Find out which AI company is the leader in dairy cattle genetics. Compare the top sires and see who really dominates the industry. Who has the most power in this genetic competition?
A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away, the fate of dairy cattle genetics was firmly in the hands of farmers and breeders. Today, the balance of power has shifted dramatically. Artificial Insemination (AI) companies now command unrivaled control over the genetic future of dairy herds worldwide. Much like the interstellar battles in Star Wars, these AI giants wield incredible influence, shaping the destiny of dairy cattle and the dairy industry. But one question remains: Who holds the most power among these titans?
As these companies duel with pedigree charts in one hand and genomic test results in the other, the landscape of dairy cattle genetics has become a battleground for supremacy. Each AI company claims to have the best sire lineups. Like the legendary clashes between the Sith and the Jedi, only one can truly dominate the genetic universe. So, let’s embark on this journey to uncover which AI company reigns supreme.
TPI
URUS
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
STgen
Other
Proven TPI
16
30
10
8
31
5
Genomic TPI
9
32
4
24
20
11
TPI
25
62
14
32
51
16
Select Sires holds the largest market share at 31%, featuring a well-balanced group of both proven and genomic sires. Hot on their heels is STgen with a 25.5% share, boasting the strongest proven sire TPI lineup. Semex completes the top studs with a 16% market share, driven by an impressive genomic sire lineup.
NM$
List
URUS
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
STgen
Other
Proven NM$
17
18
24
4
32
5
Genomic NM$
25
6
4
34
20
11
NM$
42
24
28
38
52
16
STgen shows impressive strength with a 26.5% share of top NM$ sires. Meanwhile, URUS steps up with a robust NM$ lineup, claiming 21% of the top sires. Rounding out the top, Semex holds a solid 19% and a very strong genomic NM$ sire lineup.
PTAT
URUS
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
ST
Ascol
Blondin Sires
Other
Proven PTAT
7
7
4
2
24
11
15
30
Genomic PTAT
5
9
7
12
16
12
9
30
PTAT
12
16
11
14
40
23
24
60
STgen leads the PTAT rankings with a commanding 20% market share, showcasing a robust lineup of proven sire PTATs. Next is the specialist AI stud Blondin Sires, which boasts the second strongest lineup, combining both proven and genomic lists, capturing a 12% share. Completing the top three, Ascol holds a 12.5% share, demonstrating its impressive offerings.
Red & White
Alta Genetics
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
ST
Ascol
Blondin Sires
Other
Red & White
4
10
5
21
5
6
7
42
When it comes to the most diverse list of top Red & White PTAT sires, Semex takes the lead with 21% of the top sires. Right behind them are Select Sires with 10% and ST with 13%.
Polled
Alta Genetics
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
ST
Other
Polled
6
15
13
22
22
22
Similar to the Red & White list, the top 100 polled sires feature a diverse range of ownership. A notable shift from the past is that major AI companies have now significantly strengthened their lineups. Semex and ST each command 22%, closely followed by Select Sires at 15%.
Genomic Sire Lineup
Alta Genetics
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
ST
Other
49
72
33
113
83
155
When it comes to the major players in the genomic sire market, Semex undeniably takes the lead, boasting a formidable 22% of the top genomic sires. Trailing behind them is STgen with 16%, and Select Sires at 14%. This marks a significant shift from our previous analysis when Select Sires held the top position with 19%, followed by ABS Global at 18%, and STgen at 14%. Semex has clearly upped their game, immensely strengthening their genomic lineup.
Proven Sire Line Up
Alta Genetics
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
ST
Other
40
55
38
14
87
66
In the proven sires’ category, STgen is leading the pack, boasting 29% of the top sires. Trailing behind, Select Sires holds an 18% share, while Alta Genetics and ABS are tied at 13%. It’s also worth noting that Semex, with a 5% share, explains why they have been focusing heavily on genomic sires to revamp their overall lineup.
Overall Line Up
Alta Genetics
Select Sires
ABS
Semex
ST
Other
89
127
71
127
170
216
STgenetics leads the pack with a commanding 21% share of the top sires. Their robust genomic and proven lineup underscores the value of ongoing investment in superior genetics. Tied for second place are Select Sires and Semex, each holding 16% of the top sires with 127 entries apiece. Despite arriving at the same percentage, they employ markedly different strategies. Semex has ramped up their genomic investments to compensate for a relatively weaker proven lineup compared to their competitors. Interestingly, our analysis reveals a significant shift in the last couple of years. ABS, previously holding an 18% share, now only 9%. Meanwhile, Ascol and Blondin Sires have each doubled their market share from 2% to 4%.
The Bottom Line
The genetics universe of dairy cattle is vast and continuously evolving. Our journey through the galaxies of TPI, NM$, PTAT, Red & White, Polled, Genomic, and Proven Sire Lineups has revealed the power dynamics of the major players and the emergent contenders. STgen, Semex, ABS Global, and the Select Sires federation remain strong forces, innovating and adapting their strategies to maintain dominance. Meanwhile, new entrants like Blondin Sires and Ascol are trying to shake the status quo, offering tantalizing glimpses of the future.
As you navigate the cosmic landscape of dairy cattle genetics, the key takeaway is balancing both proven and genomic sires. Keeping an eye on emerging trends, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player, and making informed decisions will steer your herd toward stellar success. The universe may be unpredictable, but you can chart a course toward prosperity with the right choices. May the force of informed decision-making be with you!
Summary: The landscape of dairy cattle genetics is evolving rapidly, with major players like STgen, Select Sires and Semex, and new entrants such as Blondin Sires and Ascol making significant strides across various segments. While traditional metrics like TPI and NM$ still hold weight, the focus on specialized categories such as Red & White, Polled, and genomic sires shows a dynamic shift towards more targeted breeding strategies. Companies like Validity Genetics are carving out notable shares, particularly in the genomic Polled segment, indicating a competitive and diverse market. This evolving competition among Artificial Insemination companies highlights the increasing importance of niche segments and innovative genetic offerings, reshaping the power dynamics in the dairy cattle genetics universe.
What does it mean when the #8 proven TPI® sire in the world is unmarketable?
That is the exact question that came up this week, when Pine-Tree Freddie Wright received his first official proven sire evaluation. It was not because he performed below expectations. It was not because he did not rank high enough. Wright is the #8 proven TPI® sire in the world and the highest sire in the top 200 TPI® sires for PL and DPR. Yet he has not been returned to active service.
Marketing vs Mating Tool?
In the past we have discussed the Merits of TPI® as a marketing tool versus a mating tool, (Read more: TPI™ and LPI – Marketing or Mating Tools?), but here is a circumstance where it may not be either. Usually, when a sire debuts in the top 10 TPI® sires in the world, the A.I. company marketing him expects to see significant returns on their investment. Even in the Genomic Era there are still certain markets and segments of the North American breeding industry that will only, or almost only, use proven sires. Yet Wright will turn out to be a footnote and not the lead story for the December 2014 US Holstein Genetic Evaluations. Or will he?
To get to the heart of this story, I guess we need to look closer at the pedigree of Pine-Tree Freddie Wright. Wright is a Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie from Pine-Tree Missy Wanda-ET EX-90, who is a granddaughter of the great Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET TV EX-92 3E GMD DOM. So Wright is indeed blessed with a very marketable maternal pedigree.
The problem
The problem actually starts with the paternal side of his pedigree. Despite being the #9 proven TPI® sire in the breed, Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie is a marketing dead weight. This is scary considering the fact that he is #2 TPI® sire that is 99% reliable for type and production, behind Bookem, and that he has 2 sons in the top 10 TPI® proven sires, and 4 in the top 20. You would think a high ranking sire from such a marketable maternal side and proven sire stack would be marketing gold…but he is not.
The challenge really comes when you start looking closer at his evaluation and how he achieves such a high ranking. You see, like all Freddie sons, Wright is not very high ranking for his overall conformation improvement. In fact, he is a negative 0.19 for PTAT and -0.03 for UDC and +0.14 FLC. Furthermore, the recent Genetic Evaluation base change certainly did not help Wright, as his numbers would have appeared much better before the recent 0.99 base change for PTAT (Read more: US Genetic Evaluation Changes: Are You Keeping Up?). With a sire ranking as high as Wright, you would think he must have insane production numbers, in order to achieve such a result. Well again, in Wright’s case, that is not so. He is only +401 for milk with 28 lbs. of Fat and 20 lbs. of protein.
How does he do it?
With numbers like these you start to wonder, just how does Wright rank so high on the lists? Well, the answer is simple. He is an extremely impressive 9.6 for Productive Life (PL) and 5.4 for DPR. This not only ranks him as the highest for both of these traits in the top 200 proven TPI® sires, he is actually the highest PL proven sire in the world, by almost 1.4 points (17%), and is in the top 50 of all proven sires for DPR. So you would think that, in this age of wanting to breed for longer lived cows (PL) and cows that have high fertility (DPR), a sire like this would be marketing gold…..you would think.
The challenge is Wright is a sire who finds no market segment to love him. His -0.19 PTAT makes him a challenge for type for high index breeders as he is sure to lower perceived type improvement and, coming in under the magic 1,000 lbs. for milk and 48 lbs. of combined fat and protein, means that production focused producers will not touch him. Hence, the reason he has not been returned to active service. Wright has no one to love him.
Is it an issue with the formula?
This then brings us to the question, “Do we have the TPI® formula all wrong? Since the #8 TPI® proven sire is unmarketable?” To that I say, “ No!” Despite the recent adjustment in the formula to actually increase focus on production, you will still have sires like Wright achieve success. As is evident by #7 proven TPI® sire, DE-SU FREDDIE DENIM 646-ET. Who actually is lower than Wright for all major traits except for the new Feed Efficiency.
The issue here is as much perception as it is genetic advancement. You see, while many view TPI® as a marketing tool, it is first and foremost a tool for genetic advancement, and despite Wright’s shortcomings for type evaluation and production, he does offer significant genetic advancement in health and fertility. In fact, he may be the greatest proven sire in the breed for improving longevity. The challenge is that most breeders do not realize that, if you are truly going to breed for longevity, you can’t just look at type evaluations, as it has been proven that extreme classifying cows are not always the best example of long lived productive cows (Read more: SHE AIN’T PRETTY – SHE JUST MILKS THAT WAY!). If you analyze Wright’s, numbers, they tell you that he will effectively give you 1 more lactation than using an average sire (A PL of 9.6 equates to 288 more days of milking per daughter). So despite his lower type numbers, the Wrights do last and, unlike other sires in the top 10 TPI® sires, he is not a negative for production, so that extra lactation will in fact be a very productive one.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
One of the challenges for Wright may just be the fact that he is at the wrong AI unit. That is not to say there is anything wrong with Select Sires. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Select is enjoying a wealth of genetic results lately. They have the top 3 TPI sires, 5 of the top 10 and 35% of the top genomic sires in the breed today. If Wright had been at any other AI unit, he probably would have been returned to service, as is the case for #7 TPI® sire Denim, who has lower numbers for most traits and has a similar sire stack. The TPI® formula is doing exactly as it should. It is identifying those animals that have the most to offer in terms of genetic gain. It’s time for the marketplace to understand this and get over their hang-ups and stop letting stigmas scare them away from using certain sires.
Our recent article on the relative merit of polled (Holstein) dairy cattle may not have garnered the attention of many breeders. (Read more: Polled Dairy Genetics: The Cold Hard Facts) But for those that are seeing the consumer writing on the wall and foresee the need to genetically take the horns off cattle, we wish to document what’s hot in polled. Before considering the lists, we strongly suggest that you reflect on two things: 1) how you plan to generate revenue from the genetics in your herd; and 2) how you plan to decrease costs from using sires. (Read more: What’s The Plan?) The breeding business has changed (Read more: Where did the money go?) As you confirm adding polled to your sire selection criteria it is an excellent time to decide which index will be your primary one.
Decide. Don’t Ride the Fence.
Nothing’s perfect. That applies to which total merit index to use just as it does to the fact that there are no perfect bulls. However defaulting to using the bull your neighbour uses or the one that the semen salesman is promoting (Read more: Rumors, Lies, and other stuff Salesmen will tell you) is avoiding some very important planning for your herd. The financial future of your farm depends on using the index that will meet your needs five to ten years in the future. It is never too soon to plan for YOUR future.
