Presentations:
Mechanisms of Inbreeding Depression and Heterosis for Profitable Dairying (pdf)
– Bennet Cassell, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
Impact of an Old Technology on Profitable Dairying in the 21st Century (pdf)
– Brad Heins, University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Experience with Crossbreeding–From Headaches to Happiness (pdf)
– Kevin Prins, Dairy Producer, Modesto, CA
Genetic Evaluation Using Combined Data from All Breeds and Crossbred Cows (pdf)
– Paul VanRaden, USDA, Beltsville, MD
Crossbreeding–An Important Part of Sustainable Breeding in Dairy Cattle and Possibilities for Implementation (pdf)
– Morten Kargo Sørensen, Danish Agricultural Institute, Foulum, and Danish Cattle Federation, Aarhus |
Speakers:
Dr. Bennet Cassell was raised on a SW Virginia farm unique from today’s commercial agriculture – 18 dairy cows, a 60-head cow-calf beef operation, and 90 commercial ewes. Most were crossbred to some degree. Dr. Cassell obtained BS and MS degrees from Virginia Tech, and a PhD in Animal Breeding from North Carolina State. He has been Extension Dairy Scientist-Genetics and Management at Virginia Tech since 1982. In 2002, Dr. Cassell implemented a joint Virginia Tech/U of Kentucky/North Carolina State crossbreeding project utilizing pure Holsteins and Jerseys, and reciprocal crosses of the two breeds.
Mr. Brad Heins, a native of Lake City, MN, received his MS in dairy cattle genetics from the U of Minnesota, and is working on a PhD with Dr. Les Hansen. Mr. Heins is researching the effects of crossbreeding on production, fertility, and longevity using data from 7 California dairies. He is also studying the effects of crossbreeding in U of Minnesota herds.
Mr. Kevin Prins operates a 560-cow dairy near Modesto, CA. Cows are grazed on 130 acres for 7 months and are confinement fed the remainder of the year. The Prins have been crossbreeding their cows for 7 years. Their dairy currently has a replacement heifer for every cow in the herd. Kevin indicates crossbreeding has resulted in them having "cows coming out of our ears".
Dr. Paul VanRaden grew up on an Illinois dairy and became interested in genetics while working as a DHI supervisor. He completed a BS at the U of Illinois and a PhD at Iowa State. Dr. VanRaden joined USDA’s Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory at Beltsville, MD, in 1988. He introduced genetic evaluations for Productive Life and Daughter Pregnancy Rate, and has combined all available traits into the Net Merit index published since 1994. He currently conducts research on international evaluations, genetic markers, inbreeding, and cross-breeding.
Dr. Morten Kargo Sørensen grew up on a dairy farm in SW Denmark and completed an MS at the Danish Agricultural University in 1992. He worked as a dairy breeding adviser for 3 years before returning for a PhD. Dr. Sørensen is jointly employed by the Danish Agricultural Institute, Foulum, and the Danish Cattle Federation, Aarhus. His research emphasizes inbreeding, cross-breeding, and sustainable breeding goals for dairy cattle, and he works closely with the dairy breeding industry in Denmark and throughout Europe. His efforts are focused on implementing optimum crossbreeding systems for Danish dairy producers. |
2007 Event Organizers:
Dr. Les Hansen
Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Dr. Dennis Johnson
Professor
West Central Research and Outreach Center
Morris, MN
Mr. Jim Dickrell
Editor
Dairy Today
Dr. Dana Allen
Dairy Producer
Eyota, MN
Mr. Joe Molitor
Dairy Producer
St. Cloud, MN |
