The discovery of high immune response (HIR) and Semex’s release of Immunity+™ sires was a game-changer for the bovine industry. With a 25% heritability, Immunity+ sires can help improve a herd’s overall health and longevity.
Regardless of herd size or management style, Immunity+ sires are a valuable tool for breeding a healthy herd of profitable and efficient cows.
Based on the HIR technology developed by Dr. Bonnie Mallard and her colleagues at the University of Guelph, the research surrounding this technology spans decades. It shows that HIR cows have 19-30% lower disease incidence compared to herd averages. These cows also respond better to commercial vaccines and produce higher quality colostrum. As a result, they are more profitable by bringing in more revenue, lowering costs and wasting less of the dairyman’s time. And, most importantly, Immunity+ works.
“We’ve been excited to hear from dairymen real life examples of Immunity+ sired daughters being healthier than their herdmates,” says Jay Shannon, Semex Global Dairy Solutions Manager. “For example, recently a dairyman using bulls from several studs reported that a bug hit his dairy’s calf pen. Unfortunately, he lost 11% of the daughters from other sires, but none of his Immunity+ sired calves were lost.”
Joining the proven Immunity+ lineup following the August 2014 genetic evaluation are:
- 0200HO03753 MARBRI FACEBOOK... MAN-O-MAN x AIRRAID
- 0200HO02653 MISTY SPRINGS TRIBUTE... MAN-O-MAN x GOLDWYN
- 0200HO07432 REGANCREST INTIMATE... PLANET x SHOTTLE
- 0200HO02690 STANTONS EMPRESS... MAN-O-MAN x OUTSIDE
The following Genomax™ bulls are also designated Immunity+:
- 0200HO06631 MYSTIQUE ALSACE... MCCUTCHEN x GERARD
- 0200HO03994 MR FARNEAR MESMER... MOGUL x PLANET
- 0200HO06635 SNOWBIZ LIVEWIRE... MCCUTCHEN x SNOWMAN
For more information on Semex, Genetics for Life, Immunity+, Genomax sires or any of Semex’s brands visit: www.semex.com
