THE

INDUSTRY DAIRY
IN ISRAEL
2009

Israel Cattle Breeders Israeli Company for Artificial Mutual Society for Clinical
Association Insemination & Breeding Ltd. Veterinary Services
The Dairy Industry in Israel 2009

Editors: Daniel Hojman

Yossi Malul – Israel Cattle Breeders Association

Design and Production: Moshe Mirsky

Aknowledgments: Rachel Borushek – Israel Farmers’ Federation

Ephraim Ezra – ICBA, Israeli Herdbook
Dr. Isral Flamenbaum
Dr. Shmuel Fridmann – IDB – National Service for Udder Health and Milk Quality
Dr. Nadav Galon – Hachaklait Company
Boaz Hanochi – ICBA
Liron Tamir – Israel Dairy Board
Dr. Joel I. Weller – Department of Genetics, Institute of Animal Sciences, A.R.O.
Dr. Yoel Zeron – Sion A.I. Company

Sponsorships:

“Hachaklait”, Mutual Society for Clinical Veterinary Services

Sion A.I. Company

S.A.E. Afikim

Ambar Feed Mills

S.C.R. Engineers Ltd.

Lachish Industries Ltd.

Tnuva

ISRAEL CATTLE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION On the cover:

38900 Caesaria Industrial Park Honours to “Sufa”, which yielded
P.O.B. 3015, ISRAEL 21,400 Kg of milk in its 305d corrected
Tel: 972-4-6279700 lactation. “Sufa” is a 1st calver at the
Fax: 972-4-6273501 “Carmiya” dairy farm.
e-mail: hmb-central@icba.org.il Thanks to Yoram Shpirer for the photo
www.icba.org.il and for raising such outstanding cow.
Contents

PART 1
The Israeli Dairy Industry
Map of the Dairy Industry in Israel 4
The Dairy Industry in Israel 5
The Agriculture Sector in Israel Rachel Borushek 6
Dairy Farming in Israel 7
PART 2

Milk Production in Israel

Annual Milk Quota and Milk Supply Liron Tamir 8
Israel’s Dairy Sector, Efficient and Environment Friendly Dr. Israel Flamenbaum 10
National Service for Udder Health & Milk Quality Dr. Shmuel Fridmann 13
Milk Quality 14
Annual Marketed Milk 16
PART 3

The Israeli Herdbook

The Israel Cattle Breeders Association Yossi Malul 17
The ICBA Database Ephraim Ezra 18
Production Summary for 2009
Production Averages by Calving Year 20
Production Averages by Parity Number 21
20 Cooperative Herds with Highest Production 22
20 Family Herds with Highest Production 23
20 Cows with Highest Production 24
20 Cows with Highest Lifetime Production 25
NOA – The Israeli Dairy Herd Management Program Boaz Hanochi 26
Genetic Improvement
The Israeli Selection Index Ephraim Ezra, Dr. Joel I. Weller 28
The Israeli Breeding Program Dr. Yoel Zeron 29
Genetic Trends – Average Breeding Value of Cows 31
Genetic Trends – Average Breeding Value of Bulls 33
Bulls that performed largest number of inseminations 34
Fertility Statistics
Average Conception Rate at 1st service, by years 35
Fertility Summary for Heifers 37
Fertility Summary for 1st Lactation Cows 38
Fertility Summary for Adult Cows 39
Hahaklait Veterinary Services Dr. Nadav Galon 40
➤
Map of the Dairy Golan Heights

s e a
Industry in Israel –
Galilee ISRAEL
Main Dairy Plants and F F
Dairy Farms Haifa

M e d i t e r r a n e a n
Sea of Galilee
F Dairy Plants F
Jezrael Valley F


Dairy Farms
Jordan Valley

Coastal Plain

Tel Aviv F
F
Judean Hills

F Jerusalem

Dead sea

Negev

Arava

F
The Israeli Dairy Industry

Eilat
Red sea
PART 1

4
The Dairy Industry in Israel
The Dairy Industry is one of the leading sectors in Israel’s
agriculture, and a source of pride for all Israelis. It supplies
most of the Israeli domestic demand for milk and dairy
products; the remaining demand is covered by imported
supplies.
Israel has a total annual output of approximately 1,217
million liters of cow milk, 9.0 million liters of sheep milk
and 11.1 million liters of goat milk. The annual value of
products being processed is about US$1.5 billion. The
Israeli supermarket shelves are bursting with a variety of
over 1,000 healthy, innovative and tasty dairy products
which can compare with state-of-the-art dairy industries
worldwide.
Milk is produced on 970 farms, countrywide. The national
dairy herd comprises about 120,000 heads (milking cows) of
the Israeli-Holstein breed, which has been developed by the
Israeli Genetic Improvement system. In view of the fact that
this cow has been selected in Israel throughout generations,
it is well adapted to the harsh Israeli environment: long and
hot summers as well as several endemic diseases. Nearly all
cows are bred via artificial insemination.
5
PART 1 The Israeli Dairy Industry
The Israeli Herdbook (DHI) receives and processes
information from the official milk production control system,
which includes 90% of the dairy cattle in the country.
In addition to production figures, the Israeli Herdbook
incorporates information from The Breeding System and
from The Society for Veterinary Services – “HaChaklait”.
The comprehensive structure of the Israeli Herdbook
provides farmers with useful multi-disciplinary information
and it is used for evidence-based management analyses and
decision-making processes, which have led to outstanding
world-scale achievements. Indeed, the Israeli cow has the
highest national milk production (cow/year) and milk
solids yields in the world. In 2009, the average annual milk
yield per cow was 11,653 kg, with 3.20% of protein (372
kg) and 3.60% of fat (420 kg).
We are pleased to present you with this summary of the
Israeli Dairy Industry for 2009 and hope this will shed light
on how the Israeli Dairy Farm has become known as a
source of knowledge and pride.
Sincerely,
Yaacov Bachar
Israel Cattle Breeders Association
General Manager
The Agricultural Sector in Israel
Rac h e l B o r u s h e k Israel Farmers’ Federation [rachel_b@mail.netvision.net.il]

➤
Population 7.48 million inhab.
Table 1.1
Economic and financial GDP per cápita 102,500 NIS =26,060 US$
data of Israel and its GDP of Agricultural Sector 13.12 NIS Billions = 3.4 US$ Billions
agricultural sector
Share of Agriculture in National GDP 1.7%
(1 US$ = 3.93 NIS)
Share of Agriculture in the Business Sector GDP 2.0%

Direct Employment in Agriculture as share

of National Labor Force 2.4%

Self-sufficiency of Agricultural Products 80.0%

➤
Crops 15,562 61%
Table 1.2
Marketing value of Livestock and livestock products 10,020 39%
agricultural products. Thereof raw milk 2,440 10%
Value as received by
TOTAL 25,582 100%
productor
(NIS million)
(1 US$ = 3.93 NIS)
Israel’s agricultural sector is characterized country, half of which is defined as desert.
by an intensive production system, which Despite the decrease in the number of
stems from the need to overcome the farmers’ and agriculture’s share in the GDP,
scarcity of natural resources, particularly agriculture plays a significant role as a
water and labor. major food supplier to the local market and
The agricultural sector’s high level is an important factor in Israeli export. Total
of development is due to the close agricultural produce in 2009 accounted for
cooperation and interaction among 1.7% of the GDP.
scientists, extension advisers, farmers, and Some 68,100 people were directly
agriculture-related industries. employed in agriculture in 2009. This
These four elements have joined together number represents 2.4% of the country’s
to promote advanced technologies in all active labor force.
agricultural branches. The average monthly income per
The result is modern agriculture in a agricultural a self employed was $8,500 in
2009.

6
PART 1 The Israeli Dairy Industry
Dairy Farming in Israel

➤
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Table 1.3
No. of dairy farms, by Family farms (Moshav)
farm type, and average Number 962 921 880 855 843 830 811 787
annual milk quota per Average quota (x 1,000 ltrs.) 511 524 541 560 564 589 625 651
farm
Cooperative farms (Kibbutz)
(x 1,000 ltrs.)
Number 200 196 187 176 167 165 165 167
Average quota (x 1,000 ltrs.) 3,335 3,344 3,524 3,747 3,851 4,030 4,198 4,160

Agric. school farms

Number 16 16 16 16 15 15 15 15
Average quota (x 1,000 ltrs.) 731 719 733 746 784 811 853 879

Total
Number of farms 1,178 1,133 1,083 1,047 1,025 1,010 991 969
Average quota (x 1,000 ltrs.) 993 1,015 1,059 1,098 1,102 1,155 1,223 1,259

1,600
➤
No. of dairy farms
Annual quota per farm (ltrs.)

Fig. 1.1 1,400

Number of dairy farms
1,200
and average annual
1,000
milk quota per farm,
by year 800

600
No. of dairy farms
400
Average annual
quota per farm 200

0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Types of Settlement
Much of Israel’s agriculture is based on cooperative
settlements, which were developed in the early 20th
century. The Kibbutz is a large collective production unit.
Kibbutz members jointly own the means of production and
share social and economic activities. At present, most of the
Kibbutz income comes from industrial enterprises owned
by the collective unit. Another type of settlement is the
Moshav, which is based on individual farms yet organized
as a cooperative society. The residents in both types of
settlements are provided with a package of municipal
services. The Kibbutz and the Moshav currently account for
83% of the country’s agricultural produce.
In addition to the Jewish agricultural sector, Arab villages are
located in Israel’s rural areas. Theses villages focus mainly on
production of small livestock (sheep and goats), vegetables,
field crops and olives.
All the Kibbutz dairy herds participate in the DHI system
and represent 62.5% of the cows with recorded production.
Their average milk yield in 2009 was 12,038 kg/cow/year
and the average production of protein and fat was 819 kg/
cow/year. Approximately 75% of the Moshav dairy herds
participate in the DHI system and represent 37.5% of the
cows with recorded production. Their average milk yield in
2009 was 11,006 kg/cow/year and the average production
of protein and fat was 747 kg/cow/year.

7
PART 1 The Israeli Dairy Industry
Annual Milk Quota and Milk Supply
Liro n Ta m i r Senior Economist, Israel Dairy Board [liron@is-d-b.co.il]

Milk production in Israel is carried out under
a quota system, where the annual volume
is divided into monthly quotas. Economic
incentives have been set to encourage dairy
farmers level-up production throughout
months, so that milk supply to the industry
is more uniform throughout the year.
The base price for the milk to the producer
is agreed upon between government,
farmers and dairy industries. The price
reflects the average cost of production plus
an agreed return for the farmers’ labor and
invested capital.

