proof in April 2009, JOULE continues to impress. Today he stands at +$538 Cheese Merit, +5.5 Prod. Life and +1.2 Daughter Pregnancy Rate.

STONE: Rock Solid Genetics

Living up to his name, 1Je00634 SR Impuls stone offers producers concrete genetic diversity and unyielding profitability. STONE brings the strengths of Impuls to an already solid family. Look to him for elite production: +1228 Milk, and durable udders: +5.33 JUI™.

1Ho08658 logAn and 1Ho08654 loYdie have much more in common than their elite presence in the Genex lineup. These O Man sons are also full brothers. They are both products of the GENESIS program and a cow named Muranda Mrshal Lizy CRI-ET, VG-88, VG-MS, DOM.

Lloyd Simon, Genex Dairy Procurement Consultant, described Lizy as “a big, stretchy BW Marshall that milked a lot.” Simon’s statement is proven true by Lizy’s second lactation production record at 4-05, 305 days, 41,820 pounds milk, 3.3% 1392 fat and 2.6% 1101 protein (18,969 kg. milk, 631 fat and 499 protein).

LOYDIE entered the Genex lineup as a genomic sire in April. This August, his proof included 11 daughters. Those daughters have affirmed his genomic standing with +$691 Lifetime Net Merit, +3.7 Sire Conception Rate, +1.5 SynchSmart™, and over +2.00 for both PTA Type and Foot and Leg Composite.

Joining his brother this fall, LOGAN made his debut with 88 daughters in his proof. +$732 Lifetime Net Merit puts him among the elite. In addition to production and conformation traits, his daughters excel at healthy living as he promotes +4.4 Productive Life, +2.73 Somatic Cell Score and +1.6 Daughter Pregnancy Rate.

In the era of genomics, the GENESIS program has shown to be a valuable asset to Genex. Through this program’s elite herd, Genex members will have access to more sires such as LOGAN and LOYDIE.

Jerseys Genomics and GenChoice™

GENESIS

Success

Dam: Muranda Mrshal Lizy CRI-ET


G E N O M I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G

Genex is not only pleased to share the news from the August sire summary; we are excited to share the results. Milking daughters have now answered the question - How dependable are genomic rankings? Milking daughters have proven genomics is for real.

In January, 1HO08784 FREDDIE was the headliner for genomics in more than one way. He was a new release, genomic sire who commanded a lot of attention. He was the first sire to be released that eclipsed +$900 Lifetime Net Merit (LNM), and he stood at the top of the Genex Investment Guide $110 above the next highest genomic sire. With that elite proof, many had questions - Can a bull be that high? Is genomics overestimating? Can we rely on this prediction? How can he be priced at $50 based on his DNA?

With the August sire summaries, FREDDIE has proven to be not only a genomic headliner, but the poster child for this revolutionary technology. FREDDIE’s August proof - posted with 60 milking daughters and 22 classified daughters – leads the industry. The table below compares FREDDIE in January 2009 as a genomic-proven sire to August 2009 as a daughter-proven sire.

With FREDDIE’s LNM reliability now at 84 percent and production reliability at 89 percent, the question of dependability has been answered. The only question that remains is - Did you let eight months go by before including him in your breeding program?

FREDDIE is not the only example. 1HO09040 CAVANA was released in January based on genomic information. Now with daughters, he has increased $12 to +$718 LNM. Of the original 34 genomic sires Genex activated in January, eight now have daughter proofs and average +$608 LNM. In January, those eight sires averaged +$649 LNM. Six of those 34 now have classified daughters. Their PTA Type averaged +2.26 in January and today averages +2.15. Their Udder Composite averaged +2.29 and now averages +2.39. The numbers speak for themselves.

