| 53 Supporting your animal health and performance goals Kim Newth A global leader on precision animal health, Zoetis is making a strong impact in rural New Zealand by working alongside farmers on all aspects of animal health and performance. In New Zealand, Zoetis Genetics supports ram breeders and both stud and commercial beef farmers by providing tools and resources to make more profitable breeding decisions, backed with excellent service and support. Zoetis Genetics understands that not all farms are the same and each will have different objectives. This drives their team’s customised approach, aimed at helping farmers make smarter decisions. “We tailor our solutions to the farm, the farm system and the farmers we work with and their level of knowledge,” explains Amy Hoogenboom, veterinarian and beef genetics manager for Zoetis New Zealand. “We take the time to understand what they’re trying to achieve, what motivates them and how their farm system works.” In addition to providing DNA services to many beef stud breeders throughout NZ, Zoetis Genetics offers innovative DNA testing products such as INHERIT Select, a genetic test and weekly multibreed genetic evaluation for commercial cow/ calf producers. Commercial farmers typically use it to work out which heifers they should be keeping and to gain a better genetic understanding of their cow herd, in turn informing better bull selection decisions. For sheep stud operations, Zoetis Genetics’ industry-leading SHEPHERD portfolio is available to help farmers achieve their breeding objectives. This DNA service solution recently won national recognition after being selected as a technology ON FARM » Zoetis NZ finalist at last year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards. “We were so excited to be named as a finalist, particularly as there is so much going on in agritech,” says Dayanne Almeida, Zoetis NZ Sheep Technical Lead. Like Amy, Dayanne tailors her advice and guidance to the individual farmer - whether that’s someone just starting out or a seasoned breeder - and usually visits her clients at least twice a year. “My partner and I are also sheep and beef farmers, so I can anticipate the key times of the year and plan for those,” says Dayanne. “It’s great to meet farmers in person, have a cup of tea and learn more about their operation. DNA often only comes up in conversation towards the end of a visit. A lot is discussed prior to that – the season, the challenges, opportunities and goals for the next season.” Dayanne says the busiest time of year for her is spring lambing. “There’s a lot of sampling to do. The DNA technology is mainly used for accurately identifying parentage and it’s done at the same time as docking. I try to be there to help them with setting up, getting a process in place, and feeling confident of what is needed to get good results at the end of the season.” For Amy, autumn is a peak time working with commercial beef farmers, as cattle are sampled at calf marking or weaning. Helping farmers and stud breeders fully understand the technology they’re using and its applications has been a key focus for Amy, Dayanne and the wider Zoetis Genetics team. As Amy says, “As farmers build their understanding, so they begin to grasp the true value of it and what it can do for them.” PROUD TO USE ZOETIS NZ FOR ALL OUR GENETIC REQUIREMENTS Ramguard tested at .64 2025 Discussing DNA testing results with a farmer. Amy Hoogenboom Zoetis Beef Specialist sampling cattle.
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