Company News

Mark E. Carson BSc. (Agr). MSc., Gencor Herd Reproduction Analyst
When analyzing a herd’s reproductive performance, it’s important to know what heat detection tools are being used to select cows for breeding and then also the subsequent performance of these tools.

Take an example of a herd using a combination of observed heats, electronic activity monitoring and Ovsynch to breed their cows. For this particular herd, the breedings must be categorized as one of the following:

Observed heats
Activity monitored
First service synch
Re-synch

My preference is to categorize first service synch from re-synch cows (timed A.I. used on second breeding or above). This allows me to gain additional insight into the performance of timed A.I. protocol.

Categorizing breedings provides you with two key pieces of information about your herd:

The number of cows being submitted by each tool
What the conception rate is for each method

Having this information helps you make better reproductive decisions by knowing both what tools are working and also what tools need improvement.
For Dairy Comp 305 and Scout users, activating the Breeding Code feature will help categorize and track breeding the performance of each breeding tool. If you’re not tracking how your cows are being submitted for breeding, work with your herd veterinarian or Semex representative to help set up a system to collect this valuable information.
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State Over Judging: WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Judge: ADRIAN DEE, Clydevale Holsteins,Cohuna VIC
Numbers: 71 entriesfrom 12 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Carenda Toystory Granita, J & M Kitchen & Sons (Carenda Holsteins, Boyanup) - 2nd: Acero Ruben Richmond, V Rodwell (Acero Holsteins, Boyanup).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Treeton Aladdin Cherry 2nd, G & L Jenkins (Treeton Holsteins, Cowaramup) - 2nd: Katandra Park Luckystrike Abba, D & L Fry (Katandra Park Holsteins, Benger).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Acero Integrity Lulu, V. Rodwell (Acero Holsteins, Boyanup) - 2nd: Treeton Aladdin Marina, G & L Jenkins, (Treeton Holsteins, Cowaramup).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Brampton Park Iron Madeline, R & H Mountford (Brampton Park Holsteins, Rosabrook) - 2nd: Carenda Lucky Valencia, J & M Kitchen & Sons (Carenda Holsteins, Boyanup).

MATURE - 1st: Brampton Park HC Princess, R & H Mountford (Brampton Park Holsteins, Rosabrook) - 2nd: Treeton Winluke Connie, G & L Jenkins (Treeton Holsteins, Cowaramup)

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NEW SOUTH WALES
The NSW final of the on farm competition will be judged by John Gardiner, of Avonlea Holsteins, starting November 16, with the presentation luncheon on Wednesday, December 9.

Sub Branch: HUNTER VALLEY (NSW)
Judge: TERRY TOUT, Cowarol Holsteins, Tamworth, NSW
Numbers: 105 entries from 15 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Wyoming Abigail Mavis, A Shearer & son (Wyoming Holsteins, Singleton) - 2nd: Fraser Policy Lowis, M & L Fraser (Fraser Holsteins, Aberdeen).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Fraser Lheros Mary, A & J Vollmer (Gordon Glen Holsteins, Woodville) - 2nd: Wyoming Inka Loma, R & J & N & C & J Wenham (Jacasha Holsteins, Singleton).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Fraser Dundee Jem, M & L Fraser (Fraser Holsteins, Aberdeen) - 2nd: Crystal Park Regandee Nona, R & J & N & C & J Wenham (Jacasha Holsteins, Singleton).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Fraser Stormatic Luella-IMP-ET, M & L Fraser (Fraser Holsteins, Aberdeen) - 2nd: Bundella Jugalug Jaala, Hassett Family (Halewood Holsteins, Denman).

MATURE - 1st: Wyoming Elysalea Daisy, A Shearer (Wyoming Holsteins, Singleton) - 2nd: Oak Range M.I. Royalty, R & C Algie (Oak Range Holsteins, Singleton).

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Sub Branch: MURRUMBIDGEE (NSW)
Judge: ROBIN WHITE (Luccombe Holsteins, Finley, NSW
Numbers: 40 entries from 8 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Oberne Meadows James F Beciee, L Keen (Oberne Meadows Holsteins, Ladysmith) - 2nd: Currajugle Toystory Golden 1381-ET, K & S Jolliffe (Currajugle Holsteins, Euberta).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Ettamogah Cousteau Sherrie, P Clarke (Ettamogah Holsteins, Ladysmith) - 2nd: Currajugle Shottle Deanne 1311-ET, K & S Jolliffe (Currajugle Holsteins, Euberta). ... Read More...

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair opened Friday, November 6 with "Royal" fanfare as the show was officially opened Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Charles and Camilla arrived at the fair in a horse-drawn open carriage, greeted by a large, enthusiastic crowd seated in the Coliseum.
The royal couple toured the exhibition, billed as the world's largest indoor agricultural show and international equestrian competition.
Included on their tour was a stop by Semex's Walk of Fame display where the Prince commented on "what a nice display" Semex has while visiting with Semex Sire Analyst Brian Carscadden.