➤
Milk supply Milk quota
Table 2.1
Year (millions of ltrs.) (millions of ltrs.)
Cow milk – annual
supply and quota 1997 1,095 1,085
(millions of ltrs.) 1998 1,126 1,124
1999 1,132 1,124
2000 1,128 1,140
2001 1,174 1,200
2002 1,154 1,170
2003 1,122 1,150
2004 1,146 1,150
2005 1,150 1,150
2006 1,124 1,130
2007 1,166 1,185
2008 1,273 1,212
2009 1,217 1,220

1,300
➤
(millions of ltrs.)

Fig. 2.1 1,250

Cow milk – annual
1,200
supply and quota
Milk Production in Israel

1,150
(millions of ltrs.)
1,100
Milk supply
1,050
Milk quota
1,000

950

900
PART 2

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

8
9
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
Israel’s Dairy Sector, Efficient and Environment Friendly
Dr. I s r a e l F l a m e n b a u m [israflam@inter.net.il]
The significant fluctuation in international grain and milk
prices experienced recently have led many countries in
the emerging economies to consider the establishment
of their own milk production sectors. These countries are
seeking ways to produce milk efficiently, while making use
of local inputs and overcoming climatic and environmental
limitations. As similar conditions have existed for many years
in Israel, it is expected that the knowledge and experience
gained in Israel can serve these countries when developing
their own dairy sectors.
The following article describes Israel’s dairy sector and
its production system, which is considered to be one of the
most advanced and efficient in the world. We believe that
this “production concept” can be widely adopted by new
dairy sectors in the process of development in general and
those established in hot regions in particular.
The Israeli dairy sector
The Israeli dairy sector consists of 115,000 Israeli-Holstein
breed cows on 1,000 dairy farms, most of them located
in the coast and in the hot valleys. In 2009 the average
annual milk production was 11,800 kg per cow, containing
3.60% fat and 3.20% protein. Dairy farmers in Israel are
well-organized and supported by professional institutions
related to Ministry of Agriculture, universities and milk
marketing board. Farmer’s cooperative companies supply
clinical veterinary care and AI services. Israel Cattle Breeders
Association (ICBA) owns the local DHI services, based
on automatic data flow from the computerized milking
equipment - mostly Israeli-made. A uniform Dairy Herd
Management Program (NOA) developed and activated
by ICBA, serves Israeli farmers with operational decision
making. High productivity means environment friendly cows
Israel has a unique dairy sector and milk “production
concept” developed to overcome significant limitations
caused by permanent water and land shortage and a
hot and dry summer lasting between 4–6 months per
year. High-input prices, such as imported grains, fuel and
machinery, relatively high labour cost, and large investments
needed to overcome climatic restrictions make Israel’s cost
10
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
of milk production relatively high.
The Israeli unique and unconventional production
concept is characterized by specialized intensive feeding and
management practices of cows living in relatively large dairy
farms with full confinement. This concept is based on the
belief that under these conditions, the maximization of per-
cow production will be most economically viable.
The Israeli unique feeding system is
environmentally friendly
Israel’s feeding system makes use of relatively high
quantities of agro-industrial by-products in cows’ diets,
substituting costly imported grains while at the same
time reducing the amount of roughage in the diet to a
minimum. The unique Israeli diet, consisting of relatively
high concentrations of energy and protein, allows the
maximization of per-cow milk production, while keeping
dairy farms environmentally friendly. The incorporation of
relatively high quantities of agro-industrial by-products in
the diet and the use of forages irrigated with residual water
are easily carried out by using a Total Mixed Ration (TMR)
as the predominant feeding system. TMR is provided to
almost all dairy cows and heifers in Israel through large-scale
“regional feeding centres”. Most of the forages fed to the
Israeli cows are winter crops - mostly wheat silages - grown
during the rainy season. Summer forages - mostly corn and
sorghum silages - are grown using recycled waste water for
irrigation. Approximately half the concentrates in milking
cows’ diets and almost all the concentrates in heifers’ diets
are based on agro-industrial by-products, originally from
fruit, vegetable and food processing factories.
The use of large quantities of agro-industrial by-products
in cows’ diets benefits the Israeli dairy sector by reducing
feeding costs while simultaneously avoiding additional
expenditure for treating these materials and preventing
environmental pollution. Nearly 630,000 tons of fresh
agro-industrial materials were used in 2007 to feed dairy
cows in Israel, with an overall economic value of US $40
million per year (US $360 per cow or 3.3 cents per litre of
milk), equivalent to over 10% of the total per-cow’s annual
feeding expenses.
High per-cow milk production increases production
efficiency by reducing per- milk unit feeding and labour cost.
High productivity also reduces cows’ contribution to global
warming. Methane production per unit of milk produced is
reduced with the increase of per-cow production. Due to
preliminary results from studies dealing with dairy sector’s
“carbon footprints”, total CO2 equivalent emission per kg
of milk produced by Israeli cows is expected to be 80% of
that emitted by cows in Western Europe, and only 40% of
that emitted by New Zealand cows.
Overcoming the negative effect
of summer heat stress
Summer heat stress in Israel negatively affects the cow’s
performance and production efficiency, causing substantial
financial losses to dairy farmers and milk processors.
The Israeli dairy sector has been developing heat-stress
relief methods for over 30 years, aiming to enable cows
to manifest their full production potential. Cooling cows
in Israel is based on water evaporation from the cow’s
11
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
surface by means of a combination of wetting and forced
ventilation. This cooling effect was first experimented under
Israeli summer conditions and internationally published in
the early 80s. A large-scale four-year survey carried out
recently, confirmed these experimental results. Intensively
cooled cows in summer produced only 0.6 kg/day less than
that produced by their herd mates in winter. However, when
cows were not cooled in the summer, the gap between
daily winter and summer milk production was 3.6 kg/day.
The “summer-to-winter production ratio” was 98% for
intensively-cooled cows and only 90% for non-cooled cows.
Conception-rate of winter-inseminated cows reached 45%
among cows of different groups. Intensively-cooled cows
reached a conception rate of 34% in the summer, compared
to only 17%, in non -cooled cows. Cooled cows required
0.55 kg of feed to produce 1 kg of milk, whereas non-
cooled cows required 0.61 kg of feed, a 10% improvement
in feeding efficiency.
The experience gained in Israel indicates that both high
productivity and production efficiency can be obtained
when efficiently cooling cows in summer. Similar results can
be expected in other dairy sectors from hot regions of the
world in the future.
How can Israeli experience contribute to the
development of dairy sectors in the emerging
economies?
The Israeli “production concept” is based on obtaining
high per-cow yields by overcoming imitations and the use
of advanced technologies and management practices. The
establishment of a comprehensive computerized “database”
provides highly-professional tools to dairy farmers and their
supporting institutions.
The future development of dairy sectors in the emerging
economies, most of which are situated in tropical and sub-
tropical regions, can be defined in the following way: It is
expected that the majority of the demand for milk and fresh
dairy products will come from large urban populations. It
is expected that most of the milk supplied to these centers
is likely to be produced in new and well-equipped dairy
farms which, due to the demand for high-quality fresh
dairy products, will be established relatively close to the
consumption centers. The proximity to the large urban
12
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
centers will allow the use of large quantities of waste water
for forage production and the establishment of large feeding
centers, to incorporate cheap agro-industrial residues for
cow and heifer feeding. The use of these feedstuffs may
potentially reduce feeding cost and at the same time resolve
pollution problems, as is achieved nowadays in Israel.
Implementation of efficient cooling methods developed
and experienced in Israel will enable minimization of
the negative impact of heat stress on the cows, thereby
facilitating efficient milk production and preventing
seasonality in the supply of fresh milk and products to the
market.
Adopting the Israeli experiences in all these fields, as well
as the use of sophisticated management tools for efficient
management of the farms, as well as establishing supporting
institutions and organizations, like those operating in Israel,
will allow new dairy sectors in the emerging economies to
achieving the goal of efficient supply of dairy products to
their growing populations.
National Service for Udder Health & Milk Quality
D r. S h m u e l F ri d m a n n National Service for Udder Health and Milk Quality, Israel Dairy Board [shmulik@is-d-b.co.il]
The National Service for Udder Health and Milk Quality is
a non-profit organization, whose objective is to improve
the udder health and milk quality of all milk producers
(cows, sheep & goats) in Israel. The organization consists
of a Mastitis Control Laboratory, veterinarians and
instructors who are responsible for all farms in Israel that
wish to employ their services. Payments for the services
provided by the National service for Udder Health and Milk
Quality derive from the Israeli Dairy Board budget.
The following services are provided to all dairy herds:
Laboratory diagnosis and services
• During 2009 the lab analysed a total of 101,555
samples.
• The lab is certificated with the Quality Management
Standard ISO 17025.
• Analysis of samples from clinical mastitic cows sent by
dairy farmers(11.199).
• Analysis of samples sent by farmers from pre-partum
cows for sub-clinical mastitis.
• Antibiograms providing information to the clinical
veterinarian (3563 tests).
• Evaluation of teat dip samples from dairy herds(523
samples).
• Bulk tank analysis for Strep. Agalactiae &Mycoplasma
Bovis ( 905 samples taken).
• Analysis of bedding samples(95).
Para tubercolosis milk test by ELIZA from individual cows
and herd level: About 2.6% of Israeli cows were found to be
infected with Para tuberculosis; the amount of problematic
herds is 14% (a problematic herd has over 5% infectivity).
13
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
Udder Health
• Tracing and planning the eradication of contagious
mastitis e.g. Strep. Agalactiae 0.3% of cows are
infected, Staph. Aureus (less than 2% are infected from
all the milik samples send by the farmers).
• Advice during the eradication phase.
• Advice to producers with high Somatic Cell Counts and/
or high cell plate counts.
Planning, implementation, and follow up on programs to
combat mastitis in individual cows and on a herd basis.
Analysis of milking parlours and milking equipment
• Advice on milking parlour construction.
• Advice to dairy farmers on milking machine
specifications.
• Supervision of companies supplying milking equipment,
teat dips and detergents.
• Static and dynamic testing of milk parlours.
• Milk parlor troubleshooting.
Education
• Advice on laboratory facilities and laboratory
examinations.
• Organisation of workshops for producers and for dairies.
• Publication of technical news letters.
• Promotion of research projects.
• Field studies.
• Advice, co-ordination, and follow up of all services
provided.
Milk Quality

