Get ready for the new and improved “black box,” as genomic selection is upon us!

An interesting paper was presented at the National Mastitis Council Regional meeting by Dr. Ricardo Chebel from the University of California – Davis Veterinary School.

Sexed semen, also called Gender Enhanced Semen (GES) has been commercially available in the U.S. dairy industry for approximately one year.

Profitable reproductive performance of a dairy herd requires a quality heat-detection program that ensures routine and conscientious detection and proper timing of insemination.

Die-Hard becomes #1 lifetime production bull at ABS ABS Millionaire Sire 29H8538 Regancrest Rbk Die-Hard VG-86 has surpassed another exciting milestone – he is now the number one semen production bull of all time at ABS. As of March 26, 2008, Die-Hard has produced 1,408,195 units that have passed ABS quality control measures and been made available for sale to dairy producers around the world. The previous title holder was 29HO9023 ROYlane Jordan-ET.

What breed is tied for the lead in fertility as determined by daughter pregnancy rate?

The American Guernsey Association (AGA) has experienced several years of growth highlighted by increasing registration activity and escalating prices for top-end genetics.

Over the last 20 years the Brown Swiss breed has been stable in registration numbers and overall national herd size.

Recent years have shown tremendous signs of growth for the breed, such as increased prices for Ayrshires at public and private sales; increased production, making her competitive with other breeds; added value for high-solids milk; and growing potential for niche markets.

It is still possible to maintain good reproductive performance in dairy herds without synchronization and timed A.I. (TAI), but it requires an effective systematic heat detection program that identifies approximately 70 percent of all possible heat periods.