Issuu

- THE GENIMEX JOURNAL -

EDITION 20 I JANUARY 2026

FOCUS ON...

VIKINGGENTICS

Creating genetics that bring lasting value to farmers and their businesses

5 REASONS

For choosing VikingJersey Genetics

SALE OF SEMEN FROM VIKINGGENETICS IN SA The use of converted figures of Viking Sires is discussed and a statement made

NORDIC METAHNE INDEX New Nordic Methane Index to reduce cow emissions by 20%

GENOMIC PROOFS Consistent genetic progress, generation after generation

5 REDES

Waarom jy Holstein-Genetika van Viking moet gebruik

em st ual Sy ivid ke ind ta of e In ents ntak ed em ed i Fe sur fe le ea w’s tt ct m co Ca Dire

Contents 4

VIKINGGENETICS - BREEDING FOR TOMORROW

VIKINGEMBRYO PROGRAM PRODUCES VIKINGGENETICS BULLS

CFIT - CATTLE FEED INTAKE SYSTEM

STATEMENT REGARDING THE USE OF CONVERTED FIGURES WHEN SELECTING SIRES FROM VIKING GENETICS

5 REASONS FOR CHOOSING VIKINGJERSEY GENETICS

5 REDES WAAROM JY VIKING JERSEY BULLE MOET GEBRUIK

5 REASONS FOR CHOOSING VIKING HOLSTEIN GENETICS

SOUTH & EASTERN CAPE | Johan Müller Cell: 082 807 1548 | Email: muller@capegs.co.za

5 REDES WAAROM JY HOLSTEINGENETIKA VAN VIKING MOET GEBRUIK

GAUTENG, SOUTHERN MPUMALANGA & NORTHERN KZN Ferdi Myburgh Cell: 060 858 2122 | Email: ferdi.myburgh.11@gmail.com

INTRODUCING THE NORDIC METHANE INDEX

SOUTHERN CAPE | Willem van Lingen Cell: 082 375 1252 | Email: willemvanlingen@telkomsa.net

VALIDATING GENOMIC PROOFS

EAST SOUTHERN CAPE | Shawn Buckley Cell: 082 828 8481 | Email: ebuckley@telkomsa.net

GETUIGSKRIFTE

FOCUS ON...

- MANAGEMENT GENIMEX OFFICE Tel: 081 818 5352 | Email: info@genimex.co.za | www.genimex.co.za Chris Cloete Tel: 081 818 5352 | Cell: 082 807 1433 | Email: chris@genimex.co.za

- SALES REPRESENTATIVES EASTERN CAPE | Hendrik Bezuidenhout Cell: 083 458 1709 | Email: hbez@telkomsa.net

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

No portion of this newsletter may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Views and opinions expressed in Milk & Honey are those of management and any relevant information seemed fit to project Genimex views and interests in the dairy industry. They can accept no liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of the publication. Many of the articles placed have been edited. Complete article are available from the editor. GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

Foreword BY CHRIS CLOETE Much is said by the critics of the Viking product by the opposition and people with vested interests. These people are generally ill informed and biased, however they are generally very vocal and generate a following. For the open minded breeder in the world of dairy farming and genetic improvement it is easy to understand the value of the genetic product from Viking Genetics. In August of this year, Genimex, or as the company is registered “Genetic Actions International cc” will have been trading for 30 years. From a very small and humble start the company has grown to be a leader in the supply of genetic material to the South African dairy industry. I clearly ecall that when the late Errol Dicks and I resigned from the local AI company we were given 6 months and we would be asking for our jobs back. It is very important to acknowledge the role that a team of very loyal and capable agents have played in making the business what it is today. These ladies and gentlemen are at the coal face and drive the miles making sure that you, as valued clients, gets the semen you require on time. The Genimex team of agents really do care and share in your success. The success of you, our loyal client is really important to us because without the long term profitability of your business we would not be around. We started the business with a number of suppliers, but over time and understanding what the market wants, we now have two suppliers of genetic material. This being the 20th edition of the Genimex newsletter Milk & Honey, I feel that it is time to split the publication into two where I will focus on the products from Viking Genetics and Livestock Improvement NZ (LIC) in two different publications. Both of our suppliers have many similar objectives and long term goals. The main one being that they are both farmer owned and driven by a common goal that is the requirements of the their members. Obviously the financial success of their members is of cardinal importance to them and we can draw from what they do for their owners. By splitting the publication I am able to focus on the unique characteristics of each organisation. Being in the very fortunate position to have a supplier like VikingGenetics where there is so much relevant information about the cow population, data centers and research and development that it poses a problem for someone like me that has very limited journalistic ability to be able to condense this information into concise and relevant articles. In a nutshell, in the Viking population it is all about the accuracy and reliability of data. With the size and accuracy of the Viking data base, the reference population on which the Genomic proofs are based, is large and accurate. It is important in any population that Genomic proofs are validated when the bulls get their daughter proofs. We cannot forget about daughter proofs. See the article “Validating Genomic Proofs” on page 19.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

We in South Africa can tap into all that Viking Genetics does in the field of livestock improvement by simply using the top sires that they have to offer. We have access to the BEST that they have to offer. What makes it more impressive is that we can pick and choose out of the best. HOWEVER use the Viking figures to select your bulls and NOT the conversions published here in SA. See page 11 for my comments on these converted figures. As I have said many times, VikingGenetics is able to cut the junk due largely to the incredible data base that covers the three countries that are part of VikingGenetics, Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Viking Genetics is breeder driven and the breeders conform in the interest of the national breeding programs The three countries each have their own data base, however they have common breeding goals thus making absolute sense of having one combined breeding programme. VikingGenetics started with the measuring of feed efficiency as early as 2013 and have developed a system using cameras to measure intake. This system can be installed in any barn and it does not affect the cows and their management at all. The CFIT system as it is called in Viking is quite unique and it is featured in this publication. There is a lot to be said about making significant savings on your biggest expense by just using the right bulls. With the pressure on the dairy industries worldwide to reduce methane emissions, Viking has, as can only be expected, done a lot of work on Methane emissions and are now publishing a Methane Index for its bulls. In this publication I have focused on why you as a discerning breeder of dairy cattle, should be considering the use of VikingGenetic sires in your dairy herd. With all the science in the background it is all simply presented with no hype and wow. What you see is what you get. There are many herds, Holstein and Jersey, in South Africa that have been using the VikingGentics sires for many years with great success. See some success stories in this publication. Last, but not least, a very special word of thanks to Seppo Niskanen and all at VikingGenetics for their support over the years and allowing us access to their top Jersey and Holstein Sires. Then a special thanks to Maria Nyegaard Thomsen for her assistance in putting together this publication. I hope you enjoy reading through the information presented and can see why we at Genimex are very proud of being able to supply genetic material from VikingGenetics to you our valued client. Chris Cloete

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

VIKINGGENETICS

Hanna Driscoll, Product Manager for VikingHolstein at VikingGenetics

VikingGenetics Breeding for Tomorrow At VikingGenetics, we believe the future of farming begins with healthier, longer-living, and more efficient cows. As a cooperative owned by 15,000 dairy and beef farmers across Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, we are united by one vision: to create genetics that bring lasting value to farmers and their business. Our breeding philosophy is about balance. We unite production traits like milk yield and fat/protein content with resilience traits like fertility, hoof health, and mastitis resistance. The result is a cow that performs at the highest level while living a longer, stronger, and healthier life – and can adapt to different management systems, conditions, environments and climate. Innovation guides everything we do. By advancing feed efficiency, we help farmers achieve more with less: lowering feed costs, improving production, and reducing methane emissions. With over 50 years of data and the world’s most advanced cattle evaluation system, VikingGenetics delivers results that work in real herds, under real conditions. Whether you work with Holstein, Jersey, Red breeds, or crossbreeding, we provide genetic solutions that prepare your farm for the future.