➤
Fig. 2.2
Milk supply, by
somatic cell count
categories,
in 2009

Premium

Grade A

Grade B, C and D
SOMATIC CELL COUNT

Quality Grade Count per ml % of supplied milk

Premium Less than 220,000 73.21
Grade A 220,001 – 280,000 21.58
Grades B, C and D over 280,000 5.21
Total 100.0

➤
Fig. 2.3
Milk supply, by
bacterial count
categories, in 2009

Premium

Grade A

Grade B
BACTERIAL COUNT

Quality Grade Count per ml % of supplied milk

Premium Less than 10,000 65.13
Grade A 10,001 – 75,000 33.97
Grade B over 75,000 0.9
Total 100.0

14
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
 450
➤

scc (x 1,000)
Fig. 2.4
Average somatic cell 400
count, by year
350

300

250

200

150
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

A firm and constant policy was established
by the Israeli Dairy Board in the 90s with
the aim of improving milk quality. Economic
incentives were set in order to lower the
somatic cell count in the milk supplied
to the industry and a threshold of price
categories was progressively lowered along
years. The farmers’ response caused the
average SCC (annual average for all farms)
to decrease from 428,000/ml in 1995
to 196,000/ml in 2009 (data from milk
processing plants).

15
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
Annual Marketed Milk

Cow Milk Sheep & Goat Milk

Fermented Milk Soft Cheese Hard Cheese Butter Soft Cheese Hard Cheese Yoghourt and
Year Fluid Milk and Desserts Ton Ton Ton Ton Ton others, Ton

2002 359,594 148,743 79,252 22,435 5,423 925 1,140 546

2003 359,859 147,151 79,900 22,547 5,444 1,040 1,131 776
2004 370,266 146,820 80,703 22,813 5,713 1,266 1,200 1,139
2005 378,957 151,766 82,359 23,528 5,816 1,273 1,236 1,387
2006 402,251 164,220 87,266 25,112 6,209 1,361 1,173 1,530
2007 405,928 166,610 88,177 26,472 6,175 1,703 1,096 1,781
2008 405,736 170,367 91,526 27,547 5,431 1,665 1,092 2,028
2009 410,555 172,334 92,564 28,341 5,703 1,644 1,061 3,108

Soft Cheese Butter Hard Cheese

Table 2.5
28% 2% 30%

Distribution of annual
marketed milk, by
dairy products. (tons)

➤
Fig. 2.5
Distribution of
annual marketed milk,
by dairy products
(% of total, based Fluid Milk Fermented Milk &
on skimmed milk 25% Desserts
15%
equivalent)

16
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
The Israel Cattle Breeders Association
Yo s s i M a l u l Publishing Department Editor, ICBA [hmb-malul@icba.org.il]

Israel Cattle Breeders Association

Services Representation

Genetic Milk DHI NOA: Extension

evaluations analysis Herd and applied
laboratory managment research
program

classification Government Press

The Israel Cattle Breeders Association The organization supplies essential

represents all dairy cattle farmers in Israel.
For the past 80 years the organization has
been the sole representative of all milk
producers in the country, taking care of all
their professional needs and sustaining a
vibrant and modern industry.
The Israeli Herdbook
PART 3
assistance to its members and the satellite
organizations connected to the industry.
The pivot point of the organization is the
National Herdbook, which is one of the
most comprehensive herdbooks in the
world.

17
PART 2 Milk Production in Israel
The ICBA Database
Eph r a i m E z r a Herdbook Manager, ICBA [hmb-efraim@icba.org.il]
In 2009 the Israeli Dairy Herdbook collected information
from 97,921 cows in 675 herds, 90% of the dairy cows in
the country. The ICBA database gathers information and
merges additional data from other related sources, and
aims to integrate all relevant information regarding the
Israeli dairy herd. This integrated database allows farmers,
extension advisors, veterinarians, the Sion A.I. institute and
others, access to controlled and accurate information.
Sources and users of this system are listed below:
Input sources
DHI – Milk recording is performed by two methods. In
herds with > 150 cows (70% of the cows), recording is
done monthly by an ICBA representative (A4 method), who
records the relevant information on a hand-held terminal.
On the remaining 30% of cows, the farmer manually
records milk yield (B4 method) and sends the information to
the central computer. For all milk-recorded cows, a monthly
sample of milk is sent to the Central Milk Laboratory.
18
Central milk Laboratory – This laboratory, presently
equipped with three FOSS analyze-instruments, analyzes
milk components (fat, protein, lactose, SCC, MUN and
casein rate) in the DHI milk samples. This laboratory also
analyzes milk samples from daily shipments to the dairies.
These results are used to determine payment for farmers.
A.I. technicians – Technicians of the Sion A.I. cooperative
services inseminate 98% of the cows in Israel. All cows
from the herds included in the DHI system have bar-coded
insemination cards containing information on the cows
and their pedigree. Before selecting a semen straw, the
technician checks bloodlines of the cow and candidate sires,
using a hand-held terminal. Inseminations are performed
only if inbreeding coefficient is under 3.125%. Details of the
inseminations are transferred to the ICBA database, via the
terminals.
National Service for Udder Health and Milk Quality –
The “Udder Health” database is located on the Israel Dairy
Board server, and is regularly updated with information on
all cows included in the DHI system. Bacterial cultures are
matched to other information of the cow; including days
in milk, SCC, milk yields, milking status, and calving dates.
Results are sent to the farmer and the veterinarian, and
merged into the ICBA database.
Processing plants – Samples of all milk supplied to dairy
processing plants in Israel is assayed for fat, protein, lactose,
and SCC. For each shipment, the dairies send the farmer
a summary including the milk quantity shipped, fat and
protein content, and SCC of the milk. This information is
transferred to the ICBA database. Once a month the dairies
send each farmer and the ICBA a summary of marketed milk
volume and payment details.
Interbull – Three times a year a file of genetic evaluations of
all recorded bulls in the participating countries is forwarded
by Interbull. Information of bulls whose semen has been
imported to Israel, but do not have local evaluations, is
updated automatically at the central computer, and this
information is distributed electronically to the farmers.
Farms – Approximately 85% of the cows registered on the
DHI are located at farms that use a management computer
program. About 94% of those farms use the “NOA”
program that was developed and is maintained by the ICBA.
The farmer enters data on calvings, cows that are “dried
off”, new acquisitions, culled cows, veterinary pregnancy
check results, diagnostic codes, veterinary treatments, etc.
Once a month all information is transferred to the Herdbook
database, and a series of logical checks is applied to correct
mistakes. Farmers that do not use a computer management
program send paper reports that are manually entered into
the central database.
Reports
Genetic evaluations of bulls and cows are computed
bi-annually in conjunction with the Department of
Ruminant Science of the Institute of Animal Sciences of the
Agricultural Research Organization. Results are distributed
to the farmers, forwarded to Interbull, and published on the
ICBA Hebrew Internet site (www.icba.org.il) that includes
an FTP server. Files including data on cow birth, calving
19
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
and culling dates, milk yields and laboratory results are sent
to the “Udder Health” laboratory. Files including data on
cow birth, calving and culling dates, results of pregnancy
checks and genetic evaluations, including the Interbull
evaluations are sent to Sion A.I. Company. Milk recording
results, records of the milk shipments to the dairies, results
of bacterial analyses from the “Udder Health” laboratories,
and genetic evaluations, including the Interbull evaluations,
are sent to the dairy farms. Monthly summaries are
forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture extension advisors,
feed centers, and regional dairy farmers associations.
Files including milk recording results, diagnostic codes,
and treatments are sent to the “HaChaklait” veterinary
cooperative.
Summary
The Israel Cattle Breeders Association database is the hub
for all information on dairy farming in Israel. All data are
subject to logical checks, so that the dairy farmer and other
end-users receive accurate and reliable information. The
intensive computer application in Israeli dairy farming
enables all of the entities involved to access the large
database at a relatively low cost.
➤
Calving year No. of cows Milk, kg Fat, % Protein, % Fat (Kg) Protein (Kg)
Table 3.1 & Fig. 3.1
Production averages of 1995 83,696 10,665 3.20 2.99 341 319
Israeli-Holstein cows, 1996 81,477 10,665 3.26 3.02 348 322
by calving year 1997 81,507 10,887 3.33 3.07 363 334
305-day adjusted 1998 82,004 10,850 3.31 3.08 359 334
lactations (1-5)
1999 81,742 11,029 3.33 3.08 367 340
2000 81,622 11,048 3.37 3.08 372 340
2001 80,787 11,031 3.39 3.09 374 341
2002 86,554 10,890 3.48 3.11 379 339
2003 84,696 10,938 3.55 3.09 388 338
2004 84,694 11,200 3.54 3.08 396 345
2005 83,456 11,565 3.49 3.10 404 359
2006 77,334 11,506 3.52 3.14 405 361
2007 80,874 11,687 3.52 3.15 411 368
2008 88,147 11,903 3.52 3.16 419 376
2009 83,556 11,945 3.51 3.13 419 374

Milk 12,000 3.70

Fat & Protein (% / kg)

Milk (kg)

Fat (%)
Protein (%) 11,750 3.60

11,500 3.50

11,250 3.40

11,000 3.30

10,750 3.20

10,500 3.10

10,250 3.00

10,000 2.90
1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Due to a policy which encouraged the
production of milk rich in protein and fat
there was an increase in their percentages
over the years.
The high fat content in raw milk became
opposite to the consumers trend, which
gives preference to low-fat milk products.
Thus arose a need to suppress the growth
in fat content in the milk. Starting August
2005 a policy of lower payment per fat
above a specific level (3.80% in 2009) has
been determined.
The average fat content during 2009 was
3.71%/milk lt.

