07/12/2006, Selecting genetics suitable to NZ conditions.
Trui 505 & Trui 508 (v. Jorryn)
Eig.: Dhr. A.N. Ruyter, Spanbroek
This was the task that Mr Cees van Baar, General Manager of Samen NZ, set out to do during a recent trip to Europe. With soaring temperatures over 35 C Cees said it made it feel more like he was selecting genetics for a tropical destination. Never the less it was ideal conditions to find cows that will stand the New Zealand summer conditions.
The tour started in The Netherlands at K.I. Samen headquarters in the south of Holland. Two large new stables had just been erected to house the growing number of bulls needed for the fastest growing genetics company in the Netherlands. Bulls have an area of 52 sqm, comprising of a feeding area, straw bedding and a sandpit playing area for them. This is a strong contrast to the single tie stalls used in the old facilities. The stable’s design is a first in Holland and built to the example of similar housing used by Cogent in the UK. At a cost of 25.000 Euro per bull, these kinds of facilities do not come cheap. However it is expected to increase semen production and quality between 10 and 30 % per bull due to healthier and happier bulls.
Next on the agenda was the “All Holland” dairy show, a bi-annual two days event held in Utrecht. Eleven thousand dairy farmers visited this display of Holland’s best dairy cows.
At this show K.I. Samen displayed a daughter group of Red factor Holstein sire “Lightning” and the current number one bull in Holland; “Skalsumer Jorryn”. Both groups were very well received, with Jorryn confirming his suitability for New Zealand conditions. His daughters were praised for the very good quality of the legs and feet and particular the ease and mobility of these animals. The udders were very good although a little shorter in the fore udders. A uniform group of predominantly black and smaller stature Jorryn daughters left a good impression with the commercial dairyman and the few Kiwis’ present at the show.
The Jura region in the East of France was the next stop for Cees to witness the Montbeliarde cows in their natural environment. Temperatures of 37 C at 500-1000 m above sea level make for a hardy and vigorous breed of cattle. The main diet for the Montbeliarde cows comes from pastures which are very similar to NZ on the rolling and flat country. Poorer pastures with more roughage are found on the steeper hillsides and high country farms.
Cees was pleasantly surprised with the amount of milk these cows could produce from their very sober diets. “The heat didn’t seem to bother them either and cows were happily grazing in temperatures where the average Holstein would seek for the shade”, he comments.
“And produce they did”, on one farm I visited, the 98 cows produced an average production of 8909 litres with 4.23% fat and 3.52% protein (690 kg/ms)”. The animals also have a great ability to produce a calf every year due to a similar seasonal calving system as in New Zealand.
Along the way was a brief visit to a Comte Cheese factory, which produces top quality cheese according to centuries old traditions. Here it was explained that farmers were not allowed to feed their cows more than 5 kg’s of grain during the winter housing period. Also to maintain the same flavour and consistency all year round, no maize or grass silage supplements can be feed.
Cees says judging by their hardness and good conformation combined with the ability to produce milk from clover grass and hay diets. He is convinced the Montbeliarde breed offers excellent opportunities for NZ crossbreeding programs.
Another good crossbreeding prospect was found when we travelled through Switzerland and a small part of Austria to the A.I. Co-operative in Memmingen, Germany. From here Samen NZ sources Brown Swiss genetics. After inspecting the bulls at the centre, we inspected many of their daughters on some 15 dairy farms. The animals were of a high quality and displayed good breed characteristics unlike some of the frailer USA and Italian genetics we saw. Generally a very strong type of cow with very good udders and absolutely the best feet and legs you can wish on your cows.
Most impressive were the daughters of the number one bull “Etvei”. Another outstanding performer is the bull Hunize, who already has daughters milking in NZ with very good results.
Any dairy farmers interested in these breeds or any other Samen NZ product’s should call Samen NZ toll free on 0800-220 232 for more information.
