Genex Prepares for Genomic Era
SHAWANO, Wis. - A new era is dawning as the January sire summaries and public release of genomic information nears. Genex Cooperative, Inc. is prepared for this industry-changing event with 36 Holstein sires ready for release into the active lineup due to outstanding genomic evaluations (genetic rankings derived from DNA analysis). Each of the 36 sires possessed a high Lifetime Net Merit ranking and/or is a specialist in individual traits. In addition to conventional semen, several will also have GenChoiceTM sexed semen available.
"The excitement of the January 2009 sire summaries will be like no other," Doug Wilson, Genex Chief Operating Officer, explains. "With the introduction of genomic evaluations, the elite sires that would have traditionally been proven and activated throughout the next three years will be released all at once this January."
Several of the new release sires were developed through the cooperative's GENESIS herd and therefore carry the "CO-OP" prefix. GENESIS, the only program of its kind in the United States, began as a pilot project in 1989 and since has expanded to a herd of top percentile cows and heifers. These females are tested in unbiased, neutral herds and are selectively mated to produce high genetic merit bull and heifer calves.
Initial genomic evaluations of GENESIS sires indicate the program is meeting its objective. According to unofficial genomic evaluations, GENESIS sires average $50 higher than their parent averages for Lifetime Net Merit. This increase over the parent average clearly demonstrates the program's success in producing high genetic merit sires.
"GENESIS is a highly developed, credible program," notes Wilson. "It is now in its ninth generation with the most elite cows and heifers, as indicated by genomics, being selectively mated. With confidence, we will continue to grow the program and rely heavily on it to produce top sires."
Whether sourced through GENESIS or traditional methods, the 36 new sires to be released with the January sire summaries will provide Genex members and customers with even more sources for improved herd genetics and increased farm profits.
Genex, one of the world's leading suppliers of cattle genetics, is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI). CRI, a member-owned holding cooperative, is comprised of three subsidiaries: Central Livestock Association, AgSource Cooperative Services and Genex. The CRI Mission Statement summarizes the goal of CRI: "To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative."
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