Purebreds

The effect of clinical mastitis in the milking behavior of Holsteins, Jerseys and their crosses

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Our research group conducted a study at a large organic multibreed dairy equipped with an automated milking system. The goal was to describe and compare the milking behavior of cows from different breeds during the week before and after the diagnosis of clinical mastitis.

3 Open Minutes with Kelli Cull, Budjon Farms

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Creating and developing elite cattle has been the focus of Tom and Kelli Cull of Budjon Farms since taking over the operation in 2000. Established by Tom’s parents, John and Mary, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin, dairy specializes in breeding and boarding some of the finest registered cattle in North America.

In like a lion: Betley Family Farms

matti@agproud.com — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Betley Family Farms might’ve burst into the registered cattle scene like a lion, but there’s no way they’re going out like a lamb. It’s evident by the team’s commitment to creating profitable cattle that they’re just getting started.

An analytical approach: Three trends in the A.I. industry

seaglen@naab-css.org — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The cattle semen industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by the intersection of technology, market demands and innovative reproductive practices. Statistics from the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) highlight ongoing and emerging trends.

What you need to know about early onset muscle weakness syndrome

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 14:23:28 -0500

Determining the prevalence of the early onset muscle weakness syndrome in your herd can aid in management decisions and avoid costly matings.

Eleventh-generation dairy enthusiast takes on World Dairy Expo

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

2022 was the first year Sydney Bullard was a dairy youth exhibitor at World Dairy Expo (WDE) and the experience ignited motivation within her to work more closely with the show animals and assist them in reaching their full potential.

Genetic diversity of the Jersey breed

hein0106@umn.edu — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 22:05:08 -0400

There has been a lot of chatter lately about inbreeding within the Holstein breed. Early estimates of average inbreeding for Holstein females born in 2021 is 9.1% with an average yearly increase of 0.3% to 0.4% per year.

A few of last decade’s Holstein sires who built today’s herd

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 21:51:20 -0500

No matter how you look at it – genetics, efficiency or production – the national Holstein herd is a piece of artistry, something breeders of today and yesteryear can be proud of.

More breeds need genetic evaluations for stillbirth

duane.norman@cdcb.us — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 18:36:06 -0500

Determining the effectiveness of genetic evaluations for stillbirth in additional U.S. dairy breeds was the research focus for Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) intern Anil Sigdel in summer 2021.

Norwegian Red overcomes inbreeding

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 06:05:46 -0400

Inbreeding in dairy cattle remains a struggle for the dairy industry, and with the intensive use of genomics; inbreeding is growing faster than ever in many breeds. Increases in inbreeding lowers production and has a detrimental effect by increasing stillbirths, reducing cow fertility, reducing disease resistance, and shortening herd life.

The empty sick pen: How Norway has used genetics to nearly eliminate antibiotic treatments

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 16:52:17 -0400

Genetics are an efficient tool to achieve healthier cows and thereby contribute to empty the sick pen. Breeding gives a permanent and cumulative effect; genetic improvement achieved today is of value also for future generations.

The infamous haplotypes: Are they really all that bad?

seaglen@naab-css.org — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:00:01 -0500

Do you ever feel like the age of genomics has made dairy cattle breeding more complicated? Or perhaps more scientific? While genomics brought us accelerated progress, it has also introduced us to a range of terms previously used by scientists alone.

Breeding for type and champions at Ratliff Jerseys

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 21:29:29 -0500

In the city of Garnett, Kansas, sits the registered Jersey cattle herd of Ratliff Jerseys, started over 20 years ago by Ron and Christy Ratliff, with the help of Christy’s brother Mike Kennedy. Together, the trio has bred, raised and sold numerous championship and nationally recognized Jersey cows.