I could continue with many more examples as Genex had 182 bulls with genomic evaluations in January that now average 60 milking daughters. Or said differently 10,920 milking daughters have confirmed the accuracy of genomics with the average change being a decrease of $42 LNM. Those nearly 11,000 daughters show that as genomic sires added daughters their Milk, Fat and Protein proofs decreased by 89, four and two pounds respectively. On average, Productive Life decreased by 0.5 and Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) actually increased by 0.1. Yes, milking daughters did answer the question. Genomic evaluations are dependable.

Now, producers need to ask themselves a question - Do I believe in genomics enough to incorporate genomic sires into my breeding program? Genex believes there is an easy answer - yes! The dairy industry is becoming more and more competitive. Can you live with the fact your neighbor could have calves born by FREDDIE in two months and you haven’t even bought a straw? The biggest advantage of genomics is genetic progress. However to gain that advantage you cannot wait until each genomic sire has added 60 or more daughters.

Genex has 47 genomic sires in the active lineup. As a group, these sires average +$633 LNM and +2048 TPI™. They average over +1500 Milk, +4.7 Productive Life, +0.5 DPR, nearly +3.00 PTAT and over +2.50 for Udder Composite. This is impressive to say the least. The bulls are new and perhaps unfamiliar, but so were FREDDIE and CAVANA back in January.

As a producer, we challenge you to ask yourself, can you still afford to say no to genomics?

Milking Daughters Answer the Question By: Roy Wilson, Associate Vice President, Large Herd Business Center

lnM tPi™ Milk Productive life PtA type udder Comp.Jan. ‘09 Genomic Proven +$918 2268 1661 9.2 1.60 2.30Aug. ‘09 Daughter Proven +$911 2303 1549 8.9 2.07 2.67

What are you waiting for? The proof is here.Stop waiting – contact your Genex representative or visit http://profitshop.crinet.com to place an order.

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Throughout history, Genex and predecessors have been known for ingenuity and innovation leading to the betterment of the dairy industry. Whether looking at the cooperative’s research which led to today’s calving ease evaluations or the development of the GENESIS program, Genex has focused on improving cattle genetics and the profit potential of members and customers. Just as Genex firmly stood by those advancements, so it strongly promotes the use of genomic sires in herds around the globe.

In CRI’s April International Horizons, Dr. Tom Lawlor of Holstein Association USA, Inc., shared a similar mentality on this new technology. “Genomics is an additional source of information that allows us to get a better reading on the true genetic merit of an animal.”

Lawlor went on to say, “We now have a better understanding of the

genetics of our animals. This allows us to achieve a more accurate evaluation of health and fitness traits, which is a great help in improving our breed.”

Sam Potter, a registered Holstein breeder from Spruce Haven Dairy in Auburn, N.Y., has incorporated genomic-proven sires into his breeding program because he understands the benefits. “I use genomic sires because I know you get the greatest genetic gain from the shortest generation interval. Genomic sires also have a higher reliability or confidence level for traits than young sires.”

Traditional “young sire” evaluations are based only on parent averages. Before genomic proofs, young sires averaged about 35 percent reliability. While they are still young in age, their average reliability has nearly doubled – up to about 68 percent

reliability - and they are considered (genomic) proven sires.

Also investing in genomic sire genetics is Daniel Hischke of Sunrise Dairy LLC, Suring, Wis. He states, “In the short term, the benefits I get are the use of three to four years of bulls. In the long term, the procurement of sires will be more accurate.”

The short-term benefit Hischke is referring to is the younger bulls (those that would traditionally have been released in 2011, 2012 and 2013 after receiving daughter proofs) that have been released into the active lineup now because of their exemplary genomic evaluations.

Arie Vanden Broek of Olds, Alberta, Canada, commented on the elite genetics of the genomic sires. “They are younger sires with some of the highest genetic evaluations for individual traits and lots of potential.”

