December 2007 / January 2008 89 A Holstein Canada publication providing informative, challenging, and topical news. 2008 Annual Convention 3 Proposed By-law Amendments for AGM 4 Breevliet Ltd. 6 Holsteins Move South 9 Improving Functional Traits 10 Producers urged to develop marketing techniques for their Canadian genetics A full house of dairy producers, eager to sharpen their skills on genetic marketing, appreciated direction and suggestions by five speakers at Orangeville in October. Hosts for the day were Holstein Ontario, Gencor, and Semex Alliance. Branch Secretary Jason French urged Canadian breeders to be more forthcoming in promoting their genetics to international people at shows, like the Royal, and other prominent events across the country. Paul Greaves of Greaveston Genetics reiterated this statement commenting that Canadians, in general, must develop more of a rapport and trust with customers. Reporting that the embryo market has shown a sharp incline the last four years, Paul specified what buyers look for when sourcing genetics: 1) conformation of animal and ancestors, 2) actual production, 3) indexes, 4) health traits, 5) sire stack, 6) deep cow family, and 7) stars and awards. There are increasing niche markets for animals, such as red and white. Every market is unique and breeders must be flexible for these different venues. Paul recommended against printing prices for embryos in advertising or on the web. Creating a positive buying environment at the farm is also crucial. When buyers from other countries visit herds to view Genetic Marketing Workshop (l-r) Brian Carscadden, Marc Comtois, Paul Greaves, Frank Regan, Frank Donkers, and Jason French
Transcript
December 2007 / January 2008 89
A Holstein Canada publication providing informative, challenging, and topical news.
2008 Annual Convention 3
Proposed By-law Amendments for AGM 4
Breevliet Ltd. 6
Holsteins Move South 9
Improving Functional Traits 10
Producers urged to develop marketing techniques for their Canadian genetics
A full house of dairy producers, eager to sharpen their skills on genetic marketing, appreciated direction and
suggestions by five speakers at Orangeville in October. Hosts for the day were Holstein Ontario, Gencor, and Semex Alliance.
Branch Secretary Jason French urged Canadian breeders to be more forthcoming in promoting their genetics to international people at shows, like the Royal, and other prominent events across the country. Paul Greaves of Greaveston Genetics reiterated this statement commenting that Canadians,
in general, must develop more of a rapport and trust with
customers. Reporting that the embryo market has
shown a sharp incline the last four years, Paul specified what buyers look for when sourcing genetics: 1) conformation of animal and ancestors, 2) actual production, 3) indexes, 4) health traits, 5) sire stack, 6) deep cow family, and 7) stars and awards. There are increasing niche markets for animals, such as red and white.
Every market is unique and breeders must be flexible for these different venues. Paul recommended against printing prices for embryos in advertising or on the web.
Creating a positive buying environment at the farm is also crucial. When buyers from other countries visit herds to view
Genetic Marketing Workshop
(l-r) Brian Carscadden, Marc Comtois, Paul Greaves, Frank Regan,
Frank Donkers, and Jason French
2 December 2007 / January 2008
cows of interest, they should be clean with feed in the manger. Recent and complete records must be readily available.
Jason noted the similarities among the three breeder speakers: Frank Regan, Regancrest Holsteins, Iowa, US; Marc Comtois, Comestar Holsteins, Victoriaville, Qc; and Frank Donkers, Fradon Holsteins, Cambridge, ON.
Frank, Marc, and Don—all from humble beginnings—started out at a young age with only average herds. They sought and put into action advice from key mentors in the business. All purchased a more expensive cow, which became the cornerstone of their herds.
They have never stopped asking questions and sourcing information on how to improve their operations and herds. As well, they’ve all helped young people get ahead in the business, and are currently working younger generations into their businesses.
Frank Regan and family, known for extensively developing Snow’n Denises Dellia, aims for diversity in cow families to fill changing markets.
He invests in new and different bloodlines, preferring young cows [over heifers] with good udders and feet/legs always a priority in the family. Pedigree is also important in this herd selling 40-50 bulls to AI annually. Productive life is becoming more significant in the changing marketplace with breeders needing to be flexible.
