Spring/Summer 2008

Spring/Summer 2008
In this issue...
REPROMAX INTRODUCED pg. 6 < AVOID SUMMER’S NUTRITION &
FERTILITY WOES pg. 16 < SEMEX WORKS EVERYWHERE: MEXICO, THE
UK & USA < JERSEY’S NEW SUPERSTAR pg. 8 < ASHLAR GIVES YOU
JUST WHAT YOU WANT pg. 3
Semex Works
Everywhere
With proving programs in four countries on
three continents, Semex's lineup of veterans
and newly proven sires offers dairymen a
diversified lineup of profitable sires.
Your profit is our first concern and our genetics
and field staff are working hard to ensure our
lineup meets the needs of dairymen
everywhere.
Most recently the April 2008 genetic
evaluations show that Semex sires do work
everywhere.
On the cover: Fuentezuelas Dairy
Photo by Fuentezuelas Dairy
Our success in Canada has never been greater, with 71 of the top 100
being Semex bulls. In the US we're seeing our Premier Program excel as
our graduates continue to rank highly contributing to 13 of the Top 100
International Bulls carrying the 200 code, proving that these bulls are
successful worldwide, and average 1775 TPI. This is impressive no matter
how you measure success.
We know, however, that to be successful a dairyman’s first need to reach
profitability is to get his cows pregnant. Because for each day she is not
in calf, she is costing you money, and lots of it. In this issue we’re proud
to introduce our Repromax sires as a solution to fertility problems, with
the goal of improving the fertility performance of your cows.
Ask your local Semex representative today about Semex’s high fertility
Repromax sires!
Page 3
Just Like Dairymen Want
Morningview Ashlar
Page 4-5
Semex Works In Mexico
Semex Sired Daughters Last
Page 6-7
Costly Days Open
Repromax Sires Solve Fertility Issues
Page 8-9
Blackstone
The Jersey Breed’s Rising Star
Page 12-13
Semex Works Everywhere
The Dent Family in the UK
Page 14-15
Path to Pregnancy
Van Doske Farms LLC in the USA
Page 16-17
Keep Reproduction & Production Steady
This Summer
Page 18
Swissgenetics
Leading Program For Red & Whites
Pierre Laliberté
Senior Vice-President, Global Genetic Programs/Operations
Page 19
Bits We’ve Collected Along The Way
Balance is a magazine designed to promote Canadian dairy genetics,
technology and management. The magazine is published by the Semex Alliance.
The Semex Alliance is focused on global leadership in the genetics marketplace.
Semex Alliance
Canadian Partnerships:
2
Milner, BC
(604) 530-1141
Milner, BC
Guelph, ON
130 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON N1G 3Z2
Telephone: (519) 821-5060 Fax: (519) 821-7225
E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.semex.com
130 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON N1G 3Z2
130 StoneKemptville,
Road West, Guelph,
ON N1G Saint-Hyacinthe,
3Z2
ON
QC
Kemptville, ON
Telephone: (519) 821-5060 Fax: (519) 821-7225
E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.semex.com
E-mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.semex.com
(519) 821-5060Guelph,
Fax: (519)
Milner, Telephone:
BC
ON821-7225
CENTRESPREAD
Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
(519) 821-2150 (604) 530-1141
(613) 258-5944
(450) 774-1141 (613) 258-5944
Guelph, ON
Kemptville, ON
Saint-Hyacinthe,
QC
(519)
821-2150
(450) 774-1141
Comments
submissions(604)to530-1141
the editor should
be forwarded
to Brenda
Lee-Turner,
Semex
Alliance, 130 Stone
Road West, Guelph, Ontario,
(519)or
821-2150
(613) 258-5944
(450) 774-1141
Canada N1G 3Z2. tel: 519-821-5060, fax: 519-821-7225; email: [email protected]
Zarza Abies Inspiration EX-3E-2*-ESP
P i c t u r e d a t 1 5 1/2 Y e a r s b y F r a n s i c o A h e d o A f t e r H e r N i n t h C a l v i n g
Just What...
DAIRYMEN
WANT
Morningview Ashlar
Mike West, Semex Alliance Product Support Specialist & Sire Analyst
Ashlar’s sire Benner Aerowood, was a high production
Bellwood son, who was used in limited amounts with
good results. His dam, by Formation, is Morningview
Form Ashley VG-88-4YR-USA followed by Morningview
Converse Judy EX-93-5YR-USA, giving Ashlar his strong
type pattern of balance with great udders. Aerowood
was an excellent cross, giving high production to a wellbalanced maternal line, making Ashlar an excellent fit
for today’s demands.
Proven in western Canada, the home of many large
dairies, Ashlar debuted in August 2007 and quickly
became a sire of sons for Semex in January 2008. His
first lactation progeny stood out in their herds, but not
for many of the typical reasons. They calved in without
issue and settled right into their milking groups… just
like the dairymen wanted them to.
Ashlar daughters have high, wide rear udders, long fore
udder attachments with an exceptional crease that
signals an udder that is built to last for many lactations.
They stand on good feet & legs and their rumps have a
very desirable slope, with good pin width. These traits
gave Ashlar daughters good scores whether in early or
late lactation and give the strong indication that these
cows will last.
▲ Struys Ashlar Wallace GP-83-2YR-CAN with 2-05 305 11,479 3.6 411 3.1 358 kg
young cows in their first lactation, Ashlar daughters
made their job easy – getting a great response and
getting pregnant easily and efficiently.
Their low SCS throughout their first lactation was very
impressive and added to the breeder satisfaction title
Ashlar is quickly gaining. Now, as his progeny develop
into their second lactation the trend continues. Their
udders have only gotten better and solidified their place
as cows with the longevity breeders want. We are very
impressed with how these cows have developed in their
front ends and how they are filling out and making
great cows in their herds.
Ashlar’s high ranking for Herd Life is no surprise when
you review the numbers and hear the comments from
breeders and field staff. Low SCS, high Daughter
Fertility, fantastic udders and positive Fat and Protein
deviations make him a perfect fit for today’s modern
dairyman looking to breed healthy, long-lasting cows.
Photos by Patty Jones
Breeders tell us that when it came time to breed these
Photo by Patty Jones
Breeders around the world tell us that they are looking
for good udders to increase longevity and drive profit.
