October 2014

DHI NEWSMichigan • Wisconsin • Indiana • Ohio

“Enhancing producer profitability through integrated services.”

Milk Pregnancy Test approved for use at 28 days postbreeding

Data from more than 1 million tests has created new ways to use and interpret the IDEXX

Milk Pregnancy Test. When research data from 28 to 35 days carried calf (DCC) was added to the initial dataset, sensitivity (98.7%) and specificity (94.4%) remained unchanged from the original claim, resulting in approval of the Milk Pregnancy Test to be used as early as 28 days postbreeding. This new testing window allows producers to capture the convenience of milk pregnancy testing for early pregnancy detection, as well confirmations. This is particularly important for herds that only vet check once a month, as they can now schedule their DHI test day between vet checks to reduce days open and average days in milk by detecting open cows up to two weeks sooner.

Now validated for use in goats! Recall that pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAG), detected by the test, are secreted by the placenta of a number of ruminants. The sensitivity and specificity of the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test in goats after 28 days post breeding are 94.9% and 100.0%, respectively. This presents a tremendous opportunity for dairy goat producers seeking early, non-invasive and convenient alternatives to ultrasound. As with dairy cattle, testing programs can be easily adapted to DHI test days, or conducted via direct submission of samples to the laboratory.

Quantitative test results allow for better interpretation! Two years of commercial testing results have shown that when using the Milk Pregnancy Test late in lactation (after 180 DCC), that cows with low PAG levels (between 0.25 and 0.50), should be rechecked prior to drying off.

MILK

TESTPREGNANCY

“We have been using milk samples to test for Johne’s at dry-off. A year ago, we added the IDEXX Milk Pregnancy Test. Testing at dry-off saves us a couple of hours a week in labor and is very accurate and easy to implement.” ~ Joe Meyer, Badger Holsteins, Unity, Wisconsin

Learn more: www.northstarcooperative.com or call 800.631.3510.

Why? Of the 14,000 tests conducted by NorthStar DHI on cows >180 DCC, the average PAG ELISA value was 2.74, while only 73 cows (0.5%) had PAG ELISA values between 0.25 and 0.50. So, when milk PAG levels should be at their highest levels, low-positive test results should raise suspicions about the viability of the pregnancy. First made available in October 2012 by NorthStar Cooperative, the utility of the Milk Pregnancy Test keeps growing with new claims and applications. In addition, experience and information continues to improve interpretation of Milk Pregnancy Test results as more and more producers recognize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the test on their operations. To learn more about how to incorporate the Milk Pregnancy Test into your reproduction program, talk to your veterinarian and NorthStar Specialist.

Depend on accuracy that is similar to palpation and ultrasound.

NorthStar Cooperative: 1.800.631.3510 • Michigan ULS Lab: 1.800.836.8114 • Wisconsin Lab: 1.800.436.9344 • northstarcooperative.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorthStar Cooperative.You Tube: www.youtube.com/user/northstarcoop

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/northstar-cooperative-inc

DID YOUKNOW ? PCDART can keep track

of the bulls you use along with the number of straws

purchased through the semen inventory option! Start by opening the Input Desk and select Bull File Functions, select the Semen Inventory Option tab, and then select “Put herd on Semen Inventory.” Add bulls to the Semen Inventory by putting in their Registration number or NAAB

Easily Manage Semen Inventory in PCDART

Set of 5 Set of 15 Set of 55 Gallons Gallons Gallons

UDDERgold $18 Semen $45 Semen $80 Semen5-Star credit credit credit AzTEC GoLD $14 Semen $31 Semen $70 Semen credit credit credit 4XLA $10 Semen $17 Semen $60 Semen credit credit credit

BUY4XLA

AZTECGOLD

GETFREE

SEMENUDDERGOLD5-STAR

USING 21ST CENTURY TooLSUnlike culture, DNA TESTING provides:

Speed Identifies all organisms in as little as 24 hours.Improved Detection Superior sensitivity, detects dead & dying organisms that yield ‘no growth.’

MASTITISDETECTIoN

Must buy 5 at one time to get free product. Offer effective Sept. 1 thru Oct. 31, 2014

Specialbuy 5, get 1

FREE!Mycotoxin exposure may

be the cause.A cow’s immune system may be able to combat the debilitating effects for months before the symptoms become obvious, so feed testing is critical. Ask your NorthStar professional for information about testing & strategies to deal with mycotoxin exposure.

Another costly DA? KILLING PARASITES

PAYS.//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////With IVOMEC® EPRINEX® (eprinomectin), you can control parasites to help:

• Positively impact the immune system• Support appetite and increase feed intake• Increase milk production• Improve conception rates

Test Days/ Results Price Pregnancy 1 $4.50Contagious 3 Mastitis 2 $27.00Complete 16 Mastitis 3 $35.00Leukosis 5 $6.00 Bulk Tank 5 $10.00

Milk Diagnostic tests

BVD 5 $6.00 Pooled (250:1) 10 – 20 $40.00Johne’s 5 $6.00 Bulk Tank 10 $40.00Neospora 5 $6.00 Bulk Tank 5 $10.00

Test Days/ Results Price

Ask for any of these options on your DHI test day!

code in the Bull ID field, name in the name field, as well as the number of units and the cost per unit. Once you have all of the data entered you can run standard report 109, to see a list of all the sires, number of units, current value, total value and canister number. Learn more about how to use this feature by viewing the tutorial on NorthStar’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/NorthStarCoop.

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