YourFarmGenetics (YFG)

YFG strive to drive the future of efficiency through the use of strategic dairy and beef genetic solutions while empowering smallholder farmers.

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

@gospelmatondi @babatafi @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @DairayiDavis @david7zoe @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi Either

[Bilbo Baggins ♻ @DairayiDavis]

@GeneticsSADC @babatafi @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @david7zoe @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi Conception was 87%. We want to try it with sexed semen this season. I am told the conception rates are much lower and the cows must be in much better body condition score.

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

Speckle Park Boran cross. ZIMBABWE
SIRE-Thermal Optics

[Bilbo Baggins ♻ @DairayiDavis]

@IshmaelChiwayu @david7zoe @babatafi @GeneticsSADC @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi 1st crop of Speckled Spark and Boran

[Bilbo Baggins ♻ @DairayiDavis]

@IshmaelChiwayu @david7zoe @babatafi @GeneticsSADC @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi 1st crop of Speckled Spark and Boran

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

@gospelmatondi @babatafi @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @DairayiDavis @david7zoe @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi It all depends on the breeder, genetics of the heifer/cow. They can range anywhere from 1200-2000

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

@shakazulu83 Hi. As much it is important to have on the farm have you also looked at the route cause? Bull selection?

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

@david7zoe @babatafi @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @DairayiDavis @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi @IshmaelChiwayu Its an interesting breed to cross with

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

@DairayiDavis @babatafi @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @david7zoe @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi We cant wait to see those results. Conception was impressive

[Bilbo Baggins ♻ @DairayiDavis]

@babatafi @GeneticsSADC @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @david7zoe @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba @boltonkudzi We bought seven for Speckled Spark from Australia and we should be having the first calves born now. I have not been to the farm for 3 weeks was out of tye country but will also share pictures of the crosses with Boran cows...excited

[Ishmael Rupanga @babatafi]

It was a pleasure meeting up with fellow Zim Dairy farmers down under. @GeneticsSADC distributors of superior genetics in Zim with @ZADF_Official proudly sponsored by our partner Genetics Australia. Informative- Improving Dairy and Beef Herds- Better breeds
@ndakaripa @cmashx

[Bolton Kudzai Kakava @boltonkudzi]

@babatafi @GeneticsSADC @ZADF_Official @ndakaripa @cmashx @BVChironga @DairayiDavis @david7zoe @PoteDior @BeautyZhuwao @Rachel_lafarmer @mutcol @KingJayZim @geryusuwaba This is excellent 👌🏾. Collaborations and partnerships are key to developing our livestock sector. We need superior breeds for our dairy and beef industries.

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

POLLGARTH

Outcross pedigree bull delivering exceptional Overall Type and Udder Shape

✔️ Superior Health Traits
✔️ Fertility | Survival | Mastitis Resistance

🔥 Top 1% for Heat Tolerance (103) — built for tough conditions!

#Mastitisresistance #HeatTolerance #UdderQuality

[Ishmael Rupanga @babatafi]

@GeneticsSADC your destination for better breeds.

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

Mr. POLLGARTH - Top 1% for Heat Tolerance!💯

Looking for the ultimate genetic edge for your herd? Meet POLLGARTH—a top-tier bull ranked in the top 1% for both BPI ($485) and HWI ($535), based on the latest December 2024 Australian Breeding Values (ABVs).

This A2A2, homozygous polled superstar was bred in Northern Victoria, a region renowned for its challenging climate, where scorching summers are the norm. With a Heat Tolerance Breeding Value of 103, POLLGARTH ensures daughters that thrive in hot conditions, making him the ideal choice for reducing heat stress. His genetics are forged in a semi-arid climate with annual rainfall ranging from 291 mm to 452 mm, and average maximum temperatures reaching 32.8°C to 35°C.

But that’s just the beginning! POLLGARTH delivers a powerhouse of traits, including easy calving and shorter gestation length (-3 days) to boost herd efficiency, longevity, and feed-efficient daughters to drive profitability. Additionally, his genetics promote low somatic cell counts and strong mastitis resistance for healthier udders, while producing daughters with lower stature—perfect for modern, efficient dairy systems.