At +15 Mammary Systems (CDN 4/08), Ashlar ranks
among the very best in the breed available today. But,
when dairymen ask for really good udders from healthy,
productive cows with low SCS, high fertility and easy
calving the field narrows. But once again, Ashlar fits
the bill at 105 Herd Life, 2.78 SCS, 105 Daughter
Fertility, 103 Milking Speed and 104 Daughter Calving
Ability (CDN 4/08)!
▲ Ashlar Daughters: Marcor Ashlar Lorene GP-82-2YR-CAN, Marcor Ashlar Madge GP-81-2YR-CAN, Rolleyview Ashlar 491 VG-85-3YR-CAN
3
“We want cows to last.”
--Dr. Jose Ignacio Cervantes Noriega
“Other A.I. companies have to prove to us that they are
better than Semex sires to get our business,” says Dr. Jose
Ignacio Cervantes Noriega. “They can’t do that.”
Semex sires have proven themselves to deliver profitable
results in this Queretaro, Mexico dairy for years. Located
200 km northwest of Mexico City, this family has been
milking cows for over 60 years and in this location for four
years, employs nearly 40 people and has 864 acres of
alfalfa hay as well as corn and triticale (a wheat and rye
hybrid) for silage.
“My great
grandfather and
grandfather and my
uncle farmed here
and now my father,
Jose Ignacio
Cervantes
Gutierrez, and I
farm here,” says
Ignacio Jr. “They
introduced milking
machines in 1982
▲ Ignacio Sr & Ignacio Jr
and
AI two years
Fuentezuelas Dairy, Queretaro, Mexico
later in 1984. When
we started using AI, we started using some Semex sires.”
After vet school in 2000 Ignacio Jr returned to take over the
dairy which had a 22 kg per day average and a 600,000
4
Somatic Cell Count (SCC). It was obvious to this newly
graduated veterinarian that the dairy needed to begin an
aggressive identification and herd health program to
succeed.
In college Ignacio had learned the value of balanced
breeding and the importance of healthy, durable cows and
turned to his local Semex Representative, Dr. Gildardo
Caceres, for genetic consulting, sire selection and mating
advice.
Dr. Caceres used the Semex mating program and began
mating 90% of the herd to Semex sires. This relationship
proved to be very valuable, as the Semex influence and the
introduction of a Total Mixed Ration resulted in the herd
average increasing to 24 kgs/day and dropping the SCC to
400,000 in just one year.
In 2005 the herd moved to a new double 16 parallel parlour
freestall facility, featuring both a concrete floor for the rainy
season and a corral area for exercise and began milking 3
times/day. This new facility has given this dairy room to
grow to its current size of 620 milking cows, with the goal of
growing to 1,200 within the next five years.
“When we built the new facility we were most concerned
about caring for our cows during the rainy season of June to
October. In the past during this rainy, humid time we’ve
seen production drop by as much as 10%, therefore we must
MVZ., Jose F. Gutierrez, Semex Mexico and Brenda Lee-Turner, Semex Alliance Marketing
Communications Specialist • Photos provided by Dr. Jose Ignacio Cervantes Noriega
SEMEX WORKS
IN MEXICO
get the most production from them from November until May.
With the new facility we decided to keep the cows inside on
concrete instead of outside in the elements, making their feet
& legs very important.”
“We’re raising our own heifers and actually have one person
dedicated to the young stock,” says Ignacio Jr. “It’s not
enough though. We’ve targeted our growth to include
buying heifers, but we must maintain our breeding
philosophies and we pay close attention to their
conformation and pedigree as well as the breeding sires.”
“Our goal is to have cows that last a long time and are very
functional. We want our heifers to be well-grown but not fat
and ready to breed at 14-15 months. The most important
thing to us is the feet & legs. All the sires we use must first
have good feet and legs. Next, we look at the mammary
systems,” says Ignacio Jr. “We know that if a bull’s
daughters are healthy, we can work with them and get them
to give us three or more healthy lactations. Semex sires do
this, giving us profitable, long-lasting daughters.”
“The real secret to our results is identifying the faults that we
want to improve on and then following the advice on
matings from our Semex Representative,” says Ignacio Jr.
Ignacio Sr & Grandma Cervantes
Ignacio Jr In The New Freestall Facility
“We think Semex is successful here because of their mating
program and the fact that Semex daughters are able to
withstand heat and stress, they last a long time, breed back
quickly and milk a lot. We’ve been happy with our fertility
results and we think Wilcoxview Jasper, Cedarwal Sprite,
Barcelona, Comestar Lheros, Duncan Progress, Summershade
Igniter and Summershade Inquirer give us great results.”
Results speak for themselves as the herd average now sits at
over 33.5 kgs/day and they like to know where they stand
in comparison to other herds within Mexico, and participate
in the Mexican Holstein Association’s milk recording
program.
Heifer Calves In Modern Hutches
“We’re doing quite well on production,” comments Ignacio
Jr. “Semex Mexico encouraged us to show a few of our
animals at our National Show in Queretaro to give us a
comparison of our cattle’s conformation and our RegancrestMR Samuelo daughter was named the best heifer from our
region.”
“We don’t want to produce show cattle, but we want efficient,
durable cows that milk well for many lactations. At the end, our
goal is to produce good cows that last three or more lactations.
We will continue using Semex because we want to keep
producing good cows and milking in a very efficient manner.”
Ignacio Jr In Loose Housing Heifer Facility
5
With dozens of numbers to analyze
and problems to solve in a day,
dairymen are looking to simplify
processes and find easy solutions to
their dairy’s problems.
The issue of conception and getting
cows in calf is no exception.
Measuring conception on farm is
generally focused on one or more
of the following three measures:
pregnancy rate; number of days
open; or number of inseminations
per conception. The common
denominator in each of these
measures is that the dairyman
needs to reduce the number of days
the cow is open to increase his
overall profitability.
How Much Does A Day Open
Cost?
This impact may be greater than we
think. A 2006 University of Florida
study shows that this cost varies
between $3.20 and $5.40/day
and increases with average days
open. These numbers take into
account things like the value of the
milk the cow would have produced,
plus the value of her calf, as well as
other concerns. Therefore if the
average cost per extra day open is
$4.50 and if one cow stays open
20 days longer than she should
have, that dairy loses $90 on just
that one cow alone.
