Company News

During their Innovation Awards ceremony last night at World Dairy Expo, Dairy Herd Management announced that Semex’s Immunity+™ was named a Top 10 Innovative Product of the Year.

“Immunity genetics is an emerging technology that provides dairymen with an effective means to improve the health of their dairy cattle with each generation,” says Jay Shannon, Semex Global Dairy Solutions Manager. “At Semex, we’re extremely excited to have acquired this technology for our customers, who can now utilize Immunity+ sires that combine high overall genetic merit in a package with the added benefit of higher immunity.”

Using a patented technology, Semex is now able to measure an animal’s immune response and their ability to combat infection and disease. These animals are considered High Immune Responders (HIR) and Semex’s HIR sires are known as Immunity+ bulls. 

By using this information in breeding decisions, dairymen can ask how well a bull’s daughters respond to infection instead of how often they get diseases like mastitis. This is important because traditional health-related genetic traits such as Productive Life, Somatic Cell Score and Daughter Pregnancy Rate are result-oriented measurements, with an indirect association to health. Even more restrictive, these traits are less than 10% heritable. By contrast, immune response is highly heritable at 25%, making genetic gain in health traits much easier.

To find out more about Immunity+ or any of Semex’s suite of solutions, stop by Semex at World Dairy Expo at the Semex Tent or in the Exhibition Hall at booth #2608-2709 or by visiting www.semex.com 
... Read More...

Known as the 'Center of the Dairy Universe,' World Dairy Expo (WDE) is the international dairy meeting place, and this year Semex is inviting dairymen to 'Get To Know Us Better' as we introduce and feature the following key products and services designed to increase dairy profitability:


Semex ai24™: A whole herd management solution with both rumination monitoring and heat detection capabilities
Immunity+™: A nominee for the 2013 Dairy Herd Management's Innovation Award, Semex's patented Immunity+ sires have a naturally high immune response and will improve the health of the next generation 
SemexWorks™: Visitors can step up to our interactive station and use a simple touch, step-by-step process to define their own genetic strategy 
Semex Premier™ Daughters: This year we're featuring daughters from our Premier Young Sire Sampling Program including:

0200HO09901 Clayton-Crest Ace: HealthSmart™ sire graduating in December 2013
0200HO00546 De-Su Bowman: HealthSmart and Calving Ease™ sire
0200HO05929 Gen-I-Beq Brawler: HealthSmart and Robot Ready™ sire
0200HO03648 Domicole Chelios: Repromax™, Calving Ease™ and Show Time™ sire
0200HO00528 Sildahl Jett Air: HealthSmart and Calving Ease sire
0200HO09225 Ladys-Manor Shane




“We’re extremely excited to meet with our customers and friends from coast to coast and around the world again this year at World Dairy Expo,” comments Paul Krueger, Semex Business Unit Development Manager, USA. “Semex is a company on the move and our lineup, products and services are all designed to be the best options for dairymen looking to increase their profitability, and for those looking to partner with a company offering valuable reproductive solutions. If you’re coming to World Dairy Expo, Semex should be on your ‘must do’ list!”

Semex is a proud, three star ... Read More...

Semex is pleased to announce that David Ertl has joined the Semex Jersey Team as the US Jersey Sire Analyst effective Monday, September 30, 2013.

In this role, David will report directly to the Jersey Program Manager, and will be responsible for executing Semex’s Jersey sire selection and acquisition strategy in the US. This newly created position supports Semex’s growing Jersey Genomax™ program, ensuring Semex continues to obtain the breed’s best genetics. Additionally, David will be working directly with the Semex Team from coast to coast, supporting sales and providing Jersey knowledge and genetic expertise. 

David was born and raised in Ohio, attending The Ohio State University where he obtained a bachelor of animal science degree with a minor in agricultural business. Following graduation, David was a herdsman at a central Ohio commercial dairy, providing cow-side diagnostics and treatment as well as whole herd and employee management. His own herd, Ertl Jerseys, has ranked in the top 25% in the nation for JPI, and has had numerous bulls enter stud including 0200JE00180 Ertl Mantra, a top 20 G-code bull that is part of Semex’s Genomax and Immunity+™ lineups. Additionally, David was awarded the 2011 Young Jersey Breeder Award from the American Jersey Cattle Association. Most recently, David worked for Sexing Technologies as Director of Nutrient Management at their Ohio Heifer Center.

