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Delta’s Legacy: The Bull That Changed Dairy Farming Forever

Uncover Mr. Mogul Delta’s groundbreaking impact on the global dairy industry through his unparalleled genetics and advanced technologies. What was it about this bull that reshaped dairy farming around the world? Continue reading to explore.

Mr. Mogul Delta, a bull whose distinct genetic makeup, a perfect blend of the best traits from his parents, has made a lasting impression on dairy cattle breeding worldwide. Delta’s well-balanced genetics and his pioneering role in advancing sexed semen technology have set new standards for producers. Delta was not just a bull but a creator and pioneer, serving as a flagship bull for years.  Let’s explore Delta’s journey to genetic prominence, his role in integrating sexed semen into conventional breeding, and the developments that have sprung from his progeny. 

The Perfect Union: Harnessing the Best of Delicious and Mogul

Two icons in the dairy breeding world, Delicious and Mogul, had an extraordinary mating that was not a mere coincidence but a deliberate strategy to produce Delta. Delicious, outstanding, yet lacking in several aspects, combined with Mogul. Famous for his robust health and exceptional type, Mogul countered Delicious’s shortcomings. Delta resulted from the deliberate matching meant to maximize and balance the genetic qualities of both parents. His genetic profile showed a perfect mix of both parents, which gave him competitiveness and balance. Delta thus had a significant influence on the dairy sector when he first entered it.

Robust daughter Miss OCD Delicious VG-87, with roots in Windsor-Manor Zip EX-95, was ahead of her time regarding health and fitness. Among Delicious’s many successful progeny was MS Delicious Nightout VG-85, whose clones provided several sires for AI studs. Notable among her top-classified daughters at Wet Holsteins are MS Delicious Mojo EX-90 and MS Delicious 73358 EX-90, a Mogul daughter. These grandchildren serve as a testament to Delicious’s extraordinary breeding ability, securing her dairy business legacy.

Delta’s father, Mogul, has considerably changed the Holstein breed. Following giants like Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation and Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief, Mogul ranked sixth on the list of significant foundation sires in the US Holstein breed, earning 9.97% impact. Renowned for fantastic udders, low height, and excellent productivity. Former Select Sires consultant Charlie Will called Mogul “the new Elevation.”

Delta’s Meteoric Rise in the Dairy Industry 

Delta’s entry into the dairy sector was nothing short of transformative. He immediately showcased his genetic brilliance by ranking first for net merit and Total Performance Index (TPI). Breeders worldwide hold him in high regard for his unique mix of traits, which he consistently delivered. Delta’s profile combined outstanding type qualities, robust health, and excellent productivity, inspiring a new wave of excellence in the industry.

Delta is a unique bull, embodying well-rounded qualities that set high standards in the dairy industry. He consistently produced yields that met contemporary dairy criteria, making him a reliable option for sustainable farming. His health qualities, including longevity and disease resistance, further solidified his leadership. Delta’s type features, such as solid feet and legs and well-attached udders, enhanced his appeal and motivated others to strive for excellence.

Delta’s Role in Pioneering Gender-Sorted Semen: A Technological Breakthrough 

Delta’s introduction as one of the first bulls with gender-sorted semen revolutionized the dairy sector. Gender-sorted semen changed this landscape, significantly increasing the likelihood of female offspring—a significant boon for dairy businesses aiming to maximize milk output and herd control. As we know, this changed the future of dairy farming, leading to worldwide Beef on Dairy programs. These programs, which involve breeding dairy cows with beef bulls to produce calves for the beef market, have significantly increased dairy farmers’ profitability.

Given the industry’s devotion to tradition, this invention faced resistance. However, Delta was the ideal ambassador for this new technique because of his remarkable genetic profile: robust health features, essential production, and storage type attributes. Delta provided the comfort breeders needed to welcome gender-sorted semen.

Delta changed industry attitudes, not just with outstanding statistics. His constant output of viable semen-producing, dependable, high-quality female progeny eliminated questions about the dependability and effectiveness of the method. This increased Delta’s appeal as well as helped to open the path for further acceptance of gender-sorted semen.

Delta was essentially a significant player in demonstrating its worth, not just a recipient of gender-sorted semen. His general popularity and outstanding performance records underlined the valuable advantages of this invention, thereby motivating other studs to use these advanced breeding techniques. Delta’s part in this technical change highlighted his importance as a productive sire and driver of improving dairy industry operations.

