High Rising Jersey Bull Tops £200 PLI
UK - Milk producers using dairy breeds other than Holstein see little change in proofs published this month by DairyCo Breeding+, with the exception of the Jersey breeders, who have a new number one sire.
Breaking the £200 Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) barrier and up 35 points since April, DJ Lixis a Q Lor son who descends from a high milk production maternal line in Denmark.
Lix's proof combines solid production with strong udders (Udder Composite +1.9) and good fitness traits. In second place is former front-runner, Sunset Canyon Anthems Allstarand completing the top three is DJ Broiler, who improves his daughter Fertility Index to an impressive +6.3.
British Friesian
In the Friesian rankings, Deangate Osbert retains the number one spot with a PLI of £186, while making his debut in second place is Bradash Tournament (PLI £172). This Glen Albyn son out of a Mr Frosty dam shows strong production figures, combined with good cell counts. Deangate Tarquin edges into third position, but remains one of the top daughter Fertility Index bulls at +6.8.
Ayrshire
Holding on to the number one position in the Ayrshire ranking (for which several red breeds are eligible) is the Swedish Red sire, G Edbo, whose high weight of protein and good lifespan proof contribute to aPLIof £197. He is followed by Finnish Ayrshire, Asmo Tosikko, who moves up into second place and, with an SCC Index of -24, is the best red bull available for reducing cell counts. Brieryside Golden Sand moves into third position.
Other breeds
Other breeds highlights are:
- Drisgol Watzonleads the Shorthorn rankings.
- Sniders Option Aaronretains number one position on Guernsey Genetic Merit.
- Odislaitis number one PLI Montbeliarde.
- Prossli leads for the Brown Swiss breed with a very good Lifespan Index.
- Comparison across breeds
"It's always worth a reminder that genetic indexes should not be compared across breeds," says Marco Winters, head of genetics for DairyCo.
"The figures for each breed are calculated to relate to that breed average, so it would not only be meaningless to compare figures across breeds, but could also be completely misleading."
"For those who want to compare one breed with another in considering cross-breeding options, DairyCo provides a conversion formula for this purpose."
For more information on conversion formulae please email Marco Winters: [email protected].
TheCattleSite News Desk