Publish date: 10.01.25
Industry popular trends, genetics, or tools may not always align with what is best for your herd. That’s why we’ve directed our efforts to develop a diverse range of balanced genetics that yield profitable, healthy cows built for the long haul, giving you the freedom to prioritize the traits that matter most to you. Additionally, we’ve created tools and programs specifically designed to help producers capitalize on genetic progress.
But don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from dairy producers who are increasing profits, boosting efficiency, and advancing sustainability through their partnership with ABS.
MÁRCIO RIBEIRO, PARAÍSO FARM, GUARAÍTA (GO)
Márcio is a former banker who was unsatisfied with the income from his profession, so he decided to enter livestock farming—a lifelong dream for him. In 1997, he purchased the farm and began raising beef cattle, focusing on the Nelore breed. Four years later, seeking greater profitability, he started transitioning to dairy farming. He began with crossbred cattle, but 16 years ago, the herd became 100% Holstein.
Márcio said, “I always dreamed of owning a farm. We bought the farm to raise beef cattle and gradually grew to love the activity. Seeking higher returns, we moved into dairying. We gradually sold off the beef herd, acquired crossbred cattle, and later switched to Holsteins. Today, our herd is 100% Holstein.”
Genetic Progress Leads to Profit
At the beginning, production was around 20 liters of milk per day. Currently, there are 420 lactating cows, producing an average of 43 liters per cow, totaling more than 17,000 liters of milk per day. The goal for the herd is to have 600 lactating cows by the end of 2026.
For the past six years, Márcio has worked exclusively with ABS. In the beginning, he used to work with two or three different companies. Because of the quality of technical support they were receiving from ABS, they felt like the exclusive partnership could really help the farm profit from genetic progress.
Genetic Portfolio
- Prioritize solids, productive life, and yield
- Cull animals that do not meet requirements
- Breed and raise all replacement females on farm
- No animal purchases
“After working with ABS, we have significantly improved animal conformation, productivity, and reproduction. We used to have many problems with udders and feet, for example, and we solved those 100%. We went from an average of 28 liters of milk per cow to 43 liters. Our conception rate used to be around 28%, and now it is over 40%.”
Whenever the ABS team visits, Márcio feels that discussing what needs improvement is discussed, and that guides their work. GENEAdvance, with genomic testing and customized indexes, has been very valuable. They rely on the data provided by those tools not only from a selection and culling perspective but also when they sell their genetics. So, the combination of all the tools and resources provided by ABS has contributed significantly to their progress. The decision to work exclusively with ABS has been a real turning point for them, with a substantial gain.
With the support of the ABS team, Márcio has been able to achieve a lifelong dream and profit from genetic progress!
A VIRGINIA DAIRY
A dairy out of Virginia is truly profiting from genetic progress through a partnership with ABS. Since 2022, this dairy has been a GENEadvance herd, working closely with their ABS Genetic Advisor, Sarah Morton, who has helped them develop their genetic breeding strategy and incorporate the use of sexed semen to create heifers.
About the Herd
- Milking 1500 Holstein cows
- 3 times per day on a rotary parlor
- Raise all their heifers at home
- Implementing a sexed and beef breeding strategy
The farm, with support from ABS, took an aggressive approach to using genomic testing on the female and male breeding strategy, to create the right replacements by testing a large group of females for immediate impact on breeding decisions. Since 2022, they have continued testing heifers born on the farm and now have over 80% of the whole herd tested.
To maximize their genomic results, emphasize female and male selection, and drive genetic progress, they utilized a Custom Index to tailor both selection indexes to their goal of creating productive and healthy cows that keep conformation in check. Sarah has provided them with genetic and reproductive progress reports while continuing to monitor for any changes that ensure their continual success. Today, they use their reports to handpick the best females from the entire herd rather than blanket selection of heifers versus 1st lactation cows to decide who gets sexed semen. There are some 3rd and 4th-lactation animals that are still considered above the threshold to get sexed semen because of their high genetic quality!
Creating Profitable, Healthy Cows with GENEadvance
On a recent farm visit, we asked one of the owners how GENEadvance has impacted their dairy. He indicated that he has been impressed with the genetic progress they’ve made and has seen the first lactation animals really take off in production and reproductive performance.
“I know for a fact that ABS is putting in the genetics and making the mating decisions that will make us more profitable, healthy cows. It’s now my job to make sure the environment allows the genetics to thrive and truly express their full potential in these females.” – A quote from the owner
Turning Genetic Progress into Profit
Since starting genomic testing, the dairy has experienced an average Custom Index gain of 385 points for a profit gain of almost $700/female, using the current milk market. In conjunction with the genetic gain, the farm has capitalized on the success of Beef InFocus with the InFocus Connect program in the current beef-on-dairy market, all while maximizing genetic progress.
Through GENEadvance, Sexcel, Beef InFocus, Custom Index, and most importantly, their partnership with ABS, this Virginia herd is profiting from genetic progress!
For ABS, it’s not solely about the genetics. It’s about developing a strategic plan focused on your long-term profitability, sustainability, and success, and being there with you every step of the way.
We offer tools like GENEadvance, Sexcel, and Beef InFocus to support our customers. We challenge the industry when necessary to serve our customers’ best interests. We guide our customers as genetic experts to help them profit from genetic progress.
Want to capitalize on genetic progress for your dairy? Reach out to your ABS Genetic Advisor or complete the form below.
