Ask anyone who has ever bred cows for a living what it takes to be successful and they will tell you that you need some luck to have success.  But, with the introduction of genomic and advanced breeding programs, there certainly has become less need for luck and more need for doing your homework.  The challenge is that not everyone has the time to do the homework required to remove luck from the equation.  That is why The Bullvine has done the analysis for you and highlights the following seven sires.

Proven Sires

No question the best way to remove just plain luck is to use sires with the highest reliabilities.  That means using well proven sires that have already shown they have what it takes to produce great sons and daughters.

Mr Mogul DELTA 1427

DELTA

Mr Mogul DELTA 1427-ET TC TY
Mogul x Robust x Planet
203HO01468

Debuting in the coveted #1 spot on the official proven TPI list is Delta.  Delta is a Mogul from the WINDSOR-MANOR RUD ZIP-ET 3E 95 GMD DOM family.  He is over 75 TPI points higher than the next highest sire. In fact Delta’s numbers are so high he would even rank in the top ten of all sires over 1 year of age.  Delta offers extreme health and fertility traits with solid type and strong production.  Breeders who are looking for tall framey two-year-olds may not want to use Delta, but he does offer significant udder improvement, specifically rear udder height and attachments and also solid feet and legs that make him worth taking a second look at.  Delta will need to be protected on his body depth and overall stature. Delta is among the breed leaders for productive life. (Read more: The 16 Sires Available in 2015 That Every Dairy Breeder Should Be Looking At &  Mr Mogul Delta 1427).

JOSUPER

Uecker Supersire Josuper
029HO17553
Supersire x Beacon x Jango

This Supersire son has been on our radar for some time now,  The 16 Sires from the April 2014 Genetic Evaluations That Stand Out and, as we evaluated him more and more, he just kept coming to the top, The 16 Sires Available in 2015 That Every Dairy Breeder Should Be Looking At. So it’s no surprise to us, now that he is a proven sire, that he has delivered on that promise debuting at #3 on the top proven sire list.  With 7 of the top 10 sires being Mogul sons, there are certainly some concerns about inbreeding, when selecting from the top proven sires. Josuper is a top 10 TPI sire that offers a little different pedigree. With over 3,000 lbs. of milk combined with 195 lbs. of fat and protein, there is no question that JOSUPER will give you a high production kick when needed.  While his type evaluation is very functional, there are a couple of areas to protect him on, including his rump angle and the set of his rear legs. 

RUBICON

EDG Rubicon
Mogul x Robust x Planet
151HO00681

Debuting as the #4 proven sire is RUBICON.   Although Rubicon’s sire stack (Mogul x Robust x Planet) contains many heavily used sires, his CM$ 885 and gTPI 2723 stand out, with moderate ratings for stature (0.94) and strength (1.05).  PTAT 1.75, UC 1.44, FLC 2.30 and PL 6.9 say that his daughters are trouble free cattle. Breeders desiring medium framed cattle with all other traits well above average should look up Rubicon. Though it seems, as we predicted back in March 2014, Rubican has been a better producer of top females than males.  (Read more: The 10 Outlier Sires that will Accelerate Your Genetic Gain the Fastest)

SILVER

Seagull-Bay Silver
Mogul x Snowman x Planet
029HO17573

Rounding out the sires debuting in the top 10 at #8 is SILVER, the Mogul nephew to Supersire, who himself now stands at #11 on the proven sire list and is the #1 sire at 99% rel.  Like Supersire, Silver has the ability to leave extreme production. He ranks among the top proven sires in the breed with Milk (+1572), Fat (+91), Protein (+60), Type (+2.33), and Udders (+2.60). Silver has delivered on the genomic promise that first caught our eye back in 2014. (Read more: The 10 Outlier Sires that will Accelerate Your Genetic Gain the Fastest)

Genomic Sires

While the top two sires over one year of age for TPI remain the same in Pinnacle and Cavalier, here are some other notable sires to watch for.

REDROCK

Redrock-View Klutch
Jedi x Kingboy x Numero Uno
551HO03501

With a sire stack of Jedi from a Kingboy and then a Numero Uno, it’s no surprise that REDROCK excels in his component tests.  With over 1500 lbs. of milk and positive component test, REDROCK has a combined +134 pounds of fat and protein.  Hence his high cheese merit index of +986 and a net merit of +954.  Combine that with a +10.1 productive life and +4.0 DPR and REDROCK daughters should last a long time, in most herd environments.  Add to that, the fact that he is A2A2 and from the Kamps-Hollow Altitude family, and there are lots of reasons to get excited about this sire.   The typical REDROCK daughter should be average stature with great udders and strong feet and legs.  They should have solid frames but will need to be protected on their chest width and loin strength.  Given his sire stack, it’s no surprise that Redrock also should prove to be an equally top performer as a sire of sons and top females.

DELTA-WORTH

Butz-Hill Delta-Worth
Delta x Supersire x Shamrock
551HO03415

While Delta-Worth does not come from a pedigree that would stand out to many breeders, since the only notable proven sire coming from this family is Wilra Shamrock Reason a +2213 TPI proven Shamrock son at Genex, it’s Delta-Worth’s  numbers that are just too extreme to overlook.  He is +1027 NM +2873 TPI, a combined 163 lbs. of fat and protein, all with a +2.31 udder composite and +9.2 productive life.  Expect the typical DELTA-WORTH daughter to be a great producer with strong components. This should make him attractive with those producers selling for cheese markets.  His daughters should last a long time in the herd, given his high PL, low SCS and high Cow Livability figures.  While, overall, they will score well for conformation, with strong udder traits, he may not be the ideal robot sire as they are projected to have short, close rear teats that may make it harder for some robots.  Delta-Worth will need to be protected on his foot angle but should have good bone quality.  Daughters will not be tall deep bodied cows but should be extremely efficient milk producers.  They will make their owners money.  (Read more: SHE AIN’T PRETTY – SHE JUST MILKS THAT WAY!) NM$ will make him a popular sire of sons, as he gets a significant DNA contribution from his paternal line. This is something that, in our analysis, has proven to be a strong predictor of future ability.  (Read more: Why Braedale Goldwyn Wasn’t a Great Sire of Sons).

HUMBLENKIND

Cookiecutter Humblenkind
Modesty x Epic x Man-O-Man
007HO12993

For those looking for something with more type, there is HUMBLENKIND.  However, there is nothing humble about this sire’s numbers.  He is over 125 lbs. of combined fat and protein with over 2.80 on all his type composites, with strong fertility and conception numbers.  From the great Cookiecutter Gld Holler cow family, this sire has it all.  His daughters should be average stature with great udders and solid feet and legs.  He will need to be protected on his body depth and overall width. 

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There is no question that there will always be some element of luck when it comes to dairy breeding. That is, at least  until they further develop gene analysis and editing, but that is a whole different story. (Read more: Gene Editing – Is It The End of Dairy Breeding?)  The introduction of genomics is certainly changing the risk factor and shortening genetic intervals.  The challenge these days is that, with so many sires landing so close together for TPI and NM$, which ones are the real deal and which ones are just chaff.  That is what we love doing here at the Bullvine is sorting through it all to help sort the pretenders from the contenders.

US Holstein Genetic Evaluations

• Top 100 Proven TPI Holstein Sires August 2017
• Top 100 Genomic TPI sires August 2017 (>1 Year)
• HIGH RANKING SIRE REPORT – August 2017
• High Ranking Genomic Young Bulls – August 2017
• Top 100 PTAT Sires (over 1 year of age) – August 2017
• Top 100 Proven PTAT Sires August 2017
• Top 100 TPI® International Bulls (August 2017)
• Top 100 gNM$ Sires August 2017 (>1 year of age)
• Top 100 NM$ Sires August 2017
• Top 100 gNM$ Polled Sires August 2017 (>1 year of age)
• Top 100 Red & RC PTAT Sires August 2017 (>1 year of age)
• High Ranking Genomic Females – August 2017
• Top 50 WT$TM Genomic Young Bulls (August 2017)
• Top 50 WT$TM Proven Bulls (August 2017)
• Top 100 DWP$TM Genomic Young Bulls (August 2017)
• Top 100 DWP$TM Proven Bulls (August 2017)

See more at Sire Proof Central

Having three newly proven sires penetrate the Top 10 LPI list represents awesome news from this August release but five newcomers among the Top 10 Pro$ list is simply a colossal invasion! In addition, both lists now have a new leader as Gen-I-Beq Aikman*RDC (Snowman son out of KHW-I Aika Baxter) takes #1 LPI (#26 Pro$, tied #4 Fat) and Seagull-Bay Sargeant-ET (Freddie son out of Ammon-Peachey Shauna-ET by Planet) grabs #1 Pro$ and #1 Milk (#35 LPI, tied #6 Protein). Of the five newly proven sires entering Top 10 Pro$, it is Bacon-Hill Montross-ET (Mogul x Bolton) that takes highest honours at #2 Pro$ (#18 LPI) and is also tied at #3 Protein. Also making a very impressive debut is another Mogul son, Larcrest Commander-ET (dam is Larcrest Calinda-ET by Observer), who takes #4 Pro$ and lands tied at #2 LPI with former breed leader, Comestar Lautrust (#9 Pro$, Sudan x Man-O-Man). Two other newly proven bulls this round achieve Top 10 status for both national indexes, namely De-Su 11228 Topsy-ET (Bookem x Watson, maternal brother to Davinci and full brother of Balisto) at #6 Pro$ and #7 LPI, as well as Gregori One Direction (Epic x Garrett) at #7 Pro$ and #9 LPI. De-Su Mickelson 11598-ET (Supersire x Bookem) also debuts on the Top 10 Pro$ list taking #8 spot and also lands #17 LPI. Among previously proven sires, two manage to stay on the Top 10 list for both LPI and Pro$ this round. Mapel Wood Brewmaster (Garrett x Shottle) takes #4 LPI and #10 Pro$, while staying solid at #1 Fat, and Silverridge Album (Epic x Man-O-Man) now occupies #3 Pro$ and #5 LPI.

Two bulls make significant gains and enter the Top 10 LPI list this round, namely De-Su MG Davinci 11288-ET (maternal brother to Topsy and Balisto) at #6 from #19 LPI (#14 Pro$) and Alta Echelon (Robust x Goldwyn), who catapults from #62 to #8 LPI with an increase of 218 points (#12 Pro$). De-Su Mgl Greenway 11396-ET (Mogul x Planet) slips slightly but lands at #10 LPI (#11 Pro$, tied #6 Protein) and completes this list of elite proven sires. For Pro$, the list of Top 10 is completed by the former breed leader, Mr OCD Epic Dragonheart-ET, who loses ground but stays strong at #5 Pro$ (tied #12 LPI, #7 Milk).

Mogul Reaffirms #1 Ranking Among Sires of Proven Sons by LPI

Now with 28 progeny proven sons in Canada averaging 2897 LPI, Mogul is the highest ranking sire of sons again this round for LPI. Epic follows closely behind for LPI, based on his 35 proven sons, but leads the list for Pro$. Both of these sires continue to produce numerous outstanding newly proven sires this August release along with sons of other well-known sires. In addition to the list of newly proven sires already highlighted, there is a group of six others that penetrate the list of top 25 bulls for LPI or Pro$. The Epic son in this group is Ste Odile Oceanic (dam is the former long-time LPI leading cow Ste Odile Manoman Model Saphir), who debuts at #12 LPI and tied at #5 Conformation with +15 (#48 Pro$). Four of these newcomers are Mogul sons, including EDG Deman-ET at #14 LPI (#107 Pro$), the identical brothers of Delaberge Salt and Delaberge Pepper at #22 LPI (#88 Pro$) and Trustmore Accelerator at #24 LPI and #25 Pro$ (maternal brother to Silverridge Album, dam is Velthuis SG MOM Alicia). EDG Skateboard-ET (Numero Uno x Brigeen Russell) also makes an interesting arrival at #23 Pro$ and #29 LPI.  

Invasion of Elite Genetics Also Hits Top Cow Lists Including a New Queen for Both GLPI and Pro$!

Ri-Val-Re Camaro Nady-ET (Camaro x Numero Uno) makes a grand entrance as the highest newly indexed cow this round with her debut at #1 for both GLPI and Pro$. In fact, both lists of Top 10 GLPI and Pro$ cows experience significant change thanks to the arrival of several outstanding newly indexed cows. For GLPI, Sunnypoint 2026 Lady C (daughter of newly proven Larcrest Commander out of Crasdale Lady Uno) arrives at #2 GLPI (tied #54 Pro$). She is joined by two other newly indexed cows that also penetrate Top 10 GLPI, namely Stantons Pepper Freedah (daughter of newly proven Delaberge Pepper out of Stantons Observer EA Frenzy), who is tied at #6 GLPI (tied #36 Pro$), and OConnors Racer Legendary (Racer x Numero Uno) at #10 GLPI (#23 Pro$). With the great start of Nady and Lady C, the former breed leader, Brabantdale Flame Veracious, is forced into #3 GLPI spot (#10 Pro$) and is followed by Stantons Crimson-ET (Camaro daughter of Larcrest Crayon-ET) who stays firm at #4 GLPI (#6 Pro$). Crimson’s full sister, Stantons Crazy 4 Camaro-ET, is the third cow that maintains her status among Top 10 GLPI cows from last round, now in #8 spot (tied #56 Pro$). Three cows realize gains to enter and complete the Top 10 GLPI list this round, including Progenesis Enforcer Pat-ET (Enforcer x Cameron) at #5 GLPI (from #11, #9 Pro$), Bofran Pepper Fantastique (Pepper x Brewmaster) tied at #6 GLPI (from #54, #25 Pro$, tied #3 Fat) and Boldi V Flame Arcade (Flame x Epic) at #9 GLPI (from #14, #44 Pro$).

For Pro$, five newly indexed cows invade the Top 10 Pro$ list including the four top spots. In addition to the previously mentioned Nady at #1 Pro$, these breed leading stars include Stantons Bee Something-ET (Supershot x Numero Uno) at #2 Pro$ (#44 GLPI), England- Ammon MT Barbara-ET (Montross x Super) at #3 Pro$ (tied #37 GLPI) and Westcoast Montros Amarula 2793 (Montross x Phoenix) at #4 Pro$ (tied #19 GLPI). Beaucoise Commander Palea (Commander x Beacon) also makes an impressive debut as a newly indexed cow this round taking #7 Pro$ (#26 GLPI). Two other cows not previously mentioned are among the Top 10 Pro$ and both maintain this status from last round. These include Gillette Bombero Mango (Bombero x Mogul) at #5 Pro$ (from #9, tied #72 GLPI) and the former Pro$ leader, Stantons Camaro Emulate-ET (Camaro x Numero Uno), who is pushed down into #8 position (#13 GLPI).