This delivers three powerful advantages: 1. Accuracy – Uniform data collection across thousands of herds ensures results you can rely on. 2. Transparency – Farmers know exactly what is measured and how it is applied. 3. Relevance – Insights reflect everyday farm conditions, not just select test herds or elite animals. At VikingGenetics, we transform this unique database into world-leading breeding values giving farmers the clarity, confidence, and tools to breed cows that thrive today and shape the herds of tomorrow. Why farmers can trust our data 1. Built by farmers, for farmers

We are more than a genetics company. We are your partner in shaping a stronger, smarter, and more resilient future for farming.

Our cooperative is owned by nearly 15,000 dairy and beef farmers who both contribute to and benefit from the system. This makes the database more than a scientific resource – it is living proof from real herds, under real farm conditions.

What makes VikingGenetics’ database unique?

2. Backed by science, verified independently

The strength of VikingGenetics begins with knowledge. For more than 50 years, dairy and beef farmers across Denmark, Sweden, and Finland have built one of the world’s most reliable and comprehensive cattle databases – a system rooted in trust, precision, and shared progress.

Breeding values are calculated by NAV (Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation), an independent institution that guarantees objectivity and reliability. When we test a cow’s DNA, certified labs and advanced technology scan thousands of genetic markers. These results are compared to a large reference group of bulls whose daughters have already shown strong performance – ensuring that predictions are not just theoretical models but grounded in real-world performance.

Every cow is recorded throughout her lifetime, with detailed data on milk yield, fat and protein content, fertility, hoof health, mastitis, and more. This is not theory or limited testing – it is real performance, measured in real herds, under real conditions. What sets our database apart is its integrity. Thousands of farmers contribute data every month, creating a resource that is publicly regulated, farmer-owned, and the most complete of its kind. As apposed to scattered or private datasets, our breeding values are built on facts you can trust.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

3. Driven by constant innovation We collaborate with leading universities and research partners to keep advancing the system. Pioneering technologies like CFIT (Cattle Feed Intake Technology) use AI and 3D cameras to measure feed intake in commercial herds. This allows us to breed cows that are more feed-efficient, saving farmers money while also reducing methane emissions. GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

VIKINGGENETICS

Hanna Driscoll, Product Manager for VikingHolstein at VikingGenetics

At VikingGenetics, trust is built on three pillars: farmer ownership, proven science, and relentless innovation. Together, they ensure our data does not just predict the future of your herd – it helps you create it. Why VikingGenetics’ data makes a real difference At VikingGenetics, we do not just claim to have the world’s most complete cattle evaluation system – we prove it. Our database is built on more than 50 years of consistent, real-world records from thousands of farms across Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. Owned by farmers, powered by science, and constantly updated with real-life data from production herds. The results from our genetics we develop are not theoretical – they are proven in real barns, with real cows, generating real value for your farm. Top 10 proven benefits of Nordic cattle data 1. Unique cow ID — Tracks each animal from birth to slaughter, across the whole lactation and lifetime 2. One central database — Data collected by veterinarians, hoof trimmers, AI technicians, farmers, classifiers, AMS systems, milk recording and slaughterhouses, all collated in one place 3. 50+ years of experience — Long tradition of precise, reliable data collection 4. Over 100 diseases registered — Health data recorded by trained professionals 5. Strict veterinary rules — All treatments logged and verified 6. Data from commercial herds — Collected across thousands of real farms with varied breeds, production systems, and management levels 7. Over 90% cows in the registration system — Large-scale, consistent data on production, health, reproduction, and survival from almost all Nordic farms 8. Reflects real farm conditions — Data collection does not disturb cows’ natural behaviour or daily routines on the farm 9. Direct selection — Enables more reliable breeding values calculated based on registrations of actual disease cases, direct measurements of cows’ feed intake, and methane concentration, among others.

• Produce more milk over their lifetime – maximizing your return on investment. • Convert feed more efficiently – lowering feed costs and improving margins • Get in-calf more easily – lowering costs and controlling herd replacement more precisely • Sustain genetic diversity – keeping inbreeding under control to protect herd health and performance Our genetics are tested not just in research farms, but in real-world conditions where cows live and work. That is why farmers around the globe trust VikingGenetics – to build stronger, more profitable, and more manageable herds, year after year. The Nordic Breeding Philosophy – Designed for realworld profitability At VikingGenetics, our breeding philosophy is built on decades of experience and collaboration among farmers in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. The goal is clear: breed cows that excel in the barn – not just on paper. We do not focus on milk yield alone. Instead, we select for the traits that truly matter to to your bottom-line: • Health – fewer vet bills, fewer challenges in the herd • Fertility – easier pregnancies, more stability year after year • Longevity – cows that remain productive over multiple lactations • Feed efficiency – lower feed costs, higher margins This balanced approach forms the foundation of our breeding index: the Nordic Total Merit (NTM). By combining more than 90 traits into a single clear goal, NTM helps create profitable cows that give you strong production year after year, while staying healthy and easy to manage – because a good cow is more than just numbers. Even if you don’t use NTM directly, the impact is evident. VikingGenetics cows are known for staying healthy, reproducing easily, and producing reliably over time–all backed by decades of real-world data from thousands of farms.

Why invest in VikingGenetics At VikingGenetics, our mission is simple: to help farmers breed cows that perform better for their business. Decades of real-world data from thousands of farms guide every decision we make. We know what works in the barn – not just on paper.

VikingGenetics - a cooperative owned by 15,000 dairy and beef farmers across Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

FACT BOX

10. Focused on what matters — We register exactly the traits we want to improve, not just correlated traits — giving faster and more effective results

Choosing VikingGenetics means investing in cows that: • Stay healthy year after year – reducing vet bills and keeping herd health issues under control

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

Over 90% cows in the registration system.

Nordic Total Merit (NTM) combining more than 90 traits.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

VIKINGGENETICS

Johanna Aro, Breeding Specialist, VikingGenetics

VIKINGEMBRYO PROGRAM PRODUCES VIKINGGENETICS BULLS VikingEmbryo (VE) embryo program aims to maximize genetic progress. In the embryo program genomic tested heifers are used as donors. The program aims to shorten the generation interval. Embryos are produced from heifers as young as possible and transferred to recipients quickly. The goal is to implement the breeding program and produce economically productive and sustainable artificial insemination bulls for farmers. It has been estimated that a nucleus herd operation based on efficient embryo transfer breeding contributes to over 30% of genetic progress. The most important are the selection of the best heifers for embryo production, the success of embryo production from young individuals and the rapid transfer of embryos to recipients. The VikingEmbryo program produces an increasing proportion of VikingGenetics’ artificial insemination bulls. In Jersey breed, approximately 90% comes from the VE program, in Holsteins 70-80% and in the Red breed 45-55%. The VE program includes both nucleus herd operations and flushing contracts with farmers in common herd level. VG purchases the best heifers for its breeding program for embryo production and transfers the embryos to the recipients of the contract herds. VG incourages breeders to also flush embryos of the top heifers on their own herds, in which case a separate flushing contract is made with the herd owner. VikingGenetics produces embryos from heifers in all three VG countries; Denmark, Finland and Sweden. VG has made agreements with a few private farms to maintain heifers in embryo production in Denmark and Sweden. In Finland, the nucleus herd heifers are in embryo production at the former bull station, which is now the barn for heifers, treatment facilities and an embryo laboratory. Purchased heifers are selected at the age of three to six months, flush contract heifers are selected a little older. Danish, Finnish and Swedish breeders test their young cattle a lot, and most often use DNA ear tags (tissue samples), which allows the genome index to be obtained for very young animals. The total merit index, which in VG countries is called the NTM value, has the greatest influence on the selection of heifers by sire group. The NTM (Nordic Total Merit index) value itself is already affected by all economically important traits, but the heifer’s overall profile is also facilitated by the uniformity of the heifer’s profile. Polledness and the recommended milk haplotypes are also important. Also considering relationships, as VG is responsible for monitoring the inbreeding of the breeding population. In addition, heifer candidate defects are checked. 6