Delta’s Resilience: Overcoming EHD and Geographical Limitations 

Delta’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Contracting EHD as a young calf in Quincy, Illinois, restricted his semen distribution in major markets like Europe, Russia, and China, potentially limiting his impact.   Still, Delta’s unique DNA helped him to go above these limitations. Crucially, his capacity to generate high-quality semen—even if it was sexed female semen—was vital. Delta’s fertility and genetic qualities maintained demand strong even if just 50% of sexed semen could be marketed as female; this resulted in over 700,000 doses sold. ST Genetics’ approach helped Delta keep a significant foothold in the dairy sector, proving that great genes can overcome considerable challenges and leaving the audience in awe of his resilience.

An Endorsement in Every Corner: Dairy Producers Celebrate Delta’s Progeny 

Delta has a fantastic worldwide influence. His legacy echoes many dairy farms from North America to South America, and his qualities have significantly impacted the dairy.

Dairy farmers all across praise Delta’s progeny for consistency and fertility. With over a hundred milking Delta daughters, Glenn Mormann of San-Dan Holsteins says, “The most excellent thing about the Deltas is that they are problem-free. Strong cows with lovely bodies, not too tall, and with excellent legs and feet abound here.

Many dairy producers agree, stressing Delta’s daughters’ consistency and outstanding udders. “Delta’s daughters are reliable and balanced,” one farmer said, “a rare find.”

Beyond appearances, Delta’s children’s fecundity is also well regarded. “Delta’s semen quality is exceptional, so breeding seasons are more predictable and productive,” one producer stated.

Delta’s continuing relevance emphasizes its remarkable dependability and stability even with many base alterations. In the dairy industry, base alterations refer to changes in the genetic evaluation system, which can lead to significant rating changes for bulls. However, Delta has maintained his high standing over several genetic examinations, demonstrating his stability and reliability. This is a lighthouse of confidence for breeders who boldly make genetic investments.

Delta’s broad impact and acceptability on the international scene confirm his reputation as a transforming agent in contemporary dairy breeding. His combination of innovative technologies and constant genetic perfection guarantees his influence will be felt in the sector for years.

Delta’s Genetic Influence Continues to Permeate the Dairy Industry Through Successive Generations 

Delta’s genetic impact in the dairy sector will remain substantial over the next generations. His daughters are much sought after in commercial and breeding environments for their outstanding udders, moderate frames, and robust health features. These qualities improve their output and provide an excellent benchmark for future generations.

Delta’s legacy is further strengthened by his sons, who show exceptional type and manufacturing quality—Delta-Lambda, for example. Many stud catalogs highlight Delta-Lambda, which also continues to produce outstanding progeny, thereby increasing Delta’s influence on the breed.

Delta’s great-grandsons and grandsons have his revered traits, which helps to explain their unusual pedigrees. These descendants guarantee Delta’s balance of excellent productivity, health, and type characteristics, therefore assuring his genetic contributions remain relevant in contemporary breeding schemes. The great-granddaughters also show the tremendous constancy and dependability that define Delta’s family.

Delta’s capacity to pass desired features across generations finally emphasizes his enormous impact on dairy cow breeding. His legacy lives via his immediate progeny, which benefits from the genetic basis he created, underscoring the worldwide relevance of his efforts to the dairy business. 

Accolades and Achievements

  • Ranked among the top charts for TPI and net merit upon debut.
  • One of the first bulls to be released with gender-sorted semen, significantly influencing industry practices.
  • Consistently produced high-quality semen with high fertility rates, earning exceptional breeder satisfaction.
  • He accumulated a TPI of 2692, based on 25,329 milking daughters, making him Mountfield Mogul’s second-highest son.
  • Maintained a stable TPI ranking close to his debut score of 2709 gTPI, marking a long and sustained impact in the industry.
  • He became the world’s number one proven TPI bull during his career.
  • He achieved significant success in multiple countries, contributing to the global dairy industry with high milk production and outstanding physical traits in his progeny.
  • Remarkably high total production with over 700,000 doses of sexed semen sold, even in the presence of geographical and health-related restrictions.
  • He produced numerous elite daughters, leading to multiple successful sons and grandsons, extending his genetic influence.
  • It is recognized for exceptional consistency in transmitting desirable traits such as balanced proportions, moderate frame size, and high-quality udders.

