The April 2014 USDA calculations revealed that IPS (International Protein Sires) is the Holstein breed's premier leader for SCR (Semen Conception Rates). IPS bulls rank No.1, No.2 and No.4 for the entire breed. "We are pleased to have the breed leading Holstein sires for SCR. This marks the third consecutive year that IPS has received these enviable rankings. Dairy farmers around the world demand high fertility bulls, consequently IPS has purposed to satisfy these requirements. There are several factors associated with these results. Solid animal husbandry practices. The laboratory has strict criteria for semen evaluation along with superior processing techniques. And, the IPS standard of thirty million sperm count per unit of semen contributes greatly," conveyed Ron Sersland, President and CEO of IPS.
Days open or delayed breeding can be very costly for a dairy operation. Jeff Stevenson of Kansas State University reported in the May 10, 2009 issue of Hoard's Dairyman, "For every day open after 100 days in milk, you lose about $2 to $3 per cow per day." In today's economic times, that would no doubt equate to a higher cost. In his June 2009 Hoard's Dairyman article, Mr. Stevenson stated, "With a pregnancy rate of 10 to 12 percentage range, the value of each percentage point bump runs about $66 so moving 2 points would yield an additional $132 per cow." One of the most fundamental ways to reduce days open is selecting high conception bulls like those available through IPS. High SCR bulls will show improved financial benefits with little or no added expense.
The No.1 daughter proven SCR bull in the breed is 99HO6145 Barry at +11.6 on more than 4,300 inseminations with 94% reliability. Note that Semen Conception Rates are calculated using the previous 18 months inseminations. While Barry has been ranked No.1 for the past two years and used on difficult breeding animals, his SCR continues to elevate.
A solid type bull at +1.74, Barry excels in udder composite at +1.84 along with +1.49 foot and leg rating. And, he is a leading calving ease sire at 6.9%. This semen conception professional descends from six generations of Very Good or Excellent dams. Sales have been made across the United States on this bull.
An exciting genomic young sire +8.0 for SCR, 99HO7070 Jehoshaphat, is ranked No.2 in the Holstein breed. At 1,432 inseminations, Jehoshaphat's rating increased from previous stats while being used on hard settlers. At +2028 GTPI, Jehoshaphat is +1,611 for milk with a +2.00 type rating. And, his productive life mark is +3.6 along with a 6.6% calving ease. This conception specialist is sired by Planet from an Excellent Shottle daughter.
Newest among the breed leading SCR bulls is 566HO1192 Apple Jack-Red at +5.6; tied at No.4. Apple Jack's superior type proof of +3.24 ranks him No.2 among progeny proven red Holstein bulls. He is also ranked No.20 for all Holstein bulls. Apple Jack excels in udder confirmation at +2.99. This exciting Red Holstein descends from the Million Dollar Cow family with KHW Regiment Apple-Red (EX-96) being his grand dam. Apple-Red was Reserve Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo in 2014 while her clone was designated Grand Champion.
The IPS pacesetting sires for SCR are available worldwide through an established network of independent suppliers and company employees. Located in Rock Springs, Wisconsin - U.S.A., you may learn more about IPS through their website, www.ipssires.com or by calling toll free: 1.800.542.7593
6.18.2014