Frank buys cows he can take to the next level and has a sale every two to three years to spread genetics around. He uses the same bulls in his large, free-stall operation as he does for flush cows.
While Marc Comtois has enjoyed great success merchandizing genetics around the world, he never forgets those buyers close in proximity as they have been some of his best customers. Mark advises taking photos when animals peak—whatever the time of year.
The day sire proofs are released is highly important with all numbers and stats thoroughly scrutinized. At this
point, Marc may revise his breeding strategy with Comestar’s website, cow signs, embryo lists, etc. updated with current information.
Marc is always willing to sell his best cattle as he strives to breed other great ones. He likes to introduce new genetics into the herd and always aims to have at least one star in his lineup at every show he participates in. As well, Marc hangs around his show string to talk to breeders, AI reps, industry people, and international visitors.
Frank Donkers, with brother Don, aims for a herd of cows presentable to customers at all times. They focus on cow families targeting niche markets, with their interest in red and white Holsteins paying off extremely well.
Frank stated there is milk and salvage value in every dairy animal, but prospering dairymen take advantage of extra revenue from selling good offspring and embryos with strong pedigrees.
The notoriety from having one’s prefix on a good show or brood cow, in addition to sires in foreign countries, creates positive, profitable spin-offs. Quality bovine ambassadors do more to promote a herd than any other form of advertizing.
Frank recommends buying cattle from solid pedigrees, watching components, and using sires high in type and components.
Partnerships for high-profile animals and eventual profit can work to advantage if there are 1) shared goals, 2) similar breeding philosophies, 3) good skills and expertise, and 4) flexibility. Paul Greaves added there should always be a timeline for partnerships.
Brian Carscadden, Semex Alliance, offered that anyone can sell a bull to AI if he has a plan, communicates well, is open-minded, has some trust in LPI and TPI formulas, and classifies and milk records regularly.
With two-thirds of bulls plan-mated, sires of sons must be at least +1,700 LPI, +60 kg protein, +7 for conformation, and have well-known sires like Rudolph and Lee in the pedigree. Higher criteria exists for foreign bulls.
Plan, invest, and create opportunities
Attendees discuss seminar topics.
Cate McCorquodale, Embro; Heather Peart, Hagersville; and Amanda Topp, Embro skip a Guelph University lab to attend the seminar.
Holstein Canada’s upcoming Annual General Meeting, Saturday, March 29, has an improved schedule. Appreciated by members last year, the same timing will be followed in 2008.
The formal business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m. This gives local members time to attend the four-hour meeting at the Hilton London.
Without interruption, attention-grabbing reports from the Board of Directors, Secretary-Manager, Finance, and President, will be presented in sequence.
Members will have time to discuss the business of the Association. This includes a By-law amendment to permit recognition of males less than 96.87%
(pages 4, 5). As well, resolutions from branches, clubs, and members provide for interesting discussion.
Douglas Maddox, Riverdale, California has been invited as guest speaker. Current President of Holstein USA, he owns and operates world-renowned RuAnn and Maddox dairies, which house 4,800 Holsteins.
A highlight of the Annual Meeting occurs later on the agenda. The 2007 Cow of the Year, as voted by members, will be announced and the owner presented with a Canadian, one-of-a-kind artpiece.
Member-Friendly Schedule at Annual Meeting
Holstein National Convention InviteCome south—we extend a warm invitationTo attend the Convention in March ’08.We’d like you to visit, to stay for awhile,Book Hilton in London. Let’s make it a date!We’ll have cows and more cows at the show and for sale;There’ll be lots more to see on the many farm tours.If farms aren’t your thing, there’s much more to do,Shopping and sleeping and sights—that’s for sure.Our President’s Reception will feature the tropics,
So remember to dress in your casual khakis.Because one of the things we’re looking forIs the shirt most unique and real tacky!The new Master Breeders we will salute with honour
At a formal gala, which will gleam and impress.Reception to follow; come offer congratsTo those fine breeders for ultimate success.On Saturday morning, there’s business to discuss.