Select an Index and Stick to It
Every major dairy cattle breeding country publishes a total merit index (Read more: Total Merit Indexes: Are they helping or hurting?). The bull listings below are broken out by various indexes and bull groupings. This is a two stage process. Pick your index then pick your bull(s). I remind you that the Bullvine strongly recommends that, when using genomic bulls that you do use more than one or two bulls in order to spread risk. If you are looking to win in the show ring, we leave the formula you use up to you. Likely you will use PTAT or CONF as your primary selection criteria.
If You`re Undecided
If you are not certain on which index to use, The Bullvine recommends that for breeders who’s primary income is the milk check, you use NM$ or BEI.
Polled Bulls Ranked by gTPI
Table 1 Polled Bulls Ranked by gTPI™
Reg. No
Name
Class
Score
Sire Name
Owner(s)
HOCANF7769975
EBYHOLME GOLDWYN MARCIA
EX
96
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
PLEASANT NOOK FARM, AYR, ON, (519) 632-1109
HOCANF7736316
EASTSIDE GOLD OCEAN ET
EX
94
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
J. GUY THOMPSON & SON, FRENCHFORT, PE, (902) 629-5176
HOCANF9520762
ARETHUSA-I GOLD MARCHE
EX
93
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
CRASDALE FARMS, HUNTER RIVER, PE, (902) 963-3515
HOCANF104865809
AU SOLEIL GOLDWYN POLLINE
EX
93
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
FERME AU SOLEIL LEVANT (1999) INC, UPTON, PQ, (450) 549-4803
HOCANF9663521
COXLYN FIREWORKS PANSY
EX
93
MORSAN FIREWORKS
JIM PHOENIX, UXBRIDGE, ON, (905) 852-6936
HOCANF9561777
CRAGGAN LHEROS NICOLA
EX
93
COMESTAR LHEROS
BERNADALE HOLSTEIN, RICHMOND, PE, (902) 854-2965
HOCANF7796726
IDEE MR SAM LYZZ
EX
93
REGANCREST-MR DRHAM SAM-ET
CRASDALE FARMS, HUNTER RIVER, PE, (902) 963-3515
HOCANF105210974
JACOBS MINISTER AIMA
EX
93
MR MINISTER
FERME JACOBS INC, CAP SANTE, PQ, (418) 285-2674
HOCANF104928097
LESPEREE DOLMAN FAKTILOU
EX
93
REGANCREST DOLMAN-ET
FERME L'ESPEREE ENR, ST. CESAIRE, PQ, (450) 469-1755
WILLIAM HAROLD ROBINSON, SELBY, ON, (613) 388-2641
HOCANF7975144
SPRINGBEND PRIMETIME SYNERGY
EX
92
WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW PRIMETIME
FERME YVON SICARD, ST. JUSTIN, PQ, (819) 227-2067
HOCANF8915873
THERINDALE DRAKE CRISTCO
EX
92
FAR-O-LA DEBBIE-JO DRAKE-ET
THERINDALE FARMS INC, NORTH MILTON, PE, (902) 368-2002
HOCANF7749332
TOMALYNN DUNDEE MARISA
EX
92
REGANCREST DUNDEE-ET
TOMALYNN FARMS, OMEMEE, ON, (705) 799-6147
HOCANF7864081
WALKERBRAE DAMION BRONTE
EX
92
ERBACRES DAMION
WALKERBRAE FARMS, GUELPH, ON, (519) 824-0796
HOCANF7718343
WEEKSDALE ALLEN LOLA
EX
92
CANYON-BREEZE ALLEN-ET
ELMER WEEKS, BREADALBANE, PE, (902) 886-2152
From Table 1 it can be seen that genomic polled bulls far surpass the proven ones when it comes to gTPI™. All bulls in Table 1 are heterozygous for the polled gene and will leave 50% of their progeny polled.
Polled Bulls Ranked by gLPI
Table 2 Polled Bulls Ranked by gLPI
Name
ID
%RHA
Udder Score
Feet & Legs Score
Final Score
Age
Owner
State
JOLEANNA GOLD POURINRAIN-ET
USA 140557576
100
91
86
89
2-08
Joleanna Holsteins LLC
NY
GOLDIE SANCHEZ CHARDONAY-ET
USA 140567322
100
90
85
89
2-09
Rustin Herr, Fay-Del Holsteins & Joseph Lusby
PA
R-E-W HAPPY GO LUCKY-ET
USA 140867301
100
91
86
89
2-03
Jeff Butler, Joe, Amber, Jeff & Terry Price
IL
MISS CALIFORNIA-RED
USA 69561880
100
90
90
89
2-08
Ernest W. Kueffner
MD
OAKFIELD GOLD TOPAZ-ET
840003006988712
100
90
84
88
2-09
Austin Yoder & Matthias Swartz
GA
CRAVE DUSK PENNY 6262
840003007148508
98
87
85
88
2-03
Roseanne L Crave
WI
CHARWILL ATTIC MARCY
CAN 11034616
100
88
85
88
2-03
Gen-Com Holstein Ltd
DOUGAL LEA GOLDWYN DANITA-ET
CAN 11176512
100
87
90
88
2-03
Gen-Com Holstein Ltd
WHITTIER-FARMS AMAZN SAMMY
USA 140659634
100
88
88
88
2-11
Whittier Farms, Inc.
MA
WHITTIER-FARMS SHAQ CRISTEN
USA 140904707
100
88
87
88
2-06
Whittier Farms, Inc.
MA
VT-POND-VIEW CRUMBLE JAS-ET
USA 141080309
100
87
90
88
2-07
Christopher Lilly
MA
JOY-WIL DUNDEE MILLIE-ET
USA 141199452
100
90
83
88
2-05
Paige Hostetter
PA
LUCK-E SANCHEZ DEDRA
USA 66662741
100
89
86
88
2-09
Matt L. Engel
IL
LUCK-E ABSOLUTE TANGO
USA 66662752
100
90
86
88
2-08
James A. Dunn
PA
JAUQUET ANORA ATWOOD-ET
USA 68785993
100
90
86
88
2-10
Tyler & Nathan Jauquet
WI
HILROSE ADVENT ANNA-RED-ET
USA 69005117
100
90
86
88
2-11
Joseph A. Brantmeier
WI
GREENLEA-TM DES BEA-RED-ET
USA 69056753
100
88
86
88
2-10
Milk Source LLC
WI
NOR-WAY-PETE SANCHEZ STACY
USA 69130143
100
88
88
88
2-09
Andrew R. Peterson
WI
GOLDEN-OAKS GWYN CLASSY-ET
USA 69215009
100
88
85
88
2-08
Kings-Ransom Farm LLC
NY
SWANEE-ACRES SHO ECSTASY
USA 69270370
100
90
87
88
2-09
Jason A. Swanson
IL
MILKSOURCE GLDWN LADYBUG-ET
USA 69592225
100
90
86
88
2-04
Milk Source LLC
WI
ARETHUSA SANCHEZ DICE-ET
USA 70402081
100
90
90
88
2-03
Arethusa Farm, LLC
CT
OAKFIELD-BRO AT FINANCE-ET
840003006989082
100
87
85
87
2-04
Adam J King
NY
BRACKLEYFARM CHELIOS CHERRIO
CAN 10848075
100
87
86
87
2-03
Milk Source LLC
WI
ROCKYMOUNTAIN MANOMAN DIMPL-ET
CAN 10945230
100
88
86
87
2-07
Alphagen Syndicate & Ferme Jolicap Inc
WI
CHURCH-SITE SHOT PU PU-ET
USA 140530931
100
87
85
87
2-09
James E. Wautier
WI
JOLEANNA RAIN GOOD THING-ET
USA 140557558
100
87
87
87
2-08
Joleanna Holsteins LLC
NY
GLENNLAWN SNCHZ ELEGANT-ET
USA 140566899
100
87
87
87
2-09
Brianna Adamavich
WI
OVALTOP ADVENT JAN
USA 140570809
100
86
86
87
2-10
Douglas H. Wolfe
NY
GUS-WIND DQ
USA 140572445
100
86
86
87
2-11
Gus Wind Holsteins
WI
HFM MR SAM KIWI
USA 140572940
100
87
88
87
2-09
Matthew Sharpe
NY
BVK ATWOOD ABBATHA-ET
USA 140658996
100
86
85
87
2-09
World-Wide Sires Germany
WHITTIER-FARMS ASHOCK AMBER
USA 140660502
100
87
87
87
2-10
Whittier Farms, Inc.
MA
HEADLINE TERRASON DIXIE
USA 140671519
100
86
87
87
2-09
Nicole M. Head
NY
BKB AFTERSHOCK AMORILLO-ET
USA 140679674
100
87
90
87
2-09
Ranway Farms LLC, Devlyn Hurley & Harry Lusk
NY
JOLEANNA SHAMPOO MANDEVILLA
USA 140732445
100
87
84
87
2-06
Joleanna Holsteins LLC
NY
WHITTIER-CF ATWOD LEGACY-ET
USA 140908943
100
85
90
87
2-03
Todd J. Whittier & Cybil L. Fisher
MA
OVALTOP ADVNT FALLON-RED-ET
USA 140921173
100
87
88
87
2-05
Michael D. Wolfe
NY
KISSAMEE GOLDWYN VIPER-ET
USA 141001621
100
87
87
87
2-06
Christopher F. & Stephanie A. Anderson
NY
JOY-WIL DUNDEE MACKENZIE-ET
USA 141199443
100
87
86
87
2-05
Paige Hostetter
PA
DUPASQUIER GLDWYN ROZLYN-ET
USA 141228415
100
87
85
87
2-06
Brett & Brennan Woker
IL
HAZELS ATWOOD HARRIET-ET
USA 141323772
100
87
86
87
2-04
Clark W. Woodmansee III
CT
GRANNY-ANNE VELVET LYLA
USA 66088204
100
88
83
87
2-11
Eugene S. Merriman, Jr.
NY
CURR-VALE SHOTTLE DELIGHT
USA 66401468
100
88
85
87
2-09
Jessica Mae Currie
NY
CURR-VALE SHOTTLE CALI-ET
USA 66401478
100
87
85
87
2-09
Kayla Currie
NY
WILSTAR RS TALENT LILLY-ET
USA 66625275
100
88
82
87
2-09
Wilstar Holsteins
WI
BKB ATWOOD ADDY-ET
USA 66625347
100
87
85
87
2-06
Richmond Farms Dairy
NY
LUCK-E ATWOOD ANGEL
USA 66662773
100
87
88
87
2-07
Matt L. Engel
IL
LUCK-E ADVENT COREENA
USA 66662786
100
87
86
87
2-06
Matt L. Engel
IL
LUCK-E ADVENT KIATA-ET
USA 66662820
100
87
86
87
2-02
Matt L. Engel
IL
CO-VALE LUCAS 3635
USA 66778501
96
87
86
87
2-07
Bradley Cates
NY
CO-VALE TALENT JEN-ET
USA 66778516
100
88
86
87
2-06
Jason Randall
NY
WALKER-FARM GABOR ELIZA
USA 66778582
100
86
87
87
2-03
Kate E. Currie
NY
GROVES-VU ALEXANDER RAKEL
USA 66782496
100
86
86
87
2-11
Todd & Brad Groves
MO
SURE-VIEW SHOTTLE 309-ET
USA 68650324
100
87
87
87
2-07
Joseph A. Brantmeier
WI
JAUQUET ARDELIS ATWOOD
USA 68786008
100
90
87
87
2-09
Tyler & Nathan Jauquet
WI
LEW-LIN DUNDEE TIDBIT
USA 68793523
100
86
87
87
2-09
Garnet T Weaver III
NY
LADYS-MANOR GOLD DENVER-ET
USA 68803379
100
87
84
87
2-08
Markland Registered Holsteins
NY
HILROSE SANCHEZ TAURUS-ET
USA 69005127
100
88
82
87
2-10
Joseph A. Brantmeier
WI
HILROSE SIDNEY PERU
USA 69005136
100
87
82
87
2-09
Andrew Brantmeier
WI
HILROSE BALTIMOR PENNY-ET
USA 69005179
100
85
86
87
2-03
Jeff Brantmeier
WI
FARMDALE BRAXTON BERRY
USA 69038456
100
85
86
87
2-09
Michael J. Schoessow
WI
MONANFRAN EXPLODE MARION
USA 69085242
100
91
82
87
2-09
Jason E. Kelsey
NY
WOODLAWN STRMATIC DHARMA-ET
USA 69092510
100
88
85
87
2-10
Clark W. Woodmansee III
CT
RICHMOND-FD S BARBARA-ET
USA 69305043
100
90
85
87
2-06
John L. Richmond
NY
MS CRESCENTMEAD DANIE-ET
USA 69436111
100
87
85
87
2-04
Budjon Farms, Peter C. Vail & Pierre Boulet
WI
ARETHUSA MAGICAL AMBITION
USA 69562358
100
86
88
87
2-09
Arethusa Farm, LLC
CT
ARETHUSA GOLDWYN ANNABELLE
USA 69562359
100
87
84
87
2-09
Arethusa Farm, LLC
CT
MILKSOURCE ATWD ATLANTA-ET
USA 69592213
100
87
85
87
2-06
Milk Source LLC
WI
MILKSOURCE LEWIS AUBURN
USA 69592236
100
89
88
87
2-03
MacArthur Ostrom
WI
SHEMA ATWOOD ROXY-ET
USA 69628161
100
89
85
87
2-05
Marlin J. Bontrager
IA
KEVREL PLANET MIA-ET
USA 69753076
100
90
83
87
2-05
F. Kevin Leaverton
MD
ERNEST-ANTHONY BLYTHE
USA 70301753
100
88
85
87
2-02
Arethusa Farm, LLC
CT
ARETHUSA GOLDWYN ARIANA-ET
USA 70305176
100
88
86
87
2-03
Arethusa Farm, LLC
CT
Please note that not all polled sires are identified on the CDN system
Again note that genomic polled bulls far exceed their proven counterparts as in Table 1. All bulls in Table 2 are heterozygous for the polled gene.