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

In Sweden, embryo production relies on traditional flushes. In addition to flushing, ovum pick up and embryo fertilization and growth (IVP) in laboratory conditions are used in Finland and Denmark. The IVP embryo production method has only just been started in Denmark, while in Finland it has a longer tradition. In Finland, the nucleus herd operation was started almost 30 years ago in cooperation with researchers from the Natural Resources Centre (LUKE). In 2023 a clean laboratory for embryo growth was established at the Finnish heifer station. In total, almost 7,000 transferable embryos were obtained from the nucleus herd heifers. At the Finnish heifer station in 2024, of the total embryo production, which consisted of almost 3,000 embryos, 78% was done using the IVP method. The average was 4.0 transferable IVP embryos per collection session. In 2024, over 3,000 embryos were produced from Danish donors. In Sweden, on the other hand, just under 1000 transferable embryos were produced. The Holstein embryos were mainly produced in Denmark nucleus herd’s, approximately 1300 transferable embryos in 2024. Almost 1200 Holstein embryos were produced in Finland and 300 embryos in Sweden. In 2024, approximately 2600 transferable embryos were produced in the nucleus herd for Viking Red (Finnish Ayrshire, Swedish SRB and Danish Red). The majority of these were produced in Finland, 1700 transferable embryos. Sweden’s share, in turn, was 500 embryos produced using the flushing method and approximately 400 embryos in Denmark. The largest Jersey population in the VikingGentics countries is in Denmark and so the nucleus herd heifers are also selected from there. In total, 1400 transferable Jersey embryos were produced in 2024, of which only 60 were produced in Finland. The transferable embryo yield from contracts made on home farms was 3,300. Of these, approximately 1,800 were Holstein embryos, 1,000 were red breed embryos and 500 were Jersey embryos. Approximately 60% of the flush contract embryos are produced in Denmark, with Finland and Sweden accounting for 20%. The aim is to transfer as many fresh embryo as possible. Almost all embryos are transferred to recipient herds with which VG has made a separate agreement. Examples of Holstein bulls from the VikingEmbryo program are VH Galaxy, VH Gelato, VH Cyber and VH Karat RC. Red bulls from the embryo program include among others VR Upbeat, VR Vinci, VR Bertil, VR Viihde, and VR Veikee, as well as Jerseys bulls VJ Juke, VJ Cincin, VJ Sultan and VJ Saron.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

CFIT - CATTLE FEED INTAKE SYSTEM

CFIT

Cattle Feed Intake System

Direct measurements of individual cow’s feed intake How does CFIT work?

Each cow is identified from pictures of its back, using deep learning with artificial intelligence. The cameras record the cow’s distinct pattern of colours and body shape. That also allows us to predict the cow’s weight and measure daily changes in weight.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

3 patents

To quantify the amount of feed that each cow consumes during a day, the cameras take pictures of the surface of the feed.

By subtracting the two images, we can quantify the amount of feed that the cow consumes at every meal 24/7 year around.

One picture before the cow goes to the feeding table to eat, and one picture after she leaves.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

CFIT - CATTLE FEED INTAKE SYSTEM

Reliable data lifetime

Data collected from commercial herds – without disturbing the daily routines and not only from a limited number of research farms

Data on individual cow’s feed intake over her lifetime available for the different stages in lactation

Data collected across breeds and herds with different management levels

Significant difference in feed intake level 7,324 kg DMI

11,851

11,842

6,465 kg DMI

-861

kg DMI Milk production, Energy corrected milk, kg (ECM) 0-305 days Two Holstein cows with the same production level may have quite different feed intake levels. Research showed in one case the more efficient cow consumed 861 kgs less dry matter than the other cow, which corresponds to a 12% reduction in feed costs.

Significant difference in feed intake level 6,249 kg DMI

10,190

10,097

5,407 kg DMI

-842

Milk production, Energy corrected milk, kg (ECM) 0-305 days

kg DMI

Two Jersey cows with the same production level may have quite different feed intake levels. Research showed in one case the more efficient cow consumed 842 kgs less dry matter than the other cow, which corresponds to a 13% reduction in feed costs.

8 8

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

CFIT - CATTLE FEED INTAKE SYSTEM

Significant difference in feed intake level 8,093

11,614

kg DMI

11,642

6,901 kg DMI

-1,192 Milk production, Energy corrected milk, kg (ECM) 0-305 days

kg DMI

Two Red cows with the same production level may have quite different feed intake levels. Research showed in one case the more efficient cow consumed1,192 kgs less dry matter than the other cow, which corresponds to a 14% reduction in feed costs.

Installations and agreements October 2025 # cows

6,500 7,500

herds in 4 countries

9,000 CFIT data flow and amount

1,150,000+

feed visits per day

2,400+ cameras

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

23,000+

cows with CFIT data

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CFIT - CATTLE FEED INTAKE SYSTEM

Breed for more feed efficient cows

Reduction in feed consumption–kg DMI per year

Using a bull with an EBV of 110 (one standard deviation above the breed average) on an average cow (EBV 100)

VikingHolstein

VikingRed

VikingJersey

200 cows

8,800 17,600

10,000 20,000

7,500 15,000

500 cows

44,000

50,000

37,500

1,000 cows

88,000

100,000

75,000

100 cows

Saved feed index 3.0 – New model DRY MATTER INTAKE 14-280 days in lactation

1st lactation and 2nd to 5th lactations are treated as different traits, but high genetic correlations between lactations exist. Weight between 1st and later lactations, 1:2 (double weight on later lactations) Indexes are calculated by random regression

PRODUCTION ECM

• Every farm has a production curve throughout the lactation

14-280 days in lactation

• Based on every single cow’s deviation from this production curve, GEBV’s for each cow are calculated • General level for the lactation

WEIGHT CHANGE

• Increase or decrease in level through lactation (used to calculate weight change)

30-280 days in lactation

• A GEBV is estimated for each day. An average GEBV is calculated for the whole lactation

Effect of 1 Saved Feed index unit on a female: 16,4 Kg DM Effect of Saved Feed index with use of bull with index 110 in Saved Feed

110

100

105

Yearly Kg DM saved, year 1 1 cow

82 kg = 20€

* Assuming 0,24€/kg DM for Holstein

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

SALE OF VIKIGGENETICS SIRES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Chris Cloete, Genimex

STATEMENT REGARDING THE USE OF CONVERTED FIGURES WHEN SELECTING SIRES FROM VIKINGGENETICS Genimex will only sell VikingGenetic sires on figures from VikingGenetics For a number of years we have come to realize that some breeders are using converted data to select their Jersey bulls. We have questioned the accuracy and validity of these converted figures as the disparity between the original Viking figures and the converted is just too great. The superior VikingGenetics product is thus indirectly being withheld from the breeders that use these figures to select their bulls. As a Registered Natural Scientist and having forty year’s experience in the dairy cattle breeding industry. I have been importing Jersey semen from VikingGenetics for 30 years. I have travelled extensively in the Viking countries and obviously in South Africa, so I have a fair understanding of the SA and Viking Jersey populations. I feel I am qualified to make a strong statement regarding the use of South African proofs of the Viking sires that are being published. Genomic proofs are great when one operates in a population that is large, well and accurately documented. Genomic proofs need to be backed by a large, unbiased and reliable progeny testing program so that Genomic proofs are verified/validated over time when bulls get their daughter proofs. The size of the reference population is really important when it comes to calculating genomic proofs, having your own large and accurate reference population ensures that GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

their proofs are highly reliable, like VikingGenetics has. SA however is dependent on a small composite reference population made of data obtained from various populations all with different production systems and breeding goals. Then to add to that there is no reliable unbiased progeny testing program that could be used to validate the proofs and build a large and reliable reference population. How sustainable, in the long term are genomic proofs where the reference population is small and not a true reflection of the population? Then, depending on the world to supply, free of charge, their SNP data. South Africa is unlikely to ever have a truly SA reference population. Let us consider for a moment the two Jersey populations that are in question here:- The Viking Jersey and the South African Jersey populations and compare the two. Population size and Production levels. • The SA data, as supplied by Jersey SA, of 2023. 14 701 lactations, milk yield of 6,316 kgs with a Fat content of 5,00% and protein content of 3,80%. I challenge you to find more recent data. • The Viking data of 2025 as published by VikingGenetics. 76,896 recorded cows, milk yield of 7,758 kgs of milk. with a fat content of 5,96% and protein content of 4,34%. FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

