WMS Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who picks the new bulls?

A.

The whole idea of scoring all the milking cows is to highlight the herd's strengths and weaknesses, so by screening the bulls on their strengths and matching them up to the weaknesses in the herd. You obviously need to set some criteria on production, components and price. Obviously bloodlines are looked at closely too, so eliminating inbreeding, back five generations.

Q. What about semen already in the flask?

A.

This is not a problem, we have a database of over 1,000 bulls,  so using inflask semen first can be done, before a selection of new bulls can be screened.

Q. What happens once all the cows are scored?

A. At this stage the evaluator will require a little time with you, so the whole programme can be explained, the details of the herds strengths and the traits which need attention, reports will be produced to help explain and prioritise all the traits in the herd.

Q. Do I need to be with or help the evaluator?

A. No if the cows are branded or well tagged the evaluator will score the herd without any fuss, whether it be in cubicles or out grazing.

Q. What do I, 'the dairyman' need to do?

A.

Firstly your rep or evaluator will ask you to fill out a form for NMR or CIS details, which will allow us to gather pedigree details and lactations. Then the evaluator will arrange a date to suit you, to come and score every cow on 17 linear traits.

Q. How much will it cost?

A.

It's free!!!!!! the idea being, we (world wide sires uk) will provide a manual for your semen to ensure you get value for your money and help you use the bulls for the best results.

Q. What do I do to get on the WMS programme?

A. You can do one of three things, contact your local world-wide sires rep, contact an evaluator direct or phone the world-wide sires office and they will pass on your details.

Q. What is WMS?

A. World Wide Mating Service

Q. What am I left with?

A. Easy to use reports, stating which animal should be bred to the selected bulls on the list, with the knowledge that every cow is correctively scored and mated by a professional evaluator.

Q. Why WMS?

A.

The WMS programme is used all round the world for 35 years in 43 countries.  Over 6 million cows are mated each year through WMS. WMS definitely adds uniformity into herds with consistent results up and down the country time and time again. I think the results speak for themselves, creating consistency in udders, legs and feet and frame. Balance is what we are all about. 14 years the WMS has been used in the UK. Evaluators get to know the breeding patterns of bulls which give us a great advantage on selecting correct bloodlines to match your herd.

Q. How often does a WMS evaluator visit my herd?

A. After the initial visit, where the whole milking herd is scored, your evaluator will return as often as you calve a group of heifers and add them to the milking herd.

Q. What about my maiden heifers?

A.

This is also where we are streets ahead. As your maiden heifers are or should be your most progressive genetics it is crucial that that momentum is kept up. Our Maiden-Mate programme uses both the linear of the sire and the actual linear of the dam in the herd, so creating a parental average based on actual linear scoring, we have the only programme that correctively mates maiden heifers, also eliminating inbreeding.

Q. What can I expect from WMS?

A.

An evaluator that is a cow man first, a people person who is able to convey and relate to a dairymans needs and importantly is highly trained in bovine genetics to create a balanced, uniform herd which are a pleasure to milk.