Alongside POLLGARTH, FENDER—another of Australia’s elite Holsteins—continues to shine as a popular sire. These two bulls have dominated for good reason, offering genetics that elevate herd performance across the board.

The wait is over! Semen from POLLGARTH and FENDER is now available in Zimbabwe, and demand is already heating up. Don’t miss your chance to bring these game-changing genetics to your herd. Act fast—supply is limited! #BetterGeneticsOurCommitment

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

Meet Mr. FENDER – One of Australia’s Leading Young Bulls!

FENDER is one of Australia’s leading young bulls. He is bred by the Number 5 BPI herd in Australia, based on the December 2024 Australia Breeding Values (ABVs). His December 2024 ABVs are outstanding. He ranks in the top 1% of the breed in Australia for BPI at $544, HWI at $552, with 62 kg of Fat and an impressive +1.16% for Fat. Remarkably, while these traits are often associated with Jerseys, FENDER is a Holstein!

He offers exceptional longevity, which is supported by his low cell count, mastitis resistance, and daughters that are feed-efficient, of lower stature, and have well-structured rumps, feet and legs, and strong udders. His daughters are highly fertile, with a fertility ABV of 113.

FENDER is A2A2 and best suited for cows that need a production boost, particularly in Fat, making him an ideal choice for high milk flow, Big Holsteins that require reduced stature and improved milk solids. He also has favourable calving traits, with a good calving ease ABV and a gestation length ABV of -2 days, indicating his daughters will calve, on average, two days earlier than expected. Sexed semen from this exceptional bull is now available in Zimbabwe. #BetterGeneticsOurCommitment

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

@boltonkudzi Thank you @boltonkudzi

[YourFarmGenetics (YFG) @GeneticsSADC]

💧Water Quality: The Hidden Key to Dairy Cow Performance

Water is a critical yet often underestimated resource in dairy farming. For optimal health and performance, cows need access to high-quality water—it should be clear, colourless, low in total solids, and free from pathogens, pesticides, unpleasant odours, or gases.

Dairy cows lose water through urine, manure, milk, sweat, and respiration, making continuous access to clean water essential. Research has shown that cows with access to high-quality water drink more, eat more, and produce more milk. This is because milk is about 87% water, making water intake directly linked to milk yield. During hot weather, water intake can exceed 200 litres per day for large cows (Holter & Urban, 1992).

Water requirements are primarily influenced by dry matter (DM) intake and milk production. If cows are offered poor-quality water, their intake drops, potentially falling below daily needs. This reduction can lead to decreased feed intake, milk production, body condition, and even fertility issues (Little et al., 2019). In extreme cases, dehydration may occur, severely affecting cow health.

Common water quality issues in livestock include salinity, blue-green algae, organic matter (like dead plants or manure), heavy metals, and chemical contaminants. These factors can fluctuate with the seasons, making regular water quality monitoring vital. While some problems—like colour changes, odours, iron stains, turbidity, and algae—are visible, many chemical changes require lab testing to detect (Sundstrom et al., 2019).

Proactive water quality management can prevent production losses and ensure optimal health and performance in your herd. Keep an eye on what your cows drink—it's an investment in their productivity! #BetterGeneticsOurCommitment

#DairyFarming #AnimalHealth #WaterQuality #MilkProduction #SustainableDairy #LivestockManagement

References:

Holter, J. B., & Urban, W. E. (1992). Water partitioning and intake prediction in dry and lactating Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science.

Little, M. W., O'Brien, B., & Mee, J. F. (2019). Impact of water quality on dairy cow performance. Irish Veterinary Journal.

Sundstrom, J., Stone, A., & Müller, R. (2019). Water quality for livestock. University of Nebraska Extension.

[Ishmael Rupanga @babatafi]

Top dairy bull. Now available
Sexed and Conventional, get in touch