The Renowned Rivelli Holstein Cattle Collection of Brazil

An Overview of the Rivelli Collection

The Rivelli Collection is an impressive assemblage of Holstein dairy cattle originating from Brazil. Built up by the Rivelli family over generations, it represents some of the finest genetics and milk production capabilities in the global Holstein breed. The collection provides valuable insights into how to breed and manage high-producing dairy cows in tropical environments like Brazil.

The History Behind the Rivelli Collection

The Rivelli family has been involved in dairy farming in Brazil since the early 1900s. Across generations, they have selectively bred their herd to improve production, udder health, fertility, and longevity. By combining genetics from North America, Europe, and other parts of South America, the Rivellis optimized their herd for the climate, diseases, and nutritional conditions found in Brazil.

Through stringent culling and selective breeding, the Rivellis grew their herd into one of Brazil's most productive. Their herd consistently achieves higher milk yields and component percentages than Brazilian averages. The Rivellis also place heavy emphasis on excellent udders and feet/leg conformation to support high milk yields.

Today, the Rivelli Collection consists of over 3,000 purebred Holsteins. The vast majority are registered with Holstein Brazil. On their farm in Sāo Paulo, the Rivellis maintain extensive records on the pedigrees, production, classification, and genetics of every animal. This database allows them to make strategic mating decisions to further enhance the collection.

Notable Cow Families in the Collection

The Rivelli Collection includes several elite cow families that have been vital to its success. Here are some of the most influential:

• The Duplex family - Traced back to the early 1960s, Duplex cows consistently transmit exceptional production and longevity.
• The Beauty family - With strong Canadian ancestry, Beautys excel in udder health and type.
• The June family - One of the highest producing branches in the collection.
• The Dawn family - Remarkable milk production paired with superb udders.
• The Brooks family - Offering Balance, style and substance of the best North American lineages.

Cows from these branches of the Rivelli herd have garnered numerous accolades over the years at Brazilian shows. They anchor the collection and pass down their elite genetics to subsequent generations.

Significant Sires Used in the Collection

In addition to outstanding females, the Rivellis have strategically incorporated genetics from top Holstein sires into their breeding program. Here are some of the most influential bulls:

• Ramos - One of the earliest North American sires used. Improved milk yield and udder traits.
• Blackstar - A son of the legendary Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief. Contributed higher protein yields.
• Leader - Renowned Canadian sire that transmitted exceptional type and longevity.
• Elevation - An elite American bull and former #1 TPI sire. Enhanced overall production and health traits.
• September Storm - One of the top bulls for Brazillian climate and production systems. Outstanding progeny in the Rivelli herd.

Careful selection of leading Holstein bloodlines from around the world has been an integral part of developing the Rivelli Collection into a preeminent genetics resource.

Production Characteristics of the Collection

The Rivelli Collection stands out for its ability to achieve high levels of milk production in the challenging tropical environment of Brazil. Here are some key production metrics for the collection:

• Average lactation yield of 11,000 - 13,000 kg, with top cows producing 17,000+ kg
• 305-day lactation averages of 40+ kg/day
• Outstanding components, with protein percentage frequently above 3.5%
• Strong fertility, with conception rates of 25-30% and calving intervals around 390 days
• Average somatic cell counts less than 250,000
• Productive life spans, with many cows remaining in the herd beyond 5+ lactations

Through a comprehensive approach to breeding, the Rivelli family has successfully optimized their cattle to thrive on the year-round pasture and forage feeding programs common in Brazil. Their herd continues to set new benchmarks for milk production in tropical Holstein populations.

Classification and Conformation

In addition to impressive production, the Rivelli Collection also excels in overall conformation. Their cattle consistently classify Very Good or Excellent for dairy strength and body condition. The collection has Very Good herd averages for udders, feet/legs and mammary systems. This confirms the Rivellis' emphasis on breeding functional, trouble-free cattle.

The prevailing body type is modern and dairy, with strong, high rear udders and open rib patterns. Rivelli cows walk on plumb legs and solid feet, essential for grazing-based dairying. While not as extreme as top North American show cattle, the Rivelli herd offers a balanced blend of style, substance and dairy strength.

Value as a Genetics Resource

After over a century of honing their herd, the Rivelli family has created a uniquely valuable pool of Holstein genetics. Their cattle offer outside breeders the opportunity to infuse excellent tropical-adapted production, health and type into their own herds. Embryos, bulls and heifers from the collection are now marketed worldwide.