Two other newly indexed cows this round achieve outstanding results as Stantons Great M Caption-ET (Capital Gain x Epic) becomes the new #1 for Milk at 3368 kg and Sunnypoint 2024
Lady D (maternal sister to Lady C at #2 GLPI) takes #1 Conformation at +19.

Among polled cows, Dudoc McCutchen Rancune P*POC (McCutchen x Magna*POC*RDC) ranks highest for GLPI at #16 while Boldi V Over All P*POC (Overtime*POC x Epic) is the highest for Pro$ at #100. For red enthusiasts, Showbiz Brewmaster Swan*RDC remains the highest ranking red carrier cow at #23 GLPI and #53 Pro$ while Lesperron Aikman Sofie Red*RW is the highest ranking red cow at #28 GLPI and tied at #73 Pro$.

•  Bulls-Domestic
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
• Bulls-Foreign
  • Top MACE LPI
  • Top MACE Pro$
  • Top MACE Actively Marketed
• Bulls-Genomic Young Sires
  • Top GPA LPI Released in Canada
  • Top GPA Pro$ Released in Canada
• Cows
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
  • Top Cow Candidates for Genotyping by LPI (under 42 months)
• Heifers
  • Top Heifers by PA LPI – 9 months & older
  • Top Pro$ – 9 months & older
  • Top Calves by PA LPI – Under 9 months
  • Top Pro$ – Under 9 months
  • Top Heifer Candidates for Genotyping by PA LPI
• Top Herds by LPI
• Top Herds by Pro$
• Benchmark Averages

Check out more genetic evaluation results from around the world in Sire Proof Central

When The Bullvine reviewed the recently announced HAUSA decision to revise their UDC, FLC and TPI genetic indexes, we decided to do go beyond simply reporting the changes that will be made in August to the formulae. The critical matter for Holstein breeders will be whether the new information will assist breeders in achieving their breeding objectives. The usefulness of the changes will apply to breeders around the world as HAUSA indexes are used, or at least known, in all major Holstein breeding countries.

Successful dairy breeders only use genetic indexes to the extent that they find them effective in breeding productive, profitable dairy cattle. Sometimes they wonder if breed association hear their questions, positions, and concerns about the accuracy of the indexes. Well, the good news is that the Genetic Advancement Committee (GAC) and research staff of Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) heard and worked on why udder composite (UDC) and feet and leg composite (FLC) genetic indexes for sires are so closely tied to a sire’s stature index.

Studied and Revised UDC and FLC

In a perfect world, every body part would be evaluated independently and then a final assessment would be arrived at for an animal’s conformation compared to our idealized view of a cow’s conformation. However, classifiers, just like all the rest of us cattle breeders and judges, let an animal’s outstanding or most limiting body feature unduly influence the decision made on other parts. This has been found to be true for both udder composite and feet and leg composite. Tall cows get over evaluated and short cows get under evaluated for UDC and FLC.

Breeders have been noticing this some time. It comes to the forefront now because many trend setting lifetime profit focused breeders have publicly stated they are breeding for decreased stature. They have found udders and legs on their desired shorter cows are being under indexed.

In studying this situation, HAUSA found that this was a relevant concern. As a result, an adjustment (+ or -) will be made to UDC and FLC for the stature of a bull’s daughters. The adjustment is a straightforward addition for short and a subtraction for tall. Of course, it will take a while for breeders to assess if these changes improve the accuracy of UDC and FLC.

Revised Formulae

UDC =  – 0.03 + [ .16 x FU + .23 x RUH + .19 x RUW + .08 x UDC + .20 x UD + .04 x FTP + .05 x RTP(optimum) +.05 x TL (optimum) – .20 x Stature ]  x 1.16

FLC =  0.02 + [ .09 x Foot Angle + .21 x Rear Legs Rear View + .70 x Feet & Leg Score – .20 x Stature ] x 1.09

Stature receives 16.7% of the weighting in both UDC and FLC. A surprising significant percentage.

What about Decreasing the Stature of Holsteins

As an aside but also somewhat related note, many leading breeders focused on high yield, high fertility, high health and long-lived cows are advertising bulls and heifers with negative stature numbers. When reading stature numbers remember that a zero animal will not genetically decrease stature. It will likely take a bull below -0.50 to -1.00 to result in progeny with less stature. A quick study of the current top twenty TPI daughter proven sires shows that they, on average, are +1.03 for stature. Therefore, using the top TPI sires does not decrease stature.

For the new TPI, which we will cover in the next section of this article, the top twenty proven TPI sires (using their April ’17 proofs) average +0.55 for stature.  The result of this proactive move by HAUSA is fewer top sires with higher stature indexes. For more on stature read the following Bullvine articles (Read more: Does Size Matter?, Are Today’s Holstein Cows Too Tall? and 15 Strength Sires That Will Still Fit In Your Stalls.

A question that one of my associates, an animal science researcher, recently asked was “Do we still need to measure stature in Holsteins?”. That is an excellent question given that most breeders are of the opinion that Holsteins do not need to increase in stature and that stature can bias the assessment for other traits. The latest correlations between stature and productive life and milk, fat and protein yields are in the range 0.04 to 0.13. So, is measuring stature helping or hindering in the breeding of better Holsteins?

Changes to TPI

It was two years ago (2015) that HAUSA last made changes to the TPI formula. Given the rapid pace of breed improvement, the increased number of traits evaluated, the decreased generation intervals and the more emphasis on health and fertility traits, changes in the TPI formula is an ongoing necessity.

The 2017 TPI formula will have some traits emphasis changes (see table 1). And beyond the changes that will be made in UDC and FLC, FE (feed efficiency) will have a revised formula that looks at body size differently than in the past and LIV (livability of cows generated by CDCB) will be added.

Table 1 – Trait Emphasis in TPI Formula

Note: Major changes are the increased emphasis on FE in place of protein and the addition of LIV

The inclusion of LIV in TPI is a good addition. The FE index was first published by HAUSA a couple of years ago and is based on opinion not science based research. However, breeders can expect, within the year, to be reading more from the international scientific study on the genetics ability of a sire’s daughter for feed efficiency.

HAUSA Revised Formula

FE  =  – 0.0187 x Milk Yield  +  1.28 x Fat Yield  +  1.95 x Protein Yield  –  12.4 x Body Weight Composite

Breeders using TPI must always remember that a constant value of 2187 is added to the values calculated in the TPI formula. In other words, if an animal has a TPI number below 2187 then that animal is below breed average.

Table 2 – Averages and Standard Deviations for Production Traits (Bulls) 

Explanation – Of active A.I. proven sires 66% are between -55 and 1489 lbs of milk and 95% are between -827 and 2261 lbs of milk
Data Source – CDCB

Table 3 – Average STA* of Available US Holstein Bull Population (April ’17)

* STA – standard transmitting abilities
** Trait optimum scored from one extreme to other extreme
*** Trait does not have a wide variation in Holsteins
Data Source – Holstein Association USA

Top TPI Bulls – Much Change?

Of course, with a new TPI formula there will be some change in which bulls make the top listings.  However, overall, do not expect to see major changes to bull TPI’s. The top twenty current proven TPI sires increase 14 TPI points from their April ’17 TPI’s using the TPI formula to be implemented in August. This is not much change, considering that these sires range from 2517 to 2761 in TPI

Bulls with high-fat yield, high LIV and moderate size will gain. Bulls leaving tall, large framed daughters with low LIV will drop down the TPI ranking list. Remember this latter group will have their UDC and FLC reduced by the new formulae for those traits.

Although Robust is no longer producing semen and has not appeared on the active proven sire list for a while now, he would rank 20^th for all sires that are 85% REL or higher on the new TPI. Gaining even more will be his son, Cabriolet, a sire that has good numbers for PL, LIV, FI and for stature is -1.20 and for strength is -1.02. These are traits that commercial dairy farmers are saying are important to them. Other bulls increasing in TPI because of the new formula include: Monty, Racket, Altacr, Tetris, and Donatello.

Points Not to be Overlooked

Sire selection is extremely important with respect to herd improvement. In herds not using ET and sexed semen, sire selection counts for 90% of herd improvement.

Some points not to be overlooked when it comes to sire selection include:

• TPI places considerable emphasis on breed ideal type but not necessarily on the most functional conformation especially as it relates to frame, stature, strength in young first calvers, up-hill-run and depth of body.
• Breeders should have a genetic improvement plan for their herd or for portions of their herd. (Read more: Flukes and Pukes – What Happens When You Don’t Have a Plan, What’s the plan? and Pick The Right Bull – Your Future Depends on The Decisions You Make Today!) With sexed semen, heavy use of genomic sires and majority of the flushing being done of heifers, it is important for breeding plans to be visionary and dynamic.
• For more on what selection index best suits individual breeder’s need go to (Read more: Everything You Need To Know About TPI and LPI and TPI™ and LPI – Marketing or Mating tools?)
• For many breeders, it may be more beneficial to use the genetic indexes on descriptive traits instead of UDC and FLC. Traits like udder depth and rear legs rear view have higher correlations with productive life than UDC and FLC have.
• It is possible that HAUSA’s actions in addressing the ever-increasing stature of the breed may be too little and too late.
• The TPI formula does not include other soon to be important traits: Beta Caesin; Kappa Caesin; inbreeding; polled; gestation length; and fitness / wellness (Read more: 12 Things You Need to Know About A2 Milk, Breeding for Kappa Casein to Increase Cheese Yield, The Truth about Inbreeding, Is Polled Worth It?, Gestation Length: In-depth Review and The Complete Guide to Understanding Zoetis’ New Wellness Traits – CLARIFIDE® Plus)
• HAUSA needs to be researching how to include these and other traits in order for TPI to remain relevant in the future. With the emphasis on protein yield exceeding the emphasis on fat yield, TPI may be assisting with cheese yield but not with the excess of milk powder on the world scene which leads to lower farm gate milk prices.
• With many breeding companies generating total merit indexes and with many breeders having their own customized total genetic merit indexes, the universal TPI index may not survive.
• TPI is a relative trait emphasis formula. However new total merit indexes are using outcome formula based results instead of relative emphasis formula. CDN’s Pro$ index is an outcome based index.
• Always remember that TPI is a relative animal genetic merit ranking system. Mating a top TPI sire to a top TPI dam will not necessarily get a breeder a top TPI progeny. Breeders need to use corrective mating to have the possibility of an improved progeny. This means that the values for the traits in TPI must be considered.
• Breeders should not get caught up in the marketing hype of indexes like TPI when buying semen and embryos.
• For fast genetic improvement for a trait, use sires that are, at least, one standard deviation above average for that trait. Tables 2 and 3 contain the standardized measures for some traits.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Will these changes to TPI do it for dairy breeders? The changes are not major and time will tell if they have an impact on Holstein breeding. Holstein breeders using TPI need to delve deeper than the TPI number. TPI is however, useful as a first sort of sire lists.

For The Bullvine – “The HAUSA August index changes are an attempt to maintain relevance to Holstein breeders’ needs”.  It is clear that 95%, maybe even 99%, of tomorrow’s breeders will not be selling breeding stock and will only be buying semen and/or embryos. Therefore, the marketing aspects of TPI will not matter to them.

Much more needs to be studied and implemented by HAUSA, when it comes to its animal genetic ranking systems including the TPI formula. Breed improvement committees and those responsible for sire selection will need to base their decisions on a combination of what science and field data show them as what will be best for genetic advancement.

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In this world of ever-changing sires, it can be hard to figure out who is for real and who is just a flash in the pan.  To help you make sense of this latest round of genetic evaluations in the US, here are nine Holstein sires that caught our eye.

Click image for full list

Bacon-Hill MONTROSS

BACON-HILL MONTROSS-ET

Holding on to the #1 spot on the GTPI proven sire list is Bacon-Hill MONTROSS (07HO12165).  MONTROSS (Mogul x Bolton) will soon be approaching the 99% REL status and could very well still be the #1 sire at that time.  In this genomic era and with the fast rate of generational turnover, that would be a very significant accomplishment.  However,  standing in his way may be another Mogul son DELTA (203HO01468), who just missed being the #1 proven sire this round by 1% reliability on his type proof.  DELTA at +2780 would have been 36 points ahead of MONTROSS.  This competition will certainly be something to watch for in August. As we mentioned back in 2014 when he was still just a genomic sire, Montross has become the impact sire of his generation (Read more: 12 Outcross Sires to Help Control Inbreeding and She Ain’t Pretty – She Just Milks That Way!) 

Woodcrest Mogul YODER

Coyne-Farms Bkeye Yvonne-ET VG-88 DOM
MGD of Yoder

The highest new release proven sire is Woodcrest Mogul YODER (007HO12266) who debuts at #2 TPI sire.  This Mogul from a Planet is an extreme outlier.  First, his genomic tests were 7% greater than his parent averages, and now daughter data is increasing his TPI by almost another 2%.  YODER comes from a long line of high production cows and is a direct descendant of the well-known brood cow, Milkworth Manfred Yadda (VG-86-GMD-DOM).  He delivers high components (+147 combined Fat and Protein), is extremely durable (+6.3 PL, +1.62 UDC, +1.81 FLC) and has solid health and fertility (+1.5 Fertility Index, +2.96 SCS, and +0.8 DPR).  You will need to protect him on his short teats and the straightness of his rear legs, but he does an excellent job of improving the height and width of rear udder. YODER has certainly delivered on the genomic promise we saw in him back in 2014 (Read more: The 10 Outlier Sires that will Accelerate Your Genetic Gain the Fastest and The Number That Will Change the Way You Look At Genetic Evaluations Forever…)

Co-Op UPD Hunter SALVINO

Fustead Sydney Cri-ET EX-90 2E DOM
Dam of Salvino

The number three proven sire is, Co-Op UPD Hunter SALVINO (01HO11022).  SALVINO is a Hunter from a Massey and is part of the Genex Co-op program.   SALVINO daughters’ results have significantly exceeded expectations with his proven TPI of 2643 being almost 7% higher than his last genomic proof (+2480 gTPI).  SALVINO is an incredibly strong component sire (+171 combined fat and protein), whose daughters may not be overly stylish but they are dairy, though they could be protected on their strength. Where he excels is with his udders that have great teat placement and solid attachments. While his health traits are solid, his SCS and mastitis numbers are a touch high, and his daughters could afford to carry more condition in order to last longer. (Read more: The 16 Sires Every Dairy Breeder Should Be Using to Accelerate Genetic Gain in Your Herd)

Rounding out the top 10 proven TPI are established sires #4 SUPERSIRE, #5 SALOON, #6 REFLECTOR, #7 KINGBOY, #8 BOB, #9 ROOKIE and #10 MAYFLOWER.