20
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
➤
Table 3.2 1st lactation 2nd lactation Adult
Production averages cows cows cows Total
in 2009, by parity Complete lactations
number No. 24,506 18,690 25,424 68,620
Milk yield, kg 11,477 13,271 13,930 12,874
ECM* yield, kg 11,635 13,397 13,775 12,908
Fat yield, kg 420 482 496 465
Fat, % 3.66 3.63 3.56 3.61
Protein yield, kg 374 430 440 414
Protein, % 3.25 3.24 3.16 3.21

Adjusted 305-d lactations

No. 23,522 17,992 24,455 65,969
305-d adjusted ECM, kg 11,769 12,203 12,122 12,018
Days in milk 357 352 353 354
Milk yield, kg/day in milk 32.2 37.7 39.5 36.4
Feed days 419 415 416 417
ECM yield, kg/cow in herd-day 27.8 32.3 33.1 31.0
Dry period, days 61 62 63 62
Days open 143 139 141 141

Calvings
Total No. of calvings 31,242 24,826 43,231 99,299
Calves born 31,544 25,834 46,590 103,968
Age at calving, months 24 38 67 46
Normal calvings 27,198 23,354 40,573 91,125
Normal calvings, % 87.1 94.1 93.9 91.8
Premature calvings 612 497 957 2,066
Premature calvings, % 2.0 2.0 2.2 2.1
Abortions, % 10.2 11.2 9.9 10.3
Stillborn calves, % 8.3 5.8 7.2 7.2
* ECM = Economic Corrected Milk, according to the formula for milk payment:
up to 3.779% Milk Fat: 0.10 * kg Milk + 7.62 * kg Fat + 20.10 * kg Protein over 3.779% Milk Fat,
the index for kg Fat is 3.48

21
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
➤
No. of
Table 3.3
ECM Milk Fat Protein F+P SCC cows
20 cooperative herds
No. Herd kg kg % % kg x1000 in herd
with highest average
annual milk yield per 1 Carmiya 14,150 13,976 3.67 3.22 962 219 339

cow (3x milkings) in 2 Sa’ad 14,029 13,834 3.50 3.29 938 175 282
2009 3 Habonim 13,925 13,890 3.60 3.19 943 205 225
4 Givat Hayim Ihud 13,559 13,165 3.67 3.31 917 168 295
5 Refet Ma’ale 13,522 13,516 3.58 3.19 914 203 501
6 Tze’elim 13,497 13,312 3.78 3.20 928 177 259
7 Ma’ale Gilboa 13,420 13,673 3.44 3.15 900 213 243
8 Refet Galil Ma’aravi 13,414 13,286 3.60 3.23 906 168 761
9 Nachal Oz 13,373 13,179 3.70 3.22 911 126 303
10 Yad Hail 13,321 13,047 3.78 3.24 915 210 530
11 Yavneh 13,314 13,098 3.69 3.24 905 139 353
12 Gvat 13,291 13,292 3.61 3.18 901 147 301
13 Migdal Oz 13,287 13,400 3.56 3.15 899 112 230
14 Ginosar 13,261 13,351 3.67 3.12 906 183 245
15 Shutfut Ran 13,251 13,118 3.63 3.22 898 131 901
16 Alumim 13,208 12,973 3.73 3.24 902 160 300
17 Ein Hashlosha 13,205 12,959 3.73 3.24 902 120 277
18 Maccabi-Hanaton 13,174 13,103 3.50 3.25 883 172 473
19 Gevim 13,051 13,179 3.55 3.15 882 193 271
20 Keshet-Katzir 13,040 13,079 3.45 3.23 872 192 468

22
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
Table 3.4
20 Family herds with
highest average annual
milk yield per cow
(2x + 3x milkings)
in 2009

No. of
ECM Milk Fat Protein F+P SCC cows
No. Village Herd kg kg % % kg x1000 in herd

1 Ha’Shechafim Farm Ha’Shechafim Farm 13,982 13,789 3.64 3.24 947 192 119
2 Hayogev Ben Tzvi Farm 13,701 13,140 3.75 3.35 933 165 56
3 Givat Yo’av Levin Farm 13,401 13,681 3.44 3.14 899 210 74
4 Ramat Tzvi Landau Farm 13,379 13,704 3.45 3.12 899 185 67
5 Avnei Eitan Nissan Farm 13,374 13,149 3.81 3.21 923 214 77
6 Shfeyia Ag. School Shfeyia Ag. School 13,248 13,285 3.59 3.17 897 142 72
7 Kefar Ahyim Ben Tzion Farm 13,078 12,874 3.74 3.22 895 221 51
8 Sde Ya’akov Baranawski Farm 13,067 13,001 3.55 3.23 880 184 134
9 Be’er Tuvia Katz-Levin Farm 13,047 12,925 3.52 3.26 875 162 69
10 Givat Yo’av Sofer Farm 13,017 13,032 3.65 3.16 886 128 42
11 Amatz Israel Reuven Farm 12,985 12,796 3.73 3.22 888 158 77
12 Kfar Yehezkel Gafni Farm 12,966 13,128 3.50 3.16 873 114 60
13 Azrikam Cohen Farm 12,964 12,734 3.65 3.25 878 291 88
14 Merhavia Nowitz Farm 12,959 12,784 3.73 3.21 886 192 59
Penini and Assoc.
15 Tel Adashim 12,948 12,340 3.91 3.36 896 296 96
Farm
16 Givat Yo’av Golani Farm 12,929 12,967 3.64 3.15 880 142 49
17 Nahalal Bloch Farm 12,903 12,273 3.81 3.39 883 213 54
18 Kfar Haro’eh Peleg Farm 12,895 12,687 3.67 3.24 876 154 96
19 Amatz Scorsaro Farm 12,889 12,591 3.69 3.27 875 167 91
20 Amatz Sahar Farm 12,846 12,649 3.58 3.27 865 236 71

23
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
➤
Table 3.5 Cow Lact. Milk Fat Protein ECM
20 cows with highest No. Herd No. Sire No. kg % % kg
adjusted ECM yield in 1 Carmiya 6611 Badon 1 21,400 3.29 2.91 19,761
2009 2 Yad Hail 7933 Avsha 3 19,117 3.69 3.10 18,970
3 Alumim 724 Dachev 3 18,425 3.50 3.14 18,149
4 Sa’ad 5233 Torpatz 2 17,948 3.49 3.23 17,977
Shutfut Maccabi-
5 5477 Avsha 4 20,757 2.95 2.74 17,963
Hanaton
6 Shutfut Refet Faran 782 Gabon 5 20,110 2.69 2.97 17,917
7 Sa’ad 4790 Avsha 5 18,429 3.57 3.01 17,804
Shutfut Maccabi-
8 5667 Gomez 4 20,178 3.10 2.77 17,792
Hanaton
9 Refet Ma’ale 1398 Dalia 2 18,682 3.19 3.07 17,715
10 Refet Galil Ma’aravi 6261 Idea 4 20,086 3.07 2.77 17,672
11 Refet Galil Ma’aravi 6174 Romy 4 17,552 3.49 3.24 17,629
12 Refet Ma’ale 6135 Scobo 1 16,360 3.93 3.46 17,522
13 Refet Galil Ma’aravi 6854 Dandan 4 17,467 3.88 3.12 17,515
14 Algali Farm 4685 Avsha 4 17,977 3.85 2.97 17,455
15 Heftzibah 2630 Midan 2 16,618 4.16 3.31 17,446
16 Carmiya 6419 Rogie 2 17,627 3.36 3.21 17,436
17 Refet Ma’ale 1596 Sidon 2 16,943 3.53 3.34 17,388
18 Alumim 804 Lichi 2 17,389 3.40 3.25 17,370
19 Yad Hail 7997 Avak 3 16,951 3.85 3.24 17,362
20 Shuval 6609 Avsha 5 17,834 3.49 3.08 17,345

24
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
 Average
Cow Lact. Days Milk milk yield Fat Protein Culling
No. Herd No. Sire No. in milk kg kg/day % % date

1 Maoz Hayim 4616 Ginat 14 4532 189,147 41.74 3.34 2.79 15/10/09
2 Yavneh 504 Boteach 13 4311 165,941 38.49 3.6 3.23
3 Refet Tefen-Tuval 998 Bum 11 4062 165,858 40.83 3.09 3.06 9/9/09
4 Shluchot 4131 Bosna 14 4768 165,811 34.78 3.23 2.86 10/2/10
5 Refet HaTabor 4889 Scorer 11 3775 161,187 42.7 3.06 2.79
6 Sa’ad 4061 Scorer 9 3456 156,844 45.38 3.44 2.95 24/8/09
7 Revadim 3733 Doren 11 3536 153,320 43.36 3.18 2.78
8 Gezer 2312 Scorer 10 3534 150,508 42.59 3.34 2.9 16/4/09
9 Ma’ale Gilboa 7257 Scorer 10 3609 150,464 41.69 3.11 2.83
10 Heftzibah 5700 Scorer 9 3269 148,861 45.54 3.13 2.79
11 Refet HaNegev 2066 Scorer 9 3410 147,174 43.16 3.49 2.98
12 Refet Yehuda 5343 Teva 10 3459 145,706 42.12 3.28 2.85 20/3/09
13 Refet Tzfon Hagolan 359 Boteach 8 3966 145,481 36.68 3.41 3.12
14 Devir 4320 Scorer 11 3650 145,250 39.79 3.58 3.09 29/3/09
15 Ein Tzurim 4685 Scorer 9 3174 144,936 45.66 3.16 3.12 20/12/09
16 Beit HaEmek 7869 Sinbad 14 4030 144,152 35.77 3.35 3.19
17 Degania B 7470 Scorer 12 3413 144,036 42.2 3.6 3.07 16/4/09
18 Carmel Ma’on 6450 Saf 11 3818 143,837 37.67 3.61 3.1 2/12/09
19 Shutfut Ran 20 Teva 7 3018 143,358 47.5 3.21 3.02 5/1/09
20 Kfar Galim Agr. School 729 Halutz 11 4063 142,643 35.11 3.12 2.82

Table 3.6
20 cows with highest
lifetime yield,
producing in 2009

25
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
NOA – The Israeli Dairy Herd Management Program
Boa z H a n o c h i Product Manager of NOA Software, ICBA [hmb-hboaz@icba.org.il]

NOA is a comprehensive program for dairy herd

management which was developed by the Israeli Cattle
Breeders Association (ICBA). NOA addresses all aspects of
dairy farming. NOA has been designed to give the herd
manager up-dated information regarding all aspects of dairy
activity.

