New choices for non-Holstein breeding

The top bulls in the December proof run offer new choices for producers using breeds other than Holstein, although the number one in Jersey breed stands firm for the third consecutive run.

Jersey

The Jersey bull, River Valley Cece Chrome, is the outstanding production bull of this breed’s ranking with Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for milk at 856kg, fat 35.8kg and protein 28.4kg. Also transmitting good udder health, his Somatic Cell Count and Mastitis Index are
-15 and -2 respectively. Chrome weighs in with a Profitable Lifetime Index of £575, and is also the highest Type Merit bull in the top five, at 1.8. His TM reflects his daughters’ outstanding udder conformation and good legs and feet.

Second ranking Danish VJ Raastrup HIHL Gislev moves up from fourth position, transmitting excellent milk quality (PTA fat 0.22%, protein 0.13%), superb udder health seen in reduced SCC and mastitis (-20 SCC, -3 Mastitis) and good daughter fertility (Fertility Index 3.3). All of this is reflected in a high Lifespan Index at +110 days and a PLI of £493.

Third placed JX Sunset Canyon Got Maid (PLI £434) moves up from 28th position in the previous proof run, offering good production weights (643kg milk, 31.6kg fat, 25.3kg protein) as well as SCC improvement (-18). However, a negative score for daughter fertility needs noting where reproductive performance is a priority.

Danish VJ Blanke Jason Janko (PLI £417) also moves up since the last indexes, offering exceptional milk components (0.35 fat% and 0.19% protein) and good health traits across the board (-16 SCC, -3 Mast, 4.6 FI). Sound legs, feet and udders contribute to a TM of 1.1.

Rounding off the Jersey top five is VJ Hoeholt Jern James who is brand new to the available bull rankings. Transmitting high quality milk, (0.31% fat and 0.17% protein), good udder health (-16 SCC and -1 Mast) and excellent daughter fertility (FI 9), he weighs in with a PLI of £395.

Ayrshire

Viking Reds made a clean sweep at the top of the Ayrshire rankings, with little change seen amongst the leading names.

The daughter fertility improver VR Alatalon Flame Feton moves up from second position, with a PLI of £506, switching places with the higher production VR Gobel (PLI £479).

Completely new to the available list at number three is VR Futari (PLI £456), offering a well-balanced production, type and health index.

VR Vilano (PLI £454) and VR Vimpula (PLI £443) see little change, switching positions to rank fourth and fifth respectively. While Vilano excels for daughter fertility, Vimpula’s strengths lie in production.

Friesian

British Friesians demonstrate a similar stability, with four of the top five bulls also featuring high in previous rankings. Inch Persistent (PLI £440) leads the way, up from fourth position, but it should be noted that as yet, this bull has no information on his type transmitting ability. He ranks ahead of Carrickshock GTW at £437.

Third ranking Manorpark Google (PLI £361) moves up from 14th position ahead of long-term former front-runner, Catlane Caleb, now in fourth position (£350).

Rounding off the five leading Friesians is his herd-mate, Catlane Cromwell, with a PLI of £331.