Polled Bulls Ranked by NM$
Table 3 Polled Bulls Ranked by Net Merit (NM$)
Name
Birth
LPI
Sire
Dam Name
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2355-ET
12-Nov
3840
SUPERSIRE
DE-SU 520-ET
T-GEN-AC SRGNT JANALUNA-ET
12-Dec
3833
SARGEANT
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANALISA-ET
12-Nov
3758
MOGUL
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
MATCREST MOGUL GLOBE-ET
12-Nov
3672
MOGUL
ZAHBULLS MASSEY GINA
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANALYN-ET
12-Nov
3668
MOGUL
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
WELCOME MOGUL PATTS-ET
12-Nov
3651
MOGUL
WELCOME BOOKEM PAISLEY-ET
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANAYA-ET
12-Nov
3638
MOGUL
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
BACON-HILL SUPRSRE MINIE-ET
12-Nov
3622
SUPERSIRE
UNIQUE-STYLE BOLTON MONEY
DE-SU UNO 2381-ET
12-Nov
3613
NUMERO UNO
DE-SU 526-ET
CLEAR-ECHO NUM UNO 2832-ET
12-Nov
3564
NUMERO UNO
CLEAR-ECHO M-O-M 2213-ET
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANAVEE-ET
12-Nov
3548
MOGUL
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
CLEAR-ECHO MCUTCHEN 2820-ET
12-Oct
3546
MCCUTCHEN
CLEAR-ECHO M-O-M 2213-ET
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2360-ET
12-Nov
3543
SUPERSIRE
DE-SU 709-ET
SYNERGY MOGUL SNOWHITE-ET
12-Dec
3541
MOGUL
SURE-VIEW OMAN SHIMMER-ET
RI-VAL-RE MCCUTCHN QUEEN-ET
12-Nov
3523
MCCUTCHEN
RI-VAL-RE SOTO ESCAPADE-ET
FARNEAR SUPERSIRE 1628
12-Nov
3514
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN SH SHO A12037-ET
S-S-I SPRSIRE MELOSA8473-ET
12-Nov
3513
SUPERSIRE
S-S-I BOOKEM MODESTO7269-ET
RONELEE SUPERSIRE TARYN-ET
12-Nov
3499
SUPERSIRE
TIPTOP MANOMAN TALA 1843-ET
RI-VAL-RE MCCUTCHEN DEE-ET
12-Nov
3498
MCCUTCHEN
RI-VAL-RE SOTO ESCAPADE-ET
SILVERRIDGE MOGUL AVOCATE
12-Oct
3489
MOGUL
VELTHUIS SG MOM ALICIA
LARCREST CARDIGAN-ET
12-Oct
3468
NUMERO UNO
LARCREST CALE-ET
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2337-ET
12-Nov
3462
SUPERSIRE
DE-SU 520-ET
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANALEE-ET
12-Nov
3449
MOGUL
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
FARNEAR MCCUTCHEN 1624
12-Nov
3443
MCCUTCHEN
B-ENTERPRISE SUPER GIGI-ET
RI-VAL-RE SNOWMAN NIKKI-ET
12-Oct
3435
SNOWMAN
RI-VAL-RE OBSRVR NIKKI-ET
TRUSTMORE APRICOT MOGUL
12-Oct
3433
MOGUL
VELTHUIS SG MOM ALICIA
CLEAR-ECHO NUM UNO 2833-ET
12-Nov
3432
NUMERO UNO
CLEAR-ECHO M-O-M 2213-ET
SPH YENNIE
12-Nov
3412
MOGUL
YVETTE (DOMAIN X YELONDA)
RI-VAL-RE SUPRSRE NIKALA-ET
12-Dec
3412
SUPERSIRE
RI-VAL-RE SUPER NADINE-ET
4312129151
12-Sep
3402
FACECY
FEE
BOSSIDE MOGUL TESSA-ET
12-Nov
3385
MOGUL
FARNEAR-REGAN TOAST-ET
ABBY-CONTOUR MOGUL DAISY-ET
12-Nov
3385
MOGUL
ABBY-CONTOUR DOMAIN DORA-ET
OCD MCCUTCH CLAIRE DANES-ET
12-Oct
3382
MCCUTCHEN
CURR-VALE OBSERVER DELTA-ET
SEAGULL-BAY SH MAUREEN-ET
12-Nov
3364
NUMERO UNO
AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA-ET
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2335-ET
12-Nov
3364
SUPERSIRE
DE-SU 709-ET
SANDY-VALLEY MOGUL AMBER-ET
12-Nov
3362
MOGUL
SANDY-VALLEY IO AMETHYST-ET
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANAYE-ET
12-Nov
3362
MOGUL
BENNER FORK JANARDAN
S-S-I SHAN MOANA 8515-ET
12-Nov
3357
SHAN
S-S-I OBSERV MANTECA7197-ET
RI-VAL-RE MOGUL IZZY-ET
12-Dec
3347
MOGUL
RI-VAL-RE GOLDWYN NADINE
DES-Y-GEN HEFTY STATIC
12-Oct
3344
HEFTY
DES-Y-GEN PLANET SILKY
BOLDI MOGUL LOUISE
12-Oct
3343
MOGUL
MSCHARTROIS PLANET LEONI-ET
OCONNORS MOGUL LARK
12-Nov
3343
MOGUL
MAPEL WOOD M O M LUCY
SUDAN X NN
12-Jul
3334
SUDAN
NN
SPEEK-NJ MOGUL DALIA 370-ET
12-Oct
3333
MOGUL
REGAN-ALH PLANET DELORIA-ET
STANTONS MOGUL ELOISE
12-Nov
3333
MOGUL
STANTONS SUPER ELDA
OCD MCCUTCHEN DESIREE-ET
12-Oct
3330
MCCUTCHEN
CURR-VALE OBSERVER DELTA-ET
RR R
12-Nov
3323
MIXER
VISSTEIN ALINDE
12-Sep
3321
HUNTER
VISSTEIN CARINA
CLEAR-ECHO LEXOR 2788-ET
12-Sep
3321
LEXOR
CLEAR-ECHO OBSERVER 2280-ET
CO-OP UNO YOYO 6881-ET
12-Oct
3320
NUMERO UNO
CO-OP BOLIVER YOYO-ET
RI-VAL-RE MCCUTCHEN LIA-ET
12-Nov
3318
MCCUTCHEN
RI-VAL-RE OBSRVR NIKKI-ET
CEDARWAL MITCH EMMY
12-Oct
3317
MITCH
CEDARWAL MANOMAN EMERALD
WELCOME SUPERSIRE GAILA-ET
12-Nov
3316
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN MANOMAN GILDIE
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2352-ET
12-Nov
3315
MCCUTCHEN
DE-SU 9990-ET
FARNEAR SUPERSIRE 1610
12-Dec
3313
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN SH SHO A12037-ET
L-L-M-DAIRY S S PERU-ET
12-Nov
3311
SUPERSIRE
L-L-M-DAIRY J STREAM PROCKY
STANTONS MOGUL CINDY
12-Nov
3306
MOGUL
MS CHASSITY OBS CLAIRE-ET
RI-VAL-RE MCCUTCHEN EVE-ET
12-Nov
3301
MCCUTCHEN
RI-VAL-RE SOTO ESCAPADE-ET
DE-SU ODADDY 2383-ET
12-Nov
3299
DADDY
DE-SU 719-ET
DE-SU ODADDY 2327-ET
12-Nov
3299
DADDY
DE-SU 719-ET
TJR MCCUTCHEN DIAMOND-ET
12-Dec
3296
MCCUTCHEN
MORNINGVIEW SUPER DEANN
DE-SU OBSERVER 2246
12-Oct
3287
OBSERVER
DE-SU 76-ET
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2323-ET
12-Nov
3286
MCCUTCHEN
RMW SUPER ARIANE-ET
RED-OAK-DB MOGUL LEIGH-ET
12-Oct
3282
MOGUL
RED-OAK-DB O MAN LEAD
CLEAR-ECHO LEXOR 2787-ET
12-Sep
3280
LEXOR
CLEAR-ECHO OBSERVER 2280-ET
MS ADERYN MC ABIGAIL-ET
12-Oct
3279
MCCUTCHEN
KHW SUPER ADERYN-ET
STANTONS MOGUL EDWYNN
12-Nov
3271
MOGUL
STANTONS OBSERVER EXPOSE
SYNERGY MOGUL SHARONA-ET
12-Dec
3270
MOGUL
SURE-VIEW OMAN SHIMMER-ET
FLY-HIGHER SUPSIRE MINNI-ET
12-Nov
3269
SUPERSIRE
FLY-HIGHER BOLTON MISHA-ET
DE-SU MOGUL 2333
12-Nov
3267
MOGUL
DE-SU 502-ET
FARNEAR SUPERSIRE 1615
12-Dec
3267
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN SH SHO A12037-ET
FARNEAR MCCUTCHEN 1621
12-Nov
3241
MCCUTCHEN
B-ENTERPRISE SUPER GIGI-ET
SULLHRTFORD MOGUL 371-ET
12-Oct
3240
MOGUL
SULLY HART DOMAIN 133-ET
CO-OP UNO SYDNEY 6886-ET
12-Oct
3240
NUMERO UNO
FUSTEAD SYDNEY CRI-ET
CNN DEHLI
12-Oct
3238
MOGUL
BOGART X DREAM 1
SUNDAY
12-Nov
3237
MOGUL
SUNSHINE
FARNEAR SUPERSIRE 1614
12-Dec
3234
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN SH SHO A12037-ET
EDG STICTH MOGUL STAR-ET
12-Oct
3232
MOGUL
GRAN-J RUSSELL STITCH-ET
LEOTHE MOM WRAP DUFFY
12-Oct
3230
WRAP
LEOTHE BAXTER DAPHNEE
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2353-ET
12-Nov
3228
MCCUTCHEN
DE-SU 489-ET
BACON-HILL SUPRSRE MINDY-ET
12-Nov
3226
SUPERSIRE
UNIQUE-STYLE BOLTON MONEY
COOMBOONA SNOWMAN BOLTA-IMP-ET
12-Jul
3226
SNOWMAN
WIAMY KYANA BOLTON
MS WELCOME EPIC LAILA-ET
12-Nov
3221
EPIC
MSWELCOME OBSERVER LAURI-ET
WELCOME SUPERSIRE GALES-ET
12-Nov
3220
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN MANOMAN GILDIE
ROCKYMOUNTAIN UNO CLARISA
12-Oct
3216
NUMERO UNO
LARCREST CHEVELLE-ET
FUSTEAD UNO LOVE-ET
12-Aug
3215
NUMERO UNO
GLEN-TOCTIN BOLT LUCILLE-ET
S-S-I UNO MIRANDA 8503-ET
12-Nov
3213
NUMERO UNO
RIVER-BRIDGE D DAY 40028-ET
12-Oct
3210
DAY
CO-OP RB PLANET YANNA-ET
S-S-I DADDY EARTHA 8461-ET
12-Nov
3209
DADDY
S-S-I ROBUST ECALON 7257-ET
RI-VAL-RE MOGUL EVETTE-ET
12-Dec
3205
MOGUL
RI-VAL-RE GOLDWYN NADINE
DE-SU LAYNE 2359-ET
12-Nov
3202
LAYNE
CLEAR-ECHO M-O-M 2150-ET
NORTH-ECHO NUM UNO 2813-ET
12-Oct
3200
NUMERO UNO
NORTH-ECHO BOOKEM 2305-ET
EVER-GREEN-VIEW ASP
12-Oct
3199
MOGUL
BROEKS ASPEN-ET
CLEAR-ECHO SUPERSIRE 2830
12-Nov
3198
SUPERSIRE
COOKIECUTTER BOWS HOMONY-ET
CO-OP DAY CLASSY 6832-ET
12-Sep
3193
DAY
CO-OP PLANET CLASSY-ET
SONRAY-ACRES SOC OBSERVR VI
11-Jan
3191
OBSERVER
SONRAY-ACRES SHOT SOCRTS PI
CO-OP DAY SYDNEY 6838-ET
12-Sep
3186
DAY
FUSTEAD SYDNEY CRI-ET
STANTONS MOGUL JESSICA
12-Nov
3184
MOGUL
STANTONS FREDDIE CAMEO
SEAGULL-BAY SSIRE DAPHNE-ET
12-Dec
3182
SUPERSIRE
PINE-TREE SHARLA DAPHNE-ET
WELCOME SUPERSIRE GENEVA-ET
12-Nov
3180
SUPERSIRE
VISION-GEN MANOMAN GILDIE
For Net Merit ($) polled bulls are still far behind the 900+ values being seen today by horned bulls. That will change 3-4 years after breeders and breeding companies that use NMS as their primary index begin to place emphasis on having polled cattle. Compared to the gTPI™ list there is some re-ranking of the bulls at the top for Net Merit. In other words, there is not perfect bull.
