Having trouble figuring out who genomic cattle are worth investing in? Not sure what cows are the real deal and which ones are smoke and mirrors? The Bullvine decided to imagine we had $1,000,000 to invest in genomic cattle. With that incentive, what cows would we invest in? The following is the top six North American high genomic cattle we would choose.
To ensure that we would be making a wise investment, we looked at the following three key factors: genetic merit, marketability, and flush history. We took the top GLPI cows as well as the top GTPI cows and considered their Direct Genomic Values (DGV’s), Their 4 generation sire stack, and their family’s ability to outperform their predicted transmitting ability generation after generation. Once we had our short list of cattle that we knew could be the sound genetic base, we then said, which of these cattle are the most marketable? Do they have a great photo to market from? Never underestimate the value of a great photo (read Patty Jones: Picture Perfect!) Is the family consistently selling animals for high dollars at the top sales? (Check here for the latest sale results) And lastly, through personal experience, we know that the greatest animal in the world means nothing, if she cannot flush well (read What Comes First The Chicken Or The Egg).
The following is our million dollar-shopping list.
OCONNORS PLANET LUCIA
OCONNORS PLANET LUCIA VG-86-2YR-CAN
There is nothing more marketable than being #1. Combine that with the marketability of one of the top sires in the world on the top side and Lila Z on the bottom side and you have OCONNORS PLANET LUCIA. Proof that this family is hot is the recent sale of Mapel Wood Sudan Licorice at the International Intrigue sale for $200,000 (read more International Intrigue – The Secret Exposed ) What is also evident, and very key, is that this family can flush. Looking at Lucia’s progeny shows multiple daughters by each cross. This is a strong indicator that Lucia is a profit machine.
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAKIRA
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAKIRA VG-85 VG-MS @ 2-06
While being #1 in Canada is nice, being #1 in the USA is even better. That honor goes to LADYS-MANOR PL SHAKIRA. We are still waiting to see that great 2yr old photo that will put her marketability over the top. Of course, being the full sister to Shamrock, former #1 genomic sire of the breed, does not hurt. Purchased for $50,000 by De-Su Holsteins at the 2010 National Convention Sale, Shakira is already paying dividends with 10 daughters on the top genomic lists.
GILLETTE S PLANET 2ND SNOOZE
GILLETTE S PLANET 2ND SNOOZE VG-86-2YR-CAN
If you can’t be #1 then at least be the top sire producing family in the world. That honour goes to the Braedale Gypsy Grand family and is represented by GILLETTE S PLANET 2ND SNOOZE on our list. Planet 2nd Snooze completes 5 generations of proven bull mothers. With sires such as Windrook, Windhammer, Stanleycup, Goodluck, Final Cut, Freelance and of course Goldwyn coming from this maternal line, their ability to produce top sires is almost unprecedented. Unlike the challenge with some members of the Gypsy Grand family, Planet 2nd Snooze appears to be a pretty good flusher with 3+ progeny being registered from each cross.
AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA
AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA VG-87 VG-88 MS @2-4
When it comes to consistently putting out top genomic animals that have DGV’s that are higher than their parent averages, you cannot beat AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA. The added bonus is not only do Shauna’s progeny top the GPA TPI lists but they also do well on the Canadian lists with 13 of her progeny over +3000 GPA LPI. Shauna really seems to be a cow that can do it all. Her Robust son, Supersire is the #1 Net Merit sire and the #2 GPA TPI sire. Again Shauna is a cow that flushes well and, man, does she have a great photo to market from!
MS PLANET CHERI
MS PLANET CHERI VG-86-2YR-CAN
How many top 100 GLPI cows can say they come from 4 generations of EX dams? MS Planet Cheri can. Combining a strong type sire stack (Planet, Goldwyn, Durham, Charles, Chief Mark) with consistent production has led to Cheri being the #2 DGV LPI cow in Canada who is scored VG or higher. Purchased by Zimmer and Wendon in the Magic of Maui Complete Dispersal for $78,000, Cheri is still needing to prove that she’s a significant flusher, but with a pick already selling for $23,000 at the International Intrigue sale, she is well on her way to paying the bills.
MS CHASSITY GOLDWYN CASH
MS CHASSITY GOLDWYN CASH VG-87-2YR-CAN
When it comes to marketability, you cannot beat MS CHASSITY GOLDWYN CASH. The full sister to one of the most popular genomics sires in the world, MR Chassity Gold Chip at Select Sires, she is also the dam of the popular FARNEAR-TBR-BH CASHMONEY at Jetstream genetics. Goldwyn Cash is in high demand, not to mention the popularity that is coming from her brother MR CHASSITY COLT 45 RC the #1 RC Polled Bull in the world. This family just drips marketability. Goldwyn Cash’s dam REGANCREST S CHASSITY, completes 7 generations of EX with Goldwyn Cash well on her way to being the 8th. It’s a marketer’s dream, combining high genomics with the Regancrest name. What more could you ask for?
The Bullvine Bottom Line
In order to maximize your return on investment, you really do need to buy into cows that are the triple threat. They need to be on the top of the genomic lists with a great pedigree, but they also need to have a great photo and ability to flush. Sacrifice any of these factors and you are limiting your million dollar potential.
What is your top list? Please share in comments box below.
Not sure how much to spend on that great 2 year old?
Want to make sure you are investing your money wisely?
Download our Dairy Cow Investment Calculator.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.