VIKING SEMEN SOUTH AFRICA Accuracy of data and percentage of National Jersey herd in herd testing. • Every animal in the Viking countries is on the national data base. Every treatment, insemination and every bit of data is recorded. You all know what happens in SA. • 90% of Jersey cows in the Viking population are herd tested/milk recorded. I am not able to obtain a figure for SA but we know it is extremely low. When I take these points into consideration there is no way a bull with an index of 107 for Kg’s milk (Nearly one standard deviation above average) in the Viking analysis can have a milk index of 73 in South Africa. There are numerous examples like this that I could quote.

average milk bull. The answer I got was “you are looking at the wrong bull” There were two bulls with the same name and same number in the SA data. I do not accept this. Genimex and VikingGenetics have over the past few years co-operated with the SA industry by suppling SNP files of numerous bulls in order to increase the number of links between the countries but to no avail. The disparity of the figures has got even larger. Until such time as the conversions and genomic proofs of the Viking bulls as published here is South Africa, come into line with their proofs in the Viking Genetics system, Genimex will reject the figures published by the local organisation. We have many breeders that have used the Viking Jersey sires, over the years, with great success. However due to the limited use of milk recording in SA, a lot of this data is lost and cannot be included in the SA data base.

I have on a number of occasions questioned the organization that publishes this data and have not got any acceptable explanation. In some of the discussions we included Peter Some breeders, I am afraid to say are Larson of Viking Genetic but he going to MISS OUT on the best too was unable to get suitable “Be careful making use of bulls from Viking, they will miss explanations. Peter is the Senior converted figures on VikingJersey out on the opportunity to get Breeding Manager/Product bulls you consider using, as conversions the benefit of the work done Manager Viking Jersey. most often do not show reliable figures. in Viking in traits like FEED Allow me to illustrate EFFICIENCY, HEALTH I highly recommended to make use of the high further, when I questioned TRAITS and METHANE reliable breeding values from Nordic countries (NTM the data of a sire that EMMISSIONS. Should values) where the bull comes from and where he is was ranked number 2 they continue to use the evaluated. in the USA with a milk SA proofs of our Viking figure that was well Compare the bull with other VikingJersey bulls to be Jersey Sires. above average, his milk able to determine his rank and true value. This is always The proofs from the figure at that time was our recommendation when VikingJersey bulls are country of origin will also well above average used abroad (Usa, NZ, etc.), as links between our remain the most reliable. in the Viking system. Both populations and evaluation systems are poor We will continue to supply the USA and the Viking (except from neighboring countries, like UK this superior product, figures were from daughter and Norway”. selected on the proofs from proofs. These two populations Viking Genetics and ignore the have significantly higher milk – Peter Larson locally generated genomic and production levels in their Jersey converted proofs of our Sires. populations than SA has, but in SA his converted data shows him to be an

EDE BOERDERY GETUIGKSKRIF My eerste blootstelling aan die Deense stelsel was in 1996. Daarna was ek nog 3 keer in Denemarke. Wat my getref het van die Deense stelsel is dat hulle fokus op eienskappe wat ‘n koei funksioneel doeltreffend maak. By hulle het ek geleer die belangrikheid van eienskappe met ‘n intermediêre optimum (Speenplasing, uierspleet, skofhoogte ens.) Ek het in 2020 besluit om die Dene se Holstein genetika te gebruik. Ek het iets anders gesoek as wat ek in Noord Amerika kry. Wat ek toe bygekry het is hoogs betroubare genoom ontledings. Genoom ontledings wat gebou is op ‘n doeltreffende nageslagtoetsprogram wat op sy beurt gebou is op hoogs betroubare fenotipiese metings. ‘n Genoom verrykte teelwaarde is net so betroubaar as die fenotipiese onderbou daarvan. Die eerste bul wat ek gebruik het was VH Nader (na hom nog 4 bulle). Wat uitstaan van die Nader dogters is hulle uniformiteit en UITSTEKENDE uiers. Dis in my loopbaan as melkboer seker een van die beste bulle wat ek nog gebruik het.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

Poena van Niekerk

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

VIKINGGENETICS

5 reasons for choosing

VikingJersey Genetics VikingJersey delivers purebred Scandinavian Jersey genetics for farmers who want healthy, efficient cows that perform consistently – backed by decades of real-world data.

Outcross advantage – stronger, healthier herds

OUTCROSS

Reproduction performance you can count on

FERTILE

3 4

VikingJersey bulls offer valuable outcross genetics, helping you avoid inbreeding in your herd — whether you are breeding within Jersey lines or using crossbreeding programs. With no risk of inbreeding when used on pedigrees from the USA and Canada, VikingJersey genetics is an excellent choice for enhancing genetic diversity and supporting long-term herd health.

VikingJersey cows lead the breed in fertility. With conception rates of 63% for heifers, 55% for cows, and a 95% calf survival rate, 1st lactation (97% in 2nd and later lact.), you get more pregnancies, fewer complications, and a more efficient, productive herd.

Seven generations of purebred excellence

100% PURE JERSEY NON-JX

VikingJersey is built on seven generations of dedicated purebred breeding – no shortcuts, no compromises. All VikingJersey bulls are 100% purebred, an exceptional foundation for a high-performing, profitable dairy operation. This long-term commitment ensures consistent performance, strong health traits, and reliable milk quality across generations.

Feed efficiency that pays off

FEED EFFICIENT

Unlock the full potential of feed efficiency with VikingJersey – saving you money and reducing your environmental footprint. Use top-performing VikingJersey sires and reduce dry matter intake by 75,000-150,000 kg per year in a 1,000-cow herd — without compromising milk production, health, and fertility.

Data you can trust

97%

REGISTERED

Our breeding values are grounded in over 50 years of health and performance records from commercial herds in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. With 97% of Jersey cows included in data recording, VikingJersey genetics are built on one of the world’s most complete and transparent cattle databases. The result: genetics proven in real barns, delivering real-world results.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

VIKINGGENETICS

5 redes waarom jy

Viking Jerseybulle moet gebruik Viking Jerseys verskaf suiwer Skandinawiese Jersey genetika aan suiwelboere wat gesonde, doeltreffende koeie nastreef en konstant effektief produseer. Hierdie genetika word ondersteun deur dekades se betroubare data. Uitkruis voordeel – sterker en gesonde kuddes

UITKRUIS

Vrugbaarheid waarop jy kan staat maak

VRUGBAAR

3 4

Viking Jerseys is die leiers wêreldwyd op vrugbaarheid. Konsepsie syfers van 63% op verse, 55% op koeie en ‘n 95% kalfoorlewing op 1ste laktasies ( 97% op 2 de en ouer koeie) verseker meer koeie in kalf, minder komplikasies en ‘n effektiewe hoë produserende kudde.

