Ten years ago Semex released the best brand for health selection in dairy cattle genetics and now, we’re releasing the next generation of Immunity+ with August

genetic evaluations!

 

“We’ve taken Immunity and brought it to a whole new level, with a full proof and a unique approach, that makes it hands down the most effective means to make gains in animal health,� says Jay Shannon, Vice President Semex Solutions and Marketing.

 

Over the past 10 years dairymen worldwide have seen the real advantages of using Immunity+ sires. It is highly heritable, has a huge economic impact, provides for higher quality colostrum and daughters are shown to have 29% less disease.

 

Now, all Semex sires will receive an index for Immunity and Calf Immunity, making it even easier to make health selection. The �next generation’ of Immunity+ optimally combines Immune Response (Antibody Mediated Immune Response, Cell Mediated Immune Response and Nitric Oxide), as well as a composite of publicly available disease traits sourced from CDCB, Lactanet and Zoetis. This ensures resulting animals can both mount a strong overall immune response, but also be able to recognize the specific pathogens that cause the costliest diseases on dairies.

 

The index has a mean of 100, and a standard deviation of 5, with proofs generally ranging from 85-115. Immunity+ bulls will be designated as being superior transmitters of high immune response if they have an Immunity Index >= 105 and a Calf Immunity Index >= 100. Additionally, dairymen taking advantage of Semex’s Elevate® genomic testing program will receive two indexes on all tested females, Immunity Index and Calf Immunity Index. These replace the former H(high)-A(average)-L(low) letter codes that were published on tested females.

 

For additional information on Immunity+ and Semex please visit www.semex.com