The Rivelli Collection provides commercial dairies across Latin America with genetics tailored to their local climate, feed resources, and management styles. But even North American and European breeders have tapped into the collection to introduce specific traits like heat tolerance. For any Holstein operation looking to make genetic progress, the Rivelli Collection offers elite genetics filtered through generations of real-world results.

The Future of the Rivelli Collection

Given the resounding success of their breeding program, the Rivelli family is positioned to further enhance the genetics and influence of their herd in the years ahead. Here are some possibilities for the future of the collection:

• Expanding the herd size and number of elite breeding animals available for sale
• Incorporating new sires and cow families to add diversity and complementary traits
• Taking greater advantage of top genomic sires to accelerate genetic progress
• Upgrading housing and technological capabilities (e.g. Electronic ID, real-time milk monitoring, etc.)
• Tracking feed efficiency more closely to select for "greener" higher production
• Participating in milk recording and type classification initiatives in Brazil, Latin America, and globally
• Joint ventures with top international Holstein breeders to exchange ideas and genetics

The future looks bright for the Rivelli Collection to build upon its already sterling reputation. By leveraging technology and analytics while remaining true to their strengths in breeding and cow care, the Rivellis are well-positioned to take their herd to new heights as a genetics powerhouse.

Breeding Improvements on the Horizon

For the Rivellis, continued refinement of their breeding program will be crucial to stay ahead of the curve. Some specific enhancements they may implement include:

• Genomic selection of heifer calves to more accurately identify elite animals early in life
• Embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization to increase offspring from their top females
• Advanced reproductive technologies (sexed semen, improved fertility genetics) to speed genetic progress
• Increased use of top Brazilian, American, and European sires identified through genomics
• More extensive milk sample analysis to identify mastitis-resistant bloodlines

With the Rivelli family's deep dedication and resources, their cattle will keep hitting new heights for generations to come. They offer a shining example of what passion and commitment to breeding excellence can achieve over the long-term.

Potential as an International Showcase Herd

The elite status of the Rivelli Collection means it could successfully follow in the footsteps of great global showcase herds owned by leading dairy breeders. By investing to promote their genetics and cattle internationally, possibilities include:

• Exhibiting at top shows in Europe, Asia, and North America. Winning breeds valuable name recognition.
• Selling select packages in high-profile auctions, which attracts elite breeders.
• Hosting tours and educational events at their farm. Provides direct access to their best animals.
• Advertising in major dairy publications and online platforms to reach new audiences.
• Sponsoring cattle shows to connect with future generations of breeders.

The Rivellis are in the enviable position of having genetics that can compete head-to-head with the best Holsteins globally. Promoting their herd more heavily could pay dividends for their reputation and bottom line.

Key Takeaways

Some of the key facts and insights on the renowned Rivelli Collection include:

• It traces back over a century as a family passion project in Holstein breeding.
• The collection stands out for its carefully selected genetics and production optimized for Brazil's conditions.
• Cows consistently achieve higher milk yields in tropical environments than Brazilian averages.
• Several elite cow families serve as the foundation of the breeding program.
• Top North American and European sires have been strategically incorporated over time.
• The Rivellis continually make improvements through new technologies and methods.
• Sharing genetics worldwide and promotion on the global stage offer exciting opportunities.
• The collection exemplifies how dedication and vision can build an outstanding herd over generations.

As a uniquely adapted source of genetics that also offers elite global competitiveness, the Rivelli Collection will remain an important player in Holstein breeding circles for years to come. Their success demonstrates the rewards that come from pursuing excellence over the long run.

FAQs

How did the Rivelli Collection get started?

The Rivelli family started breeding Holsteins in Brazil in the early 1900s. Through selection and breeding over generations, they developed an elite dairy herd optimized for tropical environments.

What makes the Rivelli Collection unique?

The Rivelli herd achieves higher milk production in Brazil's tropical climate than average Holsteins. Their cattle combine North American, European, and South American genetics selected specifically for Brazilian conditions.

What are some key cow families in the collection?

Influential cow families include Duplex, Beauty, June, Dawn, and Brooks. These bloodlines are renowned for excellent production, longevity, udders, and overall type.

How has technology impacted the Rivelli breeding program?

The Rivellis use technologies like genomics, electronic ID, milk analysis, and embryo transfer to accelerate genetic progress. But their foundational breeding philosophy remains focused on rigorous selection.

What is the future outlook for the collection?

The Rivellis will likely expand their herd, incorporate new genetics, take advantage of technology, and promote their cattle globally. The collection is well-positioned for continued success.