The Bottom Line

It is indisputable that Delta has helped shape the dairy sector. His genetic perfection and innovative utilization of gender-sorted semen have changed contemporary dairy breeding. Delta’s diverse heritage has significantly affected dairy operations, from outstanding TPI rankings to consistently high-performance offspring. Despite geographic and health-related obstacles, Delta’s strong genetic impact endures via his many sons and daughters. Delta’s narrative emphasizes the potential of modern genetics and technologies in the dairy sector. We must keep stretching the envelope of genetic science and technology to guarantee a bright future for dairy producers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Delta, born from the union of Delicious and Mogul, emerged as a top-ranking, well-balanced bull, excelling in production, health, and type traits.
  • He was among the first bulls introduced with gender-sorted semen, overcoming initial industry skepticism and proving the technology’s efficacy.
  • Despite geographical limitations due to an EHD infection, Delta’s semen sales reached impressive numbers, particularly in North and South America.
  • Dairy producers worldwide praised Delta’s progeny for their uniformity, robustness, and problem-free characteristics, making him a valuable asset in various breeding programs.
  • Delta’s genetic legacy continues through his successful sons and grandsons, notably Delta Lambda, influencing the industry through successive generations.
  • Accolades for Delta include ranking as a top TPI bull and maintaining stability in his performance metrics over his career.
  • Despite not surpassing the ‘millionaire’ mark in conventional semen units sold, Delta’s overall impact and significance in the AI industry remain unparalleled.

Summary:

Mr. Mogul Delta, a bull with a unique genetic heritage, has significantly impacted dairy cattle breeding worldwide. His well-balanced genetics and pioneering role in advancing sexed semen technology have set new standards for producers. Delta’s daughter, Miss OCD Delicious VG-87, was ahead of her time in health and fitness, and her top-classified daughters at Wet Holsteins are MS Delicious Mojo EX-90 and MS Delicious 73358 EX-90, a Mogul daughter. Delta’s father, Mogul, has significantly changed the Holstein breed, ranking sixth on the list of significant foundation sires in the US Holstein breed. His unique mix of traits, including fantastic udders, low height, and excellent productivity, has made him a highly respected breeder. Delta’s introduction as one of the first bulls with gender-sorted semen revolutionized the dairy sector, increasing the likelihood of female offspring. His remarkable genetic profile, including robust health features, essential production, and storage type attributes, has opened the path for further acceptance of gender-sorted semen. Delta’s daughters are sought after for their outstanding udders, moderate frames, and robust health features, providing an excellent benchmark for future generations.

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How Montbéliarde and Viking Red Crossbreds Stack Up Against Holsteins in High-Performance Herds

Explore the advantages of Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds over Holsteins in dairy production. Could crossbreeding be the secret to elevating your herd’s performance?

Ever wonder what makes one breed of dairy cow stand out more in milk production? In commercial dairies, understanding the lactation curves of different breeds can be crucial. This post focuses on Montbéliarde × Holstein and Viking Red × Holstein crossbred cows, comparing them to pure Holsteins. We analyze data from seven high-performance herds to see which crossbreds perform better. 

Comparing these crossbreds to Holsteins isn’t just academic—it’s vital for dairy farmers aiming to boost productivity. Montbéliarde crossbreds are known for their muscular build and high fat and protein yields. At the same time, Viking Reds are praised for their health and fertility. By examining these traits, we offer insights for better herd management

We will analyze the lactation curves of Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds vs. Holsteins across multiple lactation periods. Key metrics like 305-day production, peak production, and milk, fat, and protein yield persistency will be explored. Our findings could reveal significant advantages of crossbred cows over Holsteins, reshaping dairy farming strategies.

Introduction to Dairy Crossbreeding: Montbéliarde and Viking Red vs. Holstein

Diving into dairy crossbreeding involves understanding specific breeds. The Montbéliarde and Viking Red cattle are critical players in this field, each offering unique strengths when crossed with Holsteins. 

Overview of Montbéliarde Cattle Breed  

Montbéliarde cattle, originating in France, are known for their robust health and longevity in dairy operations. Their red pied coat, strong legs, and excellent udder quality are distinctive. They were developed from local breeds and Simmental cattle in the late 19th century. 

Advantages of Using Montbéliarde: These cattle have a more significant body condition, shorter stature, and less body depth during early lactation than pure Holsteins. They excel in fertility, leading to higher conception rates and producing more live calves. Their udder conformation supports better milk production with lower somatic cell counts. 

Overview of Viking Red Crossbreds  

Viking Red cattle are valued for adaptability, robust health, high fertility rates, and efficient milk production. With a medium frame and red coat, they have strong udders suitable for high-performance dairies. This breed results from breeding programs in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. 