“We could not be more excited to add David to our Jersey Team,” says Russell Gammon, Semex Jersey Program Manager. “With his practical knowledge of modern dairy farming, a world of energy and drive, and an ocean-deep knowledge of the Jersey breed, David is the perfect choice for this position! Semex’s Jersey program is expanding year after year and now with David on board, we look forward to even greater successes and accomplishments.”

David, his wife Beth and three children reside in Edison, ... Read More...

Genetics for Life is about delivering the best possible product to Semex’s clients. With only one in seven bulls entering stud qualifying for this elite program, the results in the latest genetic evaluation are obvious with five of Holstein USA’s top 10 TPI™ Genomic Young Sires belonging to stud code 200!

These and more great Genomax sires are all available from Semex today, and customers putting them to work in their herds are reaping the rewards these bulls offer…. Maximum genetic gain and profitability:


#2 GTPI: 0200HO03877 Coyne-Farms Jabir 99%-I (Facebook x Freddie)

HealthSmart™ and Robot Ready™
+2531 GTPI, +920 NM$, +5.8 PL, 2.55 SCS, +2.63 PTAT, +2.8 DPR and 6.7% CE


#3 GTPI: 0200HO03878 Coyne-Farms Jetset 99%-I (Facebook x Freddie)

HealthSmart and Robot Ready
+2501 GTPI, +915 NM$, +6.1 PL, 2.58 SCS, +2.36 PTAT, +2.3 DPR and 5.5% CE


#4 GTPI: 0200HO06528 De-Su Nominee 99%-I (Numero Uno x Massey)

Immunity+™ and HealthSmart
+2487 GTPI, +885 NM$, +5.6 PL, 2.58 SCS, +2.37 PTAT, +2.3 DPR and 7.3% CE


#9 GTPI 0200HO06534 Kellercrest Lancome (Epic x Man-O-Man)

HealthSmart
+2463 GTPI, +808 NM$, +5.3 PL, 2.73 SCS, +3.18 PTAT, +1.3 DPR and 6.9% CE


#10 GTPI 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno (Man-O-Man x Shottle)

Immunity+ and HealthSmart
+2462 GTPI, +850 NM$, +6.3 PL, 2.61 SCS, +2.92 PTAT, +2.1 DPR and 7.9% CE




Semex’s rigorous and dedicated selection process for the Genomax lineup has netted some of the most desirable progeny proven bulls in the world.

For more information on Semex, Genetics for Life or the industry leading Genomax sires visit www.semex.com
... Read More...

At Semex, we’re committed to delivering you profitable results. Working with you and listening to your needs directs us, ensuring that our line-up is the most diverse and profitable in the industry. Semex has you covered whether you are looking for outcross bloodlines, newly released daughter proven sires, extremely fertile sires or high reliability second crop sires.

And, if you are looking for leading genomic young sires, Semex is certainly where you want to be doing business, as five of the Holstein USA official top 10 TPI Genomic Young sires call Semex home! And, that is Genetics for Life. 





High fertility Repromax sires provide immediate results that increase your dairy’s reproductive performance and profitability. As the world’s only international fertility evaluation, Repromax sires offer higher non-return rates and conception rates. Joining this group of fertility leaders following the August evaluations are:  


0200HO06036    LA PRESENTATION KAMIK  (Baxter x Buckeye)
0200HO02549    SANDY-VALLEY SPARROW  (Planet x Shottle)
0200HO06053    VALLEYVILLE MUSKETEER  (Bonair x Goldwyn)




Semex’s HealthSmart sires produce quality daughters that are healthier, more fertile and last longer. This means lower costs and additional profitability to the dairy. Semex’s HealthSmart sires including 0200HO00402 Mainstream Manifold and 0200HO05929 Gen-I-Beq Brawler are proven to sire desirable, healthy cows. New to this roster following the August evaluations are:      


0200HO06050    BLUENOSE RISINGSTAR  (Stol Joc x Shottle)
0200HO00577    DE-SU AUTHOR (Stol Joc x O Man)        
0200HO07413    HFK HEAVY  (Baxter x O Man)
0200HO06036    LA PRESENTATION KAMIK  (Baxter x Buckeye)
0200HO00593    ... Read More...

Semex’s patented Immunity+™ sires have a naturally high immune response, and by using them you can improve your herd’s overall health and longevity. The benefits of a high immune responder (HIR) are a healthier dairy animal with less disease, greater response to vaccines and higher quality colostrum. Now, in August, Semex is pleased to designate its famous Genomax™ sire, 0200HO07450 Amighetti Numero Uno as Immunity+. “We’ve seen a remarkable response to this product,” says Brad Sayles, Semex Vice President Global Marketing. “Dairymen worldwide know that some cows just go unnoticed and they want to breed more just like them. They believe in the science behind Immunity+ and are using them to breed healthier cows and herds.” Joining the proven Immunity+ lineup following the August 2013 genetic evaluations is: 0200HO00560 MONUMENT IMPRESSION (Socrates x Potter) The following Genomax™ bulls are also designated Immunity+: 0200HO07450 AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO (Man-O-Man x Shottle) 0200HO02886 CLAYNOOK DUNBAR (Lavaman x Bolton) 0200HO06528 DE-SU NOMINEE (Numero Uno x Massey) 0200HO06448 GEHRKE JOHAN DERAY (Sherac x Plan) 0200HO02938 ROCKYMOUNTAIN LOCHINVAR s(Numero Uno x Super) 0200HO02714 SPRINGWAY CELEBRATE (Man-O-Man x Boliver)   0200JE00384 GUIMO JOEL (Legal x Paramount) 0200JE00223 ORTHRIDGE  JENGA (Zuma x Legal) 0200JE00385 GABYS ASA  (Renegade x Restore) For more information on Semex, Genetics for Life, Immunity+ sires or any of Semex’s brands visit: www.semex.com
... Read More...

With each genetic evaluation Holstein Canada recognizes sires that reach elite standards in production, conformation and also genetic indexes through their Superior Production (SP), Superior Type (ST) and Class Extra (EXTRA) programs.

The following Semex sires have been recognized in August 2013 as Superior Production sires having combined genetic indexes for Fat and Protein in the top 5% of the Canadian sire population. Sires must have a reliability of at least 85%.


CLAYNOOK MAP  (MR BURNS *RDC x GIBSON)
CLAYNOOK THRILL  (BAXTER x GOODLUCK)
DE-SU AUTHORITY  (STOL JOC x O MAN)
DE-SU JOCKEY  (STOL JOC x O MAN)
GREENLANE SEEKER  (BAXTER x TITANIC)
HFK HEAVY  (BAXTER x O MAN)
HFK HUMOROUS  (BAXTER x BOLIVER)
MAPEL WOOD DEMETRI  (MR BURNS x TITANIC)
ROCKYMOUNTAIN LONGSUIT  (DOLMAN x TITANIC)
ROCKYMOUNTAIN TREASURER  (BAXTER x GOLDWYN)
SCHILLVIEW GLADSTONE  (MR BURNS x O MAN)
WINTERLANCE SOLARIS  (BAXTER x GOLDWYN)


The following Semex sires have been recognized as Superior Type in August 2013. Sires winning this award are within the top 5% of the sire population for their conformation proof (Conformation, Mammary System, Feet & Legs, Dairy Strength, Rump) and with a reliability of at least 85%.


BENNER BILLY BOB  (BONAIR x MORTY)
CLAYNOOK TENNESSEE  (MR BURNS *RDC x GOLDWYN)
LORKA SASSO  (BONAIR x MR SAM)
MONUMENT IMPRESSION  (SOCRATES x POTTER)
ROCKYMOUNTAIN TAILOR  (BAXTER x GOLDWYN)
SANDY-VALLEY BRYSON  (AIRRAID x SHOTTLE)
STANTONS EMPIRE  (SIDNEY x OUTSIDE)
VALLEYVILLE MUSKETEER  (BONAIR x GOLDWYN)


Holstein Canada recognized the following Semex sire for Class Extra, which requires elite standards for both production and conformation.


WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW PARTNER  (MR BURNS *RDC x DURHAM)

... Read More...

The August 2013 LPI & TPI proofs are now online on Semex's website at www.semex.com!

At Semex we look forward to these evaluations, as it gives us the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment of Genetics for Life to our customers worldwide. In August, Semex sires continue to deliver the traits and breeding options dairymen around the world demand.  

Holstein Proven Bulls:


Semex’s #1 New Release Holstein LPI sire: 0200HO00577 De-Su Author (Stol Joc x O Man)
Semex’s #2 New Release Holstein LPI sire: 0200HO00578 De-Su Jockey (Stol Joc x O Man)
Semex’s #1 New Release Holstein TPI sire: 0200HO09225 Ladys-Manor Shane (Auden x Shottle)


Jersey Proven Bulls:


#2 LPI Jersey LPI: 0200JE00463 Gillard Pancho (Legacy x Centurion)
Semex’s #1 New Release Jersey LPI: 0200JE00352 Hometown On The Money (On Time x Counciller)


Ayrshire Proven Bulls:


Semex’s #1 New Release & #2 LPI Ayrshire LPI: 0200AY00699 Kamouraska Decaf (Jupiter x Peterslund)
Semex’s #2 New Release Ayrshire LPI: 0200AY00701 D’Albanel Jurassic (Jupiter x Copper)


To view video footage of many of these new release sires please visit Semex’s Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/semexalliance. Additional information on these bulls including complete LPI and TPI data is available at www.semex.com
... Read More...

Semex is extremely excited to announce the opening of Boviteq operations in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Semex’s research and development arm, L’Alliance Boviteq, located in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada, is world-renown for both its research and bovine embryo work. For decades, producers from coast to coast in both Canada and the USA have benefited from and looked to Boviteq as their source for reproductive excellence.

Now, with a world-class, state-of-the-art IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) facility open in Madison, Wisconsin, Boviteq is excited to offer Semex and its American clients a laboratory specializing in IVF for the commercial, elite and beef markets. 

“We plan to bring the standards that made us successful in Canada to the USA market,” says André Barnabé, L’Alliance Boviteq Chief Executive Officer. “IVF is a complex process and we consider success to be a true partnership with veterinarians and producers. This is the best way to provide optimum results to the customer.”

“However, we will not be housing cows for breeders,” says Barnabé. “Instead we will be working with and training our clients’ vets to our protocols. They will conduct the OPU (Ovum Pick Up) for their customers. These OPUs will be sent to our lab and we will either ship back fresh embryos or freeze them.”

Limited work has already begun with vet clinics and dairies nationwide, offering Semex customers valuable IVF solutions in both the commercial and elite genetic sectors. Those interested in exploring IVF solutions on their dairy should contact their Semex Genetic Consultant.
... Read More...

Semex regrets to announce the passing of former Semex Canada General Manager, Dr. Morris Freeman.

Dr. Morris ‘Moe’ Freeman passed away peacefully on July 15 in Guelph, Ontario with his beloved wife of 57 years, Ruth, and loving family at his side. Born 80 years ago in Markdale, Ontario he was the loving son of Thomas & Annie (Graham) Freeman, cherished brother of June Falls (Ormond), Keith (Joan) and Doug (Eleanor); proud father of David (Laura), Michael (Odette) and Paul (Karen); and joyful and doting Grampa to Erin, Monica, Thomas, Danielle and John.

Moe was one-of-a-kind: a talented athlete, dedicated scholar and professor, successful businessman but, above all, a caring, kind and wonderful gentleman, who never forgot the lessons of humility, hard work, and compassion learned in a happy boyhood on the family dairy farm.

He was the first of his family to attend university when he started first year at the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), now the University of Guelph. He often joked that his parents, although supportive, were convinced homesickness would bring him home in a couple of weeks. Happily, they were wrong and Moe went on to distinguish himself athletically and academically as a proud graduate of OAC 1955, including an athletic letter and playing on the collegiate hockey team, the last two years as captain. Moe also met the love of his life, Ruth Cooke, on a blind date in first year. They married in 1956 and shared an incredible, loving relationship that stood the test of time.

Moe's undergraduate courses and early work experience convinced him that his future lay in the study of genetics. And so, in September 1966, Moe and Ruth and their family of three boys moved to Ithaca, New York so that he could earn his PhD at Cornell University. Moe returned to his alma mater in 1969 as an Assistant Professor in Animal Science. He continued to be a consummate advocate, fundraiser and benefactor of the University of Guelph for the ... Read More...