VikingGenetics Newsletter

Highlights of innovative breeding in November

How to futureproof your Holstein herd?

With its high production levels the Holstein cow has become the breed of choice for many farmers around the world. However, the breed does have its issues that farmers can address with some simple steps.

1. Use polled genetics

Consumer interest in animal welfare is forcing new legislation to be drawn up with regards to withdrawing calves from mothers and also from demands not to dehorn animals.

Matthew Stott, UK country manager with VikingGenetics comments: “We're going to see an increase in polled genetics as we move forward as well, which is certainly the case already in some countries.

2. Using gender-sorted semen

By using sexed semen you can reduce the number of bull calves. The use of sexed semen is now at 65 percent of the dairy semen that's being used, and that's grown 15 percent since 2020.

3. Start crossbreeding

From a breeding perspective, there's improvement in Holstein cows in terms of fertility and metabolic disorders, both of which are everyday struggles in the life of the farmer.

But one addition to that on a herd level is to do crossbreeding, especially on those traits where you get the hybrid vigour working very effectively.

4. Focus on efficiency

Well-managed herds built on good genetics leave the smallest footprint on the environment. From a genetic point of view there are several tools farmers can bring to farm level for a more efficient production. These include using the Saved Feed Index of sires to reduce feed costs.

Read the full article on our website

How can we help solve the climate challenge?

Farmers, retailers and food processors know they need to improve their businesses but the main issue is how to ensure income while pursuing this efficiency drive. The main questions focus on how agriculture can become more feed-efficient and climate-friendly.

The Danish Agriculture & Food Council launched the Global Climate Task Force and VikingGenetics is proud to be part of this effort to reduce the global carbon footprint.

In a film made by the Danish Agriculture & Food Council “Climate challenge” smarter genetics is highlighted as one of the key areas that helps reduce the climate footprint of cattle farming.

David Stenkaer Ravnkilde, CSMO at VikingGenetics explains: “I definitely believe we have a role in the future. We expect to be able to reduce the feed intake by 10% to produce the same amount of milk over the next ten years.”

Watch the video here

Reduce methane emissions by 33% per litre

According to an Arla report, the cow’s digestion and the cow’s feed account for over 80% of on-farm emissions. By improving the cow’s feed efficiency, the dairy and beef industry can reduce global carbon milk and meat production emissions.

By using the highest-ranking Saved Feed sires from VikingGenetics, farmers can reduce dry matter intake by 230,000 kilograms for a herd with 1,000 cows.

Read the full article here