Plus, special guest speaker—his name Doug Maddox.And then to the evening, we look back to the past,With historical info for trivia addicts.So, venez dans la sud in southwestern Ontario,Where we’re praying for blue skies, warm temps, and the sun to shine.Nothing, we’re determined, will dampen our spirits,A warm welcome to you to share in a good time!
www.holstein.ca/english/News/conv2008/
December 2007 / January 2008 3
Most Canadian producers want the ability to evaluate all genetics in their herds. It is no longer practical to have incomplete pedigrees. As well, through harmonization, members would benefit from the exchange of genetics with other world Herdbooks.
Currently, under Association By-laws, Holstein Canada does not recognize a Holstein bull with a purity level less than 96.87% (six generations). A resulting calf would be recorded as BB base (sire blank) level.
Some producers place more emphasis on production and type traits than purity. When they use high-ranking AI sires from other countries, they want all genetics
included to complete a pedigree. This would also provide members and the industry additional information on which to build and analyze pedigrees.
While a sire or his progeny may not meet Canadian standards (one or two generations short), producers want their animals entered into a national third-party database and to compare them to others within the Canadian dairy population. They’re willing to subject these animals to rigours of a system, like milk recording or type classification, so information is credible.
While Holstein Canada has an obligation to promote the Holstein breed, it must also provide service to
the dairy industry. It recognizes lineage and calculates purity for imported genetics, both females and males, in the Holstein database according to Herdbook standards—same as if originally registered in Canada.
Holstein bulls must still have a purity determination of at least 96.87% to be recognized as purebred.
It is proposed that male genetics not meeting this standard be recognized along with known ancestry in the database. The proposed By-law amendment (2. The Herd Book) appears on pages 4 and 5.
Direct comments or questions to Holstein Canada’s Glenn Cherry.
Recording Holstein LineageIncorporating additional sires with available information eliminates blanks in pedigrees
4 December 2007 / January 2008
Repeal Section 8.1.4, which read as follows:
Annual Membership Fee“8.1.4Each member shall, in addition to the annual membership fee, pay to the branch, a levy to be collected by the Association in such amount as determined by the branch membership at its provincial branch annual meeting.”
And substitute therefor the following:
Branch Levy “8.1.4 Each member shall, in addition to the annual membership fee, pay to the branch, a levy to be collected by the Association in such amount as determined by the branch. 8.1.4.1 Each non-member, though not subject to an annual membership fee, shall pay to the branch in the province they reside, and to be collected by the Association, the same levy in the same amount as is payable by members.”
The purpose is to clarify that members and non-members alike are subject to paying a levy, on selected services, to their respective branch.
The Herd Book“11.2There shall be registered in the herd book:
11.2.2as registered Holstein animals, female animals who are determined by the Association to be at least 75% pure Holstein and which otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of the Association. Two levels of purity are recognized: 75% and 87%.
11.3A male animal as defined in Section 11.1.1 is eligible for registration.
11.4The following animals are eligible for purebred status, pursuant to the grading-up process, as described in Addendum # 1:
11.4.1female animals which are determined by the Association to be at least 93.75% pure Holstein, or
11.4.2male animals which are determined by the Association to be at least 96.87% pure Holstein and whose sire and dam are registered purebred Holsteins as defined in Section 11.1.1 or 11.1.2.”
Proposals of Amendment to the By-laws
And substitute therefor the following:
The Herd Book “11.2 There shall be registered in the herd book in accordance with Addendum # 1: 11.2.1 purebred female animals which are determined by the Association to be at least 93.75% pure and typical of the breed; and
11.2.2 purebred male animals which are determined by the Association to be at least 96.87% pure and typical of the breed; and 11.2.3 percentage animals which are determined by the Association to have a mathematical percentage equating to at least 50% and typical of the breed.”
1. 2.
