There are 2.84 million dairy heifers expected to calve in the next year. Divide this inventory by 9.38 million total milking cows and you’ll see that we have enough heifers to cull 30.3 percent of cows this year. Current culling rates average around 37 percent. To maintain herd size and production yields, we’ll need older cows to last a little longer. Select Sires’ focus on longevity and development of tools like Herd Health Profit Dollars™ (HHP$™) has been anticipating this need for reduced culling. First created for Holstein sire development, HHP$ is now customized for Jersey breeders.
With a focus on health and longevity traits, the Jersey HHP$ index takes into account breed differences and market goals. For Jerseys, it is designed to boost protein yields while maintaining high fertility. While the Holstein version moderates body size, the Jersey version does not include emphasis on feed saved, residual feed intake or reduced body size. Similar to the Holstein HHP$, Jersey HHP$ places high emphasis on mastitis resistance. Mastitis continues to be very costly for dairy farmers and is also a leading reason for culling. It is important to make sure herd replacements are engineered to be mastitis resistant and trouble-free to remain in the herd longer and ultimately, achieve the greatest return on investment.
HOW IS HHP$ CUSTOMIZED FOR THE JERSEY BREED?
HOW DOES HHP$ COMPARE TO OTHER INDUSTRY INDEXES?
“Jersey breeders are eager to effectively incorporate health and wellness into their sire selection strategy. HHP$ answers that call. It is built to focus on lifetime profitability by honing in on mastitis, fertility, type and udders while maintaining the high components that the Jersey cow is known for,” says Herby Lutz, Jersey sire analyst.
Looking for the best HHP$ Jerseys in the industry, simply sort for HHP$ in the Advanced Sire Search.