Click image for full list

S-S-I Modesty PINNACLE

S-S-I Bookem Modesto7269-ET VG-87 DOM
MGGD of Pinnacle

Some exciting new sires should be coming off of the early release stage and are now available to most breeders.  They are lead by the #10 overall genomic sire in the world and the #1 over one year of age, S-S-I Modesty PINNACLE (007HO13598).  From the Seagull-Bay Manat Mirage cow family, PINNACLE is a Modesty x Montross x Supersire.  With such a strong sire stack and proven maternal line, it does not surprise that PINNACLE has been and will continue to be heavily used as a sire of sons.  He is over 2 points for all major composite traits and especially excels in his fore and rear udders.  While his daughters will not be tall, they will be dairy, though you may want to protect him on his body depth.  He is a high PL and Cow Liveability sire, demonstrating that his daughters should be high production, long lasting, functional cows.

SSI-Horsens Blu 11 CAVALIER

Another sire that is just over a year of age and should start to be available is SSI-Horsens Blu 11 CAVALIER (507HO13673).  CAVALIER is also from Select’s SSI program and is a Modesty x Montross x Numero Uno from the B-Hiddenhills Dorcy 1405-ET TY EX-91 DOM cow family.  CAVALIER is heavily line bred to Mogul and his sire Dorcy and Bolton.  Each of these sires appear on both the maternal and paternal sides of his pedigree.  It’s no surprise therefore that  CAVALIER offers a similar breeding pattern as Mogul. He leaves solid production, high components, smaller-framed cows with great udders, and solid health and fertility.  In fact, CAVALIER daughters should actually be a little better than Mogul daughters, when it comes to the health traits. However, they may not be as good in feet and legs. 

Blumenfeld Jedi REASON

Deervue-Acres Robin Cri-ET TY VG-85 GMD DOM
MGD of Reason

The third genomic sire that is just over a year old that you should consider for your breeding program is Blumenfeld Jedi REASON (507HO12941).  REASON is a Jedi x Day x Sharky and, while he does not come from a well-known cow family, he is certainly a solid all around sire worth looking at.  His typical daughters will be high production cows with solid components.  They will not be large cows, but they will be upstanding with good feet and legs and solid mammary systems.  Where he will really excel is in the combination of high production alongside outstanding health and fertility traits.

For those breeders looking for more type, there are three new sires that should have semen available that might catch your eye.  They are Delight, Undenied, and Drive. 

Car-J Brokasa DELIGHT

Regancrest Mac Bikasa-ET
MGD of Delight

At +4.33 PTAT, Car-J Brokasa DELIGHT (007HO12922) is certainly going to catch the eyes of many type breeders.  Add to that the fact that in his pedigree you see REGANCREST-PR BARBIE on both sides as well as  SCIENTIFIC DEBUTANTE RAE on his paternal side and MD-DELIGHT DURHAM ATLEE on the maternal side and you have an incredibly potent type pedigree.  When you factor in all those impressive type females in his pedigree, this Defiant son is going to throw some tall stylish daughters.  They will have insane mammary systems that have great texture and strength of attachments.  Much like his maternal grandsire, Atwood, you may want to protect him on rump angle and his thurl placement.

Our-Favorite UNDENIED

Our-Favorite Obvious-ET EX-91
MGD of Undenied

From the former number one PTAT heifer in the breed, Our-Favorite Unlimited EX-92 comes Our-Favorite UNDENIED (007HO13730).  While not from a show pedigree, UNDENIED’s sire stack of Solomon x Atwood x Shottle is impressive.  Solomon daughters are catching the eyes of breeders around the world, and now his sons are getting lots of attention as well.  (Read more: Top Type Sires With the “WOW” Factor for the Tan Bark Trail).  When UNDENIED’S extreme stature, height at front end, chest width and body depth are combined with angularity, there are sure to be daughters gracing the show ring.  While not a production sire, he does offer strong components.

Scientific DRIVE

Scientific Decadent Rae-ET RC TV VG-88
MGGD of Drive

For those looking for something a little different on the type side there is Scientific DRIVE (200HO10805).  DRIVE is a Merrick x Doorman x Colt-P.  While many breeders may not be as familiar with Merrick, they will certainly recognize the female side of this cow family, tracing back to the Queen of the Breed Glenridge Citation Roxy herself. This is the same cow family that has produced Destry and Defiant, so there is certainly some credibility to its transmitting ability.  Look for Drive to sire extreme dairy strength with daughters that are extremely wide chested and tall, with deep bodies.  They should have insanely attached fore udders with high rear udders and good udder texture.  Much like Defiant, the question is whether DRIVE can sire extremely stylish shows cows or will he be better suited for producing consistent barn cows.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

In an era when it seems like there are new hot sires every week, it’s nice to see some consistency from proof round to proof round.  While there were not many headline-grabbing changes this round, sometimes that’s a good thing.

For complete lists of genetic evaluations from around the world go to Sire Proof Central

The LPI and Pro$ lists aren’t immune to the new beginnings that spring brings about. Two newly proven sires take the #1 positions for LPI and Pro$ this April. Comestar Lautrust (Sudan x Comestar Lautamai Man O Man) starts his proven career at #1 LPI and #3 Pro$ (tied #4 Milk, tied #5 Protein). For Pro$, it’s Mr OCD Dragonheart-ET (Epic x Planet) who takes the #1 position and is the highest of 20 Genervations Epic sons newly proven this round. Dragonheart also ranks #4 LPI and #3 Milk in the breed.

Three other sires secure positions among the Top 10 for both LPI and Pro$. Leading out this trio at #5 LPI and #5 Pro$ is newly proven De-Su Mgl Greenway 11396-ET (Mogul son out of Sully Planet Montana-ET), who also is tied for #5 Protein. Following closely behind are household name bulls, namely Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET (#6 for both LPI and Pro$) and the previous breed leader for both indexes, Mapel Wood Brewmaster, who now occupies #7 for both LPI and Pro$ while maintaining his hold on #1 Fat.

Other sires ranking among the Top 10 LPI this round include Gen-I-Beq Aikman*RDC  (Snowman x AltaBaxter), who moves up to #2 LPI (#20 Pro$) from #4 LPI last round, as well as Val-Bisson Doorman, who ranks #3 LPI and is tied at #2 Conformation (#110 Pro$). In addition  to Lautrust and Braveheart, it is impressive to see three other newly proven sires also enter the Top 10 LPI list this round. At #8 LPI is Gil-Gar Mogul Thoreau-ET (Mogul x Domain, #27 Pro$). Following at #9 and #10 LPI respectively are two bulls carrying the Stantons prefix: Stantons Camaro (#19 Pro$, Epic son out of Stantons Freddie Cameo) and Stantons Capital Gain (#17 Pro$, McCutchen son out of Ms Chassity Obs Claire-ET).

No stranger to the Top 10 Pro$ list, Seagull-Bay Sargeant (Freddie son out of Ammon- Peachey Shauna-ET) climbs to #2 Pro$ from #6 position last December (#2 Milk, #51 LPI). Newly proven Gen-I-Beq Aikosnow*RDC is a full brother to Aikman*RDC who debuts at #4 Pro$ (#14 LPI), #3 Fat and is tied at #2 Protein. This #2 rank for Protein is shared with De-Su 1277 Abacus-ET (Sudan x Super), who lands the #8 Pro$ position (#11 LPI) after receiving his first official proof. The Top 10 Pro$ list is completed by Silverridge Album (Epic son out of Velthuis SG MOM Alicia) at #9 (#13 LPI) and De-Su Gillespy-ET at #10 Pro$ (#23 LPI, 7 Milk).

New #1 Conformation Bull

More than 120 genomic young bulls receive their first official progeny proof this April. Outside of those previously mentioned, there are a few other noteworthy newcomers among the Top 25 for either LPI or Pro$. The highest of these for both indexes is Summerliz Living (Epic son out of Summerliz Man O Man Lausya) at #12 Pro$ and tied at #19 LPI, a position shared with another newly proven sire, De-Su MG Davinci 11288-ET (#36 Pro$, Mogul son out of De-Su 199-ET by Watson). Lepacha Manoa, who is an Epic son out of Val-Bisson M O M Mayanne with the same grand-dam as Doorman, enters the scene at #22 LPI and #65 Pro$. Ranking at #22 Pro$ (#82 LPI) is the newly proven Ro-Co AltaEiffel-ET (Snowman x Planet). Although just shy of making the list of Top 25 LPI sires, with his arrival in #26 position (#109 Pro$), Croteau Lesperron Unix (Numero Uno son out of Regan-ALH Domain Daya-ET) draws particular attention this round as he becomes the new breed leader at #1 Conformation with +17.

Three “Camaro” Daughters Achieve Top 10 Status for Both GLPI and Pro$

Similar to the top lists for bulls, a wave of newly indexed cows sweep the highest positions for GLPI and Pro$. In the spotlight for GLPI this round are newcomers Brabantdale Flame Veracious, who is a daughter of Vieuxsaule Flame that takes #1 GLPI spot (#4 Pro$, tied #6 Fat), and Ri-Val-Re Main Electra-ET, a daughter of Stantons Capital Gain, that arrives two LPI points back and grabs #2 spot for both GLPI and Pro$. The new breed leader at #1 Pro$ is Stantons Camaro Emulate-ET (#3 GLPI), who is the highest of three Stantons Camaro daughters that reach the Top 10 list for both GLPI and Pro$. The two others are the newcomer, Stantons Crimson-ET, at #3 Pro$ and #4 GLPI as well as the former #2 GLPI cow, Stantons Camaro Contact-ET, who now takes #5 GLPI and is tied at #10 Pro$ this round. Two more  newly indexed cows with impressive starts are Stantons Crazy 4 Camaro-ET, who is Crimson’s full sister that debuts at #7 GLPI, #19 Pro$ and #4 Fat, as well as Claynook Colita Bombero at #8 GLPI and tied at #10 Pro$.

The previously indexed Gillette Flame Melimelo maintains a stable GLPI but is forced down the list from #6 from #3 position (#81 Pro$) due to the influx of high ranking newly indexed cows this round. Finishing up the Top 10 GLPI are two granddaughters of Calbrett Planet Eve, both sired by Doorman and tied at #9 GLPI, namely Silverridge V Doorman Erupt (#120 Pro$) and Silverridge V Doorman Ensure (#93 Pro$).

For the Top 10 Pro$ this round, the list includes the former leader, Gillette Mogul Carrel, now  at #4 Pro$ (#13 GLPI) as well as Gillette SGO Mogul Merrill, who maintains her rank of #6 Pro$  and takes #15 GLPI. Stantons Gain Tejada, daughter of Stantons Capital Gain, takes a huge leap up the list from #67 to #7 Pro$ this April and also takes #28 GLPI. Finally, two other newly indexed cows make their mark by achieving Top 10 Pro$ status, namely Stantons Junior Event- ET (Main Event x Mogul) at #8 Pro$ (#15 GLPI) and Gillette Bombero Mango at #9 Pro$ (Bombero x Mogul, #70 GLPI).

Lesperron Aikman Sofia Red (Aikman*RDC x Dempsey) creates interest as a newly indexed cow this round that becomes the highest ranking R&W cow for both national indexes, taking #24 GLPI and #36 Pro$. Similarly, another newly indexed cow, IHG Mardi Sens 9017-ET*RDC  (Mardi Gras x Ladd P-Red), makes her mark as the highest ranking polled red carrier with 3130 GLPI and 2121 Pro$.

•  Bulls-Domestic
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
• Bulls-Foreign
  • Top MACE LPI
  • Top MACE Pro$
  • Top MACE Actively Marketed
• Bulls-Genomic Young Sires
  • Top GPA LPI Released in Canada
  • Top GPA Pro$ Released in Canada
• Cows
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
  • Top Cow Candidates for Genotyping by LPI (under 42 months)
• Heifers
  • Top Heifers by PA LPI – 9 months & older
  • Top Pro$ – 9 months & older
  • Top Calves by PA LPI – Under 9 months
  • Top Pro$ – Under 9 months
  • Top Heifer Candidates for Genotyping by PA LPI
• Top Herds by LPI
• Top Herds by Pro$
• Benchmark Averages

Check out more genetic evaluation results from around the world in Sire Proof Central

Let’s face it, it is a busy time of year and unless you are a genomics junky you just don’t have the time to go through all the lists of sires from all the different countries for all the different traits.  For that reason, we have created these cheat sheets of just the top list and news.

Proven Sires

Highlights

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• TPI
  • MONTROSS debuts as #1 Proven gTPI sire in the world
  • REFLECTOR debuts at #9 followed by Kingboy at #10 gTPI Proven Sires
  • 8 of the top 10 proven sires are from Select Sires
  • SOLOON drops slightly on production and goes from #1 to #3 proven gTPI sire
  • MORGAN moves up two places on the gTPI proven sires list from number #8 to #6, as a result of increases in his overall production and DPR scores
  • MUNITION goes from #5 proven gTPI sire to #24. With slight drops in his production and overall type values, the degree of his decline was a result of how close some of these top sires are.

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• NM$
  • CABRIOLET moves into the #1 NM$ position on the strength of a one point increase in his DPR
  • 6 of the top 10 Proven NM$ Sires are at Select Sires
  • ROOKIE moves up four spots to #4 NM$ proven sire on the strength of improved milk performance.
  • RENNIE drops three spots from #3 NM$ to #6 on a slight decrease in Fat and loss of 1 point in his PL. However, he did see increases in his conception rates.
  • RAINIER jumps six spots to #8, mostly on a slight increase in his production and how tight the sires are on the list, as he has only changed 36 NM$ points (712 to 748).
  • MAYFLOWER drops five spots to #9 with a decline of 22 NM$ stemming mostly from a decline in his fat production.

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• PTAT
  • Former #1 type sire from France, PJP FIRST, is the highest new release proven PTAT sire coming in at #4 (+3.47) (Read more: The Top 10 Holstein Sires of 2014 That Will Sire the Next World Dairy Expo Grand Champion)
  • Vision-Gen Shf MAXIMUS moves into the top 10 and is now tied for #7. He is an Atwood x Shottle x AltaFinley from the Rudolph Missy family.
  • BRADY drops slightly (0.11 PTAT points) and goes from #6 proven PTAT sire to #10.

Newly Proven Sires of Note

• Bacon-Hill MONTROSS
  007HO12165
  Bacon-Hill Montross-ET TY
  Mogul x Bolton x AltaRolex
  While he was released last round with just his genomic evaluation for type, this round sees MONTROSS top the official list as the highest proven sire in the world for TPI.  His dam, UNIQUE-STYLE BOLTON MONEY EX-91 DOM, has certainly become a popular bull mother, with 15 sons at five different AI units. MONTROSS significantly outperforms his December 2013 Genomic evaluation by 17% for production, while holding strong on his type traits.  MONTROSS is an extreme production sire at +2964 for milk and a combined 182 lbs of fat and protein combined. MONTROSS is also +2.36 PTAT with high productive life and average somatic cell scores. Montross daughters are easy calving, very calm and they milk relatively  MONTROSS has strong functional type but should be protected for straightness of rear legs and overall frame and capacity traits. However, as we have seen from research in the past, you don’t need extreme frame traits in order to achieve extreme lifetime production. (Read more: She Ain’t Pretty – She Just Milks That Way!).
• S-S-I Mogul REFLECTOR
  007HO12105
  Mogul x Super x Ramos
  From the same family that produced Bookem, REFLECTOR is an outcross sire that should get a lot of attention. Bred through the ART program at Select Sires that was designed to produce outcross sires, REFLECTOR is a great example of this.   At +6.1 for PL and over two points on type (+2.14 PTAT) and at +3.5 DPR and +2.77 SCS, REFLECTOR daughters are going to last. While show ring enthusiasts may not be quick to use REFLECTOR (height at front end, 0 for body depth), he will sire strong mammary systems and significant feet and leg improvement. Although his fat numbers are slightly lower than his initial genomic proof, he did significantly outperform his genomic indexes for DPR, HCR and CCR. Reflector first hit our radar over 14 months ago, when we featured him in our 12 Outcross Sires to Help Control Inbreeding.
• Morningview Mcc KINGBOY
  007HO12198
  Mccutchen x Super x Shottle
  This Mccutchen son is a very popular high-type sire out of a Superstition daughter of Morningview Shottle Madilyn, from the Morningview branch of the Lead Mae family. In June of 2016, he dethroned Mogul as the top sire of registered daughters for the month. (Read more: Kingboy dethrones Mogul).  KINGBOY will sire strong production though you may want to protect him on fat percentage, with strong type, mammary systems and dairy strength especially, you will want to protect him on rump angle (high pins).  He has solid health numbers though you may want to watch his livability. 
• Tranquillity Ac PRIDE
  147HO02442
  Robust x Boliver x Outside
  Pride is from the Ronelee Outside Dabble cow family that has produced such sires as Daddy, Distinctive and Detour.  While PRIDE did come in lower for production and type than his initial genomic proof would have indicated, he far outperformed expectations for his DPR and conception rates.  Look for PRIDE to sires strong component improvement (+.23 %F and +.04 %P).  Typical PRIDE daughters are fast milkers, easy calving and good temperament. He will need to be protected on his rumps especially loin strength and high pins.

Genomic Sires

For our analysis of genomic sires, instead of looking at all the sires on the list, we narrowed our list down to those sires that are over a year of age an, therefore, should have semen available to most breeders.

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Genomic Sires of Note:

• Progenesis FORTUNE
  Octoberfest x Tango x Epic
  200HO10672
  From the Cookiecutter Mom Hue VG-88 cow family that has produced such sires as Hunter, Hefty, and Hampton, FORTUNE is an early Octoberfest son that greatly exceeds his parent averages for conformation and health traits. While I would not expect him to sire extreme production, I do think his daughters will test extremely well and be long lived cows.  They will typically be extremely well uddered cows with high rear udders and well attached fore udders.  They should possess solid feet and legs that are straight. They should be tall and wide chested but should be protected on body depth. FORTUNE should also be protected on milking speed. His daughters should be extremely efficient milk producers.
• Butz-Hill DELTA-WORTH
  Delta x Supersire x Shamrock
  551HO03415
  Another high genomic sire that will catch a lot of attention is DELTA-WORTH. This sire has a very potent sire stack and should be on the list of next generation impact sires on. His extreme NM$ will make him a popular sire of sons, as he gets a significant DNA contribution from his paternal line. This is something that, in our analysis, has proven to be a strong predictor of future ability.  (Read more: Why Braedale Goldwyn Wasn’t a Great Sire of Sons).  Expect the typical DELTA-WORTH daughter to be a great producer with strong components. This should make him popular with those producers selling for cheese markets.  His daughters should last a long time in the herd, given his high PL, low SCS and high Cow Livability figures.  While, overall, they will score well for conformation, with the strong udder traits, he may not be the ideal robot sire as they are projected to have short, close rear teats that may make it harder for some robots.  Delta-Worth will need to be protected on his foot angle but should have good bone quality.  Daughters will not be tall deep bodied cows but should be extremely efficient milk producers.
• Silverridge V IMAX
  Altaspring x Mogul x Snowman
  200HO10619
  IMAX is from the Crockett-Acres Elita GMD DOM cow family that has produced such sires as Elite, Escalade, and Epic. IMAX is certainly a sire that should continue the family tradition of excellence.   He is over +2000 of milk and a combined +154 for fat and protein.  He ranks high for PL at +6.8 though is he is lower for Cow Livability at +0.9.  His daughters should have great udders, though they may not be ideal for robots with their short close rear teats. They should be average in size and fairly angular, with really good feet and legs.  IMAX should be a strong conception sire and be categorized as easy calving.
• Vieuxsaule WILSON
  Doorman x Atwood x Seaver
  007HO12921
  It’s no wonder WILSON excels in conformation, as he has Goldwyn on both his sire and dam sides of his pedigree. Add to that Bookem, Shottle, Allen and Atwood and you have one potent package. From the Vieuxsaule Allen Dragonfly cow family (Read more: VIEUX SAULE ALLEN DRAGONFLY: 2013 Canadian Cow of the Year Nominee) WILSON offers positive component improvement with productive life and low somatic cell scores. You will want to watch him on his DPR and milking speed.  A typical WILSON daughter should have extremely good mammary systems with loads of dairy strength, which is a staple of the Dragonfly family.  Expect him to sire extreme height with tall upstanding daughters that should be real eye catchers.  As with other family members, you will want to protect him on the slight straightness of his legs and overall rump angle (high pins).
• Woodcrest King DOC
  Kingboy x Mack x Snowman
  250HO12961
  Coming from the Scientific Debutante Rae-ET RC CV EX-92 GMD DOM cow family, DOC’s sire stack may not posses many “show sires”, however it does offer a nice balance of high type and strong production with solid health traits. A typical DOC daughter will be strong with a great udder and wide rump.  They will be extremely dairy with great angularity and amazing udder texture.  He will need to be protected on his high rump angle.
• Maverick CRUSH
  Doorman x Numero Uno x Atwood
  094HO17998
  If you are looking for high type and show winnings, then CRUSH should knock it out of the park. His 4^th dam is none other than the 2003 Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo, Pine-Shelter Cheyenne EX-95 DOM.  While, at the time she won Grand, her pedigree was seen as a weakness becaise her Emory dam was never classified and most thought she would never breed on. That situation has not proven to be the case at all.  In fact, she has bred extreme type for generations and now has many decendants topping the lists around the world, including the #2 available Conformation sire in Canada, Blondin Zimmer CAPTURE who is a Solomon brother to CRUSH. Expect the typical CRUSH daughter to be the complete conformation package.  They should have extremely well attached udders with good width and strong seams.  His legs should have decent quality with great heel depth and they should be tall upstanding heifers with lots of chest width and adequate depth.  While he is strong for most health traits, you will want to watch his milking speed as well as overall production.

Polled Sires

Over 1 year of age Click to enlarge

Polled Sires to Watch For

• Endco The ANSWER-PO PC
  Montross x Earnhardt P x Robust
  534HO00056
  Answer-PO is the #1 NM$ polled sire currently over a year of age. With his sire, Montross, coming out with a strong official proof, Answer-PO takes a significant jump to the top of the list. He comes from the Sully Planet Manitoba-ET GP-83 DOM family.  His grand dam Sully Planet Manitoba-ET GP-83 DOM is a sister to Meridian and the dam of AltaMerci.  Look for Answer-PO to sire significant production improvement with strong components especially fat improvement. His daughters should be easy calving with solid temperament and long lasting.  He is a solid type sire but will need to be protected on his teat length and body depth.
• OCD Eraser ZIPIT-P-ET PC
  Eraser P x Mogul x Super
  007HO12669
  From the Windsor-Manor Rud Zip family, ZIPIT-P’s dam, Landis-Mrk Mogul Zaneta-ET VG-86 DOM, is proving herself as a genomic dam, as she has already produced many high indexing progeny. Her great grand dam, Lynncrest Goldwyn Zenita-ET EX-91, has produced three EX daughters and 2 VG. Look for ZIPIT-P to sire strong production with positive components.  He offers significant improvement in the health and management areas, especially in productive life, daughter fertility and calving ease.  As an all-around strong performer, ZIPIT-P has good all-around conformation numbers, though he should be protected on his body depth.
• Dudoc STETSON-P
  200HO10716
  Superman x Mccutchen x Magna-P*RC BY
  STETSON-P’s pedigree reads like a who’s who of the sire world. Sires like Supersire, Robust, Oman, Baxter, Mccutchen, Bookem, Shottle and Bolton all appear on the maternal and paternal sides of his pedigree.   His sire, Superman, may not be well known to North American breeders, but he is a Supersire son from the WINDY-KNOLL-VIEW PROMIS EX-95-2E-USA GMD DOM 4* cow family. Superman excels in production, with strong health traits and okay conformation. Like his sire, you can expect significant production improvement as well as great health traits from Stetson-P.  A typical STETSON-P daughter should be a high tester, be easy calver and be disease resistant, all of which contributes to them being long lasting herd members.  He should also offer greater type improvement than his sire, with his daughters possessing good udders and strong feet and legs. You will want to protect him on his thurl placement.

For complete list of top sires go to Sire Proof Central

The December 2016 release includes the introduction of Metabolic Disease Resistance (MDR) evaluations for the Holstein, Ayrshire and Jersey breeds. In addition, new genetic parameters have been introduced for the fertility and calving traits and the formula for the Daughter Fertility index has been modified. These enhancements will result in somewhat more changes this round for the Daughter Fertility (DF), Calving Ability (CA) and Daughter Calving Ability (DCA) indexes.

First Proven “Epic” Sons Join Top Ranks for LPI and Pro$

Mapel Wood Brewmaster excels for many things, perhaps most of all for consistency as a #1 bull. This December, Brewmaster once again tops both the LPI and Pro$ lists while remaining breed leader at #1 Fat by a considerable margin. Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET also remains very strong for both indexes at #2 Pro$ and #3 LPI (#7 Fat) and Roylane Boxer Punch 4311-ET climbs the ranks from last round to now be tied at #8 Pro$ and reach #10 LPI. The big news this round, however, is the outstanding success of the first sons of Genervations Epic proven in Canada. In particular, Genervations Big Kahuna (out of Wiamy Kyana Bolton) hits the proven scene at #3 Pro$ and #5 LPI while Boldi VSG AirIntake (out of Velthuis SG MOM Alesia) debuts at #7 LPI and #20 Pro$ and Silverridge Album (out of Velthuis SG MOM Alicia, full sister to Alesia) arrives at #13 Pro$ and #20 LPI. Another impressive newly proven sire this round is Vieuxsaule Flame-ET (Numero Uno son out of Vieuxsaule Freddie Felicia), who lands at #8 LPI and #56 Pro$.

After adding over 700 daughters to his production proof, Val-Bisson Doorman gains over 140 LPI points, which bumps him from #9 to take the #2 LPI position (#79 Pro$) and he also maintains his status as the breed leader at #1 Conformation with +18. Another bull with a similar increase in LPI points, partially due to gains for all major type traits, is Gen-I-Beq Aikman*RDC, therefore jumping from #16 to #4 LPI (#25 Pro$, tied #9 Fat). Rounding out the Top 10 LPI list are Amighetti Numero Uno ET, up from #13 to #6 LPI (#46 Pro$) and AJDH AltaAgency at #9 LPI (#22 Pro$).

Many names familiar to the Top 10 Pro$ appear among this elite group again this December. De-Su AltaGilcrest moves up in rank securing the #4 Pro$ position (#34 LPI, tied #5 Protein), now ahead of Apina AltaEmbassy at #5 Pro$ (#57 LPI). Seagull-Bay Sargeant-ET remains stable and takes #6 Pro$ (#39 LPI, #3 Milk) and is still followed by Minnigan-Hills Day-ET, now at #7 Pro$ (#17 LPI). The Top 10 Pro$ list is completed by De-Su AltaMelhor-ET, who shares #8 position (#19 LPI) and De-Su Gillespy-ET at #10 Pro$ (#21 LPI, #7 Milk).

Variety of Sires of Sons Represented Among Newly Proven Sires

With more than 100 genomic young bulls receiving their first official proof, that are sons from over 25 different sires, this release reflects wide pedigree diversity. Outside of those previously mentioned, which include the three highest newly proven sires for either LPI or Pro$, there are six others of mention for ranking within the Top 40 for either LPI or Pro$. The highest of this group is De-Su 11236 Balisto-ET (Bookem x Watson) at #18 LPI and #24 Pro$ while becoming the new #1 for Protein. Another bull balanced for both indexes is S-S-I Mogul Medway-ET (Mogul x G W Atwood) at #34 Pro$ and #35 LPI, who also takes #2 for Fat. Two newcomers
ranking higher for LPI compared to Pro$ include Champion AltaBookel (Bookem x Man-O-Man) at #30 LPI (#61 Pro$) and Boldi V S G Anton at #36 LPI (tied #94 Pro$, full brother to AirIntake). On the flip side, two new arrivals of interest to Pro$ enthusiasts include another Epic son, Genervations Merger (out of Genervations MOM Lola), at #29 Pro$ (#75 LPI) and Ste Odile Silex (one of the first proven sons of Sudan, dam is Ste Odile Manoman Model Saphir) at #37 Pro$ (#62 LPI).

Four Newly Indexed Cows Penetrate the Top 10 Lists for GLPI and Pro$

Gillette Mogul Carrel manages to fend off the strong competition of an elite group of newly indexed cows this round and achieves the incredible by taking over #1 for both GLPI and Pro$ (tied #9 Fat). Two of these newly indexed cows make an impressive debut as Stantons Camaro Contact-ET takes #2 GLPI and #3 Pro$ while Stantons Camaro Abelynne takes #4 GLPI and shares #7 Pro$. The two other new cows that enter the Top 10 GLPI are Gillette Flame Melimelo (dam is Gillette SCO Mogul Mellow) at #3 GLPI (#41 Pro$) and Croteau Balisto Dazzle (dam is Lesperron Uno Dazz), who is tied at #6 GLPI (#82 Pro$). New Top 10 arrivals ranking high for Pro$ include Stantons Camaro Asyndria at #5 Pro$ (#91 GLPI), who is a full sister to Abelynne (dam is Jolicap Esmeralda Shamrock), and Boldi V Davinci Arianne at #10 Pro$ and #16 GLPI (dam is maternal sister to AirIntake and Anton).

Five other cows complete the Top 10 GLPI list including Stantons Camaro Crystal-ET (full sister to Contact) at #5 GLPI and #15 Pro$, Silverridge V Doorman Ensure (tied #6 GLPI, #85 Pro$), Snowbiz Brewmaster Swan*RDC (#8 GLPI, #17 Pro$), Stantons McCutchen 1174 Agree (#9 GLPI, #54 Pro$) and Silverridge V Doorman Erupt at #10 GLPI (#114 Pro$). Turning to the Top 10 Pro$ list, immediately following Gillette Mogel Carrel is Gillette Epic Jingle (Epic x Shottle) at #2 Pro$ (#71 GLPI). Taking #4 Pro$ is Geranette Alpha Mayflwr Melia (#27 GLPI) while Gillette SGO Mogul Merrill occupies #6 Pro$ this round and #19 GLPI. Two cows complete the Top 10 Pro$ list with Ri-Val-Re Num Uno Bee-ET sharing #7 Pro$ (#36 GLPI) and Silverridge Epic Comet taking the #9 Pro$ position (#21 GLPI).

Also of interest is the arrival of three newly indexed cows this round that end up in a three-way tie at #1 Conformation with +19. These include Dupotier Doorman Diademe, who is also tied at #14 GLPI, Brenland Doorman Desirable, who ranks #20 GLPI and J-A-Telford Atwood Amber.

Check out more December 2016 genetic evaluation results in Sire Proof Central. 

Saloon Surpasses Supersire

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For the second proof round in a row, SANDY-VALLEY SALOON (Altaiota x Planet x Bolton) increased both his production and conformation proofs and is now the number #1 TPI proven sire in the world, exceeding Supersire, who holds steady at number 2.  Saloon is the Altaiota son from the outstanding brood cow, Sandy-Valley Plane Sapphire TY VG-87 GMD, who’s Robust, son, SANDY-VALLEY STERLING is the number seven TPI sire in the world. Sapphire is out of an EX-92 Bolton from the Dellia family. So far Sapphire has 10 VG daughters sired by Robust (3), Uno (3), Mogul (2), and Iota (2). The Mogul daughters, Sunset and Summer, scored VG-88 and VG-87 on first classification and Sunset is now EX-91. Saloon has the bonus of being a little different bloodline to the Robust dominated top-list, as he is sired by O-Man son Altaiota. Saloon increased almost 200 points on Milk and .29 on his FLC this round and stands at 2749 for Milk and 2.84 for PTAT.  In fact, Saloon and Sterling are among the only top TPI sires that are over the magic 2,000 lbs for Milk and 2.00 PTAT. You will want to use Saloon on daughters who typically have low rump angle and correct thurl placement as he needs to be protected in this regard.

Munition debuts with guns blazing

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SULLY MUNITION (Robust x Planet x Shottle) debuts as the top newly proven sire at #5 on the top TPI list.  Munition is a Robust son from another prolific Planet daughter, Sully Planet Manitoba-ET GP-83 DOM.  Manitoba is also the dam of the popular proven sire, Meridian.  Manitoba is a daughter of Sully Shottle May-TW EX-90 DOM, who has produced such sons at McCutchen, AltaMeteor, and Mayfield.  With a double dose of Oman in his pedigree, it’s no surprise the Munition excels in health and reproduction and has the added bonus of being A2A2.  At +7.8 for Productive Life and +2.5 for DPR, Munition will deliver long-lived productive cows with a combined fat and protein over 100 lbs.  You will want to protect typical Munition daughters on their high pins and overall strength, chest width and body depth.

Multiply is the #2 new release sire

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The second highest new release proven sire is S-S-I MOGUL MULTIPLY (Mogul x Robust x Ramos) who debuts at #10 TPI sire.  From the ART program at Select Sires, which has also produced the number three TPI sire, S-S-I SNOWMAN MAYFLOWER, and the number nine TPI sire, S-S-I BOOKEM MORGAN, Mutliply may not be from as well known a pedigree. Unlike Mayflower and Morgan, who come from the well known Seagull-Bay Oman Mirror-ET VG-86 DOM cow family, Multiply is from Hurtgenlea O Meara-ET TR TV TL TD GP-84 GMD DOM who is probably best known for producing the Goldwyn son, Jamar, at Genex.  Similar to Munition, Multply also possesses a double dose of Oman in his pedigree and with that comes the outstanding Health and Fertility traits. At +7.5 Productive Life and over 2.0 on DPR, Multiply will produce trouble free long-lasting cows.  You will need to use Multiply on daughters that have low pins and some curve to their legs, as he tends to produce high-rumped straight legged daughters.

Noble brings cutting-edge genetic technology to the top Genomic Lists

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MR SPRING NOBLE-ET (Altaspring x Numero Uno x Robust), the number one genomic testing male for TPI in the world at +2913, has a fascinating story.  Not only is he the only sire to ever cross the +2900 TPI mark, but he is also a product of advanced technology in the genetics marketplace.  You see Noble’s dam, MS DELICIOUS NIGHTOUT 3-ETN is a clone of MS DELICIOUS NIGHTOUT the #1 GTPI cow in the world.  From the Windsor-Manor Rud Zip TV TL EX-95 3E GMD DOM cow family, Noble’s 2^nd dam is Miss OCD Robst Delicious-ET VG-87 DOM, who is well known for producing such genomic sires as Delta and Denver. Noble’s genomic tests are simply out of this world.  He is over 140 lbs for combined fat and protein and High Cow Liveability at +3.2. Cow Liveability is  CDCB’s new index for breeding long lasting cows (Read more: Cow Livability: Breeding for Cows That Stay in the Herd).  You may want to protect Noble daughters on their loin strength and body depth.

Modesty delivers early results

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For those that are looking for bulls with actual semen available, we look at the sires over one year of age, as opposed to calves that may still be wet in the hutches.  With that BACON-HILL PETY MODESTY (Pety x Supersire x Bolton) remains the top of the list.  Modesty is sired by Siemers Mogul Pety, a Mogul son whose pedigree traces through Explode to a Mac daughter of Welcome Goldwyn Penya. As such, Modesty combines the two heavy-hitter families of the Welcome herd into the one pedigree. With Mogul breeding on the sire’s side, Modesty traces back to Pasen Leadman Madam on both top and bottom sides of his pedigree. Modesty has been the most heavily used mating sire at Select in recent years.  His dam, Bacon-Hill Suprs Modesty-ET VG-85 DOM is a Supersire sister to the hugely popular Mogul sire of sons at Select, Bacon-Hill Montross.  In fact, Modesty has already started to prove himself as a sire of sons with many sons ranking in the top 10 genomic TPI sires.  Modesty excels in his extreme Fat, excellent udders, and high productive life.  You will want to protect him on his SCS, pin width and body depth.

Outlast is out at last

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For those of you that are looking for a more recently released genomic sire, there is Progenesis Outlast (Doorsopen x Altaoak x Robust).  From the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy-ET TV EX-92 3E GMD DOM cow family, Outlast’s 2^nd dam is the incredibly prolific Seagull-Bay Miss America-ET VG-87 DOM.   His sire, Ladys-Manor Doorsopen may not be well known to most, but he is a Doorman son from the Ladys-Manor Star Opal EX-94 3E DOM cow family. Doorsopen excels in his conformation and fat tests.  As one of the first sons to ring the bell for the Canadian Progenesis program, Outlast shines in his component production as well as strong type scores and solid health and fertility.  You will want to protect him on his body depth as well as his daughter pregnancy rate (DPR).

Polled is climbing

There are now seven polled sires that are within 10% of the top genomic test sire, Noble.  Leading the way is Pine-Tree Splendid-P (Alta1stclass x Supersire x Colt P-Red).  Splendid-P is from the Hickorymea Signif Ohio-P-ET PP EX-90 cow family that has produced so many top polled sires, including Ohare-P, Outfit-P and Oswald-P.  Former #1 Polled Sire, Peak Altamighty P-ET (Powerball-P x Supersire x Bookem), leads the way for the many Powerball sons at the top of the list.

All this hype and no type?

What would a proof day be without checking out the top type lists?  The top type sire over a year of age is Emilio, a French sire that is a Capital Gain x Yorick at +4.10.  For those looking for a pedigree in North America that they are more familiar with, there is Doorman son, Cycle Doorman Jacoby (Doorman x Gold Chip x Lion King RC ) who has maintained his status as the #1 North American Sire for PTAT over 1 year of age at +3.99 PTAT.  Taking over from the long time PTAT king Atwood, as the top proven sire for type, is Scientific B Defiant (Braxton x Goldwyn x Durham).  This red carrier Braxton son increased his PTAT to +3.80.

Check out the complete lists and evaluations from around the world in Sire Proof Central

Brewmaster: Master of LPI, Pro$ and Fat

Since first proven in April 2015, Mapel Wood Brewmaster has led the breed for both LPI and Fat. He adds to his list of credentials as an elite sire by regaining the #1 position for Pro$ this round. Four other bulls rank among the Top 10 for both LPI and Pro$, including two sires that took a nice jump up in rank for LPI. Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET (#8 Pro$) and AJDH AltaAgency (#9 Pro$) are the new #2 and #3 bulls for LPI, previously ranking #8 and #10, respectively. Minnigan-Hills Day-ET (#5 LPI, #6 Pro$) and OCD Stargazer-ET (#6 LPI, #4 Pro$) also hold  onto positions among the Top 10 for both national indexes.

After each adding hundreds of new daughters since April for both production and type, Coyne- Farms Dorcy-ET (#4 LPI, #17 Pro$) and De-Su Bkm McCutchen 1174-ET (#7 LPI, #83 Pro$) manage to penetrate the Top 10 LPI list this round. Dymentholm S Sympatico also remains among the Top 10 LPI (#6 LPI, #13 Pro$) along with Val-Bisson Doorman (#9 LPI, #174 Pro$) and Chartoise Smurf (#10 LPI, #12 Pro$), who drops from #1 LPI position last round but remains among the elite Top 10 group.

Looking at the Top 10 Pro$ list, following Brewmaster’s lead is newcomer Sully Munition-ET (Robust x Sully Planet Manitoba-ET) at #2 Pro$ (tied #10 Protein, #21 LPI), who also sires three of the Top 10 cows for Pro$. Apina AltaEmbassy (#3 Pro$, tied #80 LPI) and Seagull-Bay Sargeant-ET (#5 Pro$, #44 LPI) move up in rank for Pro$, allowing them to maintain positions among the Top 10 for this index. The second highest newly proven sire this round is De-Su AltaGilcrest-ET (AltaGreatest x Goldwyn), who debuts at #7 Pro$ and #4 Protein (tied #49 LPI), while Cangen Pinkman stays strong, now at #10 Pro$ and #11 LPI.

Interesting Arrivals Among Breed Leaders for LPI and Pro$

In total, 115 genomic young sires receive their first official progeny proof this August, including four sets of identical brothers. The highest newly proven bull for LPI is Sully McCord 269-ET grabbing #12 position (#15 Pro$), who is sired by Ladys-Manor RD Grafeeti-ET and is  a maternal brother to Munition as the highest newcomer for Pro$ in #2 spot (#21 LPI). A pair of identical brothers are the second highest newcomers for LPI as Gillette Mr Johnson and Gillette January (Snowman sons out of Gillette Goldwyn Jenny) share #17 LPI (#35 Pro$). Roylane Socra Robust ET sires three of the newly proven bulls ranked within the Top 40 LPI, despite not yet having an official proof himself. These include the aforementioned Sully Munition-ET (#21)  as well as De-Su RB Montreal 11043-ET at #26 LPI (#85 Pro$, dam is Sully Planet Montana-ET) and Co-Op Cabriolet-ET at #38 LPI (#41 Pro$, dam is Co-Op Planet Classy-ET). Alna Sevenday makes his debut at #29 LPI and #33 Pro$, making him the highest ranking son of Gerard (dam  is Gen-I-Beq Bolton Season.

In addition to Munition and AltaGilcrest as the highest ranking new arrivals for Pro$, nine other bulls achieve progeny proven status among the Top 35 rankings for Pro$. OCD Snowman Downtown-ET (Snowman x Planet) has an impressive start at #14 Pro$, #2 Protein and #5 Milk (#40 LPI) and is immediately followed by Sully McCord 269-ET at #15 Pro$ (#12 LPI). Taking

#23 Pro$ is Gen-Com Blizzard (Snowman x Shottle, #56 LPI), with two Freddie sons not far behind as Morningview Marcelon CRI-ET and Verkis Chevrolet debut at #28 and #31 Pro$, respectively. Other new arrivals among the Top 35 Pro$ are OConnors Busch (AltaIota out of Gen-I-Beq Shottle Bombi) at #32 Pro$ (#37 LPI) as well as the twins, Gillette Mr Johnson and Gillette January at #35 Pro$ (#17 LPI). A final noteworthy newcomer is Broeks Danton-ET (Snowman x Toystory), who becomes the new #1 Milk bull in the breed.

Three Newly Indexed Cows Enter Top 10 Rankings with Highest New LPI being Polled

The list of Top 10 cows for GLPI and Pro$ both include three new additions, including the polled, Dudoc McCutchen Rancune P (dam is Dudoc Magna Requiem P) who debuts tied at #4 GLPI alongside View-Home McC Found-ET. The next highest newly indexed cows for GLPI are Silverridge V McCut Entranced (McCutchen x Velthuis SG Snow Evening) and Stantons Camaro Crystal-ET (dam is Rockymountain Uno Cheyanne), who rank #6 and #7 GLPI, respectively. Stantons McCutchen 1174 Agree (dam is Stantons Observer Extreme) recaptures the #1 GLPI status she held a year ago, just five points ahead of Gillette Mogul Carrel (dam is Gillette Iota Carmen), who gains 109 points and climbs from #11 to #2 GLPI (tied #9 Fat). Although Snowbiz Brewmaster Swan*RDC experiences little change this round she is forced out of her previous #1 position into #3 GLPI spot. The Top 10 GLPI list is completed by Silverridge V McCut Elicia staying firm in #8 spot, Stantons Mogul Evaporater at #9 (up from #29 last round) and Elicia’s maternal sister, Silverridge V Munition Earwig in #10 GLPI (#8 Milk).

When looking at Pro$, however, it is Silverridge V Munition Earwig that maintains her position as breed leader in #1 position and it’s her full sister, Silverridge V Munition Evalyn, that now occupies #2 Pro$ (tied #9 Protein, #12 GLPI) making her the highest newly indexed cow for  Pro$ this round. The two other newly indexed cows that penetrate the Top 10 Pro$ list are Ste Odile Munition Elsa at #6 Pro$ (#44 GLPI, dam is Ste Odile Snowman Mod Emeraude) and Stantons Anton Classic at #8 Pro$ (#29 GLPI), who is one of 15 daughters of Stantons Freddie Cameo among the Top 1000 cows for Pro$ this round. Gillette Epic Jingle, Ri-Val-Re Num Uno Bee-ET and Gillette Mogul Carrel take positions 5 to 7 for Pro$ this round, in that order. The Top 10 Pro$ list is completed by Bofran Brewmaster Faby, staying firm in #7 position (tied #7 Fat), as well as Silverrridge Epic Comet (#9) and Woodcrest Mogul Anna-ET at #10 Pro$, up from #16 position.

Two other newly indexed cows the become chart toppers are Bluenose Dorcey Detroit (Dorcy x Planet), who reaches #2 Milk this round and Ulmar Doorman Elmie, who becomes tied at #2 Conformation with +18.

Check out the complete lists and evaluations from around the world in Sire Proof Central

Proofs are being released world-wide for the April 2016 run.  The Bullvine is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know.  Sire Proof Central provides you everything, what is new and who’s on top of the lists.  Seagull-Bay Supersire (2697 TPI) retains his Nr.1 gTPI position for the 4th consecutive run. Interesting changes amongst the top gTPI front-runners: Sandy-Valley Saloon (2618 TPI) moves up from his #12 spot last round to Nr.2, who is half-brother to Sterling now at Nr.3 (up from #4 last round), and newcomers Roylane Bob at Nr.4. Sully Munition at Nr 6 both debut in the top 10.

Brewmaster is Edged Out by Smurf at #1 Pro$ and Doorman Debuts at #2 LPI

Highly anticipated Val-Bisson Doorman starts his career as a proven sire in Canada at #2 LPI. For the first time since the release of Pro$ in August 2015, only five of the sires among the Top 10 lists for LPI and Pro$ are in common. What’s more, Doorman, the #2 bull for LPI, ranks #107 for Pro$. How is this possible? Beside the fact that LPI and Pro$ emphasize different traits, the correlation between LPI and Pro$ is 96%. While this seems high for a correlation between indexes, it can lead to substantial re-ranking among sires that are at the very high end. This may seem more noticeable in April compared to past proof releases simply because such a high profile sire like Doorman ranks so differently for the two national indexes.

Continuing his #1 reign for LPI but falling to #2 for Pro$ is Mapel Wood Brewmaster (#1 Fat) followed in rank by the aforementioned Doorman who becomes the new #1 Conformation bull at +19. Chartoise Smurf (#2 Protein) steals the #1 position on the Pro$ list from Brewmaster this round and also ranks well for LPI in #3 spot. No strangers to the Top 10 for either index, Minnigan-Hills Day-ET and OCD Stargazer-ET take spots #4 and #5 for LPI and #5 and #3 for Pro$, respectively. Dymentholm S Sympatico jumps from #25 LPI to land tied at #6 this round as well as #10 Pro$, and is the fifth and final bull to rank among the Top 10 for both indexes.

Rosylane-LLC AltaLeo-ET (tied #6 LPI, #12 Pro$), Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET (#8 LPI from #16 last round, #13 Pro$) and Amighetti Numero Uno ET (#9 LPI, #28 Pro$) all rank among the new Top 10 LPI. The second highest newly proven bull for both LPI and Pro$, is AJDH AltaAgency (Dorcy x Shottle) taking #10 LPI and #11 Pro$ this April.

The highest newly proven bull for Pro$ is awarded to Apina AltaEmbassy (Freddie x Planet), who ranks #4 Pro$ (#70 LPI). Sandy-Valley Saloon-ET adds nearly 250 daughters to his production proof and 300 classified daughters and, as a result, he increases from #12 to #6 Pro$ (#11 LPI) and becomes the new #1 for Protein. Cangen Pinkman is next in line at #7 Pro$ (#12 LPI), followed by maternal brothers out of Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET, Seagull-Bay Sargeant-ET (#8 Pro$, #28 LPI) and Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET (#9 Pro$, #27 LPI).

New Breed Leaders for Milk, Conformation and an Abundance of other New Releases

Two newly proven identical brothers become the new breed leaders tied at #1 Milk (#28 Pro$, #45 LPI and #6 Protein). Comestar Lauman and Comestar Lausmart are Snowman sons out of Comestar Lautama Goldwyn. Since identical twins have the exact same DNA profile, these bulls share the same genetic evaluation. The top list for Conformation also sees two newly proven bulls take the top two positions. As previously mentioned, Doorman is the new #1 bull for Conformation at +19 and JK Eder-I Control (Snowman x Bolton, tied at #19 LPI) is the new #2 bull for Conformation at +18. These bulls bump Lirr Drew Dempsey down to #3 Conformation after a solid run at #1 spot.

This April, a total of 123 young sires graduate to proven status and 16 bulls initially proven outside of Canada receive their first official domestic LPI and Pro$. Impressively, 33 of the Top 100 LPI and 28 of the Top 100 Pro$ are newly proven bulls! Other newly proven sires who rank among the Top 25 LPI include: Gen-I-Beq Aikman (Snowman x Baxter, #14 LPI, tied #4 Fat), Sandy-Valley Mr Miami-ET (Bookem x Bolton, #16 LPI) and the aforementioned JK Eder-I Control who is tied with Gillette Jeep (Windbrook x Shottle) at #19 LPI. Other newly proven sires who rank among the Top 25 for Pro$ include Butz-Butler Shotglass-ET (Snowman x Shottle) at #21 Pro$ and De-Su Robust Madrid 1209-ET (Socrates x Planet) right behind at #22 Pro$.

Cows Ranking Among the Top 10 for Both GLPI & Pro$

• Silverridge V Munition Earwig maintains #1 for Pro$ but drops from her previous top position for GLPI to #4 this round (tied #10 Milk).
• Snowbiz Brewmaster Swan*RDC is the cow that edges out Earwig, jumping up the list from #4 GLPI to her current #1 position (#5 Pro$, tied #8 Fat ).
• Silverridge also produces a newly indexed cow that ranks high for both national indexes, namely Silverridge Epic Comet (#4 Pro$ and #10 GLPI), who is an Epic daughter out of JK Eder-I Snowman Cintia (full sister to newly proven Control at #19 LPI).

Newly Indexed Cows

In addition to the previously mentioned Silverridge Epic Comet, five new cows receive their first official index for both GLPI and Pro$ and rank among the Top 10 for either national index. These include three cows carrying the “Gillette” prefix as well as two carrying the “View-Home” prefix.

• Gillette Epic Jingle (Epic x Shottle) is the highest newly indexed cow for Pro$ in #2 position while Gillette Mogul Carrel (Mogul x AltaIota) debuts at #9 Pro$. Gillette Sleep All Day (Day x Beacon) debuts on the Top GLPI list in #7 spot.
•  View-Home Drman Wisconsin-ET (Doorman x Robust) and View-Home McC Found-ET(McCutchen x Robust) rank #6 and #9 for GLPI, respectively.

Other Noteworthy Chart Toppers

• Moving positions but remaining in the Top 10 for GLPI include: Stantons Mccutcheon 1174 Agree (#2 GLPI), Silverridge V Doorman Ensure (#3 GLPI), Stantons Uno Enya (#5 GLPI) and Silverridge V McCut Elicia (#8 GLPI).
• Changing rank for Pro$ but holding ground in the Top 10 include: Ri-Val-Re Num Uno Bee-ET (#3 Pro$), Stantons Supersire Eleyah (#6 Pro$), Bofran Brewmaster Faby (#7 Pro$, #7 Fat), Stantons Epic Carmel (#8 Pro$) and tied at #10 Pro$, Sully Robust 720-ET and Silverridge V Day Eternal.
• Alexerin Supersire 1338, daughter of Alexerin OMan 993, is a newly indexed cow this round that lands tied at #2 Protein and at #10 Fat.
• Walnutlawn Doorman Breanna and Mystique Doorman Cherry are two newly indexed cows this round that are tied amongst the group of seven at #1 Conformation with +18.  The highest ranking genotyped polled cow with an official GLPI is Dudoc Mccutcheon Regret P while the highest for Pro$ is Stantons Oak Bella.

Be sure to check out the Bullvine’s Sire Proof Central for Complete Evaluations from Around the World

Proofs are being released world-wide for the December 2015 run.  Sire Proof Central has had over 20,000 visits from around the world before lunch on proof day alone looking for the complete one-stop shop for everything you need to know.

USDA Proof Information

For the 3^rd consecutive proof run, the domineering US chart-topper is Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET (7HO11351) . He has now broken the +2700 GTPI threshold for proven sires and 151 TPI points over the #2 sire Seagull-Bay Headliner-ET (7HO11419), his full brother. Their dam, Ammon-Peachey Shauna-ET, is now classified EX-90 GMD DOM. Next dams include a VG-86 DOM Planet x VG-86 Shottle from the Wesswood-HC Rudy Missy family. Supersire’s highest son, Cogent Supershot (224HO2881), didn’t receive an official proof this run, but if he would have, he would have ranked #2 with a +2683 GTPI. Supershot has 10 sons all over +2700 including the #3 and #4 high ranking genomic young bulls – De-Su Supershot 13181-ET and DG Charley. The remaining top 10 sires remained unchanged besides the addition of newcomers S-S-I Bookem Morgan-ET (7HO11383) and Pine-Tree AltaOak-ET (11HO11202). Select Sires once again dominates the proven sire list controlling 8 of the top 10 spots.

• US High Ranking Genomic Young Bulls – December 2015
• High Ranking Sire Report PDF file (December 2015)
• Top 100 TPI International Bulls – December 2015
• Top 200 PTAT Sires December 2015
• Top 100 Polled Sires December 2015
• Top 100 R&W PTAT Sires December 2015
• High Ranking Genomic TPI Females – December 2015

Canadian Holstein Proof Information

• Holstein Highlights 
•  Bulls-Domestic
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
• Bulls-Foreign
  • Top MACE LPI
  • Top MACE Pro$
  • Top MACE Actively Marketed
• Bulls-Genomic Young Sires
  • Top GPA LPI Released in Canada
  • Top GPA Pro$ Released in Canada
• Cows
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
  • Top Cow Candidates for Genotyping by LPI (under 42 months)
• Heifers
  • Top Heifers by PA LPI – 9 months & older
  • Top Pro$ – 9 months & older
  • Top Calves by PA LPI – Under 9 months
  • Top Pro$ – Under 9 months
  • Top Heifer Candidates for Genotyping by PA LPI
• Top Herds by LPI
• Top Herds by Pro$
• Benchmark Averages

International

• GERMANY – B&W – Genomics – 12/15 
• GERMANY – B&W – Dtr Proven – 12/15
• GERMANY – R&W – Genomics – 12/15 
• GERMANY – R&W – Dtr proven – 12/15 
• GERMANY – B&W – International Dtr Proven – 12/15 
• GERMANY – R&W – International Dtr Proven – 12/15 
• ITALY – Genomics (Owned by Italian AI’s) – 12/15
• ITALY – Dtr Proven (Owned by Italian AI’s) 12/15 
• ITALY – International GPFT Genomic Bulls – 12/15
• NL – B&W – Genomics – 12/15 
• NL – R&W – Genomic – 12/15 
• NL – B&W – Dtr Proven – 12/15 
• NL – R&W – Dtr Proven – 12/15
• NL – B&W – Proven Bulls Interbull – 12/15 
• NL – R&W – Proven Bulls Interbull – 12/15 
• SPAIN – Genomic GICO Bulls Housed in Spain 11/15
• SPAIN – Dtr Proven Bulls Housed in Spain – 11/15
• SPAIN – International Dtr Proven Bulls – 11/15 
• SWITZERLAND – Genomic – 12/15 
• SWITZERLAND – Dtr proven – 12/
• UK – Unproven Young Genomic Bulls – 12/15 
• UK – PLI Dtr Proven (UK BRED) – 12/15 
• UK – PLI Dtr Proven (UK & INT) – 12/15 

For previous genetic evaluations go to Sire Proof Central

Securing the #1 position for LPI and Pro$ for the second round in a row is Mapel Wood Brewmaster (Garrett x Shottle) with the exact same LPI of 3199 and a Pro$ change of only $67. Brewmaster also maintains his dominance as the #1 bull in the breed for Fat while the breed welcomes several impressive newly proven sires. Ranking #4 for both national indexes, and highest newcomer, is Chartroise Smurf (#9 Milk, tied #9 Protein), who is among the first group of Snowman sons proven in Canada and out of Chartroise- I Planet Safron. A second newly proven sire that penetrates the Top 10 list for both LPI (tied #7) and Pro$ (#8) is Roylane Boxer Punch 4311-ET, who is a Boxer son out of the prolific Seagull-Bay OMan Mirror-ET and is therefore a maternal brother to Roylane Socra Robust-ET. Five other sires rank among the Top 10 for both LPI and Pro$. These include the full brother Freddie sons out of the well-known Ammon-Peachy Shauna-ET, namely Seagull-Bay Shaw-ET (#2 Pro$, #9 LPI, #1 Milk, #1 Protein) and Seagull-Bay Sargeant-ET (#3 Pro$, #10 LPI, #5 Milk). After adding over 130 daughters to his production proof and 120 classified daughters, Minnigan-Hills Day-ET (Super x Bolton) takes a significant jump up for both LPI and Pro$, now ranking #5 (from #27) and #10 (from #30), respectively. OCD Stargazer-ET (Super x Elegant, #6 LPI, #6 Pro$, #4 Milk) and Rosylane-LLC AltaLeo-ET (AltaMeteor x Nifty, tied #7 LPI, #9 Pro$) complete the list bulls ranking in the Top 10 for both national indexes.

Two sires that excel for LPI this round are De-Su McCutchen 1174-ET (Bookem son out of Sully Shottle May-TW) in #2 position (#19 Pro$), and Amighetti Numero Uno ET at #3 LPI (Man-O-Man x Shottle, #11 Pro$). From the other perspective, two sires perform stronger for Pro$ than LPI, including Cangen Pinkman at #4 Pro$ (Super x Baxter, #11 LPI) and the highly anticipated newly proven sire Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET at #7 Pro$ (#21 LPI, tied #6 Protein, #9 Fat), who is a Robust son and maternal brother to Shaw and Sargeant. Among the breed leaders in August, Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET loses ground and slips from #3 for both LPI and Pro$ to land in #20 and #16 spot this round, respectively.

Other newly proven bulls this round that reach Top 25 status for LPI or Pro$ include Sandy-Valley Saloon-ET at #12 LPI (AltaIota x Planet, #23 Pro$, #3 Protein), De-Su AltaLaker-ET at #13 LPI and #13 Pro$ (Bowser x Planet), Willem’s Hoeve W-H Rup at #12 Pro$ (Super x Goldwyn, #34 LPI), Wargo-Acres Merritte-ET at #17 LPI (Bookem x Bolton, #76 Pro$), Velthuis Alpine at #24 LPI (Snowman x Planet, #46 Pro$) and Dymentholm S Sympatico at #25 LPI (Snowman x Planet, #40 Pro$). This brings a total of eight newly proven bulls entering the Top 25 for LPI and six entering the Top 25 for Pro$.

Newly Indexed Cows from “Silverridge” Prefix Top Charts

Silverridge V Munition Earwig is the highest newly indexed cow, impressively claiming the #1 spot for both GLPI and Pro$ (#9 Milk). Five other cows rank among the Top 10 for GLPI and Pro$ this round. These include newly indexed red-carrier Snowbiz Uno Enya at #6 for both indexes, Ri-Val-Re Num Uno Bee-ET (newly indexed) at #2 Pro$ and #7 GLPI, Sully Numero Uno Maribel-ET (#7 GLPI, #8 Pro$) and Bofran Brewmaster Fab (#3 Pro$, #9 GLPI, #5 Fat).

Two other cows carrying the Silverridge prefix land in the Top 10 for GLPI after attaining official status this round. Silverridge V Doorman Ensure ranks #2 for GLPI (#22 Pro$, tied #8 Conformation), making her the highest GLPI daughter of Val-Bisson Doorman (#2 MACE LPI), while Silverridge V McCut Elicia ranks #5 for GLPI (#29 Pro$, tied #8 Conformation). Ensure, Elicia and the previously mentioned double chart-topper, Earwig, trace back to a common maternal grand dam, Calbrett Planet Eve. At #3 GLPI this round is the previous #1 cow, Stantons McCutchen 1174 Agree, who ranks #13 Pro$. Rounding out this illustrious group for GLPI is the well-known Ste Odile Manoman Model Saphir, who falls from #3 to #9 GLPI (#27 Pro$).

Four cows not yet mentioned rank among the Top 10 Pro$ this round. At #5 Pro$ is Sully Robust 720-ET (#12 GLPI), who is a maternal sister to Maribel (#7 GLPI, #8 Pro$). Newly indexed this round, Stantons Supersire Eleyah, takes #8 Pro$ and is tied at #9 Protein, while her herdmate, Stantons Epic Caramel, follows being tied at #9 Pro$ with another newly indexed cow, Monbriant Shaw Genes (#24 GLPI, tied #6 Protein). Also noteworthy is newly indexed Dudoc McCutchen Regret P, who is the highest ranking polled cow for GLPI tied in #66 position.

Canadian Reports and Lists

• Bulls-Domestic
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
• Bulls-Foreign
  • Top MACE LPI
  • Top MACE Pro$
  • Top MACE Actively Marketed
• Bulls-Genomic Young Sires
  • Top GPA LPI Released in Canada
  • Top GPA Pro$ Released in Canada
• Cows
  • Top LPI
  • Top Pro$
  • Top EBV Milk
  • Top EBV Fat
  • Top EBV Protein
  • Top EBV Conformation
  • Top Cow Candidates for Genotyping by LPI (under 42 months)
• Heifers
  • Top Heifers by PA LPI – 9 months & older
  • Top Pro$ – 9 months & older
  • Top Calves by PA LPI – Under 9 months
  • Top Pro$ – Under 9 months
  • Top Heifer Candidates for Genotyping by PA LPI
• Top Herds by LPI
• Top Herds by Pro$
• Benchmark Averages

Source: CDN

While some would say the switch to weekly genomic evaluations has taken the importance of the 3 time a year official releases, but with proven sire proofs only coming out with the three official releases and complete genomic lists coming out at the same time, there is still significant importance to these releases.  The August 2015 US genetic evaluations had no shortage of highlights, here are the most noteworthy.

Proven Sires

• Supersire shows why he is a once in a generation sire
  Seagull-Bay Supersire-ET TY , 007HO11351, Robust x Planet x Shottle
  While the magic cross of Robust x Planet has produced 5 of the top 6 proven sires in the US, there is no question that Supersire stands head and shoulders above the rest.  Since first proven sire evaluation last round, and from his genomic test promise Supersire has increased his already breed leading TPI by over 100 points to 2613.   He is also the #1 NM$ proven sire by over 100 points (over his sire Robust) and the #1 proven feed efficiency sire. (Read more: Seagull-Bay Supersire)
• Select Sires has the top 7 proven TPI sires and 8 of the top 10
  The genetic juggernaut that is the Select Sires Holstein program, continues to display its dominance in the proven TPI rankings. While market share demands that they need a significant portion of the top sires to fill demand this level of dominance is almost insane. Supersire at 1, Mogul at 2, Donatello at 3, Headliner at 4, Sterling at 5, Robust at 6, Mccutchen at 7 and Mixer at 10 is an awesome group that covers a broad spectrum. (Read more: STUD WARS EPISODE III – THE CONFLICT FOR CONTROL)
• Donatello debuts at #3 TPI & #3 NM$
  Mr OCD Robust Donatello-ET TY, 007HO11525, Robust x Planet x Elegant
  While the 2^nd Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is not due till 2016, Donatello is delivering early as the top new release sire this round.  His dam OCD Planet Danica-ET EX-93 DOM has proven herself as a genomic producing machine with many sons over 2300 gTPI and her daughter Miss OCD Robst Delicious-ET   VG-86 DOM producing three sons over 2700 gTPI.  Donatello evaluations exhibit that he is a very balanced sire.  With over 130 lbs. of combined fat and protein, 1.57 PTAT, and 6.93 PL, Donatello daughters will last a long while in your herd while producing strong component results.  Donatello will need to protected on his frame and chest width.
• Headliner catches everyone attention coming out at #4 TPI
  Seagull-Bay Headliner-ET TY, 007HO11419, Robust x Planet x Shottle
  While his full brother Supersire and half-brother Silver seem to get all the headlines, Headliner is certainly a sire that should catch everyone’s  This Robust from the recently fresh breeding machine, Ammon-Peachey Shauna-ET VG-87 GMD DOM has higher type numbers than his full brother, with stronger udder and feet and leg improvement.  (Read more: FROM FANTASY TO REALITY – TOP SIRES TO ADDRESS HERD CULLING PROBLEMS) Headliner will need to be protected on his SCS.
• Sterling is a pretty jewel debuting at #5 TPI
  Sandy-Valley Sterling-ET TY, 007HO11585, Robust x Planet x Bolton
  Proving that the Robust x Plant cross loves the TPI list, the exquisite jewel, Sandy-Valley Plane Sapphire TY VG-87 GMD delivers her Robust son to the top lists.  The Robust x Planet cross seems to produce very balanced sires, and Sterling is no different.  He has high production, functional type, and decent health traits.  He will need to be protected on his SCS as well as high pins.  Also concerning to me about Sterling is that so far he has only been able to produce a very limited number of sons and daughters that outperform their expected parent averages.
• No Changes in the Top PTAT Lists
  Atwood, Airlift, and Brady continue to be the top three proven sires for type. Though type breeders looking for production should look at Mccutchen, who has the highest NM$ of the top 10 proven PTAT sires with over 80 lbs. of combined fat and protein.  The much talked about Sully Hart Meridian debuts in the US at #11 at 2.87 PTAT slightly above his expected values.

Genomic Sires

• Modesty is always a desirable attribute when breeding top cattle
  Bacon-Hill Pety Modesty-ET TY 007HO12600, Pety x Supersire x Bolton
  Modesty is a Siemers Mogul Pety son from Bacon-Hill Suprs Modesty-ET VG-85.  There is nothing modest about his numbers though, at 158 lbs of combined fat and protein, over 2 points on all type composites, and +8.8 PL and +2.7 DPR. His numbers are off the charts.  He is also the #1 NM$ sire in the world at +1001. Though you may want to protect him on high SCS cows.  With a balanced contribution from both his parents, Modesty should be a sire that holds and delivers the next generation of breed leading
• A New Flagship for the ART Program at SSI
  S-S-I 1stClass Flagship-ET, 007HO13373, Alta1stClass x Supersire x Bookem
  Though semen will not be available for a little bit, Flagship is certainly a sire that will be in high demand. A product of the SSI breeding program at Select Sires, Flagship is a 3^rd generation in the program going back to Roylane Shot Mindy 2079-ET VG-86, the dam of such Select sires as Beachhead, Morgan, and Mystic. Flagship is 134 lbs of combined fat and protein, over 2 points on all type composites and high PL and low SCS, though he will need to be protected on his overall dairy strength, especially body depth.  While Flagships genomic values are higher than his already high parent average, I have concerns about his ability to be the next generation of impact sire as a significant portion of his genetics come from his maternal side, a fact that has proven in the past to be an indicator of sires who are not able to produce that next generation of impact sires.
• Return of the Jedi
  S-S-I Montross Jedi-ET, 507HO13250, Montross x Supersire x Bookem
  When it comes to the stud wars, it appears like the Select Empire also has the Jedi’s on their side, specifically S-S-I Montross Jedi. Another product of the ART program, Jedi is a Montross from a Robust that also goes back to Roylane Shot Mindy 2079-ET VG-86.  Though a little different genomic evaluation than Flagship, Jedi is 164 lbs of combined fat & protein, and over 2 points for PTAT and FLC but only 1.40 for UDC, specifically close teat placements and moderate udder cleft.  Similar to Flagship I have my concerns about Jedi’s ability to produce the next generation of impact sires, based on the portion of his genetics that come from his maternal side vs. sire side.
• Never hurts to have charisma
  Seagull-Bay Charismatic-ET TY, 513HO03092, Catalyst x Mogul x Robust
  A little charisma can go a long way and a lot of Charismatic could prove momentous in your breeding program.  Charismatic is a Stantons Catalyst (Shamrock x Freddie x Lucky Star) from the Sandy-Valley Plane Sapphire TY VG-87 GMD family, the dam of the #5 proven TPI sire Sterling. His 2^nd dam Sandy-Valley Robust Ruby-ET VG-87 is the dam of such high genomic sires as EDG Rubicon, EDG Mogul Ruger, and EDG Mogul Rowdy.  Look for Charismatic to deliver outstanding components with solid type and healthy long lived cows.  He will need protected on his close teat placement as well as udder cleft.  Charismatic should prove to be an impact sire as a significant portion of his genetics come from his sire.
• Byway moves ahead of Archrival for #1 gPTAT sire.
  Oh-River-Syc Byway-ET TR TY, 200HO10036, Meridian x Atwood x Shottle
  As a result of Meridian moving up in his PTAT scores, Byway moves up to the #1 genomic PTAT sire available in the world. Expect Byway to deliver outstanding type improvement, especially his mammary systems where his udder texture and median suspensory should be outstanding. Like most high type sires he will need to be protected on his pins rumps and thurl location.  Byway should deliver show winning daughters with a stature score of +15 in Canada, although he should be protected for body depth, by show standards.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There are also some trends that breeders should be keeping not of.  Specifically the fact that Robust x Planet has proven to be a magic cross, but with so many top sires having these bulls in their pedigrees, inbreeding is going to be a significant issue going forward.

It was certainly a banner day for Select Sires in the US Holstein Genetic evaluations with eight of the top 10 proven sires, and five of the top ten genomic sires over 10 months of age.  While there certainly not that same hype around official release dates as there was 10 years ago, there certainly is significant importance to the official release dates, due to the introduction of genomics.  Also thanks to the introduction of genomics we don’t see the significant changes in proven sires rankings as we once did.  Stability and predictability are great for the dairy breeding industry.

USDA Proof Information

• Top 200 TPI Bulls – High Ranking Sire Report
• Top 200 NM$ Proven Sires August 2015
• Top 200 Genomic Bulls
• Top 200 NM$ Genomic Sires
• Top 200 PTAT Sires
• Top 200 Proven PTAT Sires August 2015
• Top 100 Polled gTPI Sires – August 2015
• High Ranking Genomic Females – August 2015

Cheers to Pro$, an updated LPI and to “Brewmaster” topping them both!

For the first time, Canadian producers will be able to use one of two national indexes, each tailored to different goals, to help make their selection decisions. The updated LPI (Lifetime Performance index) was designed to produce a balanced response for Production, Durability and Health & Fertility, with weights of 40%, 40% and 20% on these components, respectively. The new selection index, Pro$, is a tool designed for herds with a main goal of profit from milk sales. Pro$ maximizes genetic response for profitability over several lactations, leading to realized daughter profit on farm. Some bulls will be in common among the top lists for each index, while others may rank better for one index than the other. Of the Top 10 bulls for LPI and the Top 10 for Pro$, there are six in common for this first release of Pro$.

This August, not only does Mapel Wood Brewmaster (Garret son out of Gen-I-Beq Shottle Bombi) hang onto his #1 position for LPI, he also tops the chart for Pro$ and maintains #1 Fat. Two other bulls that rank extremely well for both LPI and Pro$ are Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul (Dorcy x Marsh) and Amighetti Numero Uno ET (Man-O-Man x Shottle). Both of these bulls tripled the number of classified daughters in their type proofs, and as a result, their Conformation proofs increased significantly since April. Mogul took a jump up four points for Conformation to +12 and takes the #3 position for both LPI and Pro$. Numero Uno gained over 250 LPI points since April, now ranking him #2 for LPI (#4 Pro$). Receiving his first official proof this round as the highest young sire graduate for Pro$ at #2, Seagull-Bay Sargeant-ET (Freddie son out of Ammon-Peachey Shauna-ET, by Planet) also ranks very well for LPI in #6 position (#3 Milk, tied #4 Protein). The final two bulls that rank among the Top 10 for both indexes are De-Su Gillespy-ET (Bolton x Shottle, #6 Pro$, #8 LPI) and De-Su Bkm McCutchen 1174-ET (among the first two Bookem sons proven in Canada, dam is Sully Shottle May-TW), who is the highest newly proven sire for LPI this round at #4, the third highest newcomer for Pro$ in #10 spot and is tied at #7  conformation with +15.

Marbri Facebook (Man-O-Man x Airraid, #5 LPI, #11 Pro$), Pellerat Planet Lego (Planet x Goldwyn, #7 LPI, tied #21 Pro$), OCD Stargazer (Super x Elegant, #9 LPI, tied #13 Pro$) and Sildahl Jett Air-ET (AltaBaxter x BW Marshall, #10 LPI, #18 Pro$) are the remaining sires among the Top 10 LPI this round. Seagull-Bay Shaw-ET (Freddie x Planet, full brother to Sargeant), debuts with his first official proof at #5 Pro$ (#16 LPI, tied #1 Milk, #2 Protein) making him the second highest newcomer for Pro$. Familiar names among the Top 10 for Pro$ include Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie (O Man x Die Hard, #7 Pro$, tied #42 LPI), Cangen Pinkman (Super x AltaBaxter, #8 Pro$, #19 LPI) and Mainstream Manifold (O Man x BW Marshall, #9 Pro$, #41 LPI). Manifold now has over 8000 daughters in his production proof – more than double the number of daughters of all the other Top 10 Pro$ sires combined!

Dulet Kingdom (AltaIota x Bonair, #13 LPI), Sully Hart Meridian-ET (Domain x Planet, #18 LPI), and Rosy-Lane AltaLeo-ET (AltaMeteor x Nifty, #25 LPI) all fare well on the top list for LPI as newcomers this August. Likewise, De-Su Freddie Denim 646-ET (Freddie x Wizard, #17 Pro$), Stantons Pilgrim (Freddie x Shottle, tied #21 Pro$) and again, Rosy-Lane AltaLeo (tied #21 Pro$), graduate with their first official proof among the Top 25 for Pro$. In general, among the 126 sires to first achieve official proof status this round, 27 land among the Top 100 LPI while 30 penetrate the Top 100 Pro$ list this round.