Sewe generasies van suiwer geteelde puik Jerseys

100% SUIWER GETEEL

Alle Viking Jerseys is 100% suiwer geteel. Dit verseker ‘n uitstekende fondasie vir ‘n hoë prestasie winsgewende suiwelboerdery. Hierdie langtermyn doelwitte verseker konstante resultate, sterk gesondheidseienskappe en betroubare melkkwaliteit. Geen genetiese defekte soos JH1 word toegelaat in die VikingJersey teel program nie. Voeromsettings doeltreffendheid wat winste verseker

WINSTE VERSEKER

Met Viking Jersey - genetika kan jy die volle potensiaal van effektiewe voeromsetting benut. Bespaar en verminder jou omgewingsvoetspoor. Gebruik top Viking Jerseybulle en verminder jou droëmateriaal-inname met 75 tot 150 ton per jaar vir ‘n 1000 koei kudde. Behaal hierdie resultate sonder om produksie, gesondheid en vrugbaarheid prys te gee.

Betroubare data

97%

TEELWAARDE

Viking Jerseybulle verskaf waardevollle uitkruis genetika wat suiwelboere in staat stel om inteling te beheer in hul kuddes. Dit geld vir suiwer teling sowel as in kruisteelprogramme. Met geen risiko van inteling op Amerikaanse en Kanadese bloedlyne nie, is hierdie bron ‘n uitstekende keuse om genetiese diversiteit en langtermyn gesondheid in jou kudde te verseker.

Ons teelwaardes is ontwikkel oor 50 jaar met die hulp van gesondheids en prestasierekords verkry van kuddes in Denemarke, Swede en Finland. 97% van alle Jersey koeie se data is ingesluit in die databasis wat dit een van die wêreld se mees omvattende en deursigtigstes maak. Die resultaat, beproefde genetika wat wêreldprestasies behaal.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

VIKINGGENETICS

5 reasons for choosing

VikingHolstein Genetics VikingHolstein brings you trusted Nordic Holstein genetics — backed by decades of real-world data — for farmers who value healthy, fertile, and efficient cows that stay productive year after year.

Unmatched reproductive efficiency — with fewer straws required EFFICIENCY

VikingHolstein cows set the industry standard for fertility — with strong reproductive performance achieved naturally, without hormonal synchronization protocols. With conception rates of 63% in heifers, 50% in cows, and a 96% calf survival rate, 1st lactation (98% in 2nd and later lact.), you need fewer semen straws to secure your replacement animals, advance your herd’s productivity and bottom line. Outcross advantage – more resilient, healthier herds

OUTCROSS

3 4

VikingHolstein sires offer valuable outcross genetics, helping you avoid inbreeding in your herd — whether you are breeding within Holstein lines or using crossbreeding programs. VikingHolstein breeding program carefully controls inbreeding levels and prioritizes genetic diversity by drawing from a wide range of high-quality genetic lines on both sides of the pedigree. All VikingHolstein sires are tested for all common genetic disorders, making them a reliable source of resilient, healthy, and highperforming Holstein genetics. Cows built to last – healthy, medium-sized, profitable

PROFIT

Unlock the full potential of your herd with long-lasting VikingHolstein cows that deliver high lifetime production while keeping costs low, spanning everything — from feed and veterinary care to labor hours and herd replacement. Thanks to their natural disease resistance VikingHolsteins require minimum antibiotic use. The unique combination of superior health, exceptional reproduction, medium size and a proven ability to produce milk high in fat and protein makes them the most profitable and sustainable choice. Feed efficiency you can count on

FEED EFFICIENT

Optimize feed conversion rates with VikingHolstein genetics - cutting costs and reducing your environmental footprint. VikingGenetics’ Cattle Feed Intake System (CFIT) captures live, daily data on individual cows’ feed intake — full lactation, entire lifetime, whole herd — from cows genetically close to today’s reference animals, setting the standard for breeding more feed-efficient, highperforming, and climate-friendly cows. VikingHolstein sires can now deliver remarkable efficiency gains — saving up to 176,000 kg of dry matter intake per year in a 1,000-head herd — without compromising milk production, health, and fertility. Data you can trust

TRUST

Our breeding values are grounded in over 50 years of health and performance records from commercial herds in Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. With large-scale data coverage, VikingHolstein genetics are built on one of the world’s most complete and transparent cattle databases — driving proven farm-level gains and achieving consistent results in production herds. This long-term commitment drives herd profitability through robust health traits, premium milk quality, and genetically diverse cows that perform across generations.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

VIKINGGENETICS

5 redes waarom jy

Holstein-genetika van Viking moet gebruik VikingGenetics verskaf betroubare Holstein - genetika (uit Skandinawië) wat ondersteun word deur dekades se betroubare data. Suiwelboere wat streef na gesonde, vrugbare en doeltreffende koeie, kan met groot sukses hierdie gentika gebruik. Ongeëwenaarde vrugbaarheid – hoë konsepsies

EFFEKTIEF

2 3

Viking Holstein stel die standaard vir vrugbaarheid met uitstekende konsepsies, sonder die gebruik van hormonale sinkronisasie progamme en middels. Die konsepsiesyfers van gemiddeld 63% vir verse, 50% vir koeie en ‘n 96% kalfoorlewing vir 1ste laktasie kalwings (98% vir 2 de laktasies en ouer koeie), stel suiwelboere in staat om vervangingsdiere baie meer ekonomies te verseker. Uitkruis voordeel – hoër weerstand, gesondheid

UITKRUIS

Viking Holsteins bied bulle met waardevolle uitkruisgenetika om inteling makliker in beheer te hou. Die Viking Holstein-teelprogram beheer intelingsvlakke noukeurig en prioritiseer genetiese diversiteit deur uit ‘n wye reeks hoë gehalte genetiese lyne aan weerskante van die stamboom te put. Alle Holstein bulle word getoets vir genetiese afwykings. Koeie met uitstekende lanklewendheid – gesonde medium raam koeie vir maksimum winsgewendheid

PROFYT

Vir meer as 4 dekades word hoë druk deur middel van hul teeldoelwit, op gesondheidseienskappe en ook doeltreffendheid wat voeromsetting aan betref, geplaas. Dit word onderskryf deur “Interbull “data betreffende die uiters hoë genetiese vlakke van Viking Holsteins vir algemene gesondheid en vrugbaarheid. Danksy hul natuurlike weerstand teen siektes benodig hierdie populasie minimale antibiotika gebruik. Hoë produksie van hoë vastestof melk geproduseer deur vrugbare koeie van medium grootte dra by tot uiters goeie winsgewendheid. Viking Holsteins, die mees volhoubare en winsgewendste keuse.

Voeromsettings- doeltreffendheid - akkuraat gemeet

Betroubare data

VOEROMSETTING

BETROUBAAR

Viking Genetics se “ Cattle Feed Intake System (CFIT )” versamel daagliks data van koeie se gewig, produksie en voerinname. Dit word gedoen deur ‘n kamera - sisteem wat byna elke sekonde vir 24 uur dwars deur die jaar, fotos neem en sodoende betroubare data aanteken. Meer as 30 000 van hiedie kameras is bokant koeie geïnstalleer en verseker data wat Viking nie net die leiers maak op die gebied nie, maar hulle ook instaat stel om nou reeds betroubare teelwaaardes in die verband vir hul bulle te ontwikkel. Dit dra verder by om bulle aan suiwelboere beskikbaar te stel wat meer doeltreffende koeie sal teel en sodoende bydra om boere meer winsgewend melk te laat produseer. Hierdie nuutste navorsing en resultate kan ‘n 1000 koei kudde meer as 175 ton droëmateriaal jaarliks spaar. Die nuwe teelwaarde staan bekend as die “SAVED FEED INDEX”.