On a 100-cow dairy this effect is
tremendous and can cost the dairy
an additional $9,000 in reduced
profitability. Subsequently, larger
herds feel this economic loss even
greater.
6
Semex’s Solution
Semex scientists have carefully
reviewed fertility information from
over 3,000 bulls to determine
which Semex sires were most
effective at getting cows bred, and
have designated these fertility
specialists as Repromax sires.
Repromax is unique as it takes into
account international information
from numerous countries and
sources, with the goal of improving
the fertility performance of cows,
and makes Repromax the world’s
first international fertility evaluation.
The world’s first
international
fertility
evaluation.
REDUCED PROFITABILITY
FROM 20 EXTRA
DAYS OPEN
Cows
$(US)
50
$4500
100
$9,000
100
$18,000
300
$27,000
500
$45,000
1000
$90,000
2000
$180,000
“The Repromax sire list combines
the best fertility information from all
sources ”, says Senior Geneticist,
Dr. Jacques P. Chesnais.
“We’ve taken into consideration the
well-known and established forms
of fertility analysis, Estimated
Relative Conception Rate (ERCR),
Agri-Tech Analysis (ATA), as well as
Canada’s Non-Return Rate data to
determine which Semex sires are
fertility specialists, and we have
designated these sires as Semex
Repromax sires.”
“The Canadian information is
particularly important because it is
based entirely on extensive
professional technician data. This
increases the reliability of the
fertility evaluation and makes
designated Repromax sires a
powerful tool for dairymen.”
Pregnancies are a valuable
commodity on the dairy and
Repromax sires work to make sure
dairymen have the best product to
get cows in calf, everytime.
“Our Repromax sires represent the
best of the best,” says Pierre
Laliberte, Senior Vice-President,
Global Genetic
Programs/Operations.
“Repromax sires
represent
the best of
the best.”
“Semex’s Repromax sires are highly
proven, reliable bulls from our
lineup that are proven to be high
fertility sires, with no genetic
sacrifices for quality. We believe
dairymen should have the best of
both worlds… cows in calf and
genetic improvement in their herds.”
Semex’s Repromax sires are listed
at right and are designated with the
“Repromax” logo. Ask your
Semex Representative about
Repromax today.
Semex’s Repromax sires listed below are highly reliable bulls
proven to be high fertility sires with no genetic sacrifices.
ALOBER AUDINI
00200HO5246
KILDARE BLISTER
0200HO05060
ALTERVALE E COMMERCE
0200HO00259
LA PRESENTATION DANOIS
0200HO05027
BELFAST SAPHIRE
0200HO05205
LA PRESENTATION DIABOLIQUE
0200HO05028
BLUE-HAVEN-LTD BRICK
0200HO01818
LA PRESENTATION WINDOWS
0200HO04387
BOSSIDE RONALD
0200HO04038
LADINO PARK TALENT *RC
0200HO07030
BRAEDALE BAMBAM
0200HO03274
LEHOUX LAREZ
0200HO05007
BRAEDALE SPY
0200HO03071
LINDENRIGHT APPLAUSE
0200HO01649
BRIGEEN GIVENCHY
0200HO04624
MACO SCOTTY
0200HO04483
CEDARWAL APTITUDE
0200HO00197
MAGOR BOLIVIA ALLEN
0200HO07317
CHARPENTIER MAGOT
0200HO05164
MARINEAU TITAN
0200HO05103
CLAYNOOK VICTORY
0200HO01528
MASSICOTTE NIRVANA
0200HO05211
COMESTAR LITTORAL
0200HO05156
PENNVIEW INCOME
0200HO00040
DELEBERGE LUCIDOR
0200HO05235
PURSUIT SEPTEMBER STORM *RC 0200HO03067
DIAMOND-OAK FROSTY
0200HO01584
REGANCREST-MWS MAGNA
0200HO05127
EMERALD-ACR-SA T-DEREK
0200HO01406
RIETBEN CHARGE
0200HO00133
GILLETTE FINAL CUT
0200HO03280
SPRINGHILL-OH SURVIVOR
0200HO01509
GINARY TANDEM
0200HO03348
STANTONS ARMAND
0200HO01914
GRANDUC TRIBUTE *RC
0200HO04163
STANTONS SIDNEY
0200HO01796
HIDDEN-VIEW BARNES
0200HO03311
VIEUXSAULE MALICIEUX
0200HO05217
HORSTYLE MAXWELL
0200HO03294
ix
Also available are Semex’s Repromix Cocktails. Semex researchers have developed these pooled semen
products combining three high fertility sires into one powerful “cocktail.” Each “cocktail” is a high fertility
package that provides proven genetics to fit producer’s specific needs. Each sire has been chosen after
careful evaluation for semen quality and non-return rates by Semex laboratory and genetic staff.
Repromix 1
0200PS00001
Repromix 3
0200PS00003
SHF Centurion Sultan + Granduc Tribute *RC + Forc 29F BOOMER 18L
Rietben Charge + Cedarwal Aptitude + Pennview Income
Repromix 4
Repromix 5
0200PS00004
0200PS00005
Bridon Jamaica + Bridon Remake Comerica + SHF Centurion Sultan
SHF Centurion Sultan + Granduc Tribute *RC + DMM Traction 34P
Repromix 6
Repromix 7
0200PS00006
R-Hart Cartoon + DMM Traction 34P + Lagace Modem
0200PS00007
Lindenright Applause + Springhill-OH Survivor + Emerald-ACR-SA T-Derek
7
blacksto
The Jersey Breed’s Latest Rising Star
No matter the breed, each subsequent generation of
cattle is dominated by a few select individuals. The
Jersey breed is no exception, having had its share of
outstanding sires including Duncan, Generator, Lester,
Sooner, Berretta and more recently Perimiter. On the
female side, the dams of these sires also deserve a
closer look as these cows also transmitted their breed
leading qualities and have been important to the
progression of the Jersey breed.
listing with Declo Belle herself still ranking in the top 5
as an 8 Yr Old.
