Management
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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?!...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 Of course, this approach is not outdated.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...
Round Table: Four breeders discuss the philosophies behind their sire choices
The beauty of the Holstein breed is that it offers so much diversity. Here we investigate the breeding tactics of four breeders with differing goals.
Micronutrients - The Right Combination is Decisive for Success
The idea of writing about micronutrients in our management series is not something that came on a whim. The current discussion about climate change and increasing the efficiency of feed...