Friday, 08 April 2022 12:55

Breeding better cows faster

Written by  Staff Reporters
CRV’s new sexed semen lab in Waikato. CRV’s new sexed semen lab in Waikato.

CRV says it is now offering innovative sexed semen technology to New Zealand dairy farmers.

It is collaborating with US animal breeding science  company Genus IntelliGen Technologies and giving farmers access to high quality sexed semen to accelerate the genetic gains of    their herd. CRV recently officially opened its new sexed semen processing facility at its Bellevue production and logistics site in Waikato.

It is equipped with IntelliGen Technology, the only commercial laser-ablation semen sexing technology available in key global markets.

This cutting-edge technology has successfully inseminated millions of cattle around the world, CRV claims.

CRV managing director James Smallwood says IntelliGen Technology’s process for developing sexed bovine genetics is gentler on the sperm cells than traditional sexed semen processes.

“This cutting-edge technology does not subject semen cells to the high pressures, electric currents and shear forces that are used in the traditional sexed semen technology, which reduces stress on the cells as they are processed.

“The innovative technology we’ll be using at Bellevue means we can provide farmers with a high-quality sexed product to help them maximise their profitability and achieve genetic gains faster and in a more efficient way.”

The new facility will enable CRV to meet the growing demand from New Zealand farmers and overseas markets for its sexed semen, which has tripled since last season.

The rise in demand is a result of dairy farmers looking to accelerate their herds’ genetic gain and reduce bobby calf numbers, which is an increasingly important factor as they consider animal welfare.

Smallwood says dairy farmers need tailored genetic solutions to unlock the potential of their farm business and maximise profitability.

“We call it ‘precision breeding’.

“This approach means we are helping farmers select the right mix of sexed semen, conventional semen and dairy beef sires to breed better replacements, higher value dairy beef calves and reduce the number of bobby calves.

“We’ve seen demand for sexed straws continue to grow year on year. For herds with good fertility management, using sexed semen from the very best bulls on your best cows is the most effective and fastest way to get ahead.”

Sexed semen is available from a selection of CRV’s best New Zealand and imported bulls, including the company’s stars, such as Scotch, Koromiko and Nucleus. The bulls available are the company’s highest indexing bulls, recognising that farmers want quality replacements from their best cows.

“If farmers make the decision to use sexed semen, they’re actually committing to those genetics being in the herd for eight years, because they are unlikely to get a bobby calf.

“The resulting heifer calves will be the future of their herd. So, it makes sense to spend time selecting the right genetics.

“One of the benefits of our frozen sexed semen is that farmers get exactly the sire they order and can manage their mating allocation on the day.”

CRV’s new facility is EU certified which, for the first time, will allow the company to increase exports to the growing grass-fed genetics market in Europe with sexed semen.

“Fulfilling demand for sexed semen from New Zealand farmers will always be our priority,” says Smallwood.

“But the opportunity to export our genetics will help grow our business. That means we can keep investing in solving what matters for farmers by helping them breed healthier more efficient cows.”

More like this

Clear breeding goals

Over the last 13 years, Southland dairy farmers Caleb and Paula Hamill have worked hard to realise their dream of farm ownership.

From the boardroom to the cow shed

From being suited and booted in the glamorous world of advertising, to wearing red bands and overalls in cow sheds across the Waikato, Julia Baynes’ new role is the perfect meeting of two worlds.

Not the season for high empty rates

As farmers look ahead to mating in the wake of a downgraded forecast payout, CRV managing director James Smallwood says getting cows in calf will be fundamental.

Featured

Sheep drench resistance costly

Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

National

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as…

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand…

Machinery & Products

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Papal visit

OPINION: European farmers are going to extreme lengths to have their message heard.

Thai egg tarts

OPINION: The hustle and bustle of one of Bangkok's most popular fast food outlets may feel a world away from…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter