Lakemead Rancher is New Number One British Friesian
13/01/09

The new genetic index ranking for all dairy breeds has been published today (13 January, 2009) by DairyCo breeding+ and is marked by a new number one British Friesian.

The leading bull ranked on Profitable Lifetime Index comes in the shape of Lakemead Rancher, who moves up from second place in the previous proof run. This Somerset-bred Holwerda Torello son combines good lifespan and daughter fertility with a solid production proof to give him a PLI of 152.

Moving into second place for the Friesians, with an improvement in PLI to 147, is Grietman, while third placed Dovea Bass has started adding his first UK daughters to his proof.

“All breeds are assessed against a different genetic base,” comments geneticist, Marco Winters, who is director of DairyCo breeding+. “This means that comparisons across breeds can not be made, whether that be a comparison between Friesians and Holsteins or between Jerseys and Ayrshires, for instance. This is an important point for breeders to remember, especially for those who are considering using a variety of breeds in their herds.”

Jersey
Q Impuls continues to lead the Jersey ranking with no change to his PLI at 203. He impresses with a very good daughter Fertility Index of +4.1 and combines this with solid production and a Type Merit of +1.2. In second place is Ahlem Lemvig Abe, improving 12 points of PLI to 201.

Closely following Abe is the new entry, DJ Hulk with a PLI of 195. Hulk is a components specialist, who combines his high fat production proof with positive daughter fertility.

Ayrshire
Continuing to lead the Ayshire PLI rankings is the high production transmitter Brieryside Golden Sand (PLI 211), who is followed closely by his father and conformation specialist Morwick Sand Ranger (PLI 209).

Rounding off the top three is Hunday Major Red with impressive SCC, lifespan and daughter fertility.

Guernsey
The Guernsey Merit Index (GMI) ranking is led by Trotacre Jay Mr Luck while climbing into second place is Sniders Option Aaron (467 GMI). Just as in the last proof run, third place is taken by Coulee Crest Luxury Spider.

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