Addendum # 1 Full Spectrum Registration (FSR) Scale
HERDBOOK LEVEL and CATEGORIZATION LINEAGE REQUIREMENT
PERCENTAGE(Females Only)
50%
75%
87%
PUREBRED SIRE + IDENTIFIED DAM and TYPICAL OF BREED
PUREBRED SIRE + REGISTERED50% LEVEL DAM
PUREBRED SIRE + REGISTERED75% LEVEL DAM
PUREBRED FEMALES PB PUREBRED SIRE + REGISTERED87.5% MINIMUM LEVEL DAM
PUREBRED SIRE + PUREBRED DAM
PUREBRED MALES PB PUREBRED SIRE + PUREBRED DAM
Repeal Sections 11.2, 11.2.1, 11.2.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.4.1, and 11.4.2, which read as follows:
December 2007 / January 2008 5
Repeal Section 11.11.3, which read as follows:
Records May Be Verified “11.11.3It shall be the duty of each member, and all persons who own registered Holstein cattle, to ensure that each registered Holstein animal owned by them which was identified for purposes of registration by an ear tag pursuant to Section 11.6.3 continues, while alive and owned by them, to be identified by an ear tag which is of a type and is affixed in a manner approved by the Board.”
And substitute therefor the following:
Individual Lifetime Identification “11.6.4 Pursuant to Section 11.6.3, it shall be the duty of all persons who own registered Holstein cattle, to ensure that each registered Holstein animal owned by them continues, while alive, to be individually identified by approved ear tags.”
The amendment spells out that ear tags with an assigned registration number are to be attached to the animal throughout its life.
Add to Section 13, subsection 13.23, as follows:
Definitions “13.23 “Typical of Breed” means compliance with distinct breed criteria, genetic makeup, physical resemblance and stability for breed characteristics. Typical of Breed also requires that animals be free of disqualifying genetic defects as may be determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.”
Note: All By-law sections will be re-numbered to accommodate the above amendments.
Addendum # 1 Full Spectrum Registration (FSR) Scale
CATEGORIZATION STEP LINEAGE REQUIREMENT
PERCENTAGE 50% PUREBRED SIRE + INDIVIDUALLY IDENTIFIED DAM OF THE BREED orINDIVIDUALLY IDENTIFIED SIRE OF THE BREED + PUREBRED DAMorWITH MATHEMATICAL PERCENTAGE TRACEABLE, EQUATING TO AT LEAST 50% and TYPICAL OF BREED
62.5%75%
87.5%
AVERAGE OF ASSIGNED PURITY LEVEL OF SIRE AND DAM and TYPICAL OF BREED
93.75% 93.75% STEP MALES ONLY and TYPICAL OF BREED
PUREBRED FEMALES
PB MINIMUM OF 93.75% CALCULATED PERCENTAGE and TYPICAL OF BREED
PUREBRED MALES PB MINIMUM 96.87% CALCULATED PERCENTAGE and TYPICAL OF BREED
All purebreds equate to 100% for categorization purposes.
This will expand the Herd Book to eliminate blanks in the pedigrees regarding Holstein male genetics and in harmonization with other global Herd Books.
3.
4.
A bull like Poos Stadel Classic (maternal granddam is 87%
Holstein-Friesian and 12% Meuse-Rhine-Yssel) would be recognized,
along with known ancestry, in Holstein Canada’s database.
Examples: 87% dam x 87% sire = 87% calf
100% dam x 87% sire =
94% male calf or purebred female calf
6 December 2007 / January 2008
Building
Breevliet Holstein BusinessIngrid de Goeij describes her family’s
work ethics as, “We work to live and live to work.”
Researching a number of dairy operations in Canada and the US, brothers John and Arjan, with wives Ingrid and Yvonne, made the decision to settle in beautiful, opportunity-filled Alberta. Joining them in the adventure were parents Jan and Ada.
Arriving from the Netherlands May 1994 and settling in Wetaskiwin, John and Arjan assumed ownership of an old Holstein tie-stall operation. To this, they added two herds and started putting their dreams into action. They naturally bought purebred as reliable information is available to build cow families and to avoid inbreeding.
When the personable families first moved to Canada, the intent was for both brothers to own their own farm. But as quota prices rose, they decided to work together. Every inch of the place was put to use in those first years.