Just like Duncan Belle, Declo Belle has claimed some
of the breed’s top show honours, being named the
Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Intermediate Champion
as a Jr 3 Yr Old in 2003. Additionally, Declo Belle
was a top producer with great yields and
components, scoring EX-94 at 5 Years with 5-30 305
11,238 4.9% 548 3.8% 433 kgs.
The latest star to rise from the Semex Jersey Program
is 0200JE00423 Lencrest Blackstone. Like the great
sires before him, he is quickly becoming a driving
force in the industry, leading the index charts with
dominating production and type qualities. A BW
Parade, Blackstone transmits extreme yields and
strong, functional type to his progeny, just like his
sire…. and just like his dam Declo Belle.
Blackstone’s 3rd dam Duncan Belle EX-3 completes
five generations of EX cows with an average 5.5% fat
and is herself a matriarch of an increasingly
successful family tree. Bred by the Rankins from the
famous Cedarcrest herd in Alabama, Belle also
dominated the show ring being a two-time Royal
Agricultural Winter Fair Grand Champion, as well as
a Grand Champion at the Central National Jersey
Show at World Dairy Expo. Her production record
matched her show record winnings producing 9,539
kilograms of 5.5% fat and 4.2% protein in 305 days
in her 4th lactation.
▲ Piedmont Declo Belle EX-94 2*
“We bought Declo Belle to diversify our breeding
strategy,” says Gary Bowers, owner of Lencrest
Jerseys. “We knew about the Belle family’s
transmitting abilities, but this family stamps them out!”
These merits, as well as her ability to transmit her
potential on to her progeny, earned her the Cow of
the Century Award from US Jersey and 20* from
Jersey Canada.
Her gene power did not go unnoticed by Semex, as
her sons and grandsons including the internationally
acclaimed Perimiter, Legacy and Senior gained
recognition and popularity around the world, each
quickly tracing back to Duncan Belle herself.
8
Duncan Belle, her daughters and granddaughters
have dominated the Jersey Lifetime Profit Index (LPI).
Belle’s granddaughter Piedmont Declo Belle EX-94 2*
and her daughters dominate the top 5 LPI female
▲
Estran Blackstone Ramone VG-86-2YR-CAN
Semex’s Lencrest Blackstone & The Duncan Belles
one
Patrice Simard, Semex Alliance Jersey Sire Analyst & Product Support Specialist
“The opportunity to see Piedmont Declo Belle
in person is a chance of a lifetime!
This cow encompasses everything I want to see in the
Jersey cow and much more. Not only are her
conformation and credentials impressive, but she breeds
so true. All of her daughters and granddaughters are
stamped out… deep-bodied, flat boned and
square cows with a skinny rat tail, virtually saying,
‘I will work hard for you’!
▲
Gary & Maureen Bowers, owners of Lencrest Jerseys and
breeders of Lencrest Blackstone
“Using different sires on her, the results were always
similar. Her daughters are all strong, hard-working
cows with deep bodies and shallow, well-attached
udders. At our farm the Belles are the easiest cows to
look after… virtually maintenance free!”
These same qualities are available through Declo
Belle’s son, 0200JE00423 Lencrest Blackstone.
Blackstone daughters have very well-attached
mammary systems, with extreme support from a deep
crease. They are very solid on well-shaped feet with
a great depth of heel. These daughters are tall and
long-bodied with great openness of rib, and in both
the United States and Canada, they are the top
producing 2 Yr. Olds in their herds.
The Balanced Breeding Philosophy is the trademark
for the Semex Alliance and our Jersey program is no
exception from this rule, tapping the genetics from
great individuals with deep pedigrees that align
production, health and functional type.
The Blackstone daughters I have seen confirm my
thoughts when I first saw Declo Belle last June.
Declo Belle may be the cow we honour as the
greatest of our lifetime and her son, Blackstone,
will help push that honour on her.
Blackstones have good frames and are flat boned, just
like Declo Belle. They have stylish udders and are the
perfect fit, making balanced cows.
Blackstone is the only bull in our industry with over
1000 lbs of milk (Apr/08 USDA) with a positive
component percentage. He will mate perfectly on the
Danish bloodlines, injecting milk without sacrificing
components and being backed by a show-winning dam,
he has the ability to add show ring style. Blackstone fits
Semex’s Balanced Breeding philosophy and gives
breeders one of the best young sires to date.”
--Aaron Henderson,
Semex USA Jersey Product Support Specialist
D E C L O B E L L E S O N S & G R A N D S O N S AT S E M E X
0200JE00015 Unique Belle's Red Baron-ET
(Windy Willow Montana Jace x Lencrest Par For Belle)
0200JE00142 Lencrest Tyler-ET
(Willoa Laser x Piedmont Declo Belle)
0200JE00431 Lencrest Taylor Made-ET
(SHF Centurion Sultan x Piedmont Declo Belle)
0200JE00446 Lencrest I-Pod (Iatola x Lencrest Parading Belle)
0200JE00140 Unique Belle's Barometer
(Golden Boy of Ferreira x Lencrest Par For Belle)
0200JE00430 Lencrest On Time-ET
(SHF Centurion Sultan x Piedmont Declo Belle)
0200JE00439 Du Fjord Saguenay-ET
(Norval Acres Plaudit x Lencrest Fprize Belle)
9
L O N G E V I T Y
Zarza Abies Inspir
Pictured at 151/2 Years by Fransic
Lifetime Production 165,593 kgs • 3 VG D
Y
D E F I N E D
ration EX-3E-2*-ESP
co Ahedo After Her Ninth Calving
Daughters & 2 VG Granddaughters To Date
SEMEX
WORKS EVERYWHERE
Jim Lindsay, Semex Pty Ltd
▲ UK dairy producers Colin & Mark Dent (far right) with Semex UK representative Michael Dennison
Established by Chris and Margaret
Dent in1968, the Bridge End herd is
now run by son Colin and his wife
Yvonne together with the third
generation, 22 year old son Mark.
With over 520 milking cows, this
herd has rapidly expanded since its
re-establishment post Foot and
Mouth. However, a visit to the farm
shows the associated problems of
managing large numbers of cows
has not stopped Colin and Mark
maintaining a very hands-on
approach with some great cows and
fantastic cow families.
The herd’s base comes from
numerous herds purchased following
the Foot & Mouth outbreak, but in
each purchase you can see that
Colin looks for good uddered cows
with lots of scope, capacity and
dairy strength.
