Management
Fertility: How is it Evaluated in Different Countries?
Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, the global popularity of the Holstein cow continued to climb in line with her improved performance. Heavy selection emphasis on production resulted in impressive...
Trend or Purpose Driven? The Good Reasons for a Longer Calving Interval
HI traditionally keeps a close eye on breeding developments and reports on new trends which can be reasonably expected to make a positive contribution to the breed. A trend that...
Genomics & Genetic Selection: Key Areas in Cattle Breeding, and Corn Breeding too!
We all know that cattle breeding and genetic selection can be complex, but have you ever considered the process outside the Holstein arena? Here we discuss the different breeds of...
Blondin Sires: Bringing Reliable, Solid Genetics to the Genomic World
The success of the Ferme Blondin herd in Quebec, Canada is world-famous. Many great type and index cows have passed through its barn including Blondin Redman Seisme, RockyMountain Talent Licorice,...
Shocking Drop for DNA Bestseller Ranger: An Analysis
Notable. During the Dutch December release, Double W Ranger plummeted to 288 gNVI (-117). With 110,000 first inseminations during the past two years, he was the most used sire in...
Heat Tolerance: A Trait That Should be in our Genetic Evaluations
In 2017 Australia became the first country to publish genetic evaluations for Heat Tolerance. At first glance it would seem that a trait such as Heat Tolerance would really only...
A closer look at milk components When Balance is Bad
Picture a glass of JERSEY milk… rich & creamy! Picture a glass of GUERNSEY milk… golden & flavorful! Now, picture a glass of HOLSTEIN milk… nothing coming to mind yet?!...
SOP Lagoon: Mitigating Greenhouse Gas... and it Gets Rid of the Smell Too
In modern farming, environmental regulations controlling farming practices are becoming more and more restrictive in many regions of the world. Climate change and the contribution of agriculture to global warming...
How Important is Pre-Weaning Nutrition for a Successful Milking Career?
We all know colostrum and pre-weaning nutrition is important for calf vitality, but how much does it impact a cow’s long-term milking career? Here we explore recent research to find...
Xenética Fontao: Successful Spanish AI with International Ambitions
Of the current top-15 progeny proven bulls in Spain, ten are owned by Xenética Fontao. In the DNA list, they even have a share of 12 of the 15 highest...
Simon Vander Woude:One Man’s Experience with Beef on Dairy
Vander Woude Dairy is based at Merced, California, and for the last seven years they have been using beef semen on part of their Holstein herd. Owner Simon Vander Woude...
Tom Mercuro - ‘IVF is accelerating breeding progress in many ways!’
Anyone who interprets breeding in a traditional manner thinks of the selection of one sire for one cow. Of course, this approach is not outdated. But it is competing with...