Purchasing more land, John and
Arjan built a new free-stall cow facility just three minutes from the original homestead. They want the capability to expand on new ground in every direction, while abiding by provincial environmental regulations.
Since July 2006, 330 purebred Holsteins are milked in the 400 x 108-foot, pre-slab, naturally ventilated barn. Their Double-12, rapid-exit Boumatic parlour can be expanded to accommodate 450 cows. Except for 15 cows not adapting to the new free-stalls after moving from loose-packing, the relocation has gone very smoothly.
Two full-time and one part-time workers are always on the lookout for animals needing treatment. Through neck transponders, these cows are sorted and cared for immediately. Other state-of-the-art technologies in the new facility make tasks a whole lot easier.
Deep cold well water is used to cool the milk before it goes into the tank; the water is recycled up to four times. Also included are a computer room, meeting
room, and washroom. The underground control system for the milking parlour is most impressive.
Young cattle are housed at the original facility. At birth, calves receive fresh colostrum, but in future they want to start calves with thawed, pasturized colostrum. Then, in hutches for four months, they’re fed pasturized milk. The de Goeijs worry about Johne’s and other bacterial diseases, which they think will be a serious problem for Canadian farmers in future.
After hutches, heifers move in age groups around the farm, where they are given close attention.
Synchronized breeding works well in the Breevliet herd. In practice, a blood sample from each bred animal is sent to the Conceptions Lab in Beaumont, Québec for testing. They’re notified within three days as to whether the animal is in calf and, if not, is bred again. John says, “It’s very important for us to keep our breeding rate at a high level; this means money in our pockets.”
Synchronized breeding leads to profitable cows
December 2007 / January 2008 7
Building
Breevliet Holstein Business
With a herd average of 10,900 kg milk, 3.9% fat, and 3.3% protein, the closely-knit family has what it calls a specialty team. Every six weeks their veterinarian, Cargill feed representative Kelly Howe, and Alta Genetics advisor Darren Hipkin gather to discuss herd goals and subsequent action.
The brothers also have a financial team and hire specialists to seed, spray, spread manure, and harvest crops on their 2,400 acres. The de Goeijs do not want to put money into expensive equipment for cropping; they both want to concentrate specifically on the animals.
Aiming for cost effectiveness and to make a good living, lofty goals have been set for the herd. Through synchronized breeding, cows are expected to produce for 10 lactations. To ensure this, mammary systems and feet/legs are receiving a higher priority in mating decisions.
Alta Genetics employees use information obtained from Holstein
classifiers to recommend three sires (including 25% young sires) for each cow. John makes the final selection for mating knowing that strong, disease-resistant females are key to future profitability. Recent classifiers have told John to keep doing what he’s doing!
Arjan cares for the calves and young stock. Father Jan and mother Ada help out when and where needed.
Three houses on different farm sections provide each couple with some privacy, even though it’s a whirlwind of activity during the day. John and Ingrid have four young children. Arjan and Yvonne have three.
Yvonne maintains a herd of Suffolk sheep and three llamas, which provide protection from dogs and coyotes. A few good-looking thoroughbred horses, purchased on a whim, allow the adults to practise their riding skills. They are all keenly involved in their community and church.
John states, “We aim to be good farmers in Canada. We always think
about the future and want to be current on all subjects; we don’t like catch-up.”
Plans include purchasing embryos from top cow families to improve bloodlines and to build herd quality. As well, a second new barn for 400+ cows will be constructed within five years. John adds, “We must continue to learn how to make milk in the most cost effective manner.
“When my brother and I and wives talk to some of our friends and neighbours, they often say they dislike their jobs.
“We, on the other hand, are extremely happy and fulfilled. We enjoy Holstein farming in this country—every single day of the year!”
John and Ingrid de Goeij with Joshua; Yvonne with baby Anouk; Arjan; Isabella and Lou-ann with their pet ponies
and a Quarter horse for Isabella’s second year in 4-H
(top to bottom) Double-12, Rapid-Exit Boumatic parlour; Suffolk sheep;
underground control system for parlour
In the challenging field of agriculture we often hear, “It will be better next year.”
