A Lifetime in the Pedigree and AI Industries
Fred Williams (Farmer and Chairman of Semen World Ltd), Marion Challenor (Managing Director, Semen World Ltd)
After nearly 50 years in the dairy industry, Fred's 400 strong Twilight herd is now managed by his son Graham. Fred was the first private breeder to market semen from his own bulls and his Semen World company has long been a major AI industry player. He recalls his time in both these fields and wonders whether the experiences of the past can help breeders build a prosperous future. His daughter Marion will conclude the talk.
1953-2003: Then, Now and maybe a Tomorrow
David Fattorini (Farmer, Skewkirk Hall, Yorkshire)
A cursory review of our Breeders Club in 1953 and its relationship with the cattle breeding industry, its sciences and technology; again reviewing the same in 2003 and discerning some ideas for the future.
Dairying at Paradise Valley Farms Inc.
Nevin L'Amoreaux (Herdsman/Dairy Farmer, Paradise Herd, Ohio, USA)
Paradise Valley Farms Inc. is a third generation family farm that milks 400 registered Holsteins in the seasonal climate of north-east Ohio. The current rolling herd average is 29,500lb milk with over 1,000 lb fat. This herd is best known for the Bell Sears family and A.I. bulls such as Roebuck, Mathie, Sailor and others.
Selection for Durable Performance in Dairy Cattle
Arnold Harbers (Geneticist, CR Delta, NRS Division, Netherlands)
The main objective in dairy cattle breeding is the selection for lifetime profit. The key issues to be taken into account are milk yield, longevity, and fewer incidences of health problems. This paper presents a selection instrument to breed for durable performance.
Extending the Lifespans in Cattle Breeding
Tim Harding (Dairy Farmer, Higher Farm, Dorset)
Having introduced the concept of Total Overall Performance Ranking at the 2002 conference, this paper will explore the next stages of research (discussed by HUK to universal approval) e.g. the changing in the weightings of classification to correct shortcomings in the breeds, putting greater emphasis on chest width, rump structure and legs/feet which effect fertility, locomotion and lifespan.
Milk from 20 Euro cents - is it possible?
Stuart Ward (Managing Partner, Koesling Anderson mbH, Dahlenwarsleben, Germany)
With experience in providing technical and economic advice to approximately 80 dairy businesses totalling over 30,000 cows in Eastern Germany, the speaker is convinced that milk for profit, above all other criteria, is the reason for their success. He is also able to draw on his experience of advising dairy businesses outside the EU15 in central Europe.
Exports of UK Bovine Genetics - Why Now?
Andrew Taylor MRCVS (Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Genus Breeding Ltd)
For many years, the export of bovine genetics from the UK has been severely restricted by BSE, compounded by the 2001 outbreak of FMD. This paper will discuss the current disease situation in the UK, explain why we now have a golden opportunity to re-open export markets but also warn of possible future threats.