On display at the Royal in Semex's famous Walk of Fame display are daughters by:

0200HO04608 Regancrest-MR Samuelo
0200HO00393 Rietben Tee Off
0200HO05139 Karona Bonair
0200HO03280 Gillette Final Cut
0200HO01861 Jerland Denison
0200HO05191 Kerndtway Howie
0200HO09804 Crockett-Acres Eight
0200HO00113 Cedarwal Spirte
0200HO05239 La Presentation Denzel
0200HO07321 Magor Baroque Allen

If your travel plans are bringing you to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, make sure Semex's Walk of Fame is on your "must see" list!
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Billed as the largest competition for Jersey cattle in the southern hemisphere, the Great Southern Challenge is well underway. It differs from conventional livestock judging events in that cattle are assessed on their home property by a visiting judge. Its unique format follows its Holstein counterpart, the Semex-Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition, allowing all breeders to compete. The champions in the two, three, four years and mature cows progress from their regional sub-branches to represent the state. The over judging will be completed between November 23 and 29 by a judge, who is yet to be named. The state champions will be named on December 9.

GREAT SOUTHERN CHALLENGE REGIONAL QUALIFYING


Branch: SOUTHERN RIVERINA
Judge: PETER SPRUNT

GREAT SOUTHERN CHALLENGE QUALIFERS
TWO YEARS CHAMPION - Invergelly Bomber Bunty 148 (GT & JW Fleming)
THREE YEARS CHAMPION – Miami Whiskey Lass 5th (Philmar Dairying)
FOUR YEARS CHAMPION – Miami Sambo Girlie (Philmar Dairying)
MATURE CHAMPION – Philmar Adonis Julie (MJ and BJ Flemming)

CLASS WINNERS

Class 1 - Progeny test or home bred heifer (born 2007) - 1st: Pasadena Joker Olive (sire: Pasadena Joker) JC Falls – 2nd: Miami Volcanic Toni 9th (sire: Miami Jace Volcanic, Philmar Dairying Company) - 3rd: Roslynvale Elegant Lass 185 (sire: Roslynvale Sandra 29 Astound, GT & JW Fleming).

Class 2 – 2 years in-milk (born 2007) – 1st: Invergelly Bomber Bunty 148 (sire: WF Bomber, GT & JW Fleming) – 2nd: Invergelly Brookbi Iota 146 (sire: Je Brookbi, GT & JW Fleming) - 3rd: Miami FP Eileen 208 (sire: FlowerPower, Philmar Dairying Company).

Class 7 - 3 heifers in-milk (born 2007) by one sire - 1st: Blair Group - GT & JW Fleming 2272 pts – 2nd: Kaarmona Jeep Group - Crossmaglen Pastoral Company (R&G ... Read More...

CENTRAL AND WESTERN (NSW)
Judge: CHRIS (ROCKY) ALLEN, Rockstar Holsteins, Bega
Numbers: 115 entries from 14 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Engsta Progress Popular (1874), C Bruem (Engsta Holdings, Forbes) - 2nd: Tomargo Recluse Silky Dot, S & E Chesworth (Tomargo Recluse Holsteins, Dubbo).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Tomargo Recluse Lartist Starbaby, S & E Chesworth (Tomargo Recluse Holsteins, Dubbo) - 2nd: Cumberoona Luigi Carm, I & L Hindmarsh (Cumberoona Holdings Pty Ltd, Cowra).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Engsta Kendall Apple, C Bruem (Engsta Holdings, Forbes) - 2nd: Moxey Farms Lexicon Whiskey (Moxey Farms Pty Ltd, Gooloogong).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Maryland Trueblue Cressy, Maryland Farming Co (Maryland Holsteins, Camden) - 2nd: Morrow Grade, Kinsela - Morrow (Canowindra).

MATURE - 1st: Engsta Hogood Penelope, C Bruem (Engsta Holdings, Forbes) - 2nd: Toobaroo Juror Heather, D & M Shibble (Cooltah Holsteins, Dubbo).