Polled Bulls Ranked by BEI
Table 4 Polled Bulls Ranked by BEI (Bullvine Efficiency Index)
Name
Birthdate
Sire
GTPI*
Owner
LARCREST CARDIGAN-ET
10/19/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2634
Jon E. Larson
DE-SU UNO 2381-ET
11/18/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2616
Darin Meyer
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2355-ET
11/9/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2615
Darin Meyer
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANALISA-ET
11/17/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2588
Tim Clark
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2360-ET
11/11/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2554
De Su Holsteins LLC
HFP LUCETTE
8/22/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2539
Alta Genetics Inc - USA Bulls
OCD MCCUTCHEN DUCHESS-ET
10/28/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2538
Oakfield Corners Dairy
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2349-ET
11/7/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2517
De Su Holsteins LLC
LARCREST CRAYON-ET
10/31/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2512
Jon E. Larson
CLEAR-ECHO SUPERSIRE 2830
11/3/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2512
Clear Echo Farm LLC
DE-SU LAYNE 2359-ET
11/11/2012
KELLERCREST SUPER LAYNE-ET
2511
De Su Holsteins LLC
MS EMILY ELIORA-ET
12/3/2012
KELLERCREST SUPER LAYNE-ET
2508
Trans-America Genetics
SEAGULL-BAY SH MAUREEN-ET
11/5/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2503
Seagull Bay Dairy Inc.
COYNE-FARMS SROCK JACKLE-ET
10/26/2012
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAMROCK-ET
2494
Coyne Farms Inc.
S-S-I DEAN BROXTON 8519-ET
11/24/2012
RONELEE SUPER DEAN-ET
2484
Select Sires Inc.
MATCREST MOGUL GLOBE-ET
11/30/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2483
Matt & Brad Johnson
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANAVEE-ET
11/21/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2480
Tim Clark
SULLHRTFORD MOGUL 371-ET
10/15/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2479
Robert Eustice & Mike Sullivan
WELCOME MOGUL PATTS-ET
11/9/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2479
Welcome Stock Farm LLC
L-L-M-DAIRY S S PHAWN-ET
11/18/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2476
L-L-M Dairy
BACON-HILL SUPRSRE MINIE-ET
11/29/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2475
Bacon-Hill Holsteins LLC
SANDY-VALLEY UNO ADDISON-ET
11/19/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2475
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
DE-SU UNO 2294-ET
10/22/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2471
De Su Holsteins LLC
SPEEK-NJ MOGUL DALIA 370-ET
10/19/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2469
Robert J. Eustice
OCD MCCUTCHEN DESIREE-ET
10/30/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2468
Oakfield Corners Dairy
RONELEE FEELING FANCY-ET
8/14/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2462
Sherman Polinder
COYNE-FARMS MOGUL MIA-ET
10/13/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2461
Coyne Farms Inc.
MS DREARY DRUSIE-ET
12/5/2012
ROYLANE BOXER PUNCH 4311-ET
2459
Trans-America Genetics
DE-SU ODADDY 2302-ET
10/24/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2458
De Su Holsteins LLC
TJR MCCUTCHEN DIAMOND-ET
12/1/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2456
TJR Genetics
COURT-US-MS UNO DOSE-ET
8/20/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2454
Scott & Shane Courtney & Mark
T-GEN-AC SRGNT JANALUNA-ET
12/5/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SARGEANT-ET
2454
Tim Clark
CO-OP UNO SYDNEY 6886-ET
10/13/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2450
Genesis Cooperative Herd
DE-SU UNO 2312-ET
10/29/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2448
De Su Holsteins LLC
VISION-GEN CAM A14142-ET
10/2/2012
SHEMA JEEVES CAMERON-ET
2447
VISION GENETICS
MS APPLES UNO ARMANA-ET
10/30/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2446
Apple Partners LLC
CO-OP DAY CLASSY 6832-ET
9/15/2012
MINNIGAN-HILLS DAY-ET
2442
Genesis Cooperative Herd
PINE-TREE 4233 MOGU 5523-ET
10/24/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2440
Matthew J. Steiner
SANDY-VALLEY UNO SAGE-ET
10/4/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2438
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
SEAGULL-BAY SSIRE DAPHNE-ET
12/2/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2437
Seagull Bay Dairy Inc.
MS ADERYN MC ABIGAIL-ET
10/25/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2437
Dennis Caudil
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANAYA-ET
11/22/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2437
Tim Clark
BUSH-BROS MOGUL 4536-ET
11/15/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2435
David Leroy & Bradley Nosbush
PLAIN-KNOLL NMROUNO 6494-ET
11/21/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2433
Buschur Dairy Inc.
AURORA MOGUL 13446-ET
11/13/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2433
Aurora Ridge Dairy LLC
PREHEN SHAMROCK LADY ET
9/7/2012
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAMROCK-ET
2433
Holstein UK
SCO-LO-KRUSE DEAN CANDY-ET
10/29/2012
RONELEE SUPER DEAN-ET
2432
John Cannon & Rob Kruse
CO-OP UNO YOYO 6881-ET
10/3/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2431
Genesis Cooperative Herd
OCD SS SOLEIL MOON FRYE-ET
10/26/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2430
Oakfield Corners Dairy
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANALYN-ET
11/19/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2428
Tim Clark
CO-OP UNO YOYO 6883-ET
10/3/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2427
Genesis Cooperative Herd
BUSH-BROS MOGUL 4535-ET
11/14/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2426
David Leroy & Bradley Nosbush
S-S-I DADDY EARTHA 8461-ET
11/1/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2425
Select Sires Inc.
NORTH-ECHO NUM UNO 2813-ET
10/9/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2425
Clear Echo Farm LLC & North Fo
SANDY-VALLEY UNO SCARLET-ET
10/6/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2425
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
ROSYLANE-LLC SHAMROCK 5776
11/18/2012
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAMROCK-ET
2424
Rosy-Lane Holsteins LLC
MS GOLD-N-OAKS ADORE2500-ET
7/8/2012
GENERVATIONS EPIC
2422
Arabell Syndicate
VISION-GEN CAM A14166-ET
10/12/2012
SHEMA JEEVES CAMERON-ET
2422
VISION GENETICS
JOLICAP LAYNE DELPHINIUM-ET
11/3/2012
KELLERCREST SUPER LAYNE-ET
2422
Ferme Jolicap Inc
RONELEE SUPERSIRE TARYN-ET
11/13/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2422
Sherman Polinder
S-S-I UNO MARYANN 8526-ET
11/27/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2422
Select Sires Inc.
CLEAR-ECHO LEXOR 2787-ET
9/2/2012
GENERVATIONS LEXOR
2421
Clear Echo Farm LLC
MS ADERYN MC ALLIE-ET
11/8/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2420
Dennis Caudil
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2352-ET
11/8/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2419
De Su Holsteins LLC
S-S-I DADDY KACEY 8471-ET
11/3/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2419
Select Sires Inc.
S-S-I SHAN MARSHA 8525-ET
11/24/2012
LADYS-MANOR MAN-O-SHAN-ET
2419
Select Sires Inc.
BACON-HILL SUPRSRE MINDY-ET
11/28/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2417
Bacon-Hill Holsteins LLC
MS DREARY DREIMA-ETS
11/10/2012
KELLERCREST SUPER LAYNE-ET
2417
Trans-America Genetics
MS DREARY DREMA-ETS
11/10/2012
KELLERCREST SUPER LAYNE-ET
2417
Trans-America Genetics
LADIES-FIRST LXOR BANGLE-ET
9/1/2012
GENERVATIONS LEXOR
2416
Barbara Mountain & Ladies Firs
JERESA UNO PINEAPPLE-ET
10/31/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2416
Jere L & Teresa J Brubaker
RANSOM-RAIL MCCUTCH PING-ET
10/11/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2415
Ransom Rail Farms Inc.
S-S-I SHAN MOANA 8515-ET
11/22/2012
LADYS-MANOR MAN-O-SHAN-ET
2415
Select Sires Inc.
TJR MCCUTCH DE-ANNA-ET
11/10/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2415
TJR Genetics
SANDY-VALLEY MOGUL AMBER-ET
11/1/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2414
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
RANSOM-RAIL MCCUTCH PEG-ET
10/11/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2414
Ransom Rail Farms Inc.
BACON-HILL MOGUL EZRA-ET
11/2/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2413
Bacon-Hill Holsteins LLC
DE-SU UNO 2298-ET
10/23/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2412
De Su Holsteins LLC
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2323-ET
11/2/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2410
De Su Holsteins LLC
CLAYTOP WHOLE LOTTA LOVE-ET
6/23/2011
LOTTA-HILL SHOTTLE 41-ET
2408
Jeffrey L. Paulen
WELCOME PARISH PRESTO-ET
11/29/2012
PLAIN-KNOLL PARISH 5534-ET
2407
Welcome Stock Farm LLC
LARCREST CREEK-ET
11/2/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2406
Jon E. Larson
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANAYE-ET
11/22/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2404
Tim Clark
SLO-TRAIN SHAM 3487
6/19/2012
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAMROCK-ET
2403
Robert J. LaSalle
KERNDTWAY PETRONE DELTA-ET
10/27/2012
WELCOME SUPER PETRONE-ET
2403
Mark W. Kerndt
OCD MCCUTCHEN DAFNE-ET
10/21/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2402
Oakfield Corners Dairy
RONELEE UNO DARINGLY-ET
10/13/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2401
Sherman Polinder
S-S-I UNO MIRANDA 8503-ET
11/15/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2400
Select Sires Inc.
