NM$ | Ag Proud

Capitalizing on genetics: Vanden Berge Dairy

Genomic testing allows Vanden Berge Dairy to market embryos across the country. Utilizing IVF provides the opportunity for the dairy to advance genetics sooner.

June 12, 2024

Matti McBride

One hundred miles north of Los Angeles, almond trees bloom, the sun shines and a Holstein cow leisurely walks back to her dry lot pen after her second of three milkings. She’s a member of Vanden Berge Dairy’s herd of Holsteins and is a product of an impressive genetic strategy.

Genetic tools have reversed cow fertility decline

April 25, 2023

Kristen Parker Gaddis

2000 was a turning point for U.S. dairy cow fertility. Despite the negative correlation between production and fertility, current genetic trends are favorable for both.

En matière d’indices de sélection, il n’y a pas de solution passe-partout

Les indices de sélection sont la méthode de reproduction privilégiée pour de nombreux caractères, tout particulièrement quand leur utilisation concorde avec les objectifs de reproduction de la ferme.

January 1, 2023

Sophie Eaglen

Tous les éleveurs de bovins conviendront que les indices de sélection sont le moyen privilégié pour sélectionner simultanément plusieurs caractères qui affectent la rentabilité du troupeau.

When it comes to selection indexes, there is no one size fits all

Selection indexes are a preferred method to breed for multiple traits, especially when their use aligns with a farm's breeding goals.

September 3, 2022

Sophie Eaglen

All cattle breeders will agree that selection indexes are the preferred way to simultaneously select for multiple traits that affect herd profitability.

Net Merit revised with August genetic evaluations

September 15, 2021

Joao Durr

The national genetic index, Net Merit, was updated with the genetic evaluations on Aug. 10, 2021 – delivering an improved tool to breed profitable and feed-efficient cows.

Net Merit Index to be updated in August

April 30, 2021

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) board approved an update to the Net Merit (NM) selection indexes effective for the next triannual evaluations on Aug. 10, 2021.

It’s time to rethink your genetic improvement strategy to combat mastitis and lameness

November 6, 2020

Chuck Sattler

The use of beef sires on dairy cows and right-sizing heifer inventories have been some of the most sweeping changes on dairy farms in recent years.

How to maximize IVF investment in commercial dairy herds

April 18, 2019

Michael Bishop

Advanced reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer significant opportunities for genetic advancement in your dairy operation, but if you’re like most commercial producers, you have one burning question: “What is the economic return?”

Choosing the index that meets your dairy’s needs

March 21, 2019

Joe Binversie

In recent years, many U.S. producers have adopted use of a custom index. This index is used for sire selection or sorting females for culling or strategic breeding programs. These custom indexes are used in place of standard selection indexes such as Net Merit (NM$), Cheese Merit or breed-specific indexes (TPI, JPI, etc.).

Beyond generic: Why you should create custom genetics

January 24, 2019

Mandy Schmidt

“If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” —General George S. Patton Jr., one of the top U.S. commanders in World War II Although not necessarily directly in combat, dairy producers can relate with the legend’s drive in trying times. Nicknamed “Old Blood and Guts,” the general got results as a masterful strategist. His ideas were frequently contrary to common thought processes.

Items Tagged with 'NM$'

ARTICLES

Capitalizing on genetics: Vanden Berge Dairy

Genetic tools have reversed cow fertility decline

En matière d’indices de sélection, il n’y a pas de solution passe-partout

When it comes to selection indexes, there is no one size fits all

Net Merit revised with August genetic evaluations

Net Merit Index to be updated in August

It’s time to rethink your genetic improvement strategy to combat mastitis and lameness

How to maximize IVF investment in commercial dairy herds

Choosing the index that meets your dairy’s needs

Beyond generic: Why you should create custom genetics

Milk production slightly higher than year ago for third consecutive month

Tales of a Hay Hauler: The gift of understanding

Retired Vermont dairy farmer writes children’s Christmas book

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