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Working together with complimentary product lines, Semex and Swissgenetics have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since establishing their marketing agreement in November 2004. This relationship has led to many successes, as both organizations are passionate supporters of high quality dairy cattle genetics. Effective December 1, 2009, this relationship will be enhanced through an agreement which will have Swissgenetics providing Sire Selection efforts on Semex’s behalf in Europe. As a result, Swissgenetics’ Sire Analyst, Dr. Angelo Pozzatti will begin working with the Semex Genetics Department, and will be responsible for Semex’s European Holstein young sire selection. Well-known throughout Europe, Angelo is a veterinarian who for the past four years has worked in Switzerland for Swissgenetics as an area sales manager, with additional responsibilities for their Brown Swiss program. Beginning in 2009 he has also served as the technical and commercial director for Zorlesco, an AI stud in Italy. Prior to joining Swissgenetics Angelo worked for the Brown Swiss Association of Italy, managing the breed’s classification and judging programs. Angelo is also a well-known judge, officiating at more than 250 shows in 10 countries. Most recently he served as the Associate Judge at this year’s Central National Brown Swiss Show at World Dairy Expo, officiated the Brown Swiss Show at the 2008 International Dairy Week in Australia and the 2005 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Well-accomplished within Europe as well, he has officiated major shows in Verona, Cremona, Paris, Imst, Epinal and Lausanne. “Semex is very fortunate to have Swissgenetics provide a person of Angelo’s calibre to be part of our team sourcing top genetics in Europe,” says Pierre Laliberté, Semex Alliance Senior Vice President, Genetics & Research. “With top cows found all around the world it is essential for Semex to select the best young bulls wherever they are found. Angelo’s solid ... Read More...

Sub Branch: DARLING DOWNS (QLD)
Judge: LINDSAY MOXEY, Newington Holsteins, Whittingham, NSW
Numbers: 68 entries from 10 breeders

TWO YEAR OLD - 1st: Leader Damion Cretonne-ET, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey) - 2nd: Camlou Morty Sunflower, C and M Janke (Camlou Holsteins, Westbrook).

THREE YEAR OLD - 1st: Arabella Silky G Whisky, E and P and N Crank (Minash Holsteins, Kingsthorpe) - 2nd: Leader DD Satin, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey).

FOUR YEAR OLD - 1st: Leader Roy Satin, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey) - 2nd: Davindy Freelance Dora, D and C Janke, (Davindy Holsteins, Westbrook).

FIVE YEAR OLD - 1st: Arabella Gibson Wendy, D Holmes (Arabella Farming Co, Brookstead) - 2nd: Plana Modest Steph, A & S Barron, (Ardylbar Holsteins, Cambooya).

MATURE - 1st: Gayton Park Leader Bianca, T and M Deans (Leader Holsteins, Oakey) - 2nd: Leader Durham Satin, T and M Deans, (Leader Holsteins, Oakey).

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Mark E. Carson BSc. (Agr). MSc., Gencor Herd Reproduction Analyst
A difficult calving can effect a cow’s performance throughout the entire lactation. An examination of calving ease performance of first lactation cows from five dairy herds shows the impact it can have on first service conception. Dairy Comp 305 calving ease data provided by DHI was compared with first service conception on first lactation cows.


Calving Difficulty
1st Service Conception Rates
# of First Lactation Cows


Unattended or Easy
38%
195


Hard
22%
64


First lactation cows that had an Unattended or Easy Calving (U or E) were found to have a first service conception of 38%, while cows with a Hard Calving (H) had a conception rate of 22%. From these herds, having a trouble-free calving made the cows twice as likely to get pregnant on the first breeding!
To reduce calving troubles, work to manage body condition scores, age at first calving and appropriate sire selection. Also, make sure you are providing proper assistance to cows that need help at the time of calving. Managing all of these things will help to ensure your cows have a better start and make the most out of their lactations.
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A split-second decision made at auction almost two decades ago still impacts on one of the state’s highest performing dairy herds, Fairvale Holsteins. It was 1990 when Ted Dobson found himself bidding on a six-moth-old calf at International Dairy Week, two hours north of Melbourne. He hesitated when the priced reached $8000, fearing it was too much to spend on a baby calf. One of the country’s most progressive Jersey breeders, Reg Broad, was sitting behind Ted. Reg leaned forward and uttered what would become a life-changing sentence for the Bracknell breeder: “Go for it, boy. She’s a bloody good one.” Ted did go for it that day. He bought Paramount Inspiration Butter, and last week the EX-5E matriarch’s great grand daughter, Fairvale Morty Butter 120, became the latest family member to win the state’s Semex/Holstein Australia On-Farm Competition’s two-year-old title. The nationwide spectacle, in its ninth year, has a number of unique points of difference. All the cows are judged on-farm for their conformation in their working cobber by judges, who move between individual farms in a collective logistical marathon involving thousands of kilometres and an army of people throughout the country. Today Fairvale is run by Ted’s son, Ross, and his wife, Leanne. The couple milk 350-head. Morty Butter is the fourth member of the Butter family to win her age-group in the On-Farm Competition within the last two years and the fourth Semex-sired Stouder Morty daughter from the double Master Breeder Dobson herd to win in the last three years. Although the Dobsons have become famous on the mainland for being the birthplace of two International Dairy Week champions, Fairvale Jed Bonnie 94 (2005 and 2007) and Fairvale Leader Josie 5 (2006), Ross says the Butter family remains a personal favourite and one of their best. “The Butters are right up there with the Josies for me,” Ross said. “I believe it is one of this country’s elite cow families and they just ... Read More...