Correction – Select Sires Sexed Semen Conception

Andy VanceDairy Business, Genetics

A few days ago I heralded Select Sires new lab for producing sexed semen. I misspoke when reporting the conception rates for this new technology: in virgin heifer, producers utilizing Select’s GenderSELECTed semen will find conception rates typically 75% of typical, not 75% less than normal as I previously reported. In other words, if you use the sexed semen and your normal conception rate is 60%, you can expect roughly 45% conception with the sexed semen product. The rest of the story is accurate. Thanks for Mel at Select for pointing out the error.

Dairy Farmer and World Champion Racer

Chuck ZimmermanAudio

Mark ThomasBeing a farmer today has its challenges. Being a farmer and a funny car driver simply magnifies those challenges. Mark Thomas is up to the challenge though. He is also one of the biggest proponents of ethanol you’re going to find anywhere.

Raw Milk May Kill You

Andy VanceDairy Business, Government, Milk

That’s the message health professionals are delivering as many states contemplate potential legislation to allow the sale of unpasteurized dairy products. Advocates of the unprocessed dairy claim that raw milk can magically prevent asthma, tooth decay, diabetes, attention deficit disorder, osteoporosis and other ailments. On the other hand, the health community points out that you’ll most likely end up with salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and more.

Fescue Problems in the Plains

Andy VanceEducation, Production, University

You may have an opportunity to turn fescue problems into strong pastures this season, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Beacuase of this year’s early onset of warm Spring weather, tall fescue fields have reared seed heads nearly a month ahead of normal. As you know, the fescue seeds carry high levels of toxicity that can reduce weight gains and lower milk production, so this news is troubling. But the story doesn’t end there.

Select Sires Sexed Semen Lab Up and Running

Andy VanceDairy Business, Genetics, Industry News, Production

The concept of improving your heifer ratio during calving season is extremely exciting – imagine if all your first-calf heifers dropped heifers… the profitability of that string would be much more enticing. Furthering that goal, Select Sires has joined with Sexing Technologies of Navasota, Texas to begin operations of a semen sexing lab at Select’s headquarters in Plain City, Ohio. The fruit of this partnership will be increased offerings of proven sires in the gender SELECTed lineup.