Major features of NOA

• Herd management – recording of all reproduction
events. New acquisition of animals to the farm, culling,
dry off, calving, BCS, group change. All Veterinary data
including automatic preparation of Vet check list and
input of diagnosis, treatments and drugs. Noa fully
support TAI.
• Feeding – Linear programming and ration formulation,
feed production and TMR planning, inventory
management and reports. Communication with feeding
controllers. Complete tracking and monitoring of feed
consumption. Dry matter intake reports at different
levels.
• Milk production – Recording of milk marketing, milk
recording and summary reports including lactation
summaries. Communication with different brands and
types of commercial milk-meters (on-line milk data).
• Reproduction – Almost all the Herdbook reproduction
KPI’s are available in NOA. Simple predefined reports
give a reliable updated picture of the reproduction status
and trends to the dairy farmer. Numerous reproduction
indicators are calculated: days open, pregnancy rate,
heat detection rate, conception rate, waste days, service
per conception etc.
• Genetic management – Graphical presentation of cows
and bulls pedigree data. Mating program is implemented
to optimize the breeding value progress of the herd
and to minimize the risk of inbreeding. Simple tools to
implement breeding program according to particular
herd goals.
• Quota production planning – Special interactive module
for better managing of the milk quota production along
the year. Simulation of the herd milk production on a
monthly level, with a sophisticated prediction algorithm.
The prediction is based on the herd performance in the
last 2 years.
• Lactation curve analysis – Special report for analyzing
the periodic lactation curve of the entire milking
cows. Seasonal production is also analyzed and the
effectiveness of the cooling system can be evaluated
by this report. Graphic presentation of the lactation
curve is provided for each lactation number separately.
Production level ratio of first lactation cows to second
and third lactation cows is calculated.
• Economic module – New module that was released in
the 2008 version gives the farmer the opportunity to
record all the financial transactions including delivery
notes and invoices. Dynamic profit and loss report can
be easily derived. This module gives the dairy farmer an
efficient tool for better controlling current management.
• Additional features – Shared database (network),
powerful report generator, PDA application that includes
all cows’ data.

26
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
NOA coordinates import and export of files to the national
Herdbook database, dairy processing plants, central milk
laboratory, livestock insurance companies, Udder Health
laboratory, feed mills, feed centers and others.
NOA uses a Windows user interface and is user-friendly,
despite its complexity and sophistication. The program was
developed by top Israeli dairy herd professionals in order to
meet the needs of both small and large dairy enterprises.
NOA was introduced in Israel in April, 2000. Today, nearly
700 dairy farms and feed centers use the program, including
all dairy farms with over 250 dairy cows in Israel.
Each month new dairy farms install the program and the
total number of cows which are managed under NOA
software in Israel is nearly 85,000.
NOA interfaces with all aspects of dairy production control,
including milking robots and feeding controllers.
27
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
For the first time, comprehensive dairy farm management is
possible with a single integrative and user-friendly program.
The program is maintained by an ICBA professional team
that includes experienced field advisers, phone support for
software users and programmers. Communication between
the dairy farm computer and the national Herdbook
database is carried out via an Internet website maintained
by ICBA. Numerous dairy farmers and entities in the dairy
industry are connected via the “Milk net”, which facilitates
two-way interactive exchanges and provides E-mail, a
bulletin board and other services.
International cooperation – ICBA cooperate with DeLaval
Company globally. In the coming year’s dairy farmers
around the world will be able to utilize many of the features
of NOA system.
The Israeli Selection Index
Eph r a i m E z r a Herdbook Manager, ICBA [hmb-efraim@icba.org.il]
Dr. J o e l I . We l l e r Institute of Animal Sciences, Dept. of Genetics, A.R.O. [weller@agri.huji.ac.il]

The Israeli breeding program is monitored by the Israeli

Breeding and Herdbook Committee, which includes
representatives of the Sion A.I. Company, the Israeli Cattle
Breeders Association, and scientists of the Department of
Ruminant Science of the Institute of Animal Sciences of the
Agricultural Research Organization.

PD07 – THE ISRAELI BREEDING INDEX

Index coefficients for milk, fat, and protein were computed

to maximize expected farmer profit. Profit was computed
as income, less cost of feed required to produce the three
milk components, transportation costs for fluid milk, and the
fixed costs per cow, which were set so that the net profit
would equal zero. The index coefficients were computed
by differentiating the profit equation with respect to each
component. The index coefficients were normalized so that of those traits relative to milk production. The current Index
one standard kg of milk with 3.50% fat and 3.13% protein, PD07 was updated in December 2006 and is as follows:
would have a unit value. The index coefficient for somatic
cell score (SCS) was computed so that expected changes PD07 = 6.3 (kg fat) + 25.4 (kg protein) – 300 (SCS) +
for SCS would be close to zero. The index coefficients for 26 (% daughters’ fertility) + 0.6 (days herdlife) + 10%
daughters’ fertility, herdlife, persistency, dystocia, and calf (% persistency) – 3 (% dystocia) – 6 (% calf mortality)
mortality were computed to account for the economic value
Expected genetic gains after ten years of selection using this
index are: 725 kg milk, 26.5 kg fat, 26.5 kg protein, - 0.14
SCS, 1.7% daughters’ fertility, 150 days herdlife, 2.4%
persistency, -1.2% dystocia, and -1.0% calf mortality.

Genetic evaluations for milk, fat and protein production,

SCS, daughters’ fertility and persistency are calculated by
the multitrait animal model, using parities 1 to 5, with each
parity considered as a separate trait. Herdlife is calculated
by a single trait animal model. “Persistency” is persistency
of milk production. Dystocia and calf mortality refer to
the effect of the cow calving, and include only first parity
records. Dystocia and calf mortality are calculated by sire
and maternal grandsire models. The base for all genetic
evaluations is the mean breeding value for cows born in
2000.

28
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
Israeli Breeding in 2009
D r. Yo e l Z e r o n
The Israeli dairy cattle population has the highest average
milk and milk solids production in the world, despite the
fact that dairy production conditions are sub-optimal due
to heat stress in most areas during most of the year. Israeli
bulls transmit outstanding genetic ability for milk yield and
components and excel in fertility, longevity and udder health
traits. During 2009, SION successfully maintained its volume
of activity, comprising 95% of all inseminations in Israel.
Approximately 50 young bulls are tested every year,
some of which are Israeli bloodlines and others North
American, Scandinavian and European strains. Semen from
approximately 20 proven bulls is available to the Israeli
dairy farmers for general service. Most are proven bulls with
evaluations based on daughter-production records, and
the rest are high-pedigree or “promising” young bulls. In
spite of the increase in milk production, no reduction was
noted in fertility rates during the past year. In fact, a slight
increase was recorded in 2009 in relation to 2008. This
increase was due primarily to improvements in the dairy
farm management and environment, and to the application
of superior Israeli genetics. In this regard, it is important to
stress that since 2001 SION has consistently selected bulls
with high PTA for daughter fertility. The results have been
most impressive.
Graph 1. Average breeding value of cows for
milk production and for daughter fertility
29
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
Director of Science and Production, Sion A.I. Company [yoel@sion-israel.com]
Heat stress during the Israeli hot season has a highly
negative effect on dairy production. Great efforts have been
made to install and implement technologies with the aim of
reducing heat stress. Dairy farms that implement appropriate
methods for cooling the herd have reached milk-production
rates during the summer months that exceed winter levels.
Improved Evaluation of Sperm Cells in SION Labs
SION, together with MES (Medical Electronic System)
has conducted a field trial in order to assess the effect
of progressive motility on sperm fertility rates. 2,500
inseminations from four bulls were divided into four
categories:
1.5 million progressive cells per dose
3 million progressive cells per dose
7 million progressive cells per dose
The control dose with a total of 15 million cells
Graph 2. Results of the field trial on Progressive motility
Doses with 7 million progressive cells per dose proved to
achieve significantly better fertility levels in comparison
to the other categories, including the control dose.
Accordingly, SION and MES are developing a laboratory
work model to enable the effective assessment of the bulls’
sperm. The aim is to supply sperm which maintains high
progressive motility levels after the analysis of only 3-4
ejaculations. We expect that this procedure will lead, both
effectively and efficiently, to a significant increase in fertility
rates,
Leading Bulls According to the
Number of Inseminations Bull Name Bull Number Sires Inseminations
Among the ten leading bulls with the highest number of
Sadash 7122 Sedek x Avsha 25,061
inseminations were three bulls used especially for heifers:
Digi 7334 Dandan x Patzil 19,438
Loop, Asa and Hodel. The leading bloodlines among Israeli
Mekarer 7276 Moon x Scorer 17,555
bulls are still local ones which have excelled in production
Syrop 7212 Saturn x Pitzpon 17,127
levels. About 30% of these bulls have sires from Europe
Dugit 7267 Dalia x Gupi 15,289
and USA. The number of inseminations per bull is fairly
Ase 7053 Avsha x Sidon 15,127
equal, without preference towards any particular bull. This
Loop 7261 Dalia x Gupi 12,572
fact is unique to the Israeli system and is the result of the
Asa 7085 Avsha x Scorer 11,996
generalized use of a mating program (a module of “NOA”,
Liker 7140 Lynch x Scorer 11,897
developed by ICBA) which is used by most farmers. Dairy
Hodel 7343 Hary x Dalia 10,702
farmers select the bulls by themselves, while taking the
Koren 7075 Sedek x Scorer 10,574
mating results into consideration.
Silvan 7365 Boy x Dalia 9,367
Krak 7077 Sedek x Scorer 9,126

30
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
 Birth Milk Fat Fat Protein Protein Daughters’ Productive Calf Calving Lactation PD07
Year kg kg % kg % SCS Fertility Longevity Mortality Diff. Persist. % kg