Viking Red crossbreds return to peak production faster after calving and show more excellent persistency in milk production across lactations. They have superior fertility and conception rates, enhancing reproductive efficiency and profitability. While they may produce slightly less fluid milk than pure Holsteins, they often yield higher fat. 

Comparison of Montbéliarde and Viking Red Crossbreds to Holsteins

CharacteristicMontbéliarde × Holstein (MO × HO)Viking Red × Holstein (VR × HO)Holstein (HO)
Average Milk YieldSimilar to HOLess than HOHigher
Fat ContentHigherHigherLower
Protein ContentHigherHigherLower
Milk PersistencyHigherSimilarLower
Health and FertilityBetterBetterPoorer
Feed EfficiencyHigherHigherLower
Overall ProfitabilityHigherHigherLower
Body ConditionGreaterGreaterLesser
Reproduction RatesHigherHigherLower
Calving EaseBetterBetterLower

Analyzing Lactation Performance and Milk Yield 

Lactation Curve CharacteristicsMO × HO 2-Breed CrossbredsVR × HO 2-Breed CrossbredsHO Herdmates
305-d Production (kg)Not differentLess fluid milkStandard
Peak Production (kg)SimilarLowerStandard
Peak Day of ProductionSimilarEarlierStandard
Persistency of ProductionHigherSimilarLower
4 to 103 DIM (kg)SimilarLess fluid milkStandard
104 to 205 DIM (kg)HigherLess fluid milkStandard
206 to 305 DIM (kg)HigherLess fluid milkStandard
Fat Production (kg)Higher (2nd & 3rd lactations)Higher (2nd & 3rd lactations)Standard
Protein Production (kg)HigherSimilarStandard

Holsteins often lead to milk yield, especially in the first lactation. They produce more fluid milk compared to Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds. However, Montbéliarde × Holstein crossbreds excel in persistency, maintaining stable milk production throughout the lactation period. 

The fat and protein content in milk is higher in crossbred cows. Montbéliarde × Holstein and Viking Red × Holstein crossbreds offer richer milk than pure Holsteins. This advantage holds in first and later lactations, showcasing the benefits of crossbreeding on milk composition. 

Overall, the milk quality and components from crossbreds are superior. The enhanced persistency in crossbreds like Montbéliarde and Viking Red leads to consistent, high-quality milk production. This boosts milk pricing and improves dairy farm profitability, making crossbreeding an intelligent choice for modern dairy farms.

Comparing Health and Fertility 

TraitMontbéliarde × HolsteinViking Red × HolsteinHolstein
Fertility (Conception Rate, %)656758
Calving Interval (Days)380370400
Days Open120110150
Incidence of Mastitis (%)151220
Body Condition Score3.03.12.8
Longevity (Years)5.56.04.5

Crossbred cows generally have better health than their Holstein herd mates. Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds show more resistance to diseases common in dairy herds. This better health leads to longer and more productive lives. 

Fertility is another strong point for Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds. They have higher conception rates and better overall fertility than Holsteins. This means more efficient breeding and lower costs for artificial insemination and calving intervals. 

Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds also have easier calving and strong maternal instincts. These traits lead to higher calf survival rates and less labor for calving management. Better calving performance is crucial for overall herd health and efficiency.

Feed Efficiency and Overall Profitability 

Breed/CrossbreedFeed Conversion Rate (lbs of milk/lb of feed)Cost of Production ($/lb of milk)Overall Profitability ($/lactation)
Holstein1.50.18800
MO × HO (2-breed)1.60.17875
VR × HO (2-breed)1.40.19760
MO × VR/HO (3-breed)1.550.175820
VR × MO/HO (3-breed)1.50.18805

Crossbred cows like Montbéliarde and Viking Red typically show better feed efficiency than pure Holsteins, needing less feed per unit of milk. This leads to cost savings and improved profits for dairy farms. 

Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds also have lower production costs, which is vital for any dairy farm. Their higher disease resistance, better fertility rates, and enhanced feed efficiency reduce veterinary and feed expenses, making them more economical. 

These crossbreds often live longer than Holsteins, especially in high-performance herds. Their robust health, increased fertility, and easier calving improve their lifespan and ensure a higher return on investment for farmers.

Why Crossbreeding Could Be the Future of High-Performance Dairy Herds

Crossbreeding can enhance high-performance dairy herds by improving lactation performance and milk yield. Over the past decade, Montbéliarde (MO) and Viking Red (VR) crossbreds have shown better milk persistency than Holsteins (HO), leading to stable milk production and healthier cows. 

