Semayr Breeding Services is the marketing division of Ayrshire New Zealand and has a number of roles:
Sire Proving
In 2008 Semayr offer semen from 27 youngNew ZealandAyrshire bulls for sale. This high number of animals is required as part of an extensive programme by Semayr to increase the genetic worth of the Ayrshire breed withinNew Zealand. Each year Association members are asked to submit high genetic merit young bull calves for consideration for inclusion in the Young Bull team.
In conjunction with this, Semayr also runs a Sire Proving Scheme. Members of the scheme receive semen from these young bulls for a very low cost in return for agreeing to use the Young Bull semen over at least 80% of their herd, and to then herd-test the resulting progeny. In the 2007 season, over 5000 straws of young bull semen were used in the Sire Proving Scheme in addition to general catalogue sales.
All members are encouraged to use at least 20 straws of young bull semen annually to allow a widespread proof to be obtained. Free 2 year old classification is offered to members where 20% of their 2 year olds are sired by Progeny Test bulls, and all female progeny of Progeny Test bulls are eligilbe for registration free of charge.
Ayrshire Open Nucleus Herd
Established in 1997 the Ayrshire Open Nucleus Herd is the first Nucleus Herd to commence operation in New Zealand. With the aim of increasing the rate of genetic gain within the Ayrshire breed in New Zealand, the results to date are very promising. The resulting calves born into the nucleus herd are usually kept to expand the herd as only the top Ayrshire sires are mated to these animals. Over 20 of the bull calves have been selected for the Young Bull Teams since 2000.