We have all lived for next year country on more than one occasion. I believe that 2007 was that year we all heard about!
The economy was very strong as the Canadian dollar reached more value than some have ever witnessed. Many commodity prices were at all-time highs. And milk, the product we produce on a daily basis, has enjoyed strong demand the world over. It is referred to in some countries as the new oil.
As farmers, we tend to mend fences with our closest neighbours first. So, it is with great anticipation that we prepare to bring back some normalcy regarding livestock movement among Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
I cannot imagine how many meetings, phone calls, and e-mails have occurred since May 2003, pertaining to the border reopening. As that day nears when the movement of cattle out of Canada resumes, we must not forget the requirements regarding identification, age verification, and record keeping in the new protocols. With so many people working hard on
our behalf, the best way to thank them is to responsibly do our part.
It is that magical time of the year when we see hope on the faces of all ages. I wish for one and all, much success and happiness at this time of next year.
N ow, there’s more to moving Holsteins across the US border than tagging and age
verification.Animals must also be tattooed
or branded as to country of origin. Currently, these are the only two methods approved by the USDA.
This means Canadian animals going to the US must be tattooed or branded with CAN. Animals coming to Canada will be marked with USA.
USDA rules state, “Animals must be permanently and humanely identified with a distinct and legible CAN mark that is easily visible on the live animal before the shipment reaches the port
of entry into the US.“The tattoo must be applied to the
inside of the left ear. The freeze or hot iron brand is applied to each animal’s right hip, high on the tail-head and not less than two inches or more than three inches high.”
Anyone interested in shipping cattle to the US should order tattooing or branding equipment and familiarize themselves with its use. Tattooing and branding equipment, as well as supplies, are available in Canada from a number of equipment suppliers.
For instructions on tattooing procedures go to www.ketchum.ca and click on Livestock Products. Then
click on Animal Identification Products, Livestock Supplies. Look for the link to Ear Tattoo Instruction.
Thanks to CLGA and Ketchum Manufacturing for article information.
2007– A Year to Celebrate
8 December 2007 / January 2008
by Holstein Canada President John Iversen, Olds, AB
Dr. Ann Godkin of OMAFRA, concerned about the transmission of diseases—particularly leukosis—stresses all tattooing equipment must be thoroughly sterilized before and after use for each animal. The blood contact
point must rest in the disinfectant for at least two minutes to work.
Tattooing older animals and groups poses a higher risk than calves.
Product examples of disinfectants include Hibitane Disinfectant
(contains chlorhexidine acetate) or NA Hypochlorite (bleach 1:10 concentration).
Anyone exporting cattle should read labels for a successful tattoo, which call for a clean, clipped ear.
Animals moving to US must be:•RFIDnationallytagged,
•ageverified,and•tattooedorbranded
Tattooing or Branding Cattle
Ketchum’s 201B tattooer with characters CAN and green paste for about $110
December 2007 / January 2008 9
Holsteins Move South With HC Support
USDA recognizes Holstein Canada as reliable source for age verification
W hen the US border is open to live cattle born on or after March 1, 1999, age
verification must be provided in a manner acceptable to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Birth records in a third party database, such as Holstein Canada, Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, or Agri-Traçeabilité Québec are reliable. If these are not available, then an accredited veterinarian must determine age by visual inspection or by dentition.
Currently, all registered Canadian Holstein birth date information is forwarded electronically on a daily basis by Holstein Canada to the CCIA database in Calgary.
The USDA, like CFIA, recognizes Holstein Canada as a dependable source for birth date documentation. While the Association’s registration process provides the birth date data, it also incorporates verifications and audits into its top-rated system.
In fact, when a Certificate of Registry or electronic birthdate is available from Holstein Canada, it is the primary means of third party verification of the animal’s age.
Enhancements to the Association’s transfer process, through internet, phone, fax, or mail should aid in tracking animal movement, which will take on a much higher priority in future.
The Brantford office will be open to serve you between Christmas and New Year on Thursday, Friday, and Monday.
Much Promise for 2008by Secretary-Manager Keith Flaman
Producers positioned to capitalize on exciting business ventures
A lot has happened to make 2007 a year to remember.
