Innovative Breeding News

Highlights of innovative breeding in May 2023

VikingGenetics May 2023 Proofs Published

The proof run for May 2023 meant that the latest #proofleaders from VikingHolstein, VikingRed, VikingJersey, and VikingBeef were made available for export. Our #newvikings, the newest genomic sires, were also released.

Continue reading below to check out the sires.

For our VikingHolstein range, VH Swish kept his crown as the best genomic sire, and?VH Crown returned as the proven top sire. The proofleaders for VikingRed were VR Ferman - once again the leading genomic sire - and VR Vimo returned as the proven leader. Lastly, VJ Storer became the new genomic top bull for VikingJersey, while VJ Hamlet remained the best proven sire.

To read our breed-specific articles about the #proofleaders and #newvikings, visit: News (vikinggenetics.com)

Top VikingBeef Bulls Released

The May Proof run also saw the release of the new top bulls from our VikingBeef range, including two black Aberdeen Angus - VB Sisu and VB Robert, one Charolais - VB Pharmer, and one Simmental - VB Chaplin.

When used on dairy cows, these bulls perform very well in the Nordic Beef on Dairy Index (NBDI) and offer easy calvings, making them ideal for the Beef on Dairy segment. Sexed semen is also available.

Meet the sires: The Best VikingBeef Sires - May 2023 (vikinggenetics.com)

Genetics and nutrition - a good marriage for calf development

A proper?calf-rearing programme ensures healthy calves become productive heifers and cows. However, if any aspect of calf management is neglected, an animal could have setbacks in its lifetime and not reach its full potential.

Good calf nutrition and genetics are essential to breed a healthy, productive dairy herd. John Kelso, a ruminant nutritionist and head of distributor sales for VikingGenetics, believes the link between nutrition and genetics needs to be highlighted more.

"Calf research shows that when a heifer has been poorly reared, her fertility, performance, disease resistance and longevity are massively affected," explains John. "If she is not reared correctly, it does not matter how good a bull we choose to use with a heifer or cow is," he adds.

?Healthy calf growth is dependent on four things: genetics, hormones, diet, and overall care.?Furthermore, proper calf-rearing involves four pillars: managing colostrum, appropriate pre-weaning, the weaning process, and an effective transition from calf to young cow. The first two pillars can often be overlooked, and John believes they need to receive more emphasis.

Read the story to get the full insights: Genetics and nutrition for calf development (vikinggenetics.com)