12 One of those purchases included the
recent show star of the herd, Cophill
Corona 55 EX-95-3E. This local
show champion is in her seventh
lactation with a best record of
14,553 kg in her second and she
has an exciting Talent heifer at
Bridge End.
She is one of over 110 Talent
daughters registered with the Bridge
End prefix, leading Colin to
comment that he believes, “Talent is
one of the best udder bulls in the
world.”
Five VG-2YR ET full sisters by Talent
from a VG-87 Bosside Ruben
“Talent is one
of the best
udder bulls in
the world!”
Reprinted with the permission of Holstein UK
daughter of Riverdane Silky Rapture
EX-90 milking in the herd have also
helped to form Colin’s opinion on
Talent’s influence at this early stage
on the herd.
Rhapsody was one of 20 bred
heifers bought from Riverdane and
she has gone on to establish a
strong line of Rhapsodys for the
Dents. By Cousteau, Silky Rapture is
herself the 11th generation straight
EX, and her VG Talent grand
daughters complete a 13 generation
EX or VG stack.
Silky Rapture has completed four
lactations so far, with escalating
production lactation on lactation and
she achieved 10,389 kg at 4.02%
fat and 3.03% protein in 305 days
of her fourth while she is due any
day to Braedale Pagewire. She also
has a GP-84 Stormatic and her last
heifer was by Talent.
The buildings at Bridge End that
house the growing herd have been
added between the house and road,
allowing the herd to be split into four
groups, with two groups of high
yielders numbering 120 and 140.
There is a low yielding group that
has access to outside feeding troughs
and are turned out to pasture as
soon as possible on this free
draining farm, which has plenty of
grazing available. The fourth group
is a ‘straw yard’ group of 60. This
grouping enables a number of
management features that Colin
believes are crucial to herd health
and success in large herds.
The 60 cow ‘straw yard’ is in fact a
sawdust pack, which the Dent’s feel
is crucial for keeping cows healthy in
this large herd. A local supply of
sawdust makes a sawdust loose yard
a viable alternative, while other
benefits include providing a very
hygienic material that is quick to
bed, and it is a very stress-free
environment for lame cows and fresh
cows. Despite the herd size, Colin
and Mark still like the ‘good ones’,
and when time permits will head to
local shows. However, they are the
first to admit that any special
treatment for their show cows stops
at pampering ‘a batch of 60’ on the
sawdust pack.
▲ Mark Dent utilizing the ai-24 Heatime system.
For over three months now,
freshening cows have been fitted
with Semex UK’s ai-24 Heatime
collars. The collars have been
supplied by Semex UK and the
Dent’s consider the system
worthwhile.
Conscious that fertility and heat
detection in a herd of this size
needed more attention in terms of
time than Colin and Mark could
devote them, they considered various
options before settling on Heatime.
It is seen as simple technology, which
may not have improved conception
rates as it is too early to tell yet, but
it has certainly presented more
animals for service. It also highlights
low activity that can be an early
indicator of problems such as E coli
and displaced abomasums for
example. Basically it is equivalent to
someone watching the cows all day.
The herd currently boasts 58 EX and
216 VG cows and heifers, which are
by a multitude of sires due to the
nature of the herd. However, the
Dents are now trying to build on the
stamp they have by practicing
corrective mating, crossing strength
bulls onto their more dairy animals
and dairy bulls onto their stronger
cows. Rudolph and Outside are sires
that have fared well in the Bridge
End system over the years, while
currently stock by Duncan Progress,
Summershade Igniter, Hartline
Titanic, Ladino Park Talent *RC and
Pursuit September Storm *RC are
doing well.
Currently sires such as Regancrest
Dolman, Braedale Pagewire, Gillette
Final Cut, Kerndtway Howie,
Cederwal Spirte, Charpentier Magot
and R-E-W Buckeye are in the tank,
a blend of bulls that Colin thinks
covers his breeding requirements.
the dry cow ration which
incorporates straw with the main
TMR ration used for the milking
herd. The TMR incorporates corn,
grass silage, molasses, wheat, sugar
beet pulp, soya, distillers grains,
Golden Flake and Trafford Gold.
With Colin and Mark very hands on
outside, Yvonne is responsible for the
endless paperwork and staff, with a
team of six including Colin and
Mark full time on the farm. Two
Polish employees are part of the
team and are on hand to help with
the milking, where they pre-wash
udders with an electric brush and
prepare animals for milking.
Milking is twice a day through a 2040 herringbone parlour.
The Dents have taken the bull by the
horns and have encompassed
technologies such as ai-24 Heatime
along the way to ensure that issues
like fertility are monitored and
addressed. They are keen to
maximize the potential of some of
the cattle at Bridge End through
technologies such as embryo transfer
ensuring they will continue to have
great animals from tremendous cow
families in a large herd of 600 head
without them becoming incidentals or
casualties of size and scale.
Milk production is, of course, the
farm’s core business, with the herd
averaging 27 kgs/day and around
14,000 kgs are shipped daily. This
equates to a herd average of 8,700
kgs which is rising all the time as the
number of heifer replacements
coming through is increasing,
allowing voluntary culling of under
performers. Heifers are calved at
between 24-28 months and are also
the preferred source of embryos.
Some ET work is done at Bridge End
to try to capitalize on the families
that have been introduced. Flushing
maiden heifers has been the
preferred choice as heifers can be
housed, managed and flushed on
13
PATH TO
PREGNANCY
Nick Sarbacker, Semex USA Product Support Specialist
Van Doske Farms LLC
Cleveland, WI, USA
325 Holstein Cows • 39% Conception Rate
Bob & Richard Van Doske, owners of Van Doske
Farms LLC, know the importance of reproduction in
maximizing their dairy profits. Their family has been
in the dairy business for 75 years, and currently
farms 750 acres and milks 325 Holstein cows near
Cleveland, Wisconsin. The Van Doskes have been
using Semex sires for more than 5 years, and were so
pleased with their fertility results that they switched to
100% Semex service sires two years ago. They also
participate in the Semex USA Premier young sire
program and have their herd mated regularly with the
Semex mating program.