After four years without live cattle exports, the first shipment of breeding-age Holstein heifers went to Barbados. Then, 975 open Holstein heifers left in May for Russia. The latest shipment (comprising 800 Holstein heifers and 17 bulls) occurred late October—also to Russia.
The world price for milk began to rise early in the year and continued the climb to hit record highs.
World and domestic demand for milk has given producers in Canada several increases in their quota allocations.
Lower herd inventories and increased demand for milk has put pressure on the supply of replacement cattle and, consequently, driven prices up.
For many, these events have created optimism in the dairy business. Producers see an opportunity to invest in an industry that has a bright future. New barns, herd expansions, and the upgrading of buildings and equipment are happening throughout the country.
Many of the lessons learned coping with the effects of BSE have positioned producers very well to capitalize on exciting business ventures.
The final icing on the cake came in September with the announcement of the US border opening on November 19 to Over Thirty Months (OTM) of age animals, as well as beef products from OTMs. While we may see some delay to the date of implementation, the resolve of the US administration is
clear that the border will open soon.The conditions for doing business
have changed. Individual identification and age of animals, verified by a recognized third party is and will continue to be a way of life.
Due to globalization, changing weather patterns etc., the general understanding is that incursion of animal disease will be more and more difficult to prevent. The challenge will be to contain any outbreak of disease through vigilant identification and tracking of livestock movement.
With 2007 ending on a positive note, we count our blessings and look forward to continued success in 2008.
On behalf of the Board and staff of Holstein Canada, may I wish you and your families all the best of the season and a happy and rewarding new year. We look forward to providing our best efforts in meeting your needs.
(l-r) Keith Flaman with Past President Pascal Lemire at Port du Bécancour, Qc when 975 Holstein and 1,000 Black Angus open heifers were shipped to Novorossiysk, Russia, by Alta Exports International Ltd., Alberta.
10 December 2007 / January 2008
A hallmark of Canadian Holsteins has been a balanced cow that is highly productive yet lives a long,
trouble-free life with low maintenance costs. As time goes on, new and improved tools will complement existing selection strategies. This will enable Canadian producers to continue to develop the functional and profitable kind sought worldwide.
In January 2008, a new 16-trait genetic evaluation model for reproduction will be implemented. It is expected to be one of the most sophisticated genetic evaluation systems for reproduction in the world.
The new model will produce more accurate Daughter Fertility proofs, and new and improved calving performance information. In addition, the Canadian industry has agreed on standardized proof expressions for all functional traits so producers can more easily interpret figures.
Formerly, calving proofs were comprised of Calving Ease (direct) and Maternal Calving Ease. The new model increases the accuracy of those predictions and also incorporates the ability to produce a live calf.
Calving Ability (CA) proofs will reflect a sire’s ability to have progeny born easily and alive. CA has a very high correlation (98%) with Calving Ease in first calving. In general, it should be referred to when mating
heifers or smaller cows.For the long-term development
of calving performance, the trait Daughter Calving Ability (DCA) is more important. It reflects a sire’s ability to produce daughters that calve easily and produce a living calf. A higher incidence of stillbirths has been reported in some countries associated with daughters from specific sire lines; this trait will be relevant to monitor in future.
Daughter Fertility (DF) describes a bull’s ability to produce more fertile daughters, in terms of higher conception rates and less days-to-first insemination and conception. Significant changes in proof values are expected in January as the new system uses a higher number of reproductive measures to make a more accurate predictor of Daughter Fertility.
Based on input from producer groups, the industry has adopted a standardized scale of proof expression for all functional traits, except Somatic Cell Score. These traits include: Daughter Fertility, Calving Ability, Daughter Calving Ability, Milking Speed, Milking Temperament, Herd Life, and Lactation Persistency.
Formerly, proof expression for these functional traits was based on scales intended to reflect the observed differences in the field. Most functional traits were expressed as percentages.
The problem was that each functional trait had a different average and range, so breeders needed guidelines to properly interpret proofs. The proofs often were misinterpreted or simply ignored, especially since the number of functional traits has increased.
