Other articles of interest

Manhatten continues to be a very popular bull with all indications being he will be widely used again this spring in New Zealand and overseas. Hardly surprising really considering he is head and shoulders ahead of the next Jersey sire for Protein Breeding Value and Indexes. He genetic superiority has been confirmed by his main crop daughters (1200 in milk and a reliability of 98%) and by the Test Day Model (after the implementation of this his Protein BV remained steady at 37kg while many other Jersey bulls dropped).

As is widely known by farmers, AmBreed has been monitoring reports from farmers of a small proportion of Manhatten’s offspring which exhibit “abnormal” characteristics. We continue to monitor all reports.
AmBreed has also worked with LIC, AEU, JNZ, Massey University, and a group of farmers with significant numbers of Manhatten offspring to better define a problem.

Since spring 2005 we have received “abnormal” reports on one yearling born in 2004, on 120 animals born 2005, and 120 progeny born in 2006. In spring 2007 AmBreed is closely monitoring about 10 in-calf 2-yr-olds with the “abnormal” condition for the performance of the heifer and her calf.

LIC and AEU (assisted by DairyInsight) have undertaken database analyses while Massey has examined yearlings and calves for physical symptoms.

There is nothing conclusive in the work undertaken so far but the following is an attempt to summarize the situation:

• affected animals are Jersey and crossbreds (including some out of pure Friesian and Ayrshire cows) indicating we are not dealing with a recessive genetic condition confined to the Jersey population
  
• symptoms in young calves are typically: weak at birth often not standing for 3 or more days; some calves have twitchy muscle movements in their shoulder and flank regions; many are long gestation calves even though overall Manhatten is a short gestation bull
  
• symptoms which become more obvious in older animals (4 to 12 months) are trembling and poor hind-limb coordination – this closely resembles ryegrass staggers
  
• affected animals are normal in appearance apart from the tremor and stagger
  
• analysis using the database shows that death rate around birth for Manhatten progeny is not different to death rates in progeny of other Jersey bulls
  
• analysis using the database shows that a slightly higher proportion of Manhatten progeny have gestation lengths greater 290 days compared to progeny of other Jersey bulls
  
• cows which have produced an “abnormal” Manhatten calf in one year have always (to our knowledge) produced a normal calf the next year when repeat mated to Manhatten. Conversely, cows may produce a normal calf in one year then an abnormal the next year
  
• some properties have reported several cases in one year but zero or very low incidence in the subsequent year
  
• in AmBreed’s experience animals which are identified with the condition do not improve sufficiently to enter the milking herd. AmBreed’s recommendation is that farmers should cull
• an animal when it is deemed to be “abnormal” rather than retain it in the hope it improves.

Farmers who have Manhatten progeny which are “abnormal” at birth or which develop ryegrass staggers-like symptoms are urged to complete and return this report form. We continue to try to get to the bottom of the situation.

Persistency and maturity are critical factors to the profitability of dairy farmers. Persistency means that the cow will continue to produce to a consistent level throughout the season. Where maturity shows that a dairy cow will achieve this lactation after lactation. These factors are important due to the initial investment dairy farmers make in their herd development, when replacements can be delayed and the existing dairy cows can continue to be milked. Higher pay out for autumn milk adds another benefit, resulting in maximizing the return on investment in semen.

Since February this year the breeding values for production traits are calculated using a Test Day Model (TDM), a model used already for several years by AmBreed. This model is able to take into account persistency and maturity differences between bulls. Heavily used bulls like Whinlea Magley Extasy, Top Deck Ko Pierre and Okura Manhatten went up considerably in breeding value for kg protein for example. Having TDM breeding values now available for all bulls in New Zealand, it became clear that AmBreed was rewarded for its focus on breeding high lifetime productions and delivered what was promised: Rock Solid bulls.    

Persistency and maturity are now incorporated in the breeding values for production traits. However, a separate breeding value for both traits is available as well.

The best strategy is to start with the definition of a breeding goal for the herd or use the NZMI ranking of bulls. Focus on well proven bulls. Within the top bulls, select the ones fitting your cows the best. A very practical tool for this is Genescreen. With Genescreen you are able to quickly determine what traits need improving.

By adopting this simple strategy, cows are bred to last longer and are easier to manage. This will maximize the ability to produce persistent and mature across lactations.   

If you are after persistent and mature cows in your herd, please do not hesitate to contact your local AmBreed Sales Consultant or 0800 AmBreed, they are experienced in developing herds to meet our clients needs.

Since 1969 AmBreed has developed products that offer stability to it’s valued clients.

With the introduction of the Test Day Model on 17 February 2007, AmBreed has once again proven to be reliable: Rock Solid.

If you were to compare breeding values of AmBreed’s most popular sires you would see they remain consistent or improve. Clearly showing over time

AmBreed sires mature and remain persistent in New Zealand Dairy herds.
If you are after Rock Solid Genetics, join the charge towards ‘Cow 2015’ using NZMI.

For more information, please contact your local Sales Consultant or call 0800 AmBreed.

Rock Solid genetics means that what you see is what you get. What you are selecting for the future is re-assuring. With the introduction of the Test Day Model evaluation method AmBreed bulls have delivered yet again greater persistency and maturity. Breeding values before the 17 February and after, have held their ground or improved. Here is a couple of examples:

Look out for the Rock Solid Icon. You can be assured that what you purchasing is very reliable and is going to meet your expectations.