Die teelwaardes is oor 50 jaar ontwikkel en data oor gesondheid en produksie is verkry van kommersiële kuddes van Swede, Denemarke en Finland. Viking Holsteins genetika is ontwikkel uit een van die wêreld se mees deursigtigste en omvattendste databasisse. Dit verseker konstante en beproefde winste in produksiekuddes. Hierdie langtermyn teeldoelwitte verseker winsgewendheid veroorsaak deur gesondheidseienskappe, hoë produksie en geneties diverse koeie wat konstant oor generasies heen presteer en resultate verseker.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

NORDIC METHANE INDEX

Hanna Driscoll, Product Manager for VikingHolstein at VikingGenetics

INTRODUCING THE NORDIC METHANE INDEX NEW NORDIC METHANE INDEX TO REDUCE COW EMISSIONS BY 20%

Breeding cows that permanently emit less methane is now a reality thanks to the brand-new Methane Index developed by VikingGenetics, SEGES Innovation and Aarhus University. VikingGenetics, in collaboration with SEGES Innovation and Aarhus University, is proud to announce the launch of the Nordic Methane Index with the release of the breeding values for May 2025. This groundbreaking development marks a significant milestone in the dairy industry’s efforts to breed cows that naturally emit less methane. The new index will contribute to more sustainable and future-friendly dairy farming. Scientific studies have shown that 20% of a cow’s methane production can be attributed to her genetics. This means that by selecting and breeding cows with favourable genetic traits, cattle’s methane emissions can be reduced by 20%. Starting from the May 2025 proof run, methane breeding values will be calculated for all VikingHolstein bulls born after 2008. The methane indices for VikingJersey and VikingRed animals will be released in 2026. Reliable data from commercial herds is the key Identifying cows genetically predisposed to emitting less methane required significant research in a field where no data were previously available. The Methane Index results from extensive research by, among other research projects, the Danish ONIMIT project sponsored by VikingGenetics, GUDP and Mælkeafgiftsfonden.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

The researchers behind ONIMIT utilised methane sniffers to take thousands of measurements from the same cows over time, exchanging methane data with other countries to enhance the accuracy of their findings. This resulted in the world’s first breeding values based on direct measurements of methane concentration. “Sniffer technology allows us, and dairy farmers, to measure cows’ methane output with low-cost tools that can be installed on a large scale in commercial herds without disturbing the cows’ routine,” says Helen Schneider, PhD, Postdoc at Aarhus University’s Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, one of the developers of the Nordic Methane Index. “In the long term, this will enable the dairy industry to capitalise on genetics to significantly mitigate the environmental footprint of dairy cattle, without harming milk production,” she adds. A permanent, significant effect The Nordic Methane Index is based on pioneering work in genetic research into methane production. Nordic scientists were among the first to measure cattle emissions and link them to genetics, collecting over 16,000 measurements from individual cows using methane sniffers. While feed additives like Bovaer have a noticeable effect on cows’ emissions, the effect is only temporary. On the FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

NORDIC METHANE INDEX other hand, the effect of breeding is permanent and increases with every generation. Jan Lassen, PhD, Senior Project Manager at VikingGenetics, explains, “The Methane Index does not mean that a cow will stop producing methane from 2026; it’s a long-term solution. With the new index, by 2035 – 2040, we’ll achieve the same effect we get by adding Bovaer now, but the changes in cows will be forever.” Advanced methods were developed to account for variations in methane production over time, and future studies will evaluate how cows’ milk and rumen microbiome data can support the sniffer results. Feed efficiency also reduces methane In addition to the Nordic Methane Index, Nordic breeders also use feed efficiency, through the Saved Feed Index, to indicate which bulls they should use to breed more sustainable cows. Research indicates that up to 12% of a cow’s energy is spent producing methane, and, due to the nature of cows’ rumen, feed intake is a considerable part of this. This means that the better your cows’ feed efficiency and optimised diet are, the less methane your herd will emit.

With these two indices in their breeding arsenal, farmers will now have two outstanding tools available to help them facilitate more efficient, profitable, and sustainable dairy production. Breeding for efficient, sustainable dairy farming Methane emissions from cows are one of the most pressing challenges for dairy farming’s green transition. Publishing the Methane Index is another step for breeders toward this goal. However, before breed associations can incorporate methane reduction into their goals, policymakers must clarify the financial incentives to facilitate a smooth incorporation into the breeding goal. Governments must decide whether breeding for less methane should be part of farmers’ climate accounts or if they should receive subsidies toward it. At VikingGenetics, we are committed to supporting dairy farmers in integrating methane reduction into their breeding goals, without affecting production and other traits. This will make it a natural part of their efforts to breed more efficient, profitable, and sustainable dairy cows.

GETUIGSKRIF

PREEKSTOEL BOERDERY Preekstoel Boerdery teel reeds meer as 35 jaar met Viking Jersey genetika ! Tienie Durr is aan die stuur van die Jerseykudde naby Malmesbury in die Wes Kaap. Tienie en sy broer Barry bestuur die boerdery wat bestaan uit ‘n melkery (volvoersisteem) en ‘n graanvertakking. Hul seuns vorm nou ook deel van die onderneming wat nog steeds groei. “Viking Genetics se teelbeleid, wat uitgebeeld word deur hul “Nordic Total Merit (NTM)“ ekonomiese waardestelsel, was uit die staanspoor vir my genoeg motivering waarom ek hul genetika moes gebruik. Hul het reeds in die vroeë tagtigs hul klem verskuif na gesondheidseienskappe. Dit was inteenstelling met die res van die wêreld wat bly vasklou het aan tipe en produksie. Die Dene het dit reggekry om hul vastestofproduksie te verhoog sonder om hul prioriteite van gesonde koeie agterweë te laat. In my stelsel is die welvaart Heibrie en Tienie Durr van die koeie en dus lanklewendheid, van uiterste belang. Die akkuraatheid van die data is ewe indrukwekkend en kan slegs verkry word op die wyse wat hulle te doen. Die populasie van meer as 70 000 koeie word ten volle benut om akkurate data te verkry. Ek is meer as tevrede met wat ek tot dusver kon verrig. Die Viking lande se nasionale produksie gemiddeld van 7600 kg melk en bottervet van 5.95% is ongeëwenaard” aldus Tienie. Die Preekstoel gemiddeld soos verkry van die melkverskaffer vir die laaste 12 mnde is as volg: 1150 koeie : 7500 kg melk 5.50% bottervet en 4.15% proteïen. Genimex wil graag Tienie en sy span hartlik gelukwens met ‘n uitstekende kudde. Ons is saam met julle trots op hierdie resultate en het groot waardering vir jul ondersteuning!

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

GENOMIC PROOFS Peter Larson, Senior Breeding Manager & Product Manager for VikingJersey at VikingGenetics

VALIDATING GENOMIC PROOFS Dairy farmers can trust genomic breeding values as a reliable tool to make smarter breeding decisions, improve herd health and performance, and achieve consistent genetic progress generation after generation. Genomic selection has fundamentally changed dairy breeding, providing farmers and breeders worldwide with younger and higher-ranking genetics to improve their herds. In the Nordic countries, app. 98% of bulls used for AI are genomic bulls. This widespread adoption allows farmers to achieve faster genetic progress and utilize younger genomic top sires to improve the next generation of cows. Table 1: % genomic bulls used for AI in Denmark % genomic bulls for AI VikingHolstein VikingJersey

2015 88 90

2020 95 99

2025 98 99

VikingGenetics’ breeding programs place strong confidence in genomic breeding values. Supported by extensive data from the Nordic cattle data system, these genomic breeding values are highly reliable, providing farmers with a solid foundation for making informed breeding decisions. A key question for breeders is the reliability of genomic proofs: How well do they predict the future performance of a bull’s daughters? At VikingGenetics, we continuously validate genomic breeding values by comparing genomic proofs of young bulls with the actual daughter proofs obtained once the bulls become daughter-proven. The genomic breeding values for the traits in the Nordic Total Merit Index (NTM) have, on average, a reliability of 65-80% for VikingHolstein bulls and 50-70% for GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