Getting cows pregnant regularly at Van Doske Farms
has always been their goal, in order to provide a
steady stream of fresh cows necessary to keep a high
average daily milk production and ultimately bring
more profits to the operation. As of March of 2008
their rolling herd average was 12,112 kgs milk, with
3.88% 467 fat and 3.09% 372 kgs protein.
Tracking the herd’s reproductive results from Dairy
Comp 305 helps determine which sires have had the
best fertility results in the herd, as well as which
synchronization programs are most effective.
Bob Van Doske manages the reproductive program
for the herd and attributes their success in getting
cows pregnant to cow comfort, correct thawing &
insemination technique, synchronization protocols,
frequent veterinary checks as well as the use of
Semex high fertility sires. Two years ago Bob took a
more active role in the day-to-day management of the
reproductive program, attending a Semex A.I. school
instructed by Camilo Montana, Semex Reproductive
Specialist. Bob says, “Knowing the right timing of
insemination and correct semen handling protocol
have been key to maximizing conception.”
Facilities have also been a big part of managing
reproduction. “A new freestall barn with head-locks
was constructed about one and a half years ago for
milk cows, making it much easier to conduct vet
checks, administer shots and inseminate cows.” Bob
says, “Sprinklers and fans were put in to help keep
cows cool and maintain higher conception rates
during hot summer months.”
Using ultrasound vet checks weekly with the herd
veterinarian, Dr. Sara Gilbertson DVM, has allowed
Bob to streamline the herd’s synchronization program
giving a systematic approach to administering shots
and getting cows inseminated. With Dr. Gilbertson’s
recommendation, every cow is started on their presynch program at around 30 days in milk, which puts
their first breeding at about 70 days in milk.
14
Over the past year this has helped them average a
46% conception rate on their pre-synch program. Dr.
Gilbertson says that many of the herds she works with
have success with similar pre-synch programs. The
Van Doskes currently have the highest conception rate
of the herds she works with for their cows on the presynch program.
Braedale Pagewire, Pursuit September Storm*RC,
Diamond-Oak Frosty, Blue-Haven-Ltd Brick and Ladino
Park Talent*RC, as well as additional Semex Premier
young sires.
When evaluating the effectiveness of any reproductive
program, Conception Rates don’t tell the whole story.
A common measurement of reproductive performance
used at Van Doske’s is Pregnancy Rate, which
measures the percentage of pregnancy eligible cows
that actually become pregnant during a 21-day heat
cycle. The two factors that influence pregnancy rate
are Conception Rate and Service Rate (heat detection
rate). Conception Rate is the number of cows that
become pregnant divided by the number of cows
inseminated. Service Rate is the number of cows
inseminated, divided by the number of cows
pregnancy eligible during a 21-day cycle.
▲
The synchcronization program and weekly vet checks
at Van Doske farms has helped increase the service
rate, especially on first service with their pre-synch
protocol. Over the past year Bob inseminated an
average of 61% of all eligible cows for any given 21day cycle period based on the voluntary waiting
period of 72 days (defined by the pre-synch protocol).
On average the Conception Rate for those breedings
was 39% for the year, which Bob attributes to a lot of
factors including cow comfort and use of Semex high
fertility sires.
Van Doske Farms’ veterinarian Dr. Sara Gilbertson DVM
pregnancy checking with Bob Van Doske.
Van
•
•
•
•
•
•
Doske Farms Pre-Synch Protocol
Day 1 (approx. 30 DIM) (Prostaglandin 1)
Day 14 (44 DIM) (Prostaglandin 2)
Day 28 (58 DIM) (GnRH)
Day 35 (65 DIM) (Prostaglandin)
56 hours later (GnRH)
12-16 hours later (A.I.)
Fertility is a top priority in selecting mating sires. Bob
works with Chris Sheahan, Semex District Sales
Representative, in selecting sires that meet his herd’s
needs and is a true believer in the value of genetics.
“I select bulls that are high production with good
components, and especially bulls that excel in their
feet and legs as well as the udder traits.”
By multiplying the Conception Rate x Service Rate you
will see that the Van Doske’s average pregnancy rate
for the past year is about 24%, which is considerably
higher than the estimated national average of 15%.
Managing the reproductive program in any dairy
operation can be challenging, utilizing high fertility
sires and synchronization programs that simplify heat
detection can help boost pregnancy rates. Bob Van
Doske has been very successful at using the tools and
resources available in order to maximize reproductive
performance in his herd.
Bob prefers to use high reliability bulls and proven
fertility sires, so he can use them with confidence.
Currently Bob has had a lot of fertility success in the
milking herd with bulls such as Stouder Morty,
60
50
40
Bri
ck
31 Breedings
Fro
sty
74 Breedings
Se
pt
Sto
rm
63 Breedings
Pa
ge
wir
e
90 Breedings
Mo
rty
60 Breedings
0
112 Breedings
Percent
Conception 30
in Milking
Cows
20
on 6
Semex
10
Sires
Tal
en
t *R
C
15
KEEP REPRODUCTIO
STEADY THIS SUMM
Someone once said, “No one plans to fail, but some
fail to plan”. As we slowly approach spring and are
still dealing with the record snowfall in many parts of
the world, summer seems a long way off, but it is
wise to plan ahead for the challenges to keep
production and reproduction steady this summer.
to be protected from direct sunlight, and if cows are
pastured during the day, ample shade is necessary.
It is a challenge to maintain feed intake during
prolonged periods of heat stress. We set the cow up
for failure if she is too thin entering this period.
Body condition at time of calving is important year
round but particularly so during high stress periods.
Heat stress can occur anytime the temperature is
The dry period is crucial. Cows need to be dried off
above 78F°/24C° and is defined as any time a
dairy cow’s heat load is greater than her capacity to with adequate body condition and need to maintain
that weight during the dry period. A transition
dissipate the heat. Effects of heat stress include:
ration is utilized to maintain healthy intakes during
increased respiration rate, increased water intake,
the dry period and to minimize periparturient
increased sweating, decreased dry matter intake,
nutritional problems that occur near calving such as
slower rate of feed passage, decreased blood flow
milk fever, low phosphorus, displaced abomasums,
to internal organs, decreased milk production and
retained placenta and the downer cow syndrome.
poor reproductive performance.