Enhancing Genetic Programs with Genomics By: Jenny Hanson, Communications Manager, CRI



…U.S. agricultural holding cooperative

…to conduct calving ease research and provide the industry’s first calving ease summary

…to research and launch the 50-point linear scoring system

…in the world to conduct research and publish a herdlife evaluation

…to publish a total economic sire index

…to offer commercially available mating system in the U.S. (MAP)

…to research and publish genetic transmitting abilities for milking speed and disposition

…in the U.S. to develop and maintain a nucleus herd (GENESIS)

…to offer semen with Pocket Thaw™ capabilities

…to evaluate sires for SynchSmart™

…to offer a 75 percent sexed semen product

…to strongly believe in the power of genomics!

our ingenuity and leadership has made us number one; our commitment to our members and customers has kept us number one. genex is yourProfitpartner!

In the world of A.I., one

orgAnIzAtIon hAs AlwAys been fIrst!1st

Genomic Acceptance Many dairy producers have begun to utilize genomic sires. In fact, in recent months more than one-third of Genex semen sales have been genomic sires. However, producers use genomic genetics in different ways to enhance herds and meet individual goals.

Hischke chooses all sires based on the Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) profit index. “I use high LNM sires whether they are genomic proven or daughter proven. However for genomic bulls, I use less semen from each sire than I do with daughter-proven bulls.”

Vanden Broek uses a mating guide with a certain percentage of genomic sires and percentage of daughter-proven sires that rank high for health traits, milk and components.

“I am currently using 30 to 40 percent of genomic sires for our flushes and embryo transfers,” notes Potter “and, we use genomic sexed semen when it is available on the sires we want.”

According to Lawlor, opportunities exist in matching groups of superior animals at an early age. “By pairing a group of elite genomic-tested heifers with a group of genomic-tested young sires, you are able to make more rapid genetic gain. Young animals will benefit the most from genomics.”

Recommendations on ReliabilityBoth dairy producers and A.I. industry professionals offer recommendations on how to utilize genomic sires despite slightly lower reliability levels than daughter-proven sires.

Lawlor puts it in simple terms. “Use multiple sires. By spreading out the number of sires used, you will get a better average reliability.”

Watching the intensity with which one sire is used is important. “We don’t

get too carried away with any one sire,” explains Potter. “After each sire summary, we choose about 30 different bulls and use 10 units from each one.”

“Take advantage of the technology, but still be cautious of the lower reliabilities. Spread your risk,” adds Hischke.

Adding Value with Elite GeneticsWhen utilizing genomic sires, Potter recommends “to be as cut throat as possible” with genetics. He explains, “Use only the very best genomic sires. Even if their genetic evaluations go down as they add daughter information, they are still really good genetically.” For example, as a 70 percent reliable genomic sire adds daughters and improves to 95 percent reliability, the expected change for a trait such as LNM is approximately ±$147. Said another way, if the genomic bull is +$700 LNM at 70 percent reliability, then at 95 percent reliability he is expected to be between +$847 and +$553 LNM.

“My advice is that everyone should utilize genomic sires,” adds Vanden Broek. “They are not as cheap as ‘young sires’ but they are worth so much more genetically. I expect to use more genomic sires in the future.”

“The bottom line,” according to Lawlor, “is genomics is simply another way to better the breed. Ten years from now, we will see big gains from this technology in that we’ll be milking better cows in our herds.”

Genomics is a revolutionary tool. Extensive science and research have demonstrated its accuracy and therefore, Genex fully embraces this new technology. In fact, half of the cooperative’s current mating contracts are to genomic sires.


H E A L T H Y H A B I T S

Dairy producers have selected for higher milk production for many years. Genetic improvement causes an average Holstein cow born in 2003 to produce over 7,000 lbs more milk in one lactation than her ancestor born in 1960 produced. Type traits, particularly udders and feet and legs, have also improved because of intensive selection. However, the health and fertility of dairy cows cannot be included among these success stories. The most obvious example is that genetic trend was responsible for half of a nine-point decline in pregnancy rate in Holsteins between 1960 and its low point in 1995.