VikingJersey, with lower reliabilities on health traits and higher reliabilities on production traits. Graph 1: Reliability of genomic breeding values for the traits in the Nordic Total Merit index (NTM) Reliabilities of breeding values - Holstein sires 95

100

60 40 20 0

35 20

Pedigree information Production

Genomic information

Information from daughters

Health

Conformation

Analysis of VikingHolstein and VikingJersey bulls shows a strong correlation between genomic and daughterproven values. While genomic proofs are available from birth, daughter proofs become available only after a bull has a sufficient number of daughters with recorded performance. Below you can see the results for genomic bulls born in 2019 and 2020, having sold the most doses in South Africa during their genomic career. Note that in Nordic countries, we have a rolling base, meaning that NTM drops 4 units per year for Holstein and 3 units per year for Jerseys. FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GENOMIC PROOFS Table 2: Top 5 selling VikingJersey bulls born 2018-2020, with genomic NTM when semen was sold and actual Daughter proofs Jersey Bull

Birth year

Genomic NTM in 2021

(when semen was sold)

Daughter proof NTM 2025

Expected level and the difference

Comments

Expectation is a drop of 12 units (4 years x 3 units)

VJ Jojo

2019

+29

+19

+17 (+2)

A little better than expected

VJ Jake

2019

+24

+28

+12 (+16)

Much better than expected

VJ Domino

2019

+28

+17

+16 (+1)

As expected

VJ Lando

2019

+19

+7 (-3)

Lower than expected

VJ Splash

2020

+28

+30

+16 (+14)

Much better than expected

Table 3: Top 5 selling VikingHolstein bulls born 2018-2020, with genomic NTM when semen was sold and actual Daughter proofs Daughter proof NTM 2025

2019

+39

+21

+23 (-2)

As expected

VH Newstar

2019

+31

+21

+15 (+6)

Much better than expected

VH Ascari

2019

+31

+20

+15 (+5)

Better than expected

VH Belland

2018

+28

+24

+12 (+12)

Much better than expected

VH Cascade

2020

+34

+18 (-10)

Much lower than expected

Birth year

VH Nader

In general, the bulls have performed as expected or better, with one exception in both breeds. Comparisons demonstrate that bulls selected based on high genomic NTM tend to maintain their relative ranking once their daughters’ results are available, confirming the accuracy and predictive power of genomic selection. Genomic selection not only accelerates genetic progress but also ensures that breeding decisions contribute to the long-term goal of healthier, profitable, and sustainable cows. The Nordic experience shows that farmers can trust genomic proofs, knowing that they provide a reliable foundation for improving the herd generation by generation. Farmers use genomic information not only to select young sires but also as a management tool within the herd. By

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

Expected level and the difference Expectation is a drop of 16 units (4 years x 4 units)

Comments

Genomic NTM in 2021 (when semen was sold)

Holstein Bull

breeding high genetic merit females with sexed semen and low genetic merit females with beef semen, farmers can accelerate genetic improvement and increase the herd’s profitability. With the detailed genomic information on both females and bulls, farmers are able to select the high genetic merit bulls to match the heifer or cow’s strengths and weaknesses. This results in cows that are healthier, more productive, and ultimately more profitable. To conclude, genomic selection enables faster genetic improvement, enabling farmers to build healthier, more productive, and profitable herds. VikingGenetics’ reliable genomic breeding values, validated by Nordic cattle data, allow confident selection of top bulls and effective herd management, ensuring long-term progress and sustainability.

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

GETUIGSKRIFTE

GETUIGSKRIFTE VAN NIEKERK BOERDERY BK, CALEDON Viking Jerseys vir volhoubaarheid! Wimpie van Niekerk se teeldoelwit is om ‘n kudde te vestig wat volhoubaar winste kan lewer deur melk te produseer waarvoor daar ‘n vraag is in die mark. “Jerseys van medium grootte en funksionele tipe is vir my belangrik. Ons melk ons eerste 100 dae koeie op ‘n volvoersisteem en die res op weidings. Dit is dus belangrik dat gesondheidseienskappe soos vrugbaarheid, uiergesondheid, bene en hoewe hoë prioriteit moet geniet. Die Deense model bied juis dit vir ons en ons is uiters tevrede met die vordering wat ons tot dusver gemaak het.” Die boerdery word bestuur deur die twee broers, Willie en Eben asook hul seuns Wimpie en Niekie. Willie het in die vroeë tagtigs die kudde begin met 12 Jersey en 6 Ayrshire koeie. Die kudde is sedertdien geslote en het gegroei tot ‘n 500 koei kudde. Die kudde se afgelope jaar se produksie is as volg: 6742.9 kg melk 5.26% bv en 4.01 % prot. Hulle gebruik tans die bulle VJ Sedum en VJ Jumbo. Wimpie is onlangs aangewys as die “Meester Suiwelboer, medium grootte kuddes van die LNR”. Baie geluk aan die Van Niekerks ! Dit is vir Genimex ‘n eer om deel van julle suiwelspan te wees!

Wimpie en Jané van Niekerk

LAMONTANARA Lamontanara: Trotse familiebesigheid Eckard Leicher (snr) en sy familie boer met Jerseys op die plaas Lamontanara net buite Ashton in die rigting Swellendam. Eckard kom na sy studies in 1984 plaas toe maar laat sy pa Dieter mooi verstaan dat hy niks met die 5 Holstein koeie te doen wil he nie. Stadig maar seker raak hy al meer betrokke by die melkery en begin Jerseys aankoop. Nadat hy ‘n kaasmakerskursus bygewoon het begin hy sy eie kaasfabriek en bemark sy produkte aan Woolworths. Op ‘n dag hou hy vergadering met sy seun, 2 dogters en skoonseuns en bied hulle die geleentheid aan om by die besigheid betrokke te raak. Geld het hy nie, maar geleenthede is daar baie. Tans melk hulle so by die 1100 Jerseys op 2 plase. So 850 op Lamontanara en so plus minus 240 op die weidingsplaas wat hulle laat in 2025 bygekoop het. Koeie kry 13% protein pille teen 240g/lt in die stal. Op Lamontanara word ‘n TMR buite gevoer wat bestaan uit kragvoer, mielie-, hawer- en lusernkuilvoer. Stalgemiddeld is so 23lts/koei met ‘n Bv% van 5.4% en Prot% van so 4%.

Vlnr: Marius Fourie, Heidie Fourie, Rohan Steyl, Karla Steyl, Eckard Leicher (Snr), Eckard Leicher (Jnr)

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

Slegs Deense genetika word gebruik van die top bulle met die hoogste NTM omdat Eckard (Jnr) besef dat hulle ‘n baie betroubare stelsel het met die hoogste vastestowwe in die wêreld en baie klem lê op vrugbaarheid, kuddegesondheid en langslewendheid. Jy maak nie noodwendig die meeste geld uit koeie met top produksies nie, maar uit gebalanseerde koeie wat gesond is en 4 laktasies plus in jou kudde bly.

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

GETUIGSKRIFTE

LACTIMAR Lactimar, meer as 30 jaar vennootskap met Genimex en Viking! Dian Landman is aan die stuur van hierdie suiwelboerdery naby Eersterivier in die Tsitsikamma. Die onderneming bestaan uit vier plase wat elkeen as ‘n eenheid bestuur word. Die kuddes bestaan uit een Jerseykudde en drie gemengde kuddes van Jerseys, Holsteins en kruiskoeie. Sy Pa, Daan Landman het die kudde gevestig in 1982 en was tot ongeveer 2023 deel van die dag tot dag besluitnemings.

