October 28, 2005
Schering-Plough's Tri-Merit certification programme brings a premium for calves
Cattle producers in the Hays, Kansas area, US, recently discovered the tangible merit of participating in the Tri-MeritTM Individual Animal Health and History Certification Programme. At a recent sale, their Tri-Merit certified calves brought an average premium of US$10 a head more than others offered that day.
James Rohleder, DVM, Hillside Veterinary Clinic, with cooperation from the Russell Livestock sale barn, conducted the sale of 1,100 Tri-Merit-certified calves. Rohleder vaccinated and certified the calves, and Greg Carey from Russell Livestock facilitated an exclusive sale session during the barn's regular weekly sale.
Tri-Merit is an online data management system that combines traditional process certification with individual animal birth dates. It is also designed to certify movement of cattle. Certificates can be generated to verify animals':
- identification number
- birth date
- original source (such as a home ranch)
- origination point (such as a sale barn)
- arrival date at a certain premise (such as a feedyard)
- departure date from the premise
- destination (such as packer)
- health procedures implemented at any site
The certificates also identify total numbers of steers, heifers, bulls, and cows. They are dated and signed by the owner/manager and veterinarian or other animal health professionals.
Rohleder said, "I'm a big proponent of marketing systems that allow us to increase the value of our producers' calves. I like Tri-Merit because I'm not bound to specific products. It is a system where I record the health and management procedures done at any individual operation. I can use the products that I feel are best to fit a programme to a producer's exact needs for their herd health programme."
Rohleder added that he also liked Tri-Merit because it was simple, quick, and local, and Tri-Merit technical support was excellent."We provide the calf information, usually on a spreadsheet, which can be generated simply by scanning EID (electronic identification) tags or by entering individual visual ear tag numbers, birth dates, and processing information. That data is entered into the web site, and we simply print and sign the certificates. It is less time-consuming and cumbersome than waiting for a certifying company to approve, process, and mail certificates," Rohleder said.
"The groups of calves sold were owned by eight different producers and represented various assortments of types, breeds, and management styles. And they were not necessarily managed any better than other calves sold that day," commented Rohleder. "What made these calves worth a premium is they were all Tri-Merit certified-for age and source verification-and being properly preconditioned in a similar fashion, so a buyer knew exactly what he was getting," he said.
Carey added, "A buyer will pick the genetics he likes, but what he wants most is reliable health. My feeling is that my customers need to be rewarded for providing healthy calves. And my buyers need to know they can buy these calves with confidence."
Tri-Merit is a complimentary service. It is offered by Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp. and powered by its subsidiary, Global Animal Management, Inc. Additional information about Tri-Merit is available at gamsupport@mygamonline.com or by calling 800-235-9824.
Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer, and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 30,000 people around the world. The company is based in Kenilworth, New Jersey, and its website is www.schering-plough.com.
