It starts with a straw of semen, but it is so much more. With that straw, you are making a conscious decision for the future. It is a decision to invest in genetics that will create your cow of tomorrow – one that will be even more productive and efficient with each generation, giving you and yours a bright future.
Genetic selection simplified
Identifying genetics for your next generation can be a daunting task. Which traits should you consider? How many traits are enough or too much? What trait combination will lead to overall genetic progress?
ICC™ takes the guesswork out of your genetic decisions. It is backed by sound science and crafted with careful consideration for farm-level economic impact and genetic selection response.
ICC™ empowers tomorrow’s cows to perform through balanced selection for efficient production, sustainability and fertility.
ICC™ is a true legacy index – one that you can build your future on. By selecting on ICC™, you are creating a feed efficient and sustainable cow that calves easily and transitions seamlessly. It’s the kind of cow that goes unnoticed, that works hard day in and day out, lactation after lactation. It’s the kind of cow that makes dairy farming enjoyable.
Whether your cow of the future is Holstein, Jersey or Mixed Breed,
ICC™ genetics will empower her and her future generations to thrive.
ICC™ for Holsteins
ICC™ for Holsteins focuses on what truly makes your cows profitable and sustainable and, therefore, includes the traits that matter to you, your herd and your future. It is the only commercial-focused selection tool available in the industry, and originated from a grassroots initiative when our members and customers sought a better way to breed cows and rank genetics.
Unique in its makeup, ICC™ is comprised of three sub-indexes. The sub-indexes focus on critical areas at the farm level addressing production efficiencies, sustainability and next-generation daughter fertility.
- Production Efficiency (PREF) focuses on feed efficient production and component yields.
- Sustainability (SUST) includes selection for overall health and longevity with traits that focus on milk quality, functional udders and easy maintenance.
- Fertility (FERT) includes cow and heifer fertility traits for overall reproductive efficiency.
ICC™ for Jerseys
With the same unique model, Jersey and Mixed Breed ICC™ is comprised of three sub-indexes to create the whole. The sub-indexes focus on critical areas at the farm level addressing production efficiencies, sustainability and next-generation daughter fertility.
- Cheese Maximizer (ChMAX) focuses on total component yield with equal weightings on Fat and Protein.
- Sustainability (SUST) includes selection for overall health and longevity with traits that focus on heifer survivability, milk quality and functional udders.
- Fertility (FERT) emphasizes traits that focus on cow and heifer fertility and selection for optimal age at first calving.
Her Story: Thriving in a Modern Dairy
No one can tell the ICC™ story better than a cow. Read the story of 3967, a black and white beauty gracing an Iowa dairy farm. She is a prime example of a cow that “just does her thing” and does it well day in and day out, lactation after lactation. She is a model ICC™ cow.
