Semex Immunity+ line-up now includes Numero Uno and Impression
Semex has expanded its range of Immunity+ sires with two genomic (Genomax) sires and a proven sire now joining the ranks of those identified as being able to pass on significantly better disease resistance to their daughters.
All of the sires in the Semex stud are assessed for their immune response status through a technique unique to the company, developed by immunogeneticists at the University of Guelph, in Canada. Those that are shown to transmit a naturally high immune response are selected as Immunity+ sires. A key point of the research is the high heritability (25%) of the immune response trait; much greater than conventional measures of health traits. Consistently using these bulls from one generation to another will improve overall herd health and longevity because the daughters will be healthier, with less disease and a greater response to vaccines. An additional benefit is that daughters of Immunity+ sires produce higher quality colostrum, according to the researchers.
The genomic star Amighetti Numero Uno - the No.1 TPI genomic young bull in the world when he first came to market in 2011 - is also classed as Immunity+. Available in the UK since early 2012, his calves are impressing breeders everywhere they are born and have been dominating international genomically-tested heifer lists; and now Numero Uno sons are available to UK breeders, says Willie Tait, Semex's genetic manager.
Joining Uno in the ranks of Genomax Immunity+ sires is Gehrke Johan Deray, a son of Sherac out of a Planet tracing back to the renowned Snow-N Denises Dellia. His numbers promise daughters that combie milk, high fat and protein %, low SCC and also get back in calf easily. The type figures show a real "no-holes" profile that will suit most herds and good scores for locomotion, temperament and milking speed indicate they will be easy to manage.
Monument Impression, already in huge demand as an outcross sire, with no Goldwyn, Shottle or O Man in the pedigree, is the new proven Immunity+ sires. He has maintained his figures from his initial proof, with high type credentials of +3.01 US PTAT and +2.81 UK TM and +607kg Milk. Impression also has exceptional health traits, being -17 on Somatic Cell Count.
These new introductions take the number of Immunity+ Holstein sires being marketd by Semex in the UK to 14.
Semex managing director Gordon Miller said; "We continue to receive an exceptional response to this exciting range of added value bulls. Breeders are buying into the great science behind Immunity+, recognise the value these sires bring and understand the health benefits that will accrue for their herd."