ATH-MOR UNO MIDNIGHT CRI-ET
11/4/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2400
Genesis Cooperative Herd
SPRUCE-HAVEN UNO KY14242-ET
11/11/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2399
Doug Young & James Nocek
BOSSIDE MOGUL TESSA-ET
11/24/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2399
John & Tineke Boschma
EDG BRYSHA UNO BREN-ET
12/2/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2399
Elite Dairy Genomics LLC
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2330-ET
11/4/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2393
De Su Holsteins LLC
CREST-VIEW-ACRES SERI-ETS
10/20/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2392
Steven G. Holte
CREST-VIEW-ACRES SHANDA-ETS
10/20/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2392
Steven G. Holte
LANDIS-MRK MOGUL ZANETA-ET
11/1/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2392
Robert E. Landis
RONELEE MOGUL DAVIANNA-ET
10/8/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2390
Sherman Polinder
EDG BRYSHA UNO BRISEN-ETS
11/25/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2390
Elite Dairy Genomics LLC
EDG BRYSHA UNO BRESEN-ETS
11/25/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2390
Jeffrey Butler
S-S-I SPRSIRE MELOSA8473-ET
11/3/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2390
Select Sires Inc.
LARCREST CREST-ET
10/30/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2390
Jon E. Larson
AB-TY NUMERO UNO BRIELLE-ET
11/26/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2388
AB-TY Genetics
BUSH-BROS MOGUL 4539-ET
11/19/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2387
David Leroy & Bradley Nosbush
MS DREARY DREAMAR-ET
11/23/2012
ROYLANE BOXER PUNCH 4311-ET
2387
Trans-America Genetics
WESSELCREST FACEB MAGGIE-ET
1/25/2012
MARBRI FACEBOOK
2386
Walt Brent & Jason Wessel
NO-FLA MOGUL STACY 34071-ET
10/13/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2386
North Florida Holsteins
S-S-I ASPEN MILA 8518-ET
11/24/2012
PINE-TREE ASPEN 223-ET
2386
Select Sires Inc.
S-S-I DADDY PRIMA 8452-ET
10/31/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2385
Select Sires Inc.
NORTH-ECHO LITHIUM 2778-ET
8/23/2012
S-S-I DOMAIN LITHIUM-ET
2385
Clear Echo Farm LLC & North Fo
CO-OP UNO YOYO 6882-ET
10/3/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2385
Genesis Cooperative Herd
LEVEL-PLAIN ECOYNE COLA-ET
9/9/2012
ECOYNE ISY
2385
Keith A. Nettekoven
EDG STICTH MOGUL STAR-ET
10/30/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2385
Elite Dairy Genomics LLC
L-L-M-DAIRY S S PERU-ET
11/15/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2384
L-L-M Dairy
TJR MCCUTCHEN DICE-ET
12/1/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2384
TJR Genetics
T-GEN-AC MOGUL JANALEE-ET
11/17/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2384
Tim Clark
CLEAR-ECHO LEXOR 2788-ET
9/4/2012
GENERVATIONS LEXOR
2383
Clear Echo Farm LLC
RICKLAND O-DADDY 4466
11/26/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2382
Greg Rickert
RI-VAL-RE MCCUTCHN QUEEN-ET
11/15/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2379
Aaron Jorgensen
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2335-ET
11/6/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2379
De Su Holsteins LLC
HALL-LAR NUT 426
10/18/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2379
S. Larson & D. Hallberg
NO-FLA MOGUL TAMIA 34132-ET
10/20/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2378
North Florida Holsteins
S-S-I SHAN SHARI 8517-ET
11/22/2012
LADYS-MANOR MAN-O-SHAN-ET
2378
Select Sires Inc.
LARCREST CONCORD-ET
10/26/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2378
Jon E. Larson
CLEAR-ECHO NUM UNO 2833-ET
11/9/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2378
Clear Echo Farm LLC
SPEEK-NJ CINDY CRAWFORD-ET
11/28/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2378
Neil McDonah
DE-SU ODADDY 2383-ET
11/18/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2378
De Su Holsteins LLC
DE-SU LITHIUM 2299-ET
10/24/2012
S-S-I DOMAIN LITHIUM-ET
2377
Darin Meyer
ABBY-CONTOUR MOGUL DAISY-ET
11/17/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2377
Randy & Sara Mikshowsky
HONEYCREST MOGUL FANFARE-ET
9/24/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2376
Honeycrest Farms Inc
DE-SU LITHIUM 2325-ET
11/2/2012
S-S-I DOMAIN LITHIUM-ET
2375
Darin Meyer
SYNERGY MOGUL SNOWHITE-ET
12/6/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2375
Synergy Farm LLC
FUSTEAD UNO LOVE-ET
8/19/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2375
Brian & Wendy Fust
BACCHUS ELION 2
5/28/2012
COOKIECUTTER MOM HUNTER-ET
2375
A L H Genetics BV
M-JAYBEE GRAFEETI 6252 9679
7/30/2012
LADYS-MANOR RD GRAFEETI-ET
2374
Fiscalini Farms
NO-FLA PARADISE 33729-ET
9/10/2012
REGANCREST PARADISE-ET
2372
North Florida Holsteins
NO-FLA MAURICE RAE 34224-ET
10/28/2012
MOUNTFIELD MSY MAURICE-ET
2372
North Florida Holsteins
AURORA PERRY 13448-ET
11/14/2012
CO-OP UPD AL PERRY 410
2372
Aurora Ridge Dairy LLC
BUSH-BROS MOGUL 4521-ET
11/6/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2372
David Leroy & Bradley Nosbush
SONRAY-ACRES PTRN CRYSTL-ET
11/17/2012
WELCOME SUPER PETRONE-ET
2371
Paul G. Powell
WELCOME SUPERSIRE GALES-ET
11/29/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2370
Welcome Stock Farm LLC
OCD MCCUTCHEN DAWSYN-ET
11/1/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2370
Oakfield Corners Dairy
SPEEK-NJ PENELOPE CRUZ-ET
11/27/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2370
Neil McDonah
SEAGULL-BAY SSIRE MAY-ET
12/1/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2369
Seagull Bay Dairy Inc.
EVER-GREEN-VIEW ASP
10/23/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2369
Thomas J. Kestell
ATH-MOR UNO MAGIC CRI-ET
10/30/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2369
Genesis Cooperative Herd
S-S-I DEAN MINDA 8537-ET
12/2/2012
RONELEE SUPER DEAN-ET
2368
Select Sires Inc.
SANDY-VALLEY UNO DOS-ET
8/14/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2368
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
TUI CAYLEAH UNO-ET
8/21/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2368
Psuche L. & Curtis D. Hoffman
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2311-ET
10/28/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2368
De Su Holsteins LLC
KHW JOLICAP UNO ADELMA-ET
11/23/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2368
Ferme Jolicap Inc
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2353-ET
11/8/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2367
De Su Holsteins LLC
S-S-I FONSY SHAKIRA 8453-ET
10/31/2012
EVER-GREEN-VIEW FONSY-ET
2367
Select Sires Inc.
MATCREST LEXOR CHI CHI-ET
10/30/2012
GENERVATIONS LEXOR
2366
Matthew R. Johnson
DE-SU SUPERSIRE 2337-ET
11/6/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2366
Darin Meyer
SYNERGY UNO PIZAZZ-ET
12/1/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2365
Synergy Farm LLC
SANDY-VALLEY MF AMARILLO-ET
11/23/2012
DE-SU D MAYFIELD 893-ET
2365
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
FROSTY-ROCK NUMERO UNO 943
10/1/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2364
Matt & Katie Stoll
BRU-DALE PETRONE ZELDA-ET
11/1/2012
WELCOME SUPER PETRONE-ET
2364
Michael R & Melissa M Brubaker
FLY-HIGHER SUPSIRE MINNI-ET
11/22/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2363
Fly-Higher Holsteins LLC
HONEYCREST MOGUL FANTASY-ET
9/17/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2362
Honeycrest Farms Inc
CREST-VIEW-ACRES SOLO-ET
4/14/2012
MISTY SPRINGS SUPERSONIC
2361
Steven G. Holte
DE-SU UNO 2306-ET
10/26/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2359
De Su Holsteins LLC
RI-VAL-RE MOGUL EVETTE-ET
12/9/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2358
Aaron Jorgensen
DE-SU MOGUL 2380-ET
11/18/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2358
De Su Holsteins LLC
SANDY-VALLEY MAY ABRIANA-ET
11/24/2012
DE-SU D MAYFIELD 893-ET
2358
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
WELCOME SUPERSIRE GAILA-ET
11/26/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2356
Welcome Stock Farm LLC
RI-VAL-RE SUPRSRE NIKALA-ET
12/10/2012
SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE-ET
2356
Aaron Jorgensen
ANDERCREST MOGUL ALEXIS-ET
11/15/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2356
Brandon Anderson
BUSH-BROS UNO 4533-ET
11/13/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2356
David Leroy & Bradley Nosbush
ARMSON MOGUL VIOLET-ET
11/2/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2354
Armson Farms LLC
WELCOME MCCUTCHEN SALLI-ET
11/29/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2354
Welcome Stock Farm LLC
RIVER-BRIDGE BUGGLES CRI-ET
11/1/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2354
Genesis Cooperative Herd
S-S-I UNO RAWNIE 8446-ET
10/29/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2353
Select Sires Inc.
VIEUXSAULE MAYFIELD DABNEY-ET
10/24/2012
DE-SU D MAYFIELD 893-ET
2353
Trans-America Genetics
VISION-GEN SHA A14130-ET
9/28/2012
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAMROCK-ET
2353
VISION GENETICS
MD-MRK-OVF UNO MARGO-ET
11/5/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2352
Matthew R Kimball
SLO-TRAIN SHAM 8525
5/22/2012
LADYS-MANOR PL SHAMROCK-ET
2352
Robert J. LaSalle
NO-FLA PARADISE 34011-ET
10/9/2012
REGANCREST PARADISE-ET
2351
North Florida Holsteins
JK EDER CREAMY
11/16/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2351
Eurogenes
GOLD-N-OAKS SB JULES2523-ET
8/18/2012
MR GOLDNOAKS SUPERBOWL-ET
2351
John & Judy Swenson
HENDEL MCTCHN ADRIA 3719-ET
10/26/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2349
Hendel Farms
DE-SU ODADDY 2327-ET
11/3/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2349
De Su Holsteins LLC
BUSH-BROS MOGUL 4541-ET
11/20/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2349
David Leroy & Bradley Nosbush
MORNINGVIEW ROBUST RADIO-ET
6/30/2011
ROYLANE SOCRA ROBUST-ET
2349
Tom J. Schmitt
AB-TY NUMERO UNO BRIUNA-ET
11/24/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2349
AB-TY Genetics
OCD MCCUTCHEN MADISON-ET
11/7/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2348
Oakfield Corners Dairy
T-GEN-AC LAYNE LYCKA-ET
11/13/2012
KELLERCREST SUPER LAYNE-ET
2348
Tim Clark
S-S-I SNOWMAN MELLY 8460-ET
10/31/2012
FLEVO GENETICS SNOWMAN-ET
2347
Select Sires Inc.
JC-KOW NUMERO UNO 473-ET
11/4/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2346
JC-Kow Farms LLC
N-SPRINGHOPE HDLINER YES-ET
11/10/2012
SEAGULL-BAY HEADLINER-ET
2346
J Kevin & Barbara Nedrow
EDG CLAIRE CAROLINA-ET
10/23/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2345
Elite Dairy Genomics LLC
DELCATH NUMERO-UNO JAYDA-ET
10/9/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2345
Gary L. Protzman
SANDY-VALLEY MOGL RAMONA-ET
10/25/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2345
Dave Pat Frank Jr. & Greg B
DE-SU UNO 2316-ET
10/30/2012
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO-ET
2344
De Su Holsteins LLC
DE-SU MCCUTCHEN 2324-ET
11/2/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2344
De Su Holsteins LLC
DE-SU MAYFIELD 2357
11/10/2012
DE-SU D MAYFIELD 893-ET
2344
De Su Holsteins LLC
DE-SU LITHIUM 2266-ET
10/14/2012
S-S-I DOMAIN LITHIUM-ET
2343
De Su Holsteins LLC
DE-SU ODADDY 2304-ET
10/25/2012
RONELEE SSI O DADDY-ET
2343
De Su Holsteins LLC
OCD MCCUTCHEN DUBLIN-ET
10/30/2012
DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174-ET
2343
Oakfield Corners Dairy
COOKIECUTTER MOGUL HARBOR
11/18/2012
MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL-ET
2342
Denise M. Dickinson
* Expressed relative to a value of 2000 set for the highest animal in the group using the CDN Customized Index Calculator
Please note that not all polled sires are identified on the CDN system
For information on BEI follow this link (Read more: 30 Sires that will produce Feed Efficient Cows). Between the top three bulls in Table 4 there is little difference when it comes to siring feed efficient cows. A s with Net merit (Table 3) bulls come to the top for BEI when they are rated for their daughters being moderate in stature and body depth, fertile, have moderate depth of udder, are able to resist mastitis, are able to calve in without difficulty (DCE or DCA) and have a long herd life.