These problems are difficult at any time of year but
particularly so during times of intense heat stress. A
Heat stress, particularly of a prolonged duration,
cow that has been losing weight during the dry
negatively impacts the dairy herd in several ways.
Cows eat less during times of extreme heat, and
reduced feed intake results in a drop in milk
production. Also, this lower body condition impacts
SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS:
reproduction in several ways:
Moderate signs of heat stress may occur
• Thin cows often take longer to get into breeding
when the temperature is between 80°-90°F
condition after calving
• Thin cows have a prolonged interval to first
with the humidity ranging from 50-90%.
heat and usually require greater services per
These signs include rapid shallow breathing,
conception
profuse sweating and an approximate
• Thin cows which do conceive in hot weather
often have a greater incidence of early
10% decrease in milk production and
embryonic death (EED).
feed intake by cows.
A combination of good management practices is
necessary to moderate the negative effects of hot
weather.
Environmental concerns are of paramount
importance. Every effort should be made to provide
some degree of cooling for the cows to maintain
feed intake. Some producers elect to stable cows
during the day and let them pasture at night when it
is cooler. Others opt for tunnel ventilation systems
and continuously stable the cows. Some newer
facilities have sprinkling systems to cool cows as they
exit the milking parlour. Studies suggest that a
combination of misting and fan cooling is the best
method to keep cows cool. Additionally cows need
16
As temperatures rise to 90°-100°F and
humidity remains in the 50-90% range, the
cow will show severe depression in milk
yield, usually greater than 25%, and in feed
intake as her body temperature elevates.
She will begin exhibiting more significant
signs of heat stress, such as open mouth
breathing with panting and her
tongue hanging out.
Dr. Tim Henshaw, Gencor Veterinary Consultant
ON & PRODUCTION
MER
period is a greater target for these problems and is
more likely to die. It is important for producers to
work with their nutritional advisor and veterinarian
to implement a transition program. Failure to do so
can result in greater mortality and reduced
productivity and profitability of the survivors.
A standard protocol for fresh cows is important year
round but particularly so during times of heat stress.
Cow temperatures should be monitored daily for 810 days after calving. Cows with fever and
reduced appetite should be treated at once. Antipyretics such as Aspirin and glucose sources such as
intravenous dextrose and oral glycol are typical
treatments. Cows that are non-responsive will need
veterinary attention. Heat stress can accelerate
these symptoms and may prove life threatening.
Most veterinarians will provide fresh cow protocols
to assist identifying problems early.
Prolonged periods of heat stress may require some
adjustment and re-formulation of the ration. Energy
intake can be increased with the inclusion of grains,
fats and high quality forages. Adequate fibre is
needed to maintain rumen function. Dietary buffers
may be needed to maintain rumen pH and to
prevent acidosis. Sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA)
will decrease feed intake and may result in laminitis.
During normal conditions a cow requires 35- 45
gallons of water per day. Studies show that during
times of heat stress that need can increase 1.2 to
2.0 times. Abundant drinking water is a must
because of greater consumption required by cows
Additional water may need to be added to TMR
rations to prevent ration from becoming too dry.
Heat stress particularly impacts reproduction in the
cow:
• Fresh cows with uterine infections need to be
treated promptly. The standard fresh cow
protocol should identify these cows early.
Endotoxin release from bacteria in the uterus can
cause high fevers leading to death.
• Reduced dry matter intake and a decline in body
condition and negative energy balance may
impair the quality of egg and the development of
the embryo. Increased embryo mortality may
also result.
• Heat stress of prolonged duration usually results
in fewer visible signs of heat in the herd. Extra
attention to the secondary heat characteristics:
bawling, head butting, chin pressing, reduced
milk production, reduced appetite, withholding of
milk, swelling of the vulva and mucus discharge
may help identify cows having non visible (nonmounting) estrus.
To maintain reproductive efficiency during times of
high heat stress, maintain body condition as much
as possible and devote additional time to heat
detection wherever possible.
Some producers report that utilization of heat
detection aids, such as pedometers and the Heat
Time system are particularly beneficial in times of
high heat stress. Some producers suggest that the
use of Progesterone impregnated devices in a
synchronization program, CIDR + Ovsynch or PRID
+ Ovsynch proved beneficial in past years of
extreme heat; however, this has not been
scientifically evaluated to a conclusive proof.
Keeping production and reproduction steady in
summer is another annual challenge dairy
producers, nutritionists and veterinarians will soon
be facing. Cooling strategies can help mitigate the
negative impact of heat stress. Plan ahead to give
cows the advantage they need to stay competitive
this summer.
WHEN HOT WEATHER SETS IN
BE PREPARED TO:
• Modify the diet to maintain feed intake
• Increase the amount of water available to
your herd
• Provide shade
• Provide for a good air exchange in the barn
and install misters to help cool the cattle
17
LEADING
PROGRAM FOR
RED & WHITES
Hans-Ulrich Moser, Swissgenetics
Swissgenetics Red & White Program is
well known for the excellent sires which
satisfy the claims of the breeders in the
whole world. Matching with the
philosophy “Production, type and
functionality go together“, more than
50 sires are sampled every year. In
selection, high emphasis is placed on
deep pedigrees and proven cow
families.
20%
50%
30%
Emphasis according to Overall
Selection Index (OSI)
Production
Functional traits
Conformation
Our sire analysts put the main
emphasis on deep pedigrees and
proven cow families, when they select
sires. “I prefer bull dams out of
established families and mated with a
positive and genetically young sire of
sons“, says Jürg Stoll, Swissgenetics
Red & White Sire Analyst. This brings
the required balance of security and
progress into the program. In the Total
Merit Index (GZW), protein counts for
34.5 % and is therefore the most highly
considered characteristic. Being other
important selection criterions, longevity
counts for 15 %, somatic cell score for
10 % and conformation for 20 %. As a
result, these principles and the
focussing on our breeding philosophy
have brought a number of exclusive
sires.
18
Sires of Sons
With more than 50 R&W young sires,
Swissgenetics has the opportunity to
use a large palette of sires of sons. By
choosing the sires of sons,
Swissgenetics does not primarily look
out for the provenience, but essentially
for the genetic quality. Therefore,
worldwide genetics are used for
producing our R&W sires.