Dian Landman

“Dit is vir ons belangrik om koeie te teel wat by die veranderende toestande van die Tsitsikamma kan aanpas. Uiters nat of droë toestande en ver loopafstande, kan baie hard op koeie wees en daarom is eienskappe soos been en hoefgesondheid van kardinale belang. Om ‘n balans te handhaaf tussen hoë produksie en hoë vastestowwe is nie maklik nie en daarom is betroubare data as basis, ononderhandelbaar. Met my besoek aan Denemarke is dit die een aspek wat my onmiddelik opgeval het. Die Deense model word gerugsteun deur direkte akkurate en betroubare inligting verkry vanaf die suiwelboer, veeartse asook hoefgesondheidsorganisasies. Uiergesondheids indekse word bepaal deur resultate van fisiese mastitis gevalle en nie slegs somatiese seltellings nie. Elke koei wat se hoewe behandel word, se simptome en behandellings word opgeneem in die databasis.”

LEEURIVIER

‘n Verdere aspek wat hoog op die prioriteitslys is, is vrugbaarheid. Dian het ‘n paar jaar gelede seisoenale dekkingspraktyke geïmplemeteer. Dit plaas hoë druk op die vrugbaarheid van vroulike diere. Die kudde behaal uitstekende resultate en dragtigheidsdoelwitte word gereeld bereik. Sy onlangse resultate met geslagsbepaalde semen op verse van ‘n meer 59% konsepsie, spreek boekdele. In 2025 het hulle 65% in kalf op 6 weke behaal. Dian was in 2023 aangewys as die “Jong die Boer van die jaar” van die Oos Kaap. Die kudde presteer uitstekend op die “Dairy Juction“ groep en lê jaarliks onder die top 10 van meer as 100 kuddes. Nogmaals baie geluk Dian, ons is trots op jou en jou span en is gereed om al die uitdagings van suiwelteelt saam met jou aan te pak.

Etienne Zeeman boer op die plaas Leeurivier naby Swellendam in die Suid Kaap met Jerseys. In 2002 begin hy melk met so 60-80 koeie waarvan die meeste huurkoeie was. Soos die hektare wingerd en vrugte minder geword het, is meerjarige gras/klawer/lusern weidings aangeplant onder permanente besproeiing en die kudde uitgebrei tot so 400 koeie tans in melk. Koeie is 24uur per dag op weidings. Die enigste ruvoer wat hulle kry is aangekoopte garsstrooi na melking tot hulle weer weidings toe gaan. 10% Kragvoer word gevoer teen 300 - 350gram/lt melk. Melkproduksie wissel so tussen 18 en 21It per dag afhangend van die seisoen en kwaliteit van die weidings.

Etienne Zeeman

Etienne se teelbeleid is baie eenvoudig! Sedert 2002 word slegs Deense genetika gebruik omdat hy glo die Dene het die mees betroubaarste stelsel in die wêreld uit ‘n groot populasie Jerseys met 40jaar plus se syfers in verband met reproduksie en gesondheid, tot hul beskikking. Die vordering in sy kuddegesondheid/reproduksie word gesien in die feit dat hy al 6 uit 8 keer die trofee van LNR vir beste kudde SST gewen het en word hy deur LNR gereken as ‘n model kudde. Hy kies die bul met die hoogste NTM waarde sonder om inteling % te verhoog en gebruik die bul dan swaar deur die hele kudde {1000 -1200 strooitjies) om ‘n inpak in sy kudde te maak. Daar is geen kuddebul op die plaas nie en hy glo dat ‘n koei wat goed genoeg is om gemelk te word, verdien die beste genetika.

Etienne deel graag sy kennis, idees en syfers met mede produsente en is altyd bereid om na nuwe idees te luister en dit te beproef! Aangeheg is ‘n opsomming van sy syfers van 2025 Bv% 6.02 Hoogste 5.42 Gem

Prot% 4.46 Hoogste 4.19 Gem

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

Sst 118 422 Laagste 136 134Gem

Bak 19 073 Laagste 24 124Gem

C/lt 942.89 Hoogste 868.43 Gem

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

GETUIGSKRIFTE

OUDEWAGENDRIFT BOERDERY Oudewagendrift Boerdery ontwikkel ‘n stelsel en kudde om op trots te wees. Peini, sy seun Heini en broer Johan staan aan die stuur van hierdie onderneming naby Worcester in die Wes Kaap. Hulle het hierdie historiese familieplaas ontwikkel in ‘n moderne melkplaas met ‘n koeibehuisingstelsel wat 1750 koeie akkommodeer. Wat dit interessant maak is dat in plaas daarvan om kruisteling toe te pas, gebruik hulle suiwer Jerseys en Holsteins om te produseer wat die mark wil hê. Die kudde bestaan uit 790 Jerseys en 900 Holsteins in die melk. Die produksierekord vir die afgelope jaar is besonders! Die ontledings soos verkry van die melkkoper vir die afgelope 12 maande se lewerings, is as volg: Gemiddeld. 4.58 % bottervet en 3.95% proteïen vir totale jaar produksie (beide rasse saam). Gemiddelde produksie Jerseys : 24.5 L/DAG – 790 koeie.

Peini, Heinrich en Johan Naude

Gemiddelde produksie Holsteins : 32.5 L/DAG – 900 koeie. “Die stelsel waarop ons is, vereis dat jy moet streef na die beste in alle fasette. Genetika moet gekies word wat ‘n kudde benodig om die hoë stres en produksie vlakke te hanteer. Die Skandinawiese model, waar gesondheids -eienskappe reeds dekades hoë prioriteit geniet, pas ons stelsel soos ‘n handskoen. Nie alleen is hulle die leiers op die gebied nie, maar bied hulle ook die mees betroubare ontledings en indekse vir die eienskappe wat vir ons so belangrik is nie. Uiersgesondheid, vrugbaarheid, bene en hoewe asook die produksie van hoë volumes van hoë kwaliteit melk, bly die belangrikste redes waarom koeie meer lanklewend sal wees. Die “Saved Feed“ indeks wat onlangs deur Viking ontwikkel is, is ‘n verdere uitstekende

hulpmiddel vir ons. Die indekse bewys dat kleiner koeie met ‘n laer inname soms net so veel kan produseer as groter en swaarder koeie. Die wyse waarop hierdie indekse ontwikkel is, is indrukwekkend en akkuraat” Aldus Peini. Daar is meer as 180 dogters van die bul VH Nader in die kudde. VH NADER (7900 dogters in sy ontleding) spog met ‘n “Saved Feed” indeks van 118! Baie geluk aan die die Naude’s, julle kan voorwaar trots wees. Ons waardeer jul ondersteuning oor baie jare en wens julle alle voorspoed toe.

MALUTI JERSEYS As al my Jerseykoeie kon praat, sou dit heel waarskynlik met ‘n Deense aksent wees. Alhoewel hulle voorvaders uit Denemarke kom, is hulle fantasties aangepas vir Suid Afrikaanse toestande. By Maluti Jerseys melk ons op ‘n “TMR” voedingstelsel. Met die regte voeding en relatiewe hoë produksies, bly die vet en proteïene hoog. Ek kan nie onthou dat vir die afgelope paar jaar ons proteïene en vet persentasies al onder 3.97 en 4.95 onderskeidelik was nie. Dit help nogal in ‘n sukkelende melk ekonomie vir ‘n goeie melkprys. Dankie aan Chris en sy Genimex span dat ons hierdie uitstekende kudde kon bou. Ons grootste uitdagings gaan in die toekoms wees om die Staatsbeheerde siektes van die plaas weg te hou. Julle moet lekker melk.

Jan en Dudley Russouw

GENIMEX | Milk & Honey | JANUARY 2026

FOCUS ON VIKINGGENETICS

Feed efficiency data that sets the standard • VikingGenetics’ Cattle Feed Intake System (CFIT) captures live, daily data from every cow in the herd throughout all her lactations. • We follow each cow’s entire lifetime — from first to last lactation — in real time. • Data comes from cows genetically close to today’s reference animals — not performance records from years ago.

Relevance to modern herd conditions and highly reliable results