PP Polled Bulls
Table 5 PP Bulls Ranked by BEI
CANADIAN
INTERNATIONAL
YOUNG SIRES
LONG-LANGS OMAN OMAN-ET
CO-OP BOSSIDE MASSEY-ET
FARNEAR-TBR-BH CASHMONEY-ET
CRACKHOLM FEVER
COYNE-FARMS DORCY-ET
SOUTHERN-HILLS BAYARD-ET
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
DE-SU CIMARRON-ET
FARNEAR-TBR-BH CASHCOIN-ET
ALLYNDALE-I ATTICUS
BADGER-BLUFF FANNY FREDDIE
MR LOOKOUT P ENFORCER-ET
LIRR DREW DEMPSEY
CERVI ALLEMAR ET
CO-OP BOOKEM YUXI-ET
DE-SU GILLESPY-ET
DE-SU GULF-ET
CO-OP MASTER GENO-ET
GEN-I-BEQ BRAWLER
BERTAIOLA MINCIO ET
AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO ET
GILLETTE JORDAN
GUARINI-ET
TEEMAR OBSERVER ADAM-ET
GEN-I-BEQ TOPSIDE
DE-SU FORK-ET
DE-SU DISTINCTION 11130-ET
ENSENADA TABOO PLANET-ET
DE-SU WATSON
DE-SU UNO 11446-ET
* Expressed relative to a value of 2000 set for the highest animal in the group using the CDN Customized Index Calculator
Please note that not all polled sires are identified on the CDN system
The information in table 5 came from the CDN files (Most listings do not separate out PP bulls.) The only sure way to have all progeny born polled is to use PP bulls. That will limited the total genetic merit of your herd but it will get you to a polled herd more quickly.
Lowering Inbreeding
For breeders using polled sires and interested in lowering the inbreeding level in their herd, we provide a list of bulls that are below average for their inbreeding level (the number in the brackets is their Inbreeding %): Man P (2.73%); Magna P (3.88%); Illegal P (4.46%); Trey PP (4.58%); Snowball P (4.67%); Colt P (5.20%); Earnhardt P (5.78%); and Terrel PP (6.01%).
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The great news is – there is more choice and increased genetic merit than ever before in polled Holstein sires. As we reported previously, polled animals have made significant gains in the last five years when it comes to their total merit indexes relative to horned animals. The Bullvine recommends that breeders include at least three polled sire in the group of sires that they are currently using. In five years you will pat yourself on the back and say ‘Good Decision’. Discerning consumers of milk products want to know that the milk products that they buy come from animals that are humanely cared for.
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
Recently I took the opportunity to review the Canadian Breed Strategy presented by Holstein Canada. (Read more: Holstein Canada Breed Strategy, The Bullvine Feedback) I started to ask myself, “What, exactly, is the role of a modern dairy cattle breed association?”
First of all let’s get one thing clear. I have the Holstein Canada logo tattooed on my chest. That was a decision that I made as a young adult in order to display my passion for two of the greatest things in the world, Holstein cattle and Canada. So for me to take a critical look at this is something I do with passion. The perspectives that motivate me result from personally observing both the producer side as well as the association side. My father was head of type classification and genetic improvement at Holstein Canada for 18 years. That background motivates my review which essentially boils down to one question. “Are breed associations still relevant?”
Now let’s be realistic, the role of the Holstein breed associations is much different than that of the colored breed associations. Holsteins represent 92% of the dairy cattle in North America. So for the colored breeds focus is driven by the need for awareness and preservation. What is the focus of the Holstein breed associations?
Politics vs. Corporation
For me this question really begins with the fact of how you look at breed associations? Are they similar to a government entity and therefore they are to represent the best interests of their members and function mainly in a political role? Or are they to function similar to a corporation and work at growing the profitability of the association and its members? For me, I would answer that it’s a little bit a both.
The Elephant in the Room
It`s time now to consider the elephant that is hiding in the corner of the room. In North America approximately 22% of all Holstein cattle are registered with either Holstein USA or Holstein Canada. That means that the large majority (78%) of the Holstein cattle in North America are not registered with either breed association. When such a large majority is not seeing the value in registration and the association programs, I have to ask, “Are Holstein associations relevant to the majority of today’s dairy producers?”
On a personal level, I see great value in purebred dairy cattle, registrations, type classification, and the many other programs. But obviously the fact that almost 78% of the Holstein Cattle in North America are not registered tells me that the large majority do not see the value. Why is that?
When I ask that of many the commercial producers that I chat with the answer often boils down to one comment. “I don’t see the value in the investment.” Most of the time this position is held by commercial producers that run their operations more like a corporation, rather than passion for a specific breed or way of life. While many are larger operations, I get the same answer from both large and small.
Technology has changed the world
In the 1980s the value of a purebred heifer of fresh cow was far greater than that of a grade. But in today’s marketplace, the difference in prices does not warrant the need for registration. Also reducing the pressure for registrations is the fact that computerized record keeping has evolved to a state that the records available on-farm are as complete as those available from the breed associations. This has further reduced breeder’s perception of the value of registration.
So then it comes down to the other programs that breed associations provide. The largest of them has to be type classification. Now let’s be clear I am a HUGE fan of type classification. But more and more I hear producers wondering if it is really worth it. (Read more: Is type classification still important?) They cite things like the use of genomics as a reason that they no longer need to type classify. Well as we all know Genomics is not a perfect (Read more: The Genomic Bubble Has Burst?, Genomics – Lies, Miss-Truths and False Publications! and How Genomics is Killing the Dairy Cattle Breeding Industry), but it is a great tool. However, in order to improve its accuracy, the breed still requires the phenotypic data from programs like type classification and milk recording.
While we are talking about technology, why can’t we use more of this on-farm information for genetic evaluations? Sure I have heard the concerns about accuracy of data, and the ethics of allowing producers to record their own data. But who said that this data had to be used for female genetic evaluations? Why can’t we include this large data set in bull genetic evaluations, so that we can greatly increase the accuracy of sire proofs? We could even develop more management based genetic evaluations that connect more directly to the bottom line?
Who Cares About Index?
From many of the most passionate breeders in the world, I hear “mixed” comments about the index systems, like TPI, LPI, etc. (Please note that TPI is a trademark of Holstein USA) Yet breed associations continue to focus on this as a major issue. While there is no doubt that having a national index has done wonders for marketing and genetic advancement. In reality every breeder should have their own index. The best index is the one that the works hand in hand with specific management goals. Having one National Index isn’t working. First of all we are in a global marketplace. Secondly, we need at least have three difference indexes. One that represents the needs of the seed stock producer (similar to TPI or LPI). One that represents the needs of the commercial producer (similar to NM$). Finally one that works for those breeding for the show ring (similar to CONF or PTAT). Only then will you start to settle this debate.
As long as we continue to try to promote one “unified” national index, it will continue to be seen as nothing more than a marketing tool. If you really want to have a tool that is for breed advancement and not for marketing, you need to understand that every breeder’s needs are different. And when you start to look at things from the different perspectives of all producers, and try to represent and respect each one of their individual needs, you will start to see the greatest advancement in the breed.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Really the breed strategy must come down to, “How do you make me more profitable?” All other issues are secondary to that. For years I have heard “Well a higher classified cow will last longer in your herd and produce more milk over their lifetime.” Well I am sorry to tell you that the data does not always support that conclusion. What if the cow has reproduction issues? What if they don’t milk very hard? All of these challenges to profitability also greatly reduce their productive life, yet they are not factored into most of the programs that breed associations currently offer. If you really want to get a larger share of the national herd pie, you need to show the average producer the measurable effect that registered animals and the associated programs have on their bottom line. All other issues are just smoke and mirrors that many of the politicians (Breed association board members) spend far too much time focusing on. I want my breed association to “Show me the money!”
If you haven’t worked in a trade show booth or attended a cattle show recently, you could very well be missing important genetic improvement discussions. Discussion about which traits breeders feel are at an acceptable level and which ones need to be improved. I suspect that few of you have worked a trade show booth but I can tell you, from front line experience, that bottom line focused breeders are not shy about saying that today’s dairy cattle are not functional enough, don’t get pregnant easily (may conceive but not retain) and require too much worker time. Contrast that with the spectators at shows that talk about their ideal cow being tall, lean, tight uddered, deep ribbed and wide rumped. Often front and center in all the discussions is which total merit index to use. Is it TPI, JPI, NM$, LPI, RZG, BW, TMI, NVI or another? Is any one total merit index capable of meeting the needs of all breeders?
Who is #1?
Every breeder or owner wants to have the #1 cow or bull. And back twenty to thirty years ago many bull owners bragged about having the #1. All-be-it they had the number one for Milk, Fat %, Fat Yield, Type or whatever. For the average breeder it was very confusing. Which should they think was the #1 bull? In order to assist breeders, breed societies and genetic evaluation centers started publishing total merit indexes for bulls. Those indexes combined the production and type genetic indexes. It was reasoned that having a ranking system that combined all the traits was much superior to single trait marketing and selection.
Index Achievements & Short Falls
Recently CDN published the following genetic trends for Canadian Holsteins and Jerseys.
The average increase in LPI for both breeds is 65 LPI points per year. Undoubtedly this annual gain is more than would have been achieved without having the LPI to use for sorting animals. These gains are based on increases in both production and durability (conformation). But note that no gains have been made for health and fertility (H&F) in the past fifteen years.
Index Worship – Gone Too Far?
Having only one number to remember on an animal can be good but there can also be drawbacks to using only one number. These limitations include:
Everyone talks about the top ten TPI sires but in fact between #1 (Massey) and #20 (Goose) there are only 122 points. That is almost like getting 99% compare to 95% on a test. Not much difference. So drill down and know the facts. Indexes for these twenty bulls range from 42 to 93 lbs for fat yield and from 0.98 to 3.42 for Udder Composite.
Mating a high TPI bull to a high TPI cow without regard to where the bull and cow are strong or weak can lead to disaster.
Buying only on the TPI, even though the pedigree person announces that “this heifer is #1”, does not guarantee that you are buying the best animal for the traits important to you.
In fact we could very well have reached the point where we are limiting the advancement we will make in our herds because we do not look at all the genetic indexes for an animal. Instead of using TPI to sort out the top animals and then studying the strengths and limitations of an animal, we only consider the TPI. If you wonder about that The Bullvine suggests that you study the top TPI heifers looking at both their TPI and fertility (DPR) indexes. You will find many top heifers that have a negative DPR index. Is not reproduction the #1 reason cows are culled?
Which Index for You?
The key word in this title is YOU. What business are you in – the business of breeding and marketing of breeding stock or the business of milk production? After you make that important first decision, you are in a position to decide on which total merit index you should use.
It is important to think in terms of what you want your herd to be genetically in the future when selecting a total merit index to use. Traits beyond production and type are becoming more important to breeders. The following ICAR published table shows the relative trait emphasis for seven leading total merit indexes and the average for all total merit indexes from seventeen countries.
