It’s worth a SECOND LOOK at this Progressive Producer’s approach to sourcing genetics

What genetic traits are most important in your sire selection process? How has this changed over time?
We use Redbook Plus to do our initial bull sort. On the type side of the equation, we look for bulls that rank high in both udder and foot and leg composite. Productive life and production traits are also used to create the initial list of bulls we will consider using. Once this list is developed we study the pedigrees of the bulls – both the maternal and paternal side of the pedigree are evaluated. On the maternal side, we prefer to see cow families with generations of females that have multiple calvings and continue to perform over time. We study the sire side of the pedigree to sort out those pedigrees that are too closely related to the genetic base established in our herd.

What role do management traits play in your selection process?
As the industry develops evaluations for management traits that impact dairy profitability, we include them in our process of selecting bulls. Our enthusiasm for management traits is tempered by the lower heritability associated with these traits. On the other hand, we have decided not to use some high reliability bulls that fit all our other criteria but did not rank well in management traits.

What type traits are most relevant to your selection process?
The bulls we use are initially sorted for minimum levels for udder and foot and leg composite. Additionally, we are on a regular classification schedule with the Holstein Association and mate the herd using aAa program. These tools allow us to focus our sire selection on bulls that provide the most improvement in the type traits that need to be focused on. As management traits become more prevalent, we prefer to select bulls with the right combination of type characteristics and management traits and are willing to sacrifice a little on the production side of the equation.

In terms of the progress your herd has made over time, how much of that do you believe is driven by genetic selection relative to improvements you have made in management and environment?
As we’ve analyzed our business, our profitability comes through growth in cattle – both quality and quantity. Science tells us that genetics accounts for 25% of the animal performance we see in the barns. When evaluating expenses for our dairy, we find that money spent on our genetic program (semen, herd ID, production testing, classification) amounts to no more than 5% of our total expenses. That’s a 5-to-1 return on our investment in genetics. Genetic progress moves faster than our advancements in management.

Before you can capitalize on the genetic value of our product, we must first help you create a pregnancy. Has our focus shifted too much to the instant gratification of creating a pregnancy?
We know that milk is what pays the bills on our dairy. Hence, creating pregnant cows that calve back at regular intervals drives our profitability. We select bulls that fit our program based on all information that is available, including conception. For example, AltaTOMAHAWK the bull was appealing to use for his high udder composite and exceptional management traits. He stayed in our program because he did a great job getting cows pregnant.

When selecting a genetic supplier, what factors influence your decision to work with specific companies?
The dairy industry is a people business and that plays a huge role in our decision making process. We’ve always respected the fact that Alta has great cow people working at every level within the company. That gives us great confidence when making purchasing decisions.

Interview notes compiled by Matt Sattler with permission from Linda Hodorff; Second Look Holsteins, WI

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Posted Oct 10th

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