New Products

compiled by Linda Robbins, assistant editor

More cells per straw

Livestock genetics innovator STgenetics has rolled out a new flagship artificial insemination (AI) product that packs twice the number of sex-sorted sperm cells per straw as its previous products, leading to conception rates that are very close to those achieved using conventional semen.

High-fertility Sexed Ultra 4M™ sex-sorted semen boasts 4 million cells per straw. Previous SexedUltra™ semen straws contained 2.1 million cells per straw. During a field trial in Germany conducted by the company in collaboration with German Genetics International, the new product delivered conception rates comparable to conventional semen packaged at a concentration of 15 million cells per straw over 7,500 inseminations.

The leader of the company’s research and development team explains the increased conception rate is due to improvements in sperm biotechnology, the media that nourishes and invigorates the sperm during the sorting process, and improved sorting machine technology.

The sex-sorted semen is even more effective when combined with genomic testing to ensure that producers get the most out of their mating plans. Genomic testing allows producers to identify their highest genomic-value animals and to evaluate in-depth their entire herds. Creating a breeding plan around genomic testing and the new high-fertility semen ensures that the best females in the herd deliver replacement heifers.

Customers can search STgenetics’ sire offerings at www.STgen.com and can get more information by contacting STgenetics via email at sales@stgen.com or by phone in the United States at 1-800-525-2953, or internationally, at 920-921-6029.

Detection kit for Johne’s disease

The USDA has issued Thermo Fisher Scientific a Veterinary Biological Product License for its Applied Biosystems VetMAX-Gold MAP Detection Kit, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based solution designed to detect the bacterium that causes Johne’s disease. The debilitating condition costs the dairy and beef cattle industries up to $350 million each year in the United States alone.

A serious problem among production and dairy cattle worldwide, Johne’s disease is a chronic and sometimes fatal condition caused by the presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in the small intestine of ruminants. Diagnosis of clinical infection is usually confirmed by the detection of the causal organism in feces or in intestinal tissues postmortem.

Approval of the VetMAX Gold MAP Detection Kit is based on the successful completion of the USDA’s stringent review process to ensure safety and effectiveness of the test and evaluation of production and quality systems compliance at the manufacturing site. With the addition of this recent license, Thermo Fisher now offers six USDA-licensed molecular diagnostic tests for customers, more than any other company in the animal health space.

For more information please visit www.thermofisher.com/animalhealth.

Single-nostril respiratory protection

Zoetis has introduced protection against respiratory disease early in life with Inforce™ 3. According to the company, it helps calves stay healthy, develop to their full genetic potential and reduces the risk of illness later in life. Protecting young calves is now easier than ever because Inforce 3 has earned a single-nostril administration claim to make it more convenient to administer.

Studies demonstrated that when the full 2-mL dose was administered into a single nostril in neonatal calves, Inforce 3 protected against respiratory disease caused by infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus, bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and parainfluenza 3 (PI3) virus.

In additional studies, the product also demonstrated the ability to override maternal antibodies to moderate IBR respiratory disease for at least 15 weeks and provided IBR respiratory protection for more than six months in IBR-naïve neonatal calves.

Research underscores the benefits of the product. Challenge studies investigating its efficacy and conducted by the company in September 2016 and published the same year in the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association demonstrated unsurpassed levels of protection for young calves.

The company says the product is the first and only respiratory vaccine that prevents respiratory disease caused by BRSV while also aiding in the prevention of IBR and PI3. Developed specifically for needle-free intranasal administration, the product has shown excellent efficacy in helping to prevent respiratory disease and reduce viral shedding.

The vaccine contains proprietary temperature-sensitive IBR and PI3 viral strains, as well as naturally temperature-sensitive BRSV. This unique formulation stimulates protective immunity in the nasal passages, where respiratory infections start, while also priming the immune system for a rapid memory response to subsequent vaccination or disease challenge. The product is safe for use in all types, ages and classes of calves, including neonatal calves, weaned and high-stress stocker calves.

To learn more, visit with your Zoetis representative or veterinarian, or visit www.completecalfprotection.com.

Oxygen barrier film

Silostop Ultimate Oxygen Barrier Film is recognized worldwide as the leading oxygen barrier film. It is a thin, impermeable film stopping the entry of oxygen into silage stored in bunkers or piles.

Silostop Ultimate Oxygen Barrier Film

The product is a multilayer light and very strong silage film, making it easy to handle and apply. Its unique oxygen-barrier properties are proven to be more than 100 times more effective than conventional silage sheeting.
The benefits of the product include

Surface spoilage is virtually eliminated;
Reduced labor time, as it’s quick to use and no need to remove waste silage;
Dry-matter (DM) loss is reduced by up to 50% in the top 3 feet (ft.) of silage compared to conventional silage sheeting.
Aerobic stability is increased by up to two and a half days, so silage on the face and in front of the cows stays fresh and nutrient-rich longer.

Silostop films are thinner and less bulky than conventional plastics and are therefore cheaper to recycle or dispose of.

The product has been and is continually independently researched and there are many published trials proving that silage DM losses are reduced, aerobic stability is improved and that nutrient levels are preserved at an optimum level.

Available accessories include Silostop gravel bags to add weight and aid in creating an effective seal. Available in packs of 50, the company’s pea-sized gravel is the fill of choice.

For more information visit www.silostop.com.

Center-pivot mower

Kuhn GMD 5251 trailered, center-pivot mower

Kuhn North America has introduced the GMD 5251 trailered, center-pivot mower as a solution for anyone looking for a simple, robust machine that is easy to handle and provides high operating output without having to invest in a tractor with front lift system and power takeoff (PTO). The mower features a wide cutting width, up to 17 feet (ft.) 1 inch (in.), but has a narrow transport width, folding to 9 ft. 6 in. with large wheels positioned on the outside, thereby preventing the machine from running over the forage. Mow from left to right with the central drawbar and reduce time wasted turning on headlands.

The Optidisc cutter bar is lubed for life with synthetic oil and has a belt-free gear drive. The machine takes less than 10 seconds to set the machine in work/transport position.
For more information visit www.kuhnnorthamerica.com/us/range/hay-and-forage-tools/mowers/gmd-5251-tc.html.