The industry response has been to develop a national genetic evaluation program for a number of fitness traits, fertility among them, in recent years. In 1994, the year Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) along with genetic evaluations for productive life and somatic cell score were introduced, production traits received 74 percent of total emphasis. By 2006, emphasis on production traits had declined to 46 percent of total emphasis with most of the remaining emphasis on fitness traits. Look for emphasis on production to be reduced further in the next revision of LNM, scheduled in conjunction with a genetic base change in 2010.

In 2003, I wrote an article titled “Holsteins do what we bred them to do” for the A.I. column in Hoard’s Dairyman. The column was inspired by questions from a Swedish Red breeder in South America. Cows in her part of the world were managed on a grass based, low input system, leading to different expectations of optimum cow performance than most U.S. dairy farmers. Here is an extract from that piece:

“U.S. Holsteins are bred to excel under confinement with unlimited access to high quality, high-energy feeds. Holsteins eat, turn one way to the water trough, then another to lie down and ruminate for a couple of hours before heading back to the feed bunk again. The Holstein breed fits such a management system and our average milk market better than any alternative available on the planet.”

Expectations for the Holstein cow were changing at that time, and that column (extracted) went on to say

“U.S. producers have raised questions about Holsteins in the last few years, including whether they want the hassle of managing a Holstein cow with even higher production. The Holstein cow milks at the expense of body weight, reproductive fitness, and in the extreme, even her health. How many more good genes for production can the Holstein cow – and the people who have to manage her - handle?”

Today, dairy breeders are voting through sire selection decisions for healthier, more fertile cows that last – and still produce. We should anticipate increased emphasis on health and fitness traits in the years to come, as well as more success from those efforts through genomic evaluations. We can expect much more accurate identification of potential bull mothers with exceptional genetics for lowly heritable traits. In the past, we were more or less guessing which cows were really more fertile or would live longer at the time in their lives when they became bull mothers. Genomic evaluations, of course, also enable much more accurate screening of the young bulls produced prior to progeny test.

Health and Fitness Traits for More Functional Cows By: Bennet Cassell, Extension Dairy Scientist, Genetics and Management,Virginia Tech



Using Genetic Evaluations for Fitness TraitsGenetic evaluations for health and fitness traits have been added to existing proofs for production and conformation. There is a one-way valve on genetic evaluations as we only add to existing lists. The Genex Investment Guide for August 2009 included 28 different traits, composites and indexes excluded, for each bull. How should dairy farmers manage all that information? Following are some thoughts on how to use genetic information on fitness – and other - traits.

• Use a comprehensive index like LNM to make selection decisions.Selection indexes that combine production, health and fitness proofs are essential to make consistent, wise selection decisions. LNM (or Fluid and Cheese Merit), finds A.I. bulls whose daughters have optimum combinations of favorable genes for lifetime economic merit. The economic values used in LNM make it especially useful for commercial producers. Fluid Merit is a good choice for farmers who sell to high Class I milk markets with no protein premiums.

• Exception: Bulls with extremely unfavorable proofs for calving difficulty or stillbirth percentage should be used with caution, or not at all.In the past, I have advised using calving difficulty proofs to choose mates for virgin heifers, but to continue to use bulls with less desirable proofs for calving difficulty on older cows. I no longer support this practice. A mature Holstein cow can safely deliver a heifer calf sired by calving difficulty bulls, but that heifer calf inherits calving difficulty genes from the sire. Those unfavorable genes will be preserved in the heifer, expressed in her first and all subsequent calves, should she survive the first experience. Holstein breeders should discriminate against bulls with extreme calving difficulty, even if their overall merit is outstanding.