The standardized scale is similar to conformation proofs, except the population average for each trait is set to 100. Proofs will have a standard deviation of 5, so essentially the proofs will range +/-15 from the average or from 85 to 115. At quick glance, a producer will know whether a bull is above or below average and to what extreme. Higher values always represent the more desired values.
The Holstein breed has decided to increase the weighting placed on the Health and Fertility component in the LPI formula by 50% — from 10% to 15%. The entire amount of increased weighting was put on Daughter Fertility so selection for LPI does not cause any detriment in reproductive performance.
The 5% added to Health/Fertility was taken proportionately from Production and Durability to sustain a 60:40 ratio between the two components. In addition, small increases were placed on Herd Life and Feet & Legs in the Durability component of the formula. The new formula has a 99% correlation with the current one.
Improving Functional TraitsNew traits and better proof expression will empower producers to develop more functional cows
September Storm 550 56.4 79.9/80.2 Finley 21 61.9 78.5/79.0
*ys - young sire - Note: Daughters are included in the statistics only if both the daughter and her dam calved for the first time before 30 months and were both first classified within the first six months of lactation.
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006
Classification Tops AgainWhen value and return on investment are clear and evident, dairy herds will participate in growing numbers.
Classification is a prime example of a service showing continued gains in a somewhat unpredictable marketplace. It’s good value for money, which always makes sense to keen dairy managers.
Over 238,000 animals will be classified in 2007—almost double the number classified 14 years ago. Interestingly, all gains in animal numbers (2007 vs. 2006) were made with Holsteins.
As markets continue to open and economics look promising, there are even greater opportunities ahead for dairy herds participating in breed improvement programs.
Over this classification round, every classified herd receives a free Functional Conformation of Dairy Cattle CD. This interactive tool uses animal dissection videos to demonstrate the importance of a cow’s external conformation in relation to her internal function. It also provides more evidence of the distinct advantage in performance, longevity, and profit for herds that classify.
December 2007 / January 2008 11
12 December 2007 / January 2008
Published six times annuallySubscription: $18 outside CanadaEditor: Jane Whaley
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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Holstein CanadaP.O. Box 610, Brantford, ON N3T 5R4
Awards Under Minor RepairGreater emphasis on kg components and changes in information appearing on award certificates
Early in 2007, based on input from the Awards and Breed Advisory Committees, the Board of Directors approved a few refinements to the award system to be effective in 2008.
In general, these changes are small in nature yet still important since they better align with milk payment systems and lifetime profitability. At the same time, small alterations will be made to information published on the award certificates.
Emphasis on Kg ComponentsUp until now, from a production
perspective, the award system has applied the concept of total composites (milk + fat + protein) using BCAs and deviations to qualify for most awards.
Milk payment and quota systems are primarily based on kg fat and protein. The Lifetime Profit Index places weighting on kg fat and protein, and a small emphasis on the % components.
There is no direct emphasis on kg milk except for its correlated response to kg fat and protein.
Accordingly, the composites used in the animal awards system will become component based (fat + protein). These composites will be used for Star Brood, Superior Production, and Super 3 awards starting in January 2008, and
in the Master Breeder awards when run for the year 2008 (in January 2009).
Changes to Award CertificatesDue to space limitations, the animal
award certificates did not show the animal registration number or barn number. Several members have requested better identification on the certificates for filing purposes and recognition within-herd.
Starting January 2008, all award certificates will print the registration number and barn number outside the border in the top right-hand corner of the certificate.
Also in response to feedback from members, two new pieces of information will be included on Longtime Award certificates. The certificate will now show the animal’s latest classification.
The past Longtime certificate listed the Kg per Day of Productive Life. However, this figure will now be replaced with Kg per Day of Life. This calculation is more reflective of profitability in that it identifies a high lifetime producer that calves younger with shorter calving intervals.
The award query system on Holstein Canada’s website www.holstein.ca will now include Kg per Day of Life so members can sort Longtime cows by this measure.
In the Star Brood and Master Breeder award systems:
BCA Criteria(over composite National BCA averages)
