knowledge article
1-2-3 method contributes to good udder health
Dry off protocol at K.I. Samen breeding station and dairy farm Optimising dry off “It’s advisable to draw up a protocol that describes the dry off process”, begins Ralph Engelen. “Doing this forces you to think carefully about the best way to dry off your cows.” K.I. SAMEN breeding station and dairy farm has fine-tuned…
Lees meerThree Bs top the rankings
Select reliable, tested sires When he bred this trio of bulls, Ralph focused on selecting reliable, tested sires that offered good to very good maternal calving ease combined with a short gestation time. What most people do not know is that the Belgian Blue breeding activities at K.I. Samen started more than 12 years ago…
Lees meerUltimate satisfaction for farmers with Tobor daughters
Unique aAa code 156 contributes width and balance A bull with unique features, Valor Tobor (TopGear x Commander x Beacon) with his aAa code of 156was born in Luxembourg. His maternal line originates in Italy and was further developed in Germany.He shares an ancestry with reliable, proven breeding bulls, who are all top of the…
Lees meerCow power!
Practical cows (more hp) are balanced A balanced build is what makes a practical cow HP. This is the key to long-lasting and highly productivecows. To create balanced cows, K.I. Samen’s breeding programme carefully considers the three mainreasons for culling. Poor fertility, claw health (legs) and udder health are the most important factorsthat determine whether…
Lees meerCan breeding contribute to reducing heat stress in cows?
1. Heat tolerant genes: Genes are known to contribute to better heat tolerance of cows, such as the genes related to sweat production, regulating the body temperature and adapting to changes in the surrounding climate. 2. Higher antioxidant production: Heat causes oxidative stress in cows, which can lead to damaged cells and inflammation. Targeted selection…
Lees meerThe Zoo in the Cow
The Fish Walk For years I have observed cows that walk like a fish: The rear end goes from left to right, because the cow needs to walk around her udder. This is not very efficient and is definitely not good for the longevity of the cow. The front end of the cow is too…
Lees meerWHAT DO WE WANT COWS TO DO FOR US?
Because a cow’s form determines how well she can function, it is important to breed an animal with the correct, desirable form. The aAa system – popularly referred to as triple A – is a proven method used worldwide to make the right mating matches between a cow and a bull by focusing on the…
Lees meerORGANIC FARMERS AND CHAMPION BREEDERS
John and Christel made the transition from conventional dairy farming to organic farming in 2016 in a gradual process. “It’s something you grow towards,” says John. “Circularity in farming always starts with the soil. I am very interested in aspects such as soil fertility, soil structure and active life and organisms in the soil. And,…
Lees meerTheir distinctive markings make Lineback bulls unique
Linebacks with their Witrik patterns and long heritage are not a recognised breed The patterns occur as a white stripe along the back and belly and they can have speckled or solid sides. In English speaking countries, this colouration is referred to as ‘lineback’. Cows with Witrik patterns could be found many centuries ago with…
Lees meer40 YEARS OF KI SAMEN ‘PROVEN PRACTICAL BREEDING’
It is an industry-leading, family owned business with its own breeding vision based on using proven bulls and examining the practical performance on the farm of the cow family behind the bull. Following the death of Bas Engelen Sr. – one of the founders of K.I. SAMEN – his children Nancy, Ralph and Bas Engelen…
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