Relative Trait Emphasis in Total Merit Indexes*
RANK
NAME
# OF DAUGHTERS
PTAT
Udder Comp
F&L Comp
Body Comp
Dairy Comp
Stature
1
BRAEDALE GOLDWYN
55
3.03
2.59
2.56
1.93
2.03
3.1
2
REGANCREST ELTON DURHAM-ET
21
2.47
2.31
2.13
1.7
1.98
2.13
3
KHW KITE ADVENT-RED-ET
19
2.53
2.24
1.6
2.04
1.65
2.41
4
REGANCREST DUNDEE-ET
18
2.06
2.18
0.75
1.29
1.55
1.18
5
GEN-MARK STMATIC SANCHEZ
14
3.07
2.17
2.44
3.34
2.83
3.91
6
WILCOXVIEW JASPER-ET
11
2.89
1.94
0.73
2.56
2.52
3.22
7
ERBACRES DAMION
8
3.2
2.22
3.17
2.83
2.72
2.76
7
MAPLE-DOWNS-I G W ATWOOD-ET
8
4.16
3.41
3.46
3.44
2.97
4.31
9
PICSTON SHOTTLE-ET
6
2.66
1.97
1.79
2.42
2.3
2.71
9
ROYLANE JORDAN-ET
6
2.07
1.94
0.32
1.53
2.06
1.93
* Reported by J Chesnais & Associates at 2012 ICAR Meeting (Ireland)
As you develop your breeding and business plans for the future, the following points may be useful to consider:
If you do not sell animals for breeding purposes, having type at a high weighting in your total index may not be your best business decision. NM$ may be a better index for you.
In ten years will you be a breeder or a milk producer? Choose either the breeder index (i.e. TPI or LPI) or the milk producer index (i.e. NM$).
If you do not show cattle or sell cattle to showmen, then PL (Productive Life) or HL (Herd Life) rather than PTAT or CONF should be an important part of your total merit index.
Including and giving significant weighting to traits such as fertility, longevity, calving ability, milking speed and mastitis resistance in the total merit indexes will be the way of the future for breeders focused on milk production.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Total merit indexes are designed to rank animals according a set formula. After sorting out the top bulls on a total merit basis, breeders should use corrective mating to match the bulls with the cows in their herd. Not using genetic indexes denies you the opportunity to make significant advancements both genetically and from a profit perspective. Are total merit indexes helping or hurting breeders? It depends on knowing your genetic needs and using the index that focuses attention on your most important traits. No total merit index will best serve all breeders. Use the index that suits your plans (Read more:Fact vs. Fantasy: A Realistic Approach to Sire Selection, What’s the plan? and Genomics at Work – August 2013)
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
The amount of bragging and arguing that goes on among breeders about what country has the best genetics in the world is insane. Because many have no actual facts to back up their opinion, the Bullvine decided to take a closer look and see just who does have the best genetics in the world. We took a look at the top 50 proven and top 50 genomic sires (where possible) in each of the major north American indexes (TPI, NM%, LPI, PTAT and Conf) to see just what countries have the top bulls on each. We used north American indexes since all other indexes did not publicly provide MACE lists for use to do an accurate evaluation. The following is what we found.
TPITM
When it comes to TPI, it’s not surprising that the US dominates both the proven and genomic sire lists. Given that TPI is a US based index, it’s only natural that they would have such a large proportion of the list. What is interesting about these results is that Canada does have 14% of the top genomic sires. Maybe a sign that Canadians are starting to put more attention into TPI and are adjusting their breeding programs so that they can achieve high ranking TPI animals.
NM$
Since young sire information between countries is not readily available, its not surprising the we have mostly US sires on the genomic lists. What is interesting about these results is that the Nordic countries have 22% of the top proven sires for NM$. This is a direct result of their heavy focus on health and fertility and thus leading the way in genetic progress in these areas (Read more: What the experts will tell you about who is winning the genetic improvement race).
PTAT
When it comes to type it’s not surprising that Canada makes its strongest showing in this area. Years of intense breeding for this trait have led to Canada having a larger market share in this area. What is also interesting is the diversity of countries that make the top proven sire list.
LPI
Almost shockingly there are no Canadian bred proven sires in the top 50 LPI sires in the world. Given that LPI is Canada’s national index you would think there would be at least a few. While the genomic lists do have 22% Canadian bred sires, it shows that in the recent past Canadian’s have been lagging behind other countries.
Conformation
One area that has always been a great strength is the Canada’s ability to breed great type. While they certainly have their largest market share in this area. It is interesting to note that the Canada does have more of the top proven and genomic conformation sires in the world.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While there is no question that the US has the largest population of dairy breeders in the world, and hence they should have the largest market share, what is surprising is how they have so much of the world’s top genetics. Well beyond just the size of their population base, the US is the world leader in producing top Holstein sires.
How often have you heard a 4H leader, FFA member, classifier or show judge say a heifer or cow must have slope from her hips to her pins and be wide in the pins because that’s what we need for good fertility? Yes we have all heard that many times. But is it true? Could it be that the Holstein bloodlines we have selected were poorer for fertility than other bloodlines we left behind half a century ago? And that rump conformation has a low correlation with fertility.
A Colorful Opinion
Something we can all agree on is that the fertility levels in our herds, the world over, are not what breeders would like them to be. I well remember just a year ago when I had a discussion with an old time Jersey breeder. True to form he was telling this Holstein guy that Holstein breeders have ruined the breed. Sure higher butterfat and protein yields and udders much higher off the ground were great moves but why the excessive stature, very flat and deep rear rib and the demand that animals be tall in the front end when nature did not make them that way? “Jersey cows don’t need to have sloping rumps in order to quickly get back in-calf. So why do Holsteins need sloping rumps?” His bottom line was that by going for the tall skinny cow syndrome we have selected against reproductively sound females. His concluding statement was “You are breeding cows not runway models.” Think about it, shorter, rounder cows that may give a little less milk but get in-calf quicker are very likely preferred by milk producers to the tall, deep rear rib, walk uphill ones.
Have we won a Little but Lost a Lot?
Have we selected our Holsteins for the ones that do not quickly get back in-calf? Is it possible that our breeding strategies have taken us in a wrong direction when female fertility is frequently the biggest cow problem that breeders have? (Read more: How Healthy Are Your Cows?)
Certainly over the past half century the average production of Holsteins has doubled. And yes in the past decade we are seeing more outstanding scoring (type classification) cows. And the winners at the shows are super cows with awesome mammary systems.
However whether it is genetics, nutrition or management, our calving intervals are longer and pregnancy rates are perhaps half what they were forty years ago. As well with the need for breeders to focus today on profitability there is the need to replace high cost manual labour with technology and there are moves ahead pointing to less use of drugs and medicines for food safety reasons. Therefore we need to find some way to put reproduction efficiency back into the Holstein cow. And do it by selection rather than by cross-breeding.
Skinny at Odds with Conception
Research and breeder experience has brought to our attention that cows that have above average body conditioning get back in-calf quicker and with less trouble than cows that sacrifice their body condition due to high yields, poor nutrition, inadequate transition cow feeding, poor conformation, … or maybe some combination of all of those.
The Billion Dollar Question
So I ask. “Now that we have sire and cow indexes for Daughter Pregnancy Rate (USA) and Daughter Fertility and Body Condition Score (Canada) are breeders using those indexes in their Breeding Programs?”
Bulls That Get Used
The Canadian Dairy Network, last week, published the thirty Holstein sires with the most daughters registered in Canada in 2012 (Read more: Canadian A.I. Market Share and Most Popular Sires for 2012) accounting for 40% of the total registrations. The remaining 60% were sired by 5900 other bulls. The Bullvine decided to study in some depth the 20 sires with the most registered daughters in Canada in 2012. Those twenty sired 35% of the females registered which should be a good benchmark for where the breed is heading.
Table 1 Sire Comparison – 2012 Daughters Born vs. 2011 Top Sires Available
Group
LPI
Milk (kg)
Fat (kg / %)
Protein (kg / %)
CONF
MS
F&L
HerdLife
DF
SCS
Udepth
CA
20 Bulls-most registered 2012
2075
1031
60 /+.21%
41 / +.06%
15
12
8
105
98
2.89
4s
102
20 Bulls - top in 2011
2392
1393
67/+.16%
55 / +.07%
10
10
9
108
102
2.87
4s
104
Difference
-317
-362
-7
-14
5
2
-1
-3
-4
-0.02
0
-2
Table 1 compares the twenty sires with the most registered daughters in 2012 to the top twenty Canadian proven LPI sires available to Canadian breeders in 2011. The short answers to the comparisons are: breeders use sires with lower LPIs, less production, more type, less fertility and less Herd Life than the very top LPI sires that A.I. organizations marketed. The shocking truth is that ten of the top twenty most used sires were below average for their Daughter Fertility (DF) indexes. One of those twenty sires had a DF index of only 88 while the top two sires were rated at 107 & 106. High (top 10%) but not overly high.
In case you are wondering if this is a Canadian phenomenon you can refer to a recent Bullvine article (Read more: Top Sires North American Breeders Are Using). The sires with most registered daughters in the USA have the same deficiency in their genetic merit for female fertility. Six of the top ten bulls with the most registered daughters in the middle half of April 2013 were below average for Daughter Pregnancy Rate. Different country same story.
Let’s take the Bull by the Horns
Even though we have only had fertility indexes on bulls for a few years, we as breeders are not using them to genetically improve female fertility in our herds. And it likely goes beyond that – are our A.I. organizations using them when selecting the parents of the next generation of bulls? After all over 90% of the genetic improvement in a herd comes from the sires used.
Fertility Sires
Sires do exist that top the April 2013 North American TPI™ and LPI listings and have fertility ratings in the top 25% of the Holstein breed. Breeders wishing to genetically improve their herds for female fertility should consider the following sires:
Table 2 Top Sires with High Fertility – April 2013
Click on image for enlargement
Of course we all want to know what we will have to give up to get the female fertility. Further analysis of the twenty-four bulls listed in Table 2 shows that only significant concession would be in ‘show type’ for eight of the twelve top proven sires. All bulls on this listing have above average indexes for PTAT or CONF.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Half a century of breeding for increased yields, taller and more angularity cows have taken their toll on the fertility in our herds. Female fertility indexes are available for both males and females. With genomics these indexes became much more accurate. Now is the time to put the genetics for female fertility back into our modern Holsteins. It is not a “Perhaps or Maybe”, it is a “MUST”!
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
Understanding and correctly using genetic indexes is important to breeders who derive a significant portion of their profit from dairy cattle breeding decisions. Major changes in the expression of indexes do not occur frequently but when they do occur it can be a time of confusion and perhaps lack of trust. The Canadian total index, LPI, has been used for over twenty years by Canadian breeders, as well as by breeders from other countries who source genetic material from Canada. When changes occur in the LPI indexing system, as is the case just now in April 2013, it is important that the reasons for the changes and the results be understood and incorporated into breeders’ decision processes.
Why Change?
For some time now the LPI values, especially for Holsteins, have been increasing quickly for all animals but it has been most noticeable for animals that have genomic evaluations. Breeders questioned how these young animals with indexes that are about 65% reliable can be significantly superior to recently proven top end bulls and active cows with their own performance values. As most breeders refer to the absolute LPI number, significant differences between the leaders on the various listings left doubt in accuracy in breeders’ minds. For breeders who think is bottom line terms and do not follow the LPI numbers closely, comment were often heard about the fact that numbers are numbers but it is annual cow profit that pays the bills, expands the business and sends the kids to college. Point being that the LPI difference between animals over-stated the net dollar difference between animals. These questions, comments and concerns were heard loud and clear by the CDN’s Genetic Evaluation Board so it studied the matter and took action.
LPI Scaling
The extreme range (-3500 to +3500) in Canadian Holstein LPI values had many drawbacks. It assigned most older long-lived profitable cows a negative value thereby telling a story that was not true and limiting the saleability of their subsequent generation. It assigned values that indicated significant differences between animals when the actual dollar differences were not that large. And due to the scaling effect for animals at the very top of the breed it gave values far exceeding the actual differences. This latter point was especially true for bulls and heifers with only parent averages and genomic evaluations.
While studying possible solutions, CDN noted that in other major dairy breeding countries the scale for their total merit index is much much smaller than Canada’s 7000 point range. CDN decided to adopt a publication methodology for the LPI similar to what the TPI™ has used for many years. That involves calculating a value and adding a ‘constant’ to it.
New LPIs
Effective April 09, 2013 the new LPI formula is ½ Previously calculated LPI + Constant.
Note that the highest progeny proven sires do not change in value.