Crossbred cows also show higher fertility rates and better reproductive traits. They have fewer stillbirths and return to peak production faster after calving. For instance, 3-breed crossbred calves have a 4.5% stillbirth rate compared to 9% in purebred Holsteins. 

Economically, crossbreeding is beneficial. Crossbred cows produce more milk solids and are more feed-efficient, reducing feed costs and increasing profitability. Their improved fertility leads to frequent calving and efficient herd replacement. 

The health benefits of crossbreeding include a more robust immune system and better resistance to common ailments, leading to lower veterinary costs. 

Overall, crossbreeding combines the best traits of each breed, resulting in cows that excel in milk production, health, fertility, and profitability. It offers a pathway to a more sustainable and resilient dairy industry.

Real-World Insights: Data from Seven High-Performance Herds

Based on data from 2010 to 2017, the study analyzed cows from seven top-performing herds. This included Montbéliarde (MO) × Holstein (HO), Viking Red (VR) × HO 2-breed crossbreds, MO × VR/HO, VR × MO/HO 3-breed crossbreds, and their pure Holstein herd mates. The research aimed to compare their lactation performance. 

Using random regression (RR) and the Legendre polynomial method, the lactation curves showed vital differences. MO × HO 2-breed crossbreds produced similar fluid milk as Holsteins but had better persistency in milk, fat, and protein. The VR × HO 2-breed crossbreds had lower fluid milk production but higher fat and protein yields in later lactations. MO × VR/HO 3-breed crossbreds also showed better milk production persistency than Holsteins. 

The main takeaway is that crossbred cows, especially those with Montbéliarde genetics, tend to outperform Holsteins in certain traits over time. This improved persistency can lead to greater efficiency and profitability, suggesting crossbreeding as a valuable strategy for high-performance dairy herds.

The Bottom Line

The research on dairy crossbreeding compared Montbéliarde and Viking Red crossbreds with Holstein cows, focusing on performance and profitability. This study used data from seven high-performance herds to analyze lactation yields, health, fertility rates, and feed efficiency. 

Pros and Cons of Montbéliarde and Viking Red Crossbreds: Montbéliarde (MO) and Viking Red (VR) crossbreds offer better body condition, higher fertility, and more consistent lactation. MO × HO crossbreds had higher protein production across all lactation stages, and both MO and VR crossbreds showed better fat production in later lactations than Holsteins. These traits can lead to greater profitability due to stable and high-quality milk solids.

However, VR × HO crossbreds generally produced less fluid milk in the first lactation than Holsteins. While other factors may balance this out, it’s something to consider for dairies focused on initial higher fluid milk outputs. 

Overall, crossbreeding offers a future path for sustainable dairy farming. Breeds like Montbéliarde and Viking Red provide resilience, better fertility, and strong milk solid production. They can be vital to creating more sustainable, efficient, and profitable dairy operations as the industry faces climate and market challenges. 

Key Takeaways

  • Breed Performance: Montbéliarde × Holstein crossbreds showed no significant difference in fluid milk production compared to Holsteins, except for increased milk persistency.
  • Enhanced Persistency: Montbéliarde × Holstein crossbred cows demonstrated superior persistence in milk, fat, and protein production during their first lactation.
  • Higher Fat Production: Both Montbéliarde × Holstein and Viking Red × Holstein crossbreds exhibited higher fat production during their second and third lactations than Holstein cows.
  • Improved Protein Production: Montbéliarde × Holstein crossbreds outperformed Holsteins in protein production across all lactation periods.
  • Crossbreeding Advantages: Crossbred cows potentially offer better persistency and production traits compared to pure Holsteins, particularly in high-performance herds.


Summary: This post analyzes the lactation curves of Montbéliarde × Holstein and Viking Red × Holstein crossbred cows compared to pure Holsteins. The analysis of data from seven high-performance herds reveals which crossbreds perform better. Montbéliarde cattle are known for their robust health, longevity, and fertility, leading to higher conception rates and more live calves. Viking Red crossbreds, originating from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, are known for their adaptability, robust health, high fertility rates, and efficient milk production. They return to peak production faster after calving and show excellent persistency in milk production across lactations. Montbéliarde × Holstein crossbreds have superior milk quality and components, resulting in consistent, high-quality milk production throughout the lactation period. They also exhibit superior feed efficiency, leading to cost savings and improved profits for dairy farms.

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