“Stantons” Cows Lead both GLPI and Pro$ Lists

Impressively, the Top 10 lists for both GLPI and Pro$ are headed by two different cows carrying the “Stantons” prefix. Stantons McCutchen 1174 Agree (dam is Stantons Observer Extreme) comes in at #1 GLPI, making her the highest newly index cow for GLPI this round, and she also debuts at #4 Pro$. Stantons Uno Enya takes the honour of being the first #1 Pro$ cow (dam is Stantons Super Elda), who also takes a big jump up the GLPI list from #24 to #2 position. Two other cows rank among the Top 10 for both GLPI and Pro$ this round, namely Velthuis Supersonic Alyssa (tied for #5 Pro$, tied for #9 GLPI) and Bofran Brewmaster Faby who receives her first official index and takes #9 spot for both GLPI and Pro$.

When looking at the breed leaders of GLPI, Ste Odile Manoman Model Saphir is forced into #3 GLPI position (#30 Pro$) after holding on tight at #1 GLPI for an amazing five consecutive rounds. Snowbiz N Uno Lena (first daughter of Freurehaven FGS Lucy) and Rockymountain Uno Cheyanne (dam is Larcrest Chevelle-ET) each receive their first official indexes this round with an impressive start at #4 (#11 Pro$) and #8 GLPI (#24 Pro$), respectively. Other veteran cows among Top 10 GLPI that maintain this elite status include Maryclerc Snowman Crystal (#5 GLPI, tied #12 Pro$, dam is R-Z Baxter Caramel-ET), Velthuis S G Snow Evening (#6 GLPI, #16 Pro$, dam is Calbrett Planet Eve) and Sully Numero Uno Maribel-ET at #7 GLPI (#21 Pro$), who is a maternal sister to newly proven Sully Hart Meridian-ET at #18 LPI (dam is Sully Planet Manitoba-ET).

For the Top 10 Pro$ list, following Stantons Uno Enya at #1 is Sully Robust 720-ET in #2 spot, who is maternal sister to Maribel and Meridian mentioned above. A maternal sister to Enya, namely Stantons Supersire Envelope, is the highest ranking cow for Pro$ among those reaching official status this round, arriving in #3 position. In addition to Stantons Supersire Envelope and the previously mentioned cows, Stantons McCutchen 1174 Agree (#4 Pro$) and Bofran Brewmaster Faby (#9 Pro$), three other newly indexed cows this round infiltrate the Top 10 Pro$ list, including Silverridge Supersire Elated (tied #5 Pro$), Stantons Mogul Eloise (#7 Pro$, maternal sister to Enya and Envelope), Alexerin Supersire 1343 (#8 Pro$, dam is Alexerin OMan 993), while Snowbiz N Uno Lena (#4 GLPI) just misses the cut at #11 Pro$. The Top 10 Pro$ list is rounded out by a fifth cow with the “Stantons” prefix, namely Stantons Epic Caramel at #10 Pro$ (dam is Stantons Freddie Cameo, tied at #12 Pro$).

Also noteworthy are two cows that reach official status this round and become new breed leaders for Milk and Protein. Domicole CVF Seashell is newly indexed this round at #1 Milk with 3179 kg and is a daughter of Sandy-Valley Saloon-ET out of Domicole Baxter Shellane. Also impressive is the arrival of Alexerin Supersire 1334 as the new breed leader for Protein with 99 kg, who is one of several outstanding daughters of Alexerin OMan 993.

• Top LPI Bulls
• Top Pro$
• Top MACE LPI bulls
• Top Bulls by Type
• Top LPI Cows
• Top GPA LPI Heifers (Under 9 Months)
• Top GPA LPI Heifers (Over 9 Months)
• Top Pro$ – Under 9 months
• Top GLPI Genomic bulls

I have often wondered why the rump in dairy animal conformation evaluation gets undue emphasis compared to the 5 % to 10% weight assigned to it on dairy cow scorecards. After years of listening to the reasons of show judges for cow classes I have determined that udder gets the most mention but coming in second during reasons is rump. Ahead of feet and legs (15% to 28% weight) and frame/capacity/dairy character (combined 20% to 40% weight). So what gives and is this added emphasis given to rump correct?

What’s Considered Ideal?

The 2009 Dairy Cow Unified Scorecard describes the ideal as follows: “Rump (5 points): Should be long and wide throughout. Pin Bones should be slightly lower than hip bones with adequate width between the pins. Thurls should be wide apart. The vulva should be nearly vertical, and the anus should not be recessed. The tail head should set slightly above and neatly between pin bones with freedom from coarseness.”

Holstein Canada’s type classification program describes the ideal as: “Rump (10%) – Ideal qualities: 1) well-sloped, wide and strongly anchored to back/vertebrae; 2) impacts position of reproductive tract to be held high within abdominal cavity; 3)improved fertility; and 4) better calving ease & healthy recovery following calving.

It’s What is Inside that Counts.

As referred to in the Holstein Canada’s type classification program description, it is what cannot be seen below the skin, not the outward appearance of the rump that is important. It is especially important for first calvers as all breeders know so well. In time, the size of the birthing canal of young Holstein females will be critical as age at first calving is reduced to eighteen or less months of age.

So where breeders, show judges and classifiers once thought in terms of what they saw, they need to think in terms of what cannot be seen about the rump that affects reproduction and birthing. The flat, boxcar Holstein rumps of the past no longer cut it. Additionally high or low pins may create problems as they were once thought to.

Why the Over Emphasis on Rump?

When I ask breeders about why they place more than 10% emphasis on rump, they comment that they do it because of tradition, because at eye level at the business end of the cow there is the rump and because there is a limited understanding of what makes for a rump structure that is conducive to problem free calvings.

What would it take for the industry to re-think rumps in the show ring and the barn?

It needs to be recognized that progressive breeders no longer see large calves at birth as a must have. This, therefore, reduces that need for emphasis on rumps. That change has helped both the dams (quicker recovery after calving) and the calves (less stress at birth).  Heifer killers need to be eliminated from all breeding programs.

Calving Ease Indexes are a Great Help

Breeders supplying information on all calvings has contributed in a major way in identifying sires and bloodlines that are below average for direct calving ease and maternal calving ease.

In researching for the Bullvine article “She Ain’t Pretty, She Just Milks That Way”, we found that positively rated sires for maternal calving ease are more apt to have daughters that have long careers in herds.

Possible Steps Going Forward

The Bullvine recommends the following:

• Breeders continue to eliminate from their breeding programs sires negatively rated for calving ease and maternal calving ease,
• Breed associations continue to publish genetic indexes for descriptive traits for rumps but not publish an overall rating for rump as it contributes to the over-emphasis.
• More definitive research be done of the best shape and size of birthing canal,
• Since most frame traits are moderate to high for heritability, bull dams should be measured and reported for the size/shape of their birthing canal, and
• The approved emphasis for rumps must be applied by classifiers and show judges

The Bullvine Bottom Line

In short, the reason rump may be significant because of its role in ‘getting the cows in calf and getting the calf out’. It does not require beauty to do that. It’s about utility when it comes to the rump. Why should breeders emphasize rumps at the expense of other body parts known to have more influence on profit?

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Five Newly Proven Sires in the Top 10 LPI, including a New #1!

A large number of newly proven bulls enter the scene this April release. Of the Top 10 bulls for LPI, five are new this round. In addition, an amazing 21 of the Top 50 bulls are newcomers, showcasing the high genetic caliber and quick turnover of chart topping sires in this day and age of genomics. Securing #1 LPI and #1 Fat is newly proven Mapel Wood Brewmaster (Garrett son out of Gen-I-Beq Shottle Bombi). Former #5 LPI, Va-Early-Dawn Sudan CRI-ET (Jammer x Sailor), added over 270 daughters to his production proof since December and increased 184 LPI points, moving him to #2 LPI this round. Marbri Facebook (Man-O-Man x Airraid) also added several hundred daughters to his production proof and, although his LPI remained very stable, he slipped from #1 to #3 LPI. Petherton Density (Man-O-Man x Goldwyn) is the second highest new release bull this April, coming in at #4 LPI, who is followed closely at #5 LPI by the December-proven Pellerat Planet Lego (Planet x Goldwyn). Already proven in the United States, De-Su Fork-ET (Bolton x Shottle) comes in at #6 LPI for his first official Canadian proof. De-Su Gillespy-ET (Bolton x Shottle) only loses 12 LPI points but drops in rank from #2 to #7 LPI this round. Also no stranger to the Top LPI list, Mainstream Manifold (O Man x BW Marshall) added over 650 daughters to his production proof since December and gained 38 LPI points, but slipped to #8 position. Mel-Crest AltaRazor (AltaBaxter x Goldwyn) experienced a similar outcome due to the strength of high ranking new arrivals, moving from #3 to #9 LPI while only changing 8 points. Two other bulls with their first official LPI land tied at #10 LPI, namely Cangen Pinkman, who is one of the first Super sons proven in Canada (dam is KHW-I Aikame Baxter) and Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET (Dorcy x Marsh), who now progeny proven after being a popular genomic young bull with over 1,100 registered daughters already born in Canada.

A Huge Influx of High Ranking Newly Proven sires

This round sees 112 young sires graduate to proven status as well as a first domestic LPI for 17 sires initially progeny proven outside of Canada. Man-O-Man sired 31 of the newly proven bulls in Canada this round, for a current total of 57 sons averaging 2760 LPI, of which 22 are among the Top 100. Charlesdale Superstition-ET (i.e.: Super) had his first wave of 11 newly proven bulls this April, a notable seven of which are among the Top 100 LPI. Schillview Garrett (O Man x Mtoto) had his first three sons receive official proofs in Canada this April, two of which landed in the Top 100, including the previously mentioned new #1 LPI sire, Mapel Wood Brewmaster. Beyond the five new entrants into the Top 10 LPI mentioned previously, the Top 50 LPI list acquires 16 additional newly proven sires, the highest of which is OCD Stargazer-ET (Super x Elegant) who ranks #12 LPI and is tied for #6 Milk. Red-Oak-DB Baxter Bill-ET (AltaBaxter x O Man) is the next highest newcomer at #14 LPI after already reaching proven status in the United States. Following in line are two highly anticipated genomic young bulls that receive their first official progeny proof this round, namely Misty Springs Supersonic (Super x Shottle) at #16 and Amighetti Numero Uno ET (Man-O-Man x Shottle) at #17 LPI. Three additional newcomers reach the Top 25 LPI list, including Cabon Fernand (#19 LPI, Man-O-Man son out of the wellknown French dam, Danoise, by Bolton), Regancrest Beau-ET (#22 LPI, Man-O-Man x Goldwyn) and Dirt-Road Mano Clemente-ET at #24 LPI (Man-O-Man x Goldwyn).

In terms of active sires that realize a significant drop this round, Regancrest-GV S Bradnick-ET (Sanchez x Shottle) loses 271 LPI points due to decreases for both production and type while Uecker Ramos Jock-ET (Ramos x O Man) drops 244 LPI points mainly due to changes in his production proof. On the up side, Gen-I-Beq Lavaman adds over 400 daughters to his production proof since December and boosts 253 LPI points, catapulting him from #79 to #15 LPI this April. Another bull to experience a large change upwards while adding several hundred daughters is Siemers Toy Hero 9710-ET, who climbs to #18 from his December rank of #44 LPI. Glaudale Bruno (Man-O-Man x AltaBaxter) also experiences an interesting gain of 213 LPI points and jumps from #87 to take #27 LPI this round.

Newly Indexed Numero Uno Daughter Ranks Among Top 10 for GLPI

Ste Odile Man-O-Man Model Saphire maintains her position at #1 GLPI for an impressive sixth consecutive proof release. Since debuting with an official index this past December, Sully Robust 720-ET has hung on at #2 GLPI and #1 Protein. One of her maternal sisters, however, is the highest newly indexed cow this April at #10 GLPI, namely Sully Numero Uno Maribel-ET, while another maternal sister, Sully Hartford Snwmn 282-ET, takes #13 GLPI. Ste Odile Sudan Model Venus (daughter of Saphire) increases 103 LPI points to take #3 GLPI, up from #8 last round, and is tied for both #4 Fat and #10 Protein in the breed. Saphire also has two other high ranking daughters, namely Ste Odile Moon Model Luna at #13 GLPI and Ste Odile Chap Model Cassiopee at #14 GLPI, who is the second highest newly indexed cow this round. Maryclerc Snowman Crystal increases 54 LPI points to rank #4 GLPI, up from #12 in December. Velthius Supersonic Alyssa loses 41 LPI points but maintains her rank of #5 GLPI, while Leothe Sudan Differante takes a leap up the list from her previous position at #19 GLPI, landing in #6 position. Ste Odile Manifold Model Jade (maternal sister to Saphire) maintains a stable GLPI but increases from #11 to #8 spot and is tied at #9 Fat. The third Sudan daughter among the Top 10 GLPI is Fleury Sudan Mon BB, who rises 109 LPI points since December, shooting her up the list from position #43 to her current rank of #9 GLPI and #2 Fat.

For complete April 2015 Genetic Evaluation Highlights from Around the World Click Here

These days, if you use AI sires as opposed to natural service, it’s practically impossible not to make genetic progress. The bulls offered by AI companies are of such caliber that for the most part, genetic progress heads in one direction – upwards! However, the rate at which a herd makes progress is highly variable.

To reveal the different rates at which herds are making genetic progress, CDN examined a dataset including cows with an official LPI that were born in either 2001, 2006 or 2011. Using these birth years gave the opportunity to analyze the rate of genetic progress in each herd across five and ten year periods. Herds included in the analysis were restricted to those that had at least 10 cows with an official LPI in each of the three birth years. In total, the analysis involved approximately 193,700 cows from nearly 2,500 herds across Canada. The Fast, the Average and the Slow Progressers Herds were grouped into ten groups (i.e.: deciles) based on the annual rate of genetic progress achieved for LPI over the five year period based on cows born in 2011 versus 2006. Annual rates of genetic progress were graphed for this five year period, as well as for the ten year period (i.e.: cows born in 2011 versus 2001), as shown in Figure 1. The average herd has experienced a faster rate of genetic gain over the most recent five year period compared to the ten year period. This is surely, due to genomics to some degree, which has increased the rate of genetic progress in the breed. During the ten year period, the top 10% of herds made around 20 points more progress per year than average herds. During the five year period this doubled, with the herds in the top 10% making 40 LPI points more progress per year compared to herds with the average rate of LPI progress.

Female genomic testing was used twice as much in herds in the top 10% compared to in average herds (12% versus 6%). It’s likely that owners of the top herds genomic tested more animals because they realize the importance of genetic selection and may be involved with marketing genetics. Nonetheless, female genomic testing is a tool used to accelerate genetic progress, and increased uptake by herds in the top 10% speaks to the willingness of these herd owