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The Discovery Project focuses on identifying exceptional Holstein Friesian heifers.
Michael and Cherie Berkers’ Holstein Friesian herd exemplifies how breeders can consistently develop successful cow families by seizing opportunities for improvement year after year.
Their Riverton sharemilking business, Moovin Aherd Ltd, has three heifers included in this year’s Discovery Project team, which features 24 heifers from 16 breeders across New Zealand.
The Discovery Project, a collaboration between Holstein Friesian NZ and LIC, focuses on identifying exceptional Holstein Friesian heifers with the potential to significantly impact the AI industry.
Each heifer selected participates in a Trans-Vaginal Recovery (TVR) programme, utilising advanced breeding technologies to produce genetically superior offspring, driving the evolution and enhancement of the Holstein Friesian breed.
This year, the Berkers successfully nominated three heifers: MAH Freestyle Sambie S1F (454/46gBW), sired by Prattleys Lucid Free-Style S1F and out of MAH Samba-ET S2F; MAH Lucid Indie (442/55gBW), sired by Woodcote VHR Lucid-ET S1F and out of MAH Grand Imogin S1F; and MAH Lucid Storm S1F (507/56gBW), sired by Woodcote VHR Lucid-ET S1F and out of MAH Fury Storm-ET S2F.
Cherie says Woodcote VHR Lucid-ET S1F, a bull out of 2018 Discovery Project team member Woodcote FU Laura-ET S3F VG85, was a sexed semen sire that resulted in many daughters.
“They are really nice calves,” Cherie says. “We use sexed semen on our best animals, and the results have been excellent.”
The Berkers have been nominating heifers for the Discovery Project on and off over the years. One of their first pedigree animals, 2014-born MAH HDF Starstruck-ET S3F, participated in the 2015 Discovery Project. Embryos were collected in the spring of that year, and calves were born in 2016. All three of her daughters went through the Discovery Project.
“The Discovery Project is a valuable programme,” Cherie says. “LIC provides support with sire recommendations for mating, as well as free semen, including from bulls that are not yet publicly available.”
HFNZ also offers discounted classification to all Discovery Project heifers when they are classified as two-year-olds.
Holstein Friesian NZ encourages its members to nominate their high BW heifer calves for the 2025 Discovery Project through the HFNZ website. Nominations close on February 21, 2025
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