1987 -680 -33.6 -0.09 -34.2 -0.13 0.03 -0.58 -217 -0.45 -0.14 -3.34 -1264
1988 -546 -32.9 -0.13 -32.0 -0.14 0.10 -0.48 -193 -0.60 -0.65 -2.67 -1198
1989 -426 -31.3 -0.15 -29.6 -0.15 0.13 -0.52 -167 -0.44 -0.54 -2.21 -1121
1990 -290 -28.1 -0.17 -28.1 -0.18 0.12 -0.55 -145 0.00 0.00 -2.13 -1048
1991 -230 -23.1 -0.14 -24.2 -0.16 0.14 -0.22 -133 0.76 0.80 -1.84 -913
1992 -150 -18.2 -0.12 -20.0 -0.14 0.17 0.24 -92 1.41 1.54 -1.64 -751
1993 -125 -17.1 -0.12 -18.0 -0.13 0.25 -0.10 -95 1.35 1.31 -0.94 -721
1994 -128 -15.8 -0.10 -15.2 -0.10 0.22 -0.57 -89 1.60 1.49 -0.72 -641
1995 -164 -12.9 -0.06 -14.0 -0.08 0.19 -0.31 -82 1.33 1.24 -0.93 -572
1996 -91 -10.7 -0.07 -10.7 -0.07 0.13 -0.10 -51 1.37 1.29 -0.43 -427
1997 -71 -6.9 -0.04 -8.3 -0.05 0.09 0.26 -31 1.12 1.02 -0.64 -307
1998 -52 -6.4 -0.04 -5.7 -0.04 0.06 0.78 -4 1.21 1.09 -0.31 -198
1999 -23 -4.0 -0.03 -3.4 -0.02 0.01 0.28 -5 1.10 1.40 -0.24 -122
2000 0 0.0 0.00 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0 1.06 1.46 0.00 -11
2001 62 2.9 0.01 2.8 0.01 0.02 -0.30 17 0.82 1.45 0.53 84
2002 92 4.7 0.02 3.7 0.01 0.01 0.41 37 0.49 1.76 0.51 150
2003 128 8.4 0.04 6.2 0.02 -0.03 0.69 43 0.18 1.70 0.44 260
2004 83 13.0 0.10 7.6 0.05 -0.08 0.62 41 -0.02 1.88 0.60 340
2005 139 16.4 0.11 10.4 0.06 -0.13 1.56 86 0.00 2.46 0.64 498
2006 167 15.7 0.09 12.1 0.06 -0.13 1.94 98 0.04 2.36 0.88 555
2007 293 18.7 0.08 17.3 0.07 -0.09 1.37 108 0.63 3.66 0.53 676

Table 3.7
Average Breeding
Value of cows, by birth
year – Genetic Trends

31
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
 800
Average Breeding Value of cows

600

400

200

-200

-400

-600

-800

-1,000

-1,200

-1,400
1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007
Fig. 3.2
Average Breeding Value of cows for PD07 and Milk,
by birth year – Genetic Trends

Milk
PD07

0.40
Average Breeding Value of cows

0.10

0.07

0.04

0.01
0
-0.02

-0.05

-0.08

-0.11

-0.14

-0.17

-0.20
1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Fig. 3.3
Average Breeding Value of cows for Fat and Protein
percentages, by birth year – Genetic Trends

Fat %
Protein %

32
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
 Birth Number Milk Fat Fat Protein Protein Daughters’ Productive
year of bulls kg kg % kg % SCS Fertility Longevity PD07

1985 39 -394 -14.4 -0.00 -18.4 -0.06 0.07 -0.06 -136 -683
1986 31 -308 -13.9 -0.03 -16.2 -0.06 0.16 -0.32 -120 -652
1987 38 -263 -14.4 -0.05 -12.6 -0.04 0.16 -0.16 -106 -547
1988 49 -188 -10.4 -0.03 -12.0 -0.06 0.04 -0.58 -89 -477
1989 33 -115 -7.7 -0.03 -11.0 -0.07 0.04 0.03 -72 -412
1990 32 -149 -8.8 -0.03 -11.2 -0.06 0.03 0.57 -79 -413
1991 41 -28 -6.9 -0.05 -5.5 -0.04 0.14 -0.17 -66 -293
1992 42 -191 -5.7 0.01 -6.6 -0.01 0.13 -0.72 -78 -341
1993 53 -226 -8.0 0.00 -8.1 -0.01 0.13 -0.02 -52 -352
1994 46 -129 -5.4 -0.01 -4.7 -0.01 0.08 -1.06 -63 -271
1995 38 -40 2.6 0.04 -0.5 0.01 0.09 -0.64 -44 -88
1996 53 -146 -1.2 0.04 -2.5 0.02 0.13 -1.02 -55 -192
1997 30 -125 0.4 0.05 0.6 0.04 -0.03 0.27 -24 3
1998 58 34 4.9 0.04 5.2 0.04 0.04 -0.86 -22 102
1999 21 -28 -0.3 0.01 1.7 0.03 0.05 0.06 -11 3
2000 28 -75 3.8 0.06 3.2 0.05 -0.04 -0.04 -20 83
2001 44 135 5.0 0.00 6.0 0.02 0.10 -0.09 4 143
2002 55 84 9.9 0.07 6.0 0.03 -0.03 -0.12 -2 201
2003 45 17 12.5 0.11 6.4 0.05 -0.10 -0.09 29 257
2004 26 -60 6.0 0.08 6.0 0.07 -0.04 0.90 31 236
2005 28 130 11.1 0.06 9.8 0.05 -0.02 1.06 31 358

Table 3.8
Average Breeding
Value of bulls, by
birth year

33
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
➤
Table 3.9 No. of
Bulls that performed Bull No. Bull name Sire inseminations
largest number 3274 Scorer Thonyma Secret 199,290
of inseminations 829 Gyus Oren 198,997
(all years)
2132 Gaby Arlinda Jet Stream 181,527
783 Pirchach Hason 160,375
3651 Avsha Sea-Mist Bell Extra 150,433
3212 Sinbad Sunran Sundacer 145,711
2124 Shoeg Shofet 128,094
787 Amir Icar 119,631
3258 Shenef Pony 115,990
2357 Flor E-Z-Acres Starlite Bachelor 114,112
3241 Teva Kingstead Valiant Tab 111,922
3089 Pitspon Gyus 111,182
3123 Tamim Crescent Mead Chief Stewart 110,645
3811 Sofon Sccorer 110,274
3080 Pirate Sabal 110,058
2122 Shats Shofet 110,046
3304 Goopi Goliat 108,771
7053 Aise Avsha 107,998
2176 Genosar Gyus 103,848
2278 Mefi Marshfield Elevation Tony 98,673

34
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
Fertility Statistics

Information on insemination and pregnancy the basis for practical decisions regarding
checks enable a thorough analysis of fertility management.
fertility performance at national and herd Data is presented as average results by
level. Reports are issued to farmers and are parity categories.

➤
Conception Rate at 1st service (%)
Table 3.10 & Fig. 3.4
Average Conception Year Heifers 1st Lact. cows Adult cows
Rate at 1st service, for 1994 65.6 42.6 34.7
Heifers, 1st Lact. cows 1995 65.1 44.7 36.8
and Adult cows (all 1996 64.6 44.2 36.9
herds), by years
1997 62.7 43.9 35.7
1998 59.6 40.4 33.2
1999 63.3 43.1 36.7
2000 63.2 44.5 37.4
2001 63.9 44.0 37.1
2002 63.8 43.0 36.1
2003 64.6 43.0 36.4
2004 65.9 43.0 35.6
2005 64.2 40.7 32.6
2006 64.3 41.2 33.3
2007 64.3 40.9 33.0
2008 63.1 40.7 30.5
2009 63.1 40.6 32.0

Heifers 70
Conception Rate (%)

1st Lact. cows 65

Adult Cows
60

55

50

45

40

35

30

25
1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

35
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
36
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
➤
Table 3.11 Number of heifers and Conception Rate, by age at 1st service

Fertility summary N % of total C.R. (%)

for heifers, all herds < 13 months 16,505 26.8 63.2
(period: 14-15 months 37,075 60.2 63.4
11/08 – 10/09)
16-17 months 6,898 11.2 61.3
18-23 months 1,109 1.8 61.4
Total 61,587 100 63.1

Number of heifers and Conception Rate, by insemination number

N % of total C.R. (%)

First inseminations 36,579 59.4 63.1
Second inseminations 13,602 22.1 54.9
Third inseminations 5,918 9.6 48.4
Fourth + more inseminations 5,488 8.9 33.1
Total of inseminations 61,587 100 57.2

Heat detection

Distribution of cycles length (days):

5 - 17 910 4.9
18 - 15 12,269 65.4
16 - 35 1,149 6.1
36 - 60 4,425 23.6
Total of natural cycles 18,753 89.7
Induced cycles 2,147 10.3
Average days between inseminations 27
Rejections by inseminator 17.8
Preg.checks with negative results 11.8

Distribution of heifers by age at pregnancy onset

<13 months 6,525 20.1

14-15 months 18,312 56.5
16-17 months 5,279 16.3
18-19 months 1,638 5.1
20-21 months 641 2.0
Average age at effective insem. (mo) 15.2

37
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
➤
Table 3.12 Number of first-calvers and Conception Rate, by days post-partum at 1st service

Fertility summary for N % of total C.R. (%)

first-calvers, all herds < 70 days 9,853 13.2 38.7
(period: 71 - 100 days 44,039 59.0 42.7
11/08 -10/09)
101 - 130 days 17,541 23.5 38.5
131 - 150 days 3,210 4.3 36.9
Total 74,642 100 40.6

Number of first-calvers and Conception Rate, by insemination number

N % of total C.R. (%)

First inseminations 27,979 37.5 40.6
Second inseminations 16,662 22.3 36
Third inseminations 10,672 14.3 32.6
Fourth + more inseminations 19,329 25.9 27.0
Total of inseminations 74,642 100 34.9

Heat detection

Distribution of cycles length (days):

5 - 17 1,730 4.8
18 - 15 22,983 64.4
16 - 35 3,669 10.3
36 - 60 7,330 20.5
Total of natural cycles 35712 90.4
Induced cycles 3,811 9.6
Average days between inseminations 27
Rejections by inseminator 12.6
Preg.checks with negative results 24.3

Distribution of first-calvers, by days post-partum at effective insemination

< 75 days 2,191 9.2

76 - 110 days 9,052 38.0
111 - 150 days 5,857 24.6
151 - 180 days 2,670 11.2
181 - 270 days 4,037 17.0
Average Open days 128

38
PART 3 T h e I s r a e l i Herdbook
➤
Table 3.13 Number of Cows and Conception Rate, by days post-partum at 1st service

Fertility summary for N % of total C.R. (%)

adult cows, all herds < 50 days 1,160 0.7 19.9
(period: 51 - 80 days 74,591 45.0 31.7
11/08 - 10/09)
81 - 110 days 70,778 42.7 33.1
111 - 150 days 19,394 11.7 30.7
Total 165,757 100 32.0

Number of Cows and Conception Rate, by insemination number

N % of total C.R. (%)

First inseminations 57,834 34.9 32.0
Second inseminations 38,927 23.5 32.3
Third inseminations 25,548 15.4 30.8
Fourth + more inseminations 43,448 26.2 26.0
Total of inseminations 165,757 100 30.3

Heat detection

Distribution of cycles length (days):

5 - 17 5,975 7.3
18 - 15 48,017 58.9
16 - 35 10,966 13.4
36 - 60 16,606 20.4
Total of natural cycles 81,564 88.8
Induced cycles 10,274 11.2
Average days between inseminations 27
Rejections by inseminator 9.5
Preg.checks with negative results 30.8

Distribution of first-calvers, by days post-partum at effective insemination

< 75 days 5,805 12.5

76 - 110 days 15,570 33.5
111 - 150 days 11,437 24.6
151-180 days 5,725 12.3
181-270 days 8,002 17.2
Average Open days 128

39
PART 3 T h e I s r a eli Herdbook
Hachaklait – Mutual Society for Clinical Veterinary Services
Written by Dr. Nadav Galon, Chief Veterinarian
The Beginning
Hachaklait was established back in 1919 by a handful of enthusiastic
pioneer farmers. The vision they had was to combine a mutual
insurance policy with comprehensive veterinary medicine. The
initial motive was to protect valuable cattle, which were imported
into a hot land, burdened with disease. Hachaklait was founded as
a cooperative, which was owned and managed by the farmers for
the benefit of the farmers. The veterinarians were contracted as the
employees of the cooperative. From its small beginning as a few
farms around the Sea of Galilee, Hachaklait grew hand in hand with
the Israeli Food Animal Industry to encompass the entire country.
Our Mission
Today, almost 90 years later, Hachaklait is still a strong and thriving
unique organization both in size and philosophy, in the veterinary
world. Hachaklait is a farmer cooperative, still owned and managed
by the farmers for their benefit. Our basic goal is to give our
clients the best veterinary service at a reasonable cost. Each farm
pays a yearly fixed rate per animal in order to cover all routine and
emergency medical needs. Thus, Hachaklait has a long term and
stable contract with the farm, and is committed to the well being of
the animals, and the sound economy of the farm.
Our Services
Hachaklait believes in intensive service at all levels: sick individual
cows, herd health, prevention and control of infectious and
production diseases, as well as food safety and animal welfare. Our
vets visit each farm two to three times a week, and each cow receives
several routine visits per lactation, to make sure she is producing at
maximal efficiency. All the cows are checked after calving for both
clinical and sub clinical diseases, for reproductive status and before
drying up. All the data from each individual cow is collected at the
farm and processed by Hachaklait. Hachaklait has its own clinical
research unit to perform clinical field trials in collaboration with
local as well as international companies and research bodies.
Clientele
Hachaklait serves more than 800 dairy farms with over 90,000
milking cows, which comprise about 80% of the dairy cattle
population in Israel. These are made up of 160 large Kibbutz herds
and 650 smaller Moshav (family) dairy farms. There are some 60
beef herds with 20,000 dams and some 300 feedlots with 30,000
steers, as well as 200 sheep and goat farms.
Personnel
Thirty-six of Hachaklait vets serve as district practitioners
throughout Israel.
Ten junior vets operate as relief (locum) for the district vets and for
special tasks. Some of our vets operate part time as consultants for:
Clinical nutrition, dermatology, parasitology, lameness, young stock,
ultrasonography, beef, feedlot and small ruminants.
40
Department of Herd Health
Hachaklait Department of Herd Health produces a monthly and an
annual herd report for each computer- managed farm, monitoring
and analyzing its production, reproduction and economical
performance. Our herd health experts meet with the manager and
staff of every farm to present and discuss their findings and advise
them regarding future improvements.
Clinical Research Unit
Hachaklait Clinical Research Unit functions as a CRO for national
and international companies. Additionally, the unit provides
epidemiological and statistical support to Hachaklait veterinarians
involved in research projects.
Pharmaceuticals
Since almost all veterinary drugs in Israel are imported, Hachaklait
handles registration, importation and distribution of a wide range
of drugs, vaccinations and equipment. In order to perform this task,
Hachaklait operates a large and modern central drug warehouse.
Being the dominant drug buyer in the country and one of the largest
veterinary groups in the world, we can offer our clients drugs at very
competitive wholesale prices. In addition, drugs are sold without
any surcharge. We advocate for low and rational drug use and the
prevention of drug residues from entering into the food chain.
Hachaklait strongly believes that its intensive farm visits routine and
herd-monitoring activities reduce our clients’ drug use, drug costs
and increase their product safety.
Our Affiliations
Hachaklait Head Office and its Chief Vet keep close ties and work
relations with the following bodies: The Milk Board, the Israeli
Cattle Breeders Association, the National Herd Book, Sion (the
Israeli A.I. company), the Milk Quality and Udder Health Lab, The
National Veterinary Services and the Kimron Veterinary Institute,
the Koret Vet School of the Hebrew University, the Ministry
of Agriculture Extension Service and some other international
organizations including the WAB.
Hachaklait promotes various means of continuing education for our
vets and clients, in the form of conferences, meetings and formal
studies, to keep them up-to-date with the vast changes in veterinary
knowledge.
Our Address:
Hahaklait
38900 Caesaria Industrial Park, P.O.B. 3039
Chkl333@netvision.net.il
Tel: +972-4-6279610
www.hachaklait.org.il
SION ISRAEL
Highest Milk Production Rates Worldwide, per Average Cow

Superb Daughter Fertility and Longevity

World Leader in Lactation Persistency

SION – AI CENTER & BREEDING

Shikmim, 79800, ISRAEL
Tel: 972-8-8592812 • Fax: 972-8-8593381
E-mail: south@sion-israel.com • www.sion-israel.com
 Israeli Leader in Dairy Farm
Technology
Turn-Key-Projects, from Field to Market

For each milking facility we provide today’s

most advanced technology.
AfiFarm™ – the ultimate management tool.

This technology includes: milk meters,

AfiLab
TM
pedometers, weight and sort systems and the
AfiLab™ - the world’s first real-time, on-line milk analyzer. Real-Time Milk Analyzer

SAE Afikim, Kibbutz Afikim, 15148 Israel | Tel: 972-4-6754812, Fax: 972-4-6751862 | market@afimilk.co.il | www.afimilk.com
 SAE Afikim: A New Approach to Dairy Farming
Founded in the early 1970s S.A.E. Afikim pioneered in
introducing electronics to the milking parlor, bringing a
new approach to dairy farming. Since then, S.A.E. Afikim
has developed, manufactured and marketed a wide range
of computerized dairy management systems. The Afimilk
umbrella covers numerous products, among them are milk
meters, individual cow identification systems, pedometers,
management and analysis software, AfiLab - the world’s
first real-time milk analyzer - as well as devices for sorting,
weighing and automatic individual feeding systems for the
dairy farm.
Today, S.A.E. Afikim is a world leader in computerized
dairy management systems and milk meters. Over
100,000 milk meters have been sold and installed globally.
Additionally, the company has built parlors on a turnkey
basis throughout the world.
Afimilk and its modules, AfiAct, AfiSort, AfiFeed and
AfiWeigh, comprise a complete dairy management system
that includes the most comprehensive decision-making
tools available. While providing accurate milk recordings
per cow, the system also enhances animal health through
early mastitis detection and improved breeding and fertility
rates. These developments both increase milk production
and lower costs.
Afimilk’s flexible reporting system provides essential
ongoing and updated and information. These reports reflect
real-time changes for each cow, group and the entire herd,
allowing the farmer to focus on specific problematic cows
and manage the herd more efficiently. Early problem
detection and identification saves valuable time and money.
Afimilk systems offer numerous benefits. Among them
are early ketosis detection, milk production management,
accurate detection of cows in heat and health monitoring of
herds.
S.A.E. Afikim is involved in numerous projects around the
world. In fact, the company has aided in developing more
than 5,000 dairy farms in at least 50 countries worldwide.
On these farms, over 1.5 million cows produce 10 billion
liters of milk annually. For example, in Vietnam the
company is establishing turn-key dairy farms, the largest
project of its kind in the world. These farms will produce
500 ton of milk per day by end of 2012, and its target is to
supply 40% of the total Vietnamese consumption.
Wherever dairy farms are located, S.A.E. Afikim can
provide a variety of platforms for dairy cows, as well as
sheep and goats. With services ranging from dairy layout
and design, through infrastructure and construction, to
training and post-project support, the company helps boost
dairy output and profits.
 PHONE 972 - 08 - 6891121 FAX 972 - 08 - 6899147 ADDRESS Industrial Zone Sderot
44
P.O.B 105 , 80100
LACHISH INDUSTRIES LTD. PART 1 The Israeli Dairy Industry
www.rmhmixer.com ISRAEL
 Lachish Industries
Greetings,
Lachish Industries is a leading company in its field,
developing, producing and marketing feed mixers for
dairy farms, operating in a competitive market around
the world. The company maintains leading technology
and produces the widest variety of machines that include
trailer, stationary and self-propelled mixers, having volumes
that range from 4 to 50 cubic meters. During the course
of the 54 years of its operation, Lachish has developed
great expertise together with an experienced, skilled team,
in cooperation with the Israeli dairy farm - a principal
factor in terms of milk production; thus, the company
has taken a leading role from a technological standpoint.  farms, and then later launched throughout the world.  This
The dairy farm in Israel is one of the most advanced in
the world, maintaining high performance and production
levels, implementing accrued knowledge and managing
activity interaction with great professionalism, all of which
are contributing factors in making this industry a great
economic success.  countries.  Distributors can arrive from two different
Total cost of feed in dairy farms may reach as high as 75%
of the global expenses of the dairy farm; in fact, proper feed
management is the most influential factor in the output
and economy of the dairy farm and is crucial for the general
health of the cows. For decades a concept that has been
operating worldwide - TMR- Total Mix Ration, deems
that if all of the feed ingredients are combined and cut to
a specified size, the cow will obtain an improved feed that
will be optimally digested, resulting in high milk yield
and healthy cows. Most of the leading farms in the world
are already working according to this concept, and this is
precisely where Lachish’s expertise comes into play. 
Lachish has developed a variety of equipment and has
provided complete feeding solutions for numerous types of
farms, varying in size and required conditions, throughout
many geographical areas in the world.  The Israeli farm
constitutes a seminal factor in equipment development
and in fact, functions as a “beta-site” for Lachish, posing
challenges for the company to develop innovative and
advanced products that are marketed first to the Israeli
gives the Israeli farm the additional advantage of having
a local manufacturer available that provides high-quality
solutions for different technological needs. 
Lachish is seeking suitable distributors in different
fields of expertise: The dairy farm business sector; selling
equipment for dairy farms, such as milking equipment,
cooling tanks and feed, or from the agricultural equipment
business sector, having contact with dairy farmers and are
familiar with dairy-farm business procedure.
More information can be found in our site. You are
welcome to contact us with any questions:
www.rmhmixer.com
 SCR
Established in 1976, SCR is a leading, original, worldwide,
manufacturer of innovative computerized systems for dairy
farms and a worldwide provider of turnkey project and farm
management consulting services for dairy farms.
SCR is situated at the convergence point of the world-
leading Israeli dairy industry and world-leading Israeli
high-tech industry. SCR develops, manufactures and
markets highly accurate and dependable dairy management
tools and milking automation devices, offering the
dairyman efficient herd-management and cost-effective
solutions which in turn, lead to increased profitability.
SCR’s portfolio of innovative products includes electronic
collar tags for ID, heat detection and rumination
monitoring, milking controllers and milk measurement
devices, herd-management system, solutions for sheep and
goats as well as key technologies for the leading global
manufacturers of Robotic Milking Systems. With a scalable
range of products SCR provides technological solutions for
farms of all sizes.
SCR also provides turnkey project-management services
and dairy-herd management consulting services to
customers worldwide. SCR incorporates years of experience
in every aspect of dairy farming in order to plan, construct
and operate dairy farms. SCR works with customers in
designing complete solutions to their needs, both present
and future. Every facet is examined to provide the optimal
solution within a given budget.
At present, SCR is the largest manufacturer of electronic
milk-measurement devices and an industry leader in the
field of electronic collar tags. SCR’s milk meters can be
found in hundreds of thousands of milking points world
wide. Leading global milking equipment manufacturers,
DeLaval and Lely have incorporated SCR milk-
measurement devices and pulsation-control devices into
their robotic milking solutions.
SCR’s electronic collar tags embody a new standard in heat
detection and animal status monitoring. The Heatime®
standalone heat-detection system has been installed in over
three thousand farms and has gained a market share of
over five percent in a number of European countries. The
company expects to reach the target of one million tags
deployed in the field by the end of 2010, an unprecedented
success story for a product launched globally only five years
ago.
The rumination monitoring HR-Tag™ received official
recognition in 2009 with favorable research results
published in the Journal of Dairy Science. It remains the
only commercially available technology of its kind.
SCR holds over 50% of the shares of the new system sales
in the Israeli market; however, export markets are in fact
accountable for the majority of the company’s revenue.
SCR products are distributed through solution providers
worldwide.
SCR is a privately held company with corporate offices
and production facilities located in Netanya, Israel. SCR is
committed to the highest industry quality standards and an
ongoing investment in research and development to benefit
dairy farms world wide.
For Those Who Care About
Premium Taste...

For further information about store locator, tips and recipes

visit www.tnuva.com
 How Tnuva USA is Conquering the
North American Consumer Market
The herculean challenge to introduce a wide range of Tnuva
cheese and dairy products to both kosher and mainstream
consumers in North America has been a critical component
of Tnuva’s global food expansion efforts. Under the tutelage
of Yoram Behiri, President of TnuvaUSA, the company has
used a variety of unique point-of-purchase promotions, as
well as target-specific advertising and strategic marketing
efforts to attract kosher and mainstream consumers.
TnuvaUSA’s auspicious entry into the North American
marketplace came at the very moment when both
medical professionals and dieticians re-doubled their
efforts to promote a variety of low-fat diets including the
Mediterranean diet, which is highlighted by premium
low-fat dairy products and cheeses. Tnuva, which has
always prided itself on responding to the changing needs of
consumer lifestyles, has already succeeded with a variety of
low-fat dairy and cheese products in Israel, where the local
population consumes large amounts of dairy products. Thus,
Tnuva is perfectly positioned to introduce North American
consumers to premium quality hard and soft cheeses,
Mediterranean feta cheeses and puddings for children of all
ages.
Within the realm of Hard Cheeses, the Emek line
including Swiss, Edam, Mild Cheddar, & Muenster Sliced
Cheeses have become extremely popular amongst North
American consumers, with the “Light Sliced” versions,
Edam and Swiss, leading the pack.
Health-conscious North American consumers are also
becoming accustomed to purchasing Tnuva’s array of soft
cheeses including 4 low-fat types of Quark-Creamy Soft
Cheese and 3 types of Cheese Spreads. The soft cheeses
are a premium alternative to locally produced sour cream
cheeses, while the Cheese Spreads are showcased as the
Israeli version of rich cream cheeses, which are Sabbath
afternoon and Sunday morning staples amongst the North
American Jewish community.
TnuvaUSA has also taken advantage of the growing
popularity of Mediterranean-accented foods in the North
American marketplace, by introducing a wide selection of
Feta cheese products including, Tnuva Sheep, Cow & Goat
Feta Cheeses that are available to consumers in a variety
of packaging options, from a half a pound up to16- pound
wheels. Tnuva also offers a premium Pasteurized Goat
Cheese Roll, which highlights translucent blue packaging.
Parents have also lionized Tnuva for introducing low-fat
chocolate and vanilla dessert puddings for youngsters as a
healthy snack alternative that is also rich in bone-building
calcium.
Amongst the vital elements in Tnuva’s successful
transition into the North American consumer market is
the usage of image-enhancing “buzz words” and marketing
tools. Point-of-purchase “Flash Cards” have ‘educated’
consumers of the origins of various cheeses and their
practical applications to daily menus.
This form of branding has spurred the large Shoprite
supermarket chain to invite Tnuva to become the first
Israeli food company to have their sliced hard cheeses
offered in the deli sections at hundreds of supermarkets
across the metro New York-New Jersey region.
Other strategic marketing, advertising and public
relations campaigns have focused on the Holy Land’s
pastoral Galilee region (equivalent to the American version
of Wisconsin - Dairy Cheese Capital of the USA), where
dairy and cheese products are produced at the state-of-the-
art Alon Tavor facility. The image of dairy cows roaming
freely across the Galilee and producing perhaps the finest
milk in the world has resonated among both Jewish,
Christian and mainstream consumers.
TnuvaUSA has also launched a colorful and informative
website - www.Tnuva.com - for consumers who wish to
learn more about each product, where to find them in
their area and how to create delicious meals for family and
friends via downloadable recipes. The website has also been
a focal point for promotions and contests, where consumers
can win valuable prizes, including trips to Israel.
During the past year, Tnuva has introduced its products
into many renowned supermarket chains including Kroger’s
(Southeast & Midwest), Albertson’s (West Coast) and
Costco (Eastern & Mid-Atlantic). For Costco, which
targets the larger family, Tnuva has successfully introduced
special Family Size editions of their hard cheese products.
Based on positive consumer response, Tnuva is in the midst
of deepening its relationship with the Costco chain, which
is amongst the largest chains in the world.
50
PART 1 The Israeli Dairy Industry
 Tnuva Romania
Tnuva, the biggest dairy producer in Israel, brings to
Romania the know-how of its 80 years of experience at all
levels, from raw materials, to production, distribution, sales
and marketing.
Founded by Tnuva Israel in partnership with European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the company
set its goal to become one of the key players on the
extremely competitive Romanian market. Today, in a very
short time since its launch in 2007, Tnuva Romania is the
leading company in terms of increased standard of quality
for their dairy products. Its large portfolio includes a wide
range of products developed locally meeting European
standards: Tnuva Milk, Tnuva Chocolate Milk, Tnuva
Frappe, Tnuva Espresso, Tnuva Yogurt, Tnuva Yogurt
Beverage, Tnuva Yogurt with Cereals, Tnuva Sana, Tnuva
Buttermilk, Tnuva Sour Cream, Tnuva Cottage Cheese,
Yoplait Fruit Yoghurt.
In the Sana category, a unique, traditional Romanian
product, Tnuva quickly earned the highest recognition since
its launch and has become the chief selling product and
the leading Sana available on the market. Tnuva Cottage
Cheese leads the cottage cheese market development in
Romania, overtaking its competitors and reaching 3rd place
on the market - merely 2 years since its launch - due to its
high quality and good taste. The “secret” of Tnuva’s high
quality products is Tnuva milk, which has recently achieved
the highest creditation and award in the Romanian Dairy
Industry’s competitive event, “Interlacta”, assessed by dairy
experts.
as the unsurpassed milk on the Romanian market.
All Tnuva products are produced locally in the Tnuva plant,
using recipes adapted to Romanian tastes; it is a Greenfield
project consistent with the highest EU standards. Tnuva
Romania manufactures its products using milk of the
highest EU quality from the Tnuva farm as well as from the
other Israeli-owned farms that are atteste to provide milk of
the same quality.
Within the constraints of an economic crisis, Tnuva
Romania continually lives up to its name maintaining
the highest quality of its products through love, care
and commitment, with respect and dedication towards
its customers while paying scrupulous attention to their
requests, thus building a solid basis for a topmost position
on the market.
Nowadays, every day is a challenge for Tnuva Romania to
continue building up the brand’s reputation and developing
the business at the highest standards for which we are
distinguished.
 Ambar Feed Mill is Israel’s largest livestock feed
enterprise and is run in compliance with the world’s
most advanced manufacturing methods and regulations.

In addition to its standard production line, Ambar produces animal

feed for several sectors including broilers, turkeys, breeders,
layers, fish, dairy herds, beef calves, sheep and goats.

Ambar is capable of complying with specific demands from its

customers in everything pertaining to feed composition or specific
requirements.

Ambar owns several feed centres all over the country which
provide T.M.R (total mix ration) to dairy herds, feedlots and small
ruminant farms.
GH 6093