• Selection for individual fitness traits can have adverse effects on genetic progress for other economically important traits.Producers should be careful not to be too attracted to bulls with outstanding merit for one or two fitness traits or type composites, unless those bulls have acceptable rank for a comprehensive index like LNM. For instance, unrestricted selection to improve fertility could also reduce yields. A more judicious practice would be to choose bulls with higher Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) ratings among the top 20 percent of all A.I. bulls for LNM. This method ensures “fertility” bulls are outstanding for LNM at the same time.

• Which is better, a high proof or a low proof? Higher proofs are better for many traits including Productive Life, DPR, udder composite and feet and leg composite. Lower proofs are better for Somatic Cell Score, service sire calving difficulty, daughter calving difficulty, service sire stillbirth rate, and daughter stillbirth rate. Lower values for size composite are favorable in Holsteins for many herds. LNM already accounts for differences in direction of selection, the economic value of each trait, and how each trait relates genetically to other traits in the index. If selection is based on LNM, producers don’t need to know the answer to this question.

The addition of health and fitness traits to genetic evaluations for type and production is leading to much more effective breeding programs for improved lifetime economic merit of dairy cows. Breeding programs should focus on the total cow – healthy, fertile, productive, with udders and feet/legs appropriate for today’s management systems. The tools available to breeders today are the best we have ever had, and can be expected to become even better as genomic technology evolves in the years to come. Genetic improvement is an investment in the long-term profitability of the dairy herd. All producers, regardless of any other features of their farm, have access to the best genetics that have ever been available.



Mar-Bec Dairy in western Wisconsin is a prime example of what can happen when good genetics are combined with exemplary herd management. For many years now dairy producer Marty Hallock has believed in the power of genetics. Therefore, he uses high Lifetime Net Merit (LNM) sires and it shows in the performance of his herd.

“LNM is all about total profit,” explains Hallock, “We use it to select for a long-term, profitable cow rather than one that milks a lot but only lasts a few months or one that lasts but never produces.”

LNM is an index which includes production, conformation and health traits. Over time, health traits have earned more emphasis. Now, they account for 41 percent of the index. The individual health traits included in LNM are Productive Life, Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), Somatic Cell Score (SCS), calving ease and stillbirths. This article will clearly show how selecting for high LNM sires can improve a herd’s daughter fertility and somatic cell counts.

Creating Fertile CowsDPR accounts for nine percent of the LNM index. This trait ranks sires on the ability of their daughters to become pregnant in a timely fashion. The trait holds high economic value as reproduction is arguably the most important factor in dairy herd management.

Selection for LNM Improves Health Traits By: Jenny Hanson, Communications Manager, CRI

Mar-Bec Dairy utilizes Genex daily technician service for heat detection and breeding. The team of Dave Franck, Jason Woodard, Tim Nemitz and Adam Zwiefelhofer provides daily service. Zwiefelhofer and Becky Brain provide MAP™ mating and Reproductive Profit Manager™ consulting services.



Although DPR is reported in a percent of pregnancy rate, the easiest way to analyze the economic impact is to convert it to days open. Each positive point of DPR is equal to four fewer days open. Each negative point of DPR is equal to four more days open, relative to the herd.

+1.0 DPR = 4 fewer days open

The impact of choosing high LNM sires, thus more high DPR sires, in Hallock’s herd is eye opening. The table below includes breeding information from first lactation cows. The cows are grouped according to their sire’s DPR.

Table 1. Comparison of first lactation cows by sire’s DPR.

sire’s dPr Conception rate services Per Conception

< 0 33% 3.1

0.0 to 1.0 38% 2.7

1.1 to 2.0 43% 2.3

As the table indicates, daughters of high DPR sires average higher conception rates and fewer services per conception. Since the table shows daughters of high DPR sires get bred sooner, the information supports the fact positive DPR equals fewer days open.

The DPR advantage can also be seen through the herd’s Results™ report. The Genex Results report shows the difference between daughters of high and low ranking DPR sires.

