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Regardless of herd size or management style, dairymen want a healthy herd of profitable and efficient cows. The path to breeding and developing this kind of herd got easier when Semex launched its patented Immunity+™ sires. These sires have a naturally high immune response (HIR) and with a 25% heritability, they can help improve the overall herd health and longevity.

Based on the HIR technology developed by Dr. Bonnie Mallard and her colleagues at the University of Guelph, the research surrounding this technology spans decades. The research also shows that HIR cows have 19-30% lower disease incidence compared to herd averages. Also, these cows respond better to commercial vaccines and produce higher quality colostrum. As a result, they are more profitable by bringing in more revenue, lowering costs and wasting less of the dairyman’s time.

“The discovery of HIR was a game changer,” says Jay Shannon, Semex Global Dairy Solutions Manager. “It revealed that high immunity is passed on from parent to progeny at rates much like production and some conformation traits. Compared to most health traits with low heritabilities of <10%, immune response is considered moderately to highly heritable at 25%. This means it can be selected for and improved upon with each generation.”

Joining the proven Immunity+ lineup following the April 2014 genetic evaluation is 0200HO06198 Gen-I-Beq Halak. From an internationally popular pedigree, Halak is a Planet from a VG-87 5* Goldwyn full sister to the 2013 Res. All-Canadian Aged Cow, Layla. The next dam is the infamous EX-94 18* Lila Z.

Proven in the US, Halak was an extremely popular Genomax™ sire. His daughters are described as the modern kind, being average in stature with the strength needed for several lactations. They excel in their mammary systems, having high, wide rear udders with a strong udder cleft and shallow udder depth. Halak delivers high components, great calving ease and productive life… Not to mention, he’s also Immunity+!

Already popular internationally, Halak is designed to help meet the top priority on any dairy… Getting healthy calves on the ground. As a high fertility Repromax™ sire, he’ll help any herd’s reproductive performance, longevity and profitability. And, as a HealthSmart™ sire, his daughters will be healthier, more fertile, will last longer and he’s Semex’s #1 new release for Calving Ease.

Halak also debuts at the top of the Good Bulls Guide produced by ADHIS. Halak ranks #22 on the listing at +253 APR and ranks highest for Mammary System for all bulls over +250 APR at +111. 

“Our customers are looking for sires that give them daughters that are healthier and contribute more back to the bottom line,” says Jim Conroy, Semex Australia General Manager. “Our Immunity+, HealthSmart, Repromax lines are to do just that, and Halak is all three making him an extremely profitable choice. Halak is Genetics for Life!”

For more information on Semex, Genetics for Life, Immunity+, HealthSmart, Repromax and Calving Ease sires visit www.semex.com