A large fraction of our bulls descend
from fathers with a red factor. Extreme
sires with major defaults, especially
those with low values for the protein
components, are not used as sires of
sons. At the moment, the most
intensively employed sires of sons - for
the production of the next siregeneration - are Chaney Stadel
ALTIVO and Flury’s Brad FIGARO
(both Swissgenetics), Dudoc Mr.
BURNS (Semex) and All Gaspari
RALSTORM (Italy).
Bull Dams
Swissgenetics mainly uses Swiss bull
dams, which fulfil the high required
standards. By importing embryos, sires
of international cow families are also
included in our genetic program.
▲ Savard-Red daughter Luna
▲ Three Daughters of Dominator-Red
20%
Success
Swissgenetics has become one of the
leading suppliers of R & W genetics on
the world market. Our sires are
50%
successfully used in all important
populations. Two sires of
our large
30%
product assortment can be qualified as
the cream of the crop:
Name ......Pedigree
Savard................Brad x Storm x Jonn
High conformation, best udders and lots of strength
Altivo..................Stadel x Troubadour
High production and a lot of strength
▲ Pickel Chicoutimi – European Champion & bull mother
“Production,
type and
functionality
g o t o g e t h e r. ”
Swissgenetics
Breeding Philsophy
▲ Jürg Stoll, Sire Analyst Swissgenetics
Zanthie and Kian Verrall with Brae Burn Very Ferny Mely VHC 90-AUS 2nd Calf
Sire: Bushlea Brook Biestar
Owner: Verralls, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Photographer: Stu Mackie
2 0 0 8
F E BRUARY
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Carhall Lyster Elizabeth EX-90-UK and Glyn Lucas
UK National Holstein Show Supreme Champion 2007
Sire: TCET Lyster
Owner: Carhall Holsteins, Cumbria, UK
Photographer: Bruce Jobson
U n i t e d K i n gd o m
Tomoki Nojiri and Umbrella Laser Rigins
Sire: Willoa Laser
Owner: Takaaki Higuchi & Hiruzen Dairy Cooperative, Maniwa, Okayama, Japan
Photo submitted by: Nosawa
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SE PT E MBE R
Japan
Next Heat: Oct 12 Due: June 30
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Enter To Win Semex’s 2009
Calendar Photo Contest at
www.semex.com
Contest Ends August 1, 2008
$897 Million
HEAT STRESS ON CATTLE IN THE US RESULTS IN ECONOMIC
LOSSES APPROACHING $897 MILLION (US)
ANNUALLY FOR DAIRY INDUSTRIES
“Economic Losses from Heat Stress by US Livestock Industries,” http://jds.fass.org
$90
1 MILLION
A DAIRY LOSES $90 (US) ON JUST ONE COW THAT
STAYS OPEN 20 DAYS LONGER THAN SHE SHOULD HAVE
A 2006 University of Florida Study. For more on improving reproduction with Semex turn to pgs 6-7.
SEMEX’S COMESTAR LHEROS BECOMES SEMEX’S 9TH
MILLIONAIRE SIRE AND 4TH COMESTAR MILLIONAIRE SIRE
fertile (fer·tile)
adj
1.bearing, producing, or capable of producing vegetation, crops, etc., abundantly; prolific:
fertile soil. 2.bearing or capable of bearing offspring.
Semex’s Repromax sires are proven to be highly fertile!
19
R e d u c e
C o s t l y
D a y s
O p e n
W i t h
Semex scientists have gathered Estimated Relative Conception Rates (ERCR) and
Agri-Tech Analysis (ATA) from US herds, and Canada’s Non-Return (NRR) data to develop the
world’s first international fertility evaluation. Known as Repromax sires, these sires are Semex’s highest-ranked fertility sires.
These bulls improve the fertility performance of cows, increasing your profitability and represent the best of the best.
Contact your Semex representative today for your Repromax sire!
ALOBER AUDINI
ALTERVALE E COMMERCE
BELFAST SAPHIRE
BLUE-HAVEN-LTD BRICK
BOSSIDE RONALD
BRAEDALE BAMBAM
BRAEDALE SPY
BRIGEEN GIVENCHY
CEDARWAL APTITUDE
CHARPENTIER MAGOT
CLAYNOOK VICTORY
COMESTAR LITTORAL
DELEBERGE LUCIDOR
DIAMOND-OAK FROSTY
EMERALD-ACR-SA T-DEREK
GILLETTE FINAL CUT
GINARY TANDEM
GRANDUC TRIBUTE *RC
HIDDEN-VIEW BARNES
HORSTYLE MAXWELL
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KILDARE BLISTER
LA PRESENTATION DANOIS
LA PRESENTATION DIABOLIQUE
LA PRESENTATION WINDOWS
LADINO PARK TALENT *RC
LEHOUX LAREZ
LINDENRIGHT APPLAUSE
MACO SCOTTY
MAGOR BOLIVIA ALLEN
MARINEAU TITAN
MASSICOTTE NIRVANA
PENNVIEW INCOME
PURSUIT SEPTEMBER STORM *RC
REGANCREST-MWS MAGNA
RIETBEN CHARGE
SPRINGHILL-OH SURVIVOR
STANTONS ARMAND
STANTONS SIDNEY
VIEUXSAULE MALICIEUX
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ix
Also available are Semex’s Repromix Cocktails. Semex researchers have developed these pooled semen
products combining three high fertility sires into one powerful “cocktail.” Each “cocktail” is a high fertility
package that provides proven genetics to fit producer’s specific needs. Each sire has been chosen after
careful evaluation for semen quality and non-return rates by Semex laboratory and genetic staff.
Repromix 1
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SHF Centurion Sultan + Granduc Tribute *RC + Forc 29F BOOMER 18L
Repromix 4
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Bridon Jamaica + Bridon Remake Comerica + SHF Centurion Sultan
Repromix 6
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R-Hart Cartoon + DMM Traction 34P + Lagace Modem
Repromix 3
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Rietben Charge + Cedarwal Aptitude + Pennview Income
Repromix 5
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SHF Centurion Sultan + Granduc Tribute *RC + DMM Traction 34P
Repromix 7
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Lindenright Applause + Springhill-OH Survivor + Emerald-ACR-SA T-Derek
The Power of Balanced Breeding®
130 Stone Road West,
Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 3Z2
www.semex.com