The report above shows there is a 4.36-point difference in DPR between the top and bottom quartiles of sires. Using the equation from above, you would expect daughters of the top quartile of sires for DPR to have 17 fewer days open than the daughters of the bottom quartile of sires (4.36 DPR x 4 = 17). However, this report shows the animals from high DPR sires actually average 22 fewer days open. Within this herd, good herd management procedures make the improved performance from high DPR sires even more evident.

As stated previously, DPR is one of the traits included within the LNM index. Therefore, sires with a high LNM generally also have a positive DPR and produce

daughters with fewer days open. An analysis from Mar-Bec Dairy’s Dairy Comp 305, below, shows the relationship between high LNM sires and average days open. Daughters of bulls over +$400 LNM have significantly fewer days open than daughters of bulls less than +$250 LNM.

Table 2. Comparison of first lactation cows by sire’s LNM.

sire’s lnM days open

+$1 to +$250 150

+$251 to +$400 133

> +$400 97

Breeding for Healthy ProductionLike DPR, SCS accounts for nine percent of the LNM index. SCS is used to improve resistance to mastitis. Bulls with a low SCS (less than 3.00) are expected to have daughters with lower levels of mastitis than bulls with a higher SCS.

Analyzing the impact of lower SCS sires on the Mar-Bec herd can be completed through a Results report (below). When ranked according to their SCS, the top 25 percent of sires used in the herd averaged +2.79 SCS. The bottom 25 percent of sires averaged +3.23. The difference in SCS between those sires is very similar to the difference in log Somatic Cell Counts between their daughters.

Examining the farm’s Dairy Comp 305 information shows the strong relationship between high LNM sires and the Log SCC of their daughters. Daughters of bulls over +$400 LNM have significantly lower Somatic Cell Counts.

Table 3. Comparison of first lactation cows by sire’s LNM.

sire’s lnM log sCC

+$1 to +$250 2.8

+$251 to +$400 2.3

> +$400 1.7

Doing What They’re Bred to DoCows do what they are bred to do. Therefore, cows mated with high LNM sires will produce offspring that live longer and healthier lives, breed back, have good udders, correct feet and legs, and make milk efficiently.

sire Cow

PtA daughterPregnancy rate

daysopen

Calvinginterval

top 25% daughter Pregnancy rate 2.64 122 385

bottom 25% daughter Pregnancy rate -1.72 144 395

Difference between quartiles: 4.36 -22 -10

sire Cow

PtA somaticCell score

log somaticCell score

top 25% somatic Cell score 2.79 2.17

bottom 25% somatic Cell score 3.23 2.52

Difference between quartiles: -0.44 -0.35

Super star

Combining the Best of Everything

1 H O 0 8778 C h a r l e s d a l e s u P e r s t i t i o n - E T * T V

Martin Super 1024

Martin Super 1024 Collins Knoll Super 689North Harbor Super 2203

+$797 lifetime net Merit ★ +2.1 daughter Pregnancy rate ★ +3.0 udder Composite

genCheck ★ +2277 tPi™ ★ +2.74 somatic Cell score ★ +7.9 Productive life

+3.19 PtA type ★ +2114 PtA Milk

A Package

Now with 94 daughters


B U L L P R O F I L E

Debuting in early 2009 as a genomic-proven sire, 1Ho08778 Charlesdale suPerstition-ET has created a buzz across the industry. Now with 94 daughters in his proof, SUPER stands among the best daughter-proven sires at Genex. This sire boasts super numbers for all health traits while also improving production and conformation. His story begins with a homebred cow in a western Pennsylvania herd.

In the StarsShawn Charles graduated from high school knowing that he wanted to work with cows and their pedigrees. Today, Charles is responsible for a 115-cow milking herd and 80 head of heifers. Among these cows is the family that resulted in SUPER. Charles credits this family’s success to Huntercrest Astre Swede, 2E-91, the third dam of SUPER. This Astre daughter completed four lactations with record production as a five year old. The 305 day production generated 27,290 pounds milk with 951 fat and 778 protein (12,378 kg. milk, 431 fat and 353 protein).

