Waikato sharemilker launches ‘Tinder for cows’ using AI and breeding data
Waikato sharemilker Matthew Zonderop had no inkling that one day he would become a matchmaker for cows.
CRV Ambreed's highest ranked Jersey bull died this month. Pukeroa TGM Manzello produced 467 daughters in 173 herds in New Zealand alone. He died from a progressive illness.
Pukeroa TGM Manzello’s breeders, Alan and Vivian Lockwood-Geck, say “The thought of how many cows will not be inseminated by him over the next four to five years is a huge shame. He won’t be easy to replace in the short-term.”
Manzello in February 2013 hit the top of the RAS list. He has maintained a top spot on the list ever since, the company says.
Jersey New Zealand general manager Warwick Dowse says he was a star result from Jersey New Zealand and CRV Ambreed’s joint venture JerseyGenes.
“He will make a significant impact in New Zealand and abroad with sons coming into AI and daughters becoming the next generation of brood cows,” says Dowse.
In his first three years as a proven bull, CRV Ambreed sold 250,000 doses, which CRV Global grazing product manager Peter van Elzakker says is extraordinary for a Jersey sire. He has also been sold in Australia, USA, South Africa, UK, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Chile, Columbia and Argentina.
“Manzello was frequently selected by farmers to improve the overall productivity, longevity and fertility of their herds. His daughters are well-liked and demonstrate good conformation and great shed traits,” said van Elzakker.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.