Note that the range in values of Holstein LPIs is now much more similar, although slightly more, than the range for Holstein TPI™
Sire LPIs
It is important to note that this re-scaling of LPI does not re-rank animals. But it does bring the progeny proven sires and genomically evaluated young bulls much closer in their values.
It is important to remember that LPI is the Canadian system for ranking animals according the weights assigned to the numerous genetic indexes of important for lifetime profit. For Holsteins the weights at 51% Production, 34% Durability and 15% Health and fertility while for Jerseys those weightings are 57%, 33% and 10% respectively. Breeders wanting to place more or less emphasis on the various can calculate their own rankings using the CDN calculator available at www.cdn.ca or going the Bulvine’s bull listings for alternative ranking systems (Read more: Bullvine Performance Index (BPI) – Top Sires December 2012).
Using Genetic Indexes
Indexes are a very constructive tool to genetically breed better animals for the future. As genetics is less than half of the reasons animal differ in profitability, much depends on breeders to not only produce the animals that will be profitable but also to feed and manage them. Some suggested ground rules to follow when making sire or heifer selections are:
Use LPI, TPI™ or Net Merit are you primary list reduction tool for sires or herd replacements
Always check out the index values for the traits important to you (i.e. protein, fat, feet & legs, udders, SCS, fertility,..). Eliminate animals from the list that do not meet your requirements.
A quick way to eliminate animals is to use % RK (percentile rank).
Animals below 75% RK for any yield or conformation traits will likely leave progeny that reduce your profit.
Animals below 60% RK for health and fertility traits will not move your herd ahead for these traits of emerging importance.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Even though the method of expressing genetic indexes may differ from trait to trait or country to country, it is always important to have a plan on what you want to improve genetically in your herd and then to select the sires or replacement females that will produce the results. The re-scaling of the LPI values will come closer to the actual dollars amount animals return in their lifetime profit and will more accurately compare older and younger animals. By all means keep your genetics current and on target to your needs. It is best to throw out the semen from low indexing bulls. Buy high ranking genetics. It always pays big dividends.
From old school dairy breeders telling you, “They are all worthless!” to geneticists telling you “They are the greatest thing since sliced bread!” it can be challenging to figure out whether tools like TPI® and LPI have significant merits in your breeding or marketing program
What Are They?
To get a better understanding of what each of these indexes represent start with the fact that TPI® (Total Performance Index) and LPI (Lifetime Profit Index) are multi-trait indexes. They both combine production, type, and health and fertility traits to rank sires on their ability to transmit an economic balance of these traits. TPI® is calculated by Holstein USA and LPI is calculated by The Canadian Dairy Network.
The big thing to remember about both of these indexes is that they are more or less a predictor of a bull’s ability to transmit based on established weightings. For TPI® that weighting is as follows
Source: Holstein USA, click on image for more details
Whereas LPI has the following weighting, 51% production, 29% conformation and 20% health traits. As you will notice, LPI actually puts a greater weighting on conformation and health than does the TPI®.
They’re Tools You Fool
The big thing to remember is both of these indexes were created to help identify superior sires that combined high production, sound conformation, and desirable health and fertility traits. It does not mean that these sires are the only sires you should be using. Or that if you only use these sires you will have the best herd in the world.
What it does mean is that you can use these tools to help short list what sires you are wanting to use, assuming that you are breeding for high production, conformation, and fertility. If you are like some old school breeders who feel that high lactation production is not worth the tradeoff then fine, LPI and TPI® are not for you. In reality, each breeding program would be best to develop their own index based on the needs and goals of their breeding program. Maybe you would want more emphasis on health or type. It all depends on your goals and then you work from there.
It’s All About the Marketing
Were these indexes created just for marketing? No. Were they created for ways to compare and sell sires? Yes. What’s the difference? Well when both these indexes were created they had all the right intentions. They were created for a way to compare sires on their overall genetic merits. Which lead to major sale and marketing opportunities for those organizations and breeders who had the top sires.
I can remember that, before these multi-trait indexes were introduced, everyone claimed to have the #1 sire or cow. While that is still happening, for the most part TPI® and LPI provide the opportunity for breeders to gain a clear understanding of who is the top sire for producing high production, sound conformation, and healthy cattle.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
With so many different traits that are evaluated, trying to identify which sires have the overall best genetics can be very challenging. While the TPI® and LPI formulas may not be the exact weighting that works for your breeding program, they are designed to represent that average breeder (if there is such a thing). They are designed to give opportunity to compare sires on relative merits and see which sires rise to the top. The big thing to remember is that they are to be used as tools! If you lose focus on that, these tools can have you looking like a fool!
With 8 of the top 10 Genomic TPI™ young sires being themselves sons of young sires, there is no question that breeders of these top animals have confidence in genomics and are using it to shorten their genetic intervals.
[csv2table source=”https://www.thebullvine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Top-10-Genomic-TPI-Young-Sires-–-April-2012.csv” icons=”true”]
The following is our analysis of the top 10 GTPI young sires from the April 2012 Genetic Evaluations:
#1 – AMIGHETTI NUMERO UNO
Holding on to his #1 spot despite 7 new members in the top 10, NUMERO UNO from Semex possess an international pedigree. Sired by a MAN-O-MAN he is only one of two sires on this list that are not themselves sired by young sires. His dam AMIGHETTI SHOTTLE AVE VG-88-2YR-ITA in an unparalleled Italian source for GTPI. The foundation of the family is Center-Field Elevation Berta, directly imported from the U.S. Watch for NUMERO UNO to sire well-balanced cattle that have strong mammary systems and great feet and legs. Surprisingly watch for him to be an outstanding Rump improver that you may not expect from a Man-O-Man son. A couple of areas that he may not perform as well as his sire stack may indicate are his overall production and protein kgs. NUMERO UNO will mate well with typical daughters of Planet, Bolton, Stol Joc and Mr Burns.
#2 – SEAGULL-BAY SUPERSIRE
#2 on the GTPI list is SUPERSIRE, the more genomicically gifted of the Robust full brothers from AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA VG-87-2YR-USA who is the popular Planet bull dam at Seagull-Bay. Both being sampled at Select Sires, and tracing back to WESSWOOD-HC RUDY MISSY EX-92-3E USA DOM GMD. SUPERSIRE himself is a son of a test sire ROYLANE SOCRA ROBUST (Socrates x O-Man) that is from another Seagull-Bay cow family SEAGULL-BAY OMAN MIRROR VG-86-3YR-USA DOM who is the #1 O Man of the breed. SUPERSIRE sires outstanding production with solid components and sound durability and health and fertility traits. SUPERSIRE will sire solid confirmation across the board. Watch for SUPERSIRE to sire much better components than his full brother. Though some may consider it risky using a young sire who himself is a son of a young sire, SUPERSIRE will work well on many of the top sires though he needs to be protected on milking speed.
#3 – DE-SU BKM MCCUTCHEN 1174
Also from Select sires comes MCCUTCHEN from SULLY SHOTTLE MAY VG-85-3YR-USA DOM. May is believed to have more offspring genomic tested over 2200 & 2300 GPTI than any other cow in the breed. MCCUTCHEN is himself a son of a young sire DE-SU 521 BOOKEM (Planet x Ramos). MCCUTCHEN`s genomic pattern shows the potential to sire extreme balance of production and conformation with the potential for breed leading conformation with the ability to improve all major composites. Similar to SUPERSIRE, MCCUTCHEN will work well on many of the top sires though he needs to be protected on milking speed.
#4 – SEAGULL-BAY HEADLINER
The full brother to #2 on the list, SUPERSIRE, HEADLINER will sire a little more protein than his higher ranked full brother. The biggest difference between the two may be SUPERSIRES ability to leave more desirable rumps. HEADLINER and his full brother SUPERSIRE are a testament to keeping the genetic interval as tight as possible, with the tight cross of young sire on Planet then Shottle followed by O Man and Rudolph. Their dam Shauna has the unique ability to sire top ranking sires in both the US (TPI) and Canada (LPI). HEADLINER will work well on many of the top sires though he needs to be protected on milking speed and calving ease.
#5 – MOUNTFIELD SSI DCY MOGUL
The second of the previous top 10 GTPI young sires to retain his top rank is MOGUL. He, is also a son of a young sire COYNE-FARMS DORCY and like many others on this list is also from Select Sires. MOGUL is a testament to his strong maternal lines as his EBV’s far outperforms his sire stack. Look for MOGUL to offer a strong balanced offering but needs to be protected on his rump. Though he will leave much greater dairyness and strength than this sire stack would indicate. Similar to SUPERSIRE and HEADLINER, MOGUL’s maternal pedigree traces back to WESSWOOD-HC RUDY MISSY EX-92-3E USA DOM GMD. Mogul’s Dam MOUNTFIELD MARSH MAXINE VG-88-2YR-USA DOM being a great granddaughter. MOGUL offers a nice outcross as there is no GOLDWYN, PLANET, or SHOTTLE in it. MOGUL makes a nice cross for SHOTTLE bloodlines.
#6 – S-S-I DOMAIN LITHIUM
Continuing their dominance of the top GTPI lists Select adds LITHIUM. Similar to the other additions LITHIUM is himself a son of a young sire, RONELEE TOYSTORY DOMAIN (Toystory x Outside) from Trans-America Genetics. LITHIUM is a riskier choice to use, as his Genomic values are significantly lower than that of his parent averages, or sire stack would indicate. Of specific note is the much lower values for dairy strength, rump, fat and overall production. LITHIUM will sire strong udders and feet and legs with solid production. Though additional consideration should be given to lactation persistency and milking speed.
#7 – DE-SU 1263 “RANSOM”
From Androgenetics comes another ROYLANE SOCRA ROBUST (Socrates x O-Man) son. Similar to SUPERSIRE and HEADLINER, RANSOM is genomically gifted beyond his sire stack, transmitting much more milk, fat and rump improvement than his pedigree would indicate. RANSOM will sire extreme improvement in feet and legs though may need to be protected on dairy strength. Continuing in the breeding pattern of other sires from De-Su, RANSOM has a tight genetic sire stack with a young sire being used on a Romas daughter from Shottle followed by O Man.
#8 – RONELEE SSI O DADDY
At this rate we are going to need to start to call this the Select Sires New Release list (For more on this read Should A.I. Companies Own Females?). Like so many others on this list, DADDY is a son of a young sire himself (For more on this read The Genomic Advancement Race – The Battle For Genetic Supremacy) that also traces back to breeding at De-Su. His sire is Observer (Planet x O Man) son of DE-SU OMAN 6121-ET VG-86-2YR-USA DOM GMD. However, unlike many of the other sires on our list after his sire, DADDY’s pedigree is actually a little dated and contributes to him being one of the lowest sire stacks in the top 10. This puts a lot of weight on his sire to carry a lot of the genetic weight. Daddy will sire strong production though will need to be protected on Fat. The surprising part, given his sire stack, will be his ability to sire strong dairy cattle that walk on a solid set of feet and legs. However, much like his pedigree predicts he will need to be protected on Feet & Legs. His daughters should be extremely durable though may need to be protected on milking speed.
#9 – ROYLANE BOXER PUNCH 4311
Would you be surprised if I told you that PUNCH is also from Select? Well he is. Again he is a son of young sire, Boxer (Shottle x Goldwyn) that is from the Barbie’s at Regancrest. PUNCH is a brother to the heavily used young sire ROBUST, that is the sire of SUPERSIRE, HEADLINER, and RANSOM from our top list. Watch for PUNCH to sire strong components and very balanced type. Watch for PUNCH to sire much more durable daughters with better health traits that his sire stack would indicate. His daughters will be much stronger than you would expect with O Man, Manat, and Celsius in the pedigree. While his daughters may not be as high production as others, watch for PUNCH to add the balanced that you would expect from the conformation from his paternal side and production from the maternal side.
#10 – MINNIGAN-HILLS DAY
The third sire of the previous top 10 sires to maintain their status on the list, DAY, offers a great combination of type and production. While DAY’s pedigree might spell just average type watch for him to be a potential breed leader. He will sire outstanding udders, feet & legs and surprisingly rumps and strength. The part that he does not live up to his pedigree or sire stack on is his production. He does need to be protected on production, though he will sire better components than expected.
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