After a mating to Juror, Charlesdale KJ Sweetness-ET, VG-87 was born. This cow completed two lactations over 22,000 pounds (9,979 kg.) of milk. To give his herd a jump start, Charles took a chance and bred Sweetness to a young sire – O Man, resulting in Charlesdale Sweet Star, VG-85, VG-MS, DOM - the dam of SUPER.

Sweet Star is best known for transmitting fertility, health traits and milk production on to her offspring. Her best record is at one year and 10 months of age. Milking three times a day for 365 days, Sweet Star produced 33,740 pounds milk with 1106 fat and 1058 protein (15,304 kg. milk, 502 fat and 480 protein). Her lifetime totals in 1391 days resulted in 105,450 pounds of milk with 3519 fat and 3390 protein (47,831 kg. milk, 1596 fat, 1538 protein). In her lifetime, Sweet Star produced three daughters and more than seven bulls.

Genex Dairy Procurement Specialist Paul Haskins reflected on the beginning of SUPER saying, “SUPER was created when our genetic staff was beginning to aggressively pursue fitness traits such as Productive Life, Daughter Pregnancy Rate and Somatic Cell Score. Boliver was a new fitness trait specialist on the scene, and his initial information indicated that he would be a perfect match with O Man. We mated Sweet Star to Boliver, to see if the ideal qualities of both could be achieved.”

Seeing is BelievingGenex Area Sales Representative Tim Fargo has seen half a dozen daughters of SUPER through the herds he visits. “SUPER was just another bull until I saw the daughters. Now I’m not afraid to steer anyone towards him. His daughters are all consistent, sizeable animals. They have a whole lot of dairy strength and nice udders.”

In the August 2009 sire summary, SUPER’s numbers rose consistently with the addition of over 50 daughters to his proof. SUPER has now become a total package by combining excellent numbers in a variety of areas. He increased from +$728 to +$769 Lifetime Net Merit and also expanded his production traits to 2114 pounds of milk with 63 pounds protein and 51 pounds fat. SUPER also excels in other areas including +2.1 Daughter Pregnancy Rate, +3.0 Udder Composite, +2277 TPI™, +2.74 Somatic Cell Score, +7.9 Productive Life and + 3.19 PTA Type.

With rising numbers in his latest summary, SUPER transformed from an elite genomic-proven sire to an elite daughter-proven sire. He is extremely appealing to producers, not only for the udder traits, but also the health and fitness traits he transmits to his offspring. Why wait for genetic advancement in cattle when the SUPER total package is available now!

Excitement from a Star Family

Super

1HO08778 Charlesdale suPerstition-ET*TV

T E X T


2 0 0 9 P H O T O C O N T E S T W I N N E R S

The Dairy Future1st Place:

Jolene braegelmannCold Spring, Minnesota

2nd Place:Ashley Mikshowsky

Bangor, Wisconsin

3rd Place:richard Caverly

Benton, Maine

Congratulations to this year's

winners and thank you to

everyone that participated!

Keep your cameras ready

for that perfect shot and

enter in next year's contest!

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place


2 0 0 9 P H O T O C O N T E S T W I N N E R SHonorable Mention

Genex at Work1st Place:

Jane PedersonWestbrook, Minnesota

1st Place

Linda Meyer, Hallam, Nebraska

Jacqueline Hackel, Marathon, Wisconsin

Jane Pederson, Westbrook, Minnesota

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Conventional Semen

Daughter Proven

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©2009 CRI B0295-069 Product of the U.S.A.

1HO08812 MARCELLUSBoliver x BW Marshall

1HO08812 MARCELLUS

Conventional Semen

Daughter Proven

1JE00604 GANNONJace x Gordo

1HO09208 SHAMPOOShottle x O Man

Conventional Semen

Genomic Proven

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