A.I. & BREEDING

Canadian breed associations recently recognized some of Canada’s top herds with the prestigious Master Breeder award. Presented by Holstein Canada, Jersey Canada and Ayrshire Canada, the 2020 recipients are highlighted below.

It is very well documented that the most important parameter to be evaluated in the modern dairy operation is pregnancy rate (PR).

As milk prices continue to waver, dairy producers across the country are looking down different avenues for profit. One that seems to be growing in popularity is the practice of breeding the bottom end of a herd with beef semen and selling the crossbred calves at a higher market value.

Most farmers and veterinarians see do not breed (DNB) cows at the end of their reproductive utility. It is true they will not produce any more calves and their life expectancy will be limited by how long they can maintain production.

When an IVF program is established, the first focus goes to donors – elite female genetics that will elevate the entire herd. Clear decisions are made about how those donors will be managed, fed, stimulated, collected and monitored.

Genetic improvement is a topic that certainly sparks the interest of dairy farmers in Canada. In that regard, genomics is considered the most impactful technology for genetic improvement in dairy breeds.