US dairy farmer Tom Oesch, from Swiss Lane Farms, Michigan, is milking 2,200 Holsteins, all of which are genomically tested using Clarifide Plus.
Launched earlier this year in the UK, Clarifide Plus is the first available dairy genetic evaluation specifically designed for, not only production traits, but also cow and calf wellness traits in Holstein and Jersey cattle.
Swiss Lane Farms have been genomic testing heifers for several years using Clarifide Plus. By selecting heifers with high rankings for Net Merit $ and Dairy Wellness Traits, Oesch said he has seen a positive impact on production as well as the health of the herd.
Dates and locations:
Tuesday, August 20, 12-2.45pm – Tortworth Court, Tortworth, Wooton-under-Edge GL12 8HH
Wednesday, August 21, 12-2.45pm - Grosvenor Pulford Hotel, Wrexham Road, Pulford, Chester CH4 9DG
Thursday, August 22, 12-2.45pm - The Auctioneer, Rosehill Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 2RW
Zoetis vet Dr Dave Armstrong will talk about how testing with Clarifide Plus can be used by farmers to select heifers based on their ability to fulfil their potential and produce a profitable herd, while reducing their risk for developing mastitis, lameness, metritis, retained placenta’s, displaced abomasum’s and ketosis.
Armstrong said, “Clarifide Plus includes a Dairy Wellness Profit Index (DWP), which incorporates production, reproduction, health, type and wellness making it ideal to base your cow selections on. You can use the wellness trait predictions within Clarifide Plus to effectively predict future health performance.”
Farmers wishing to attend can register by emailing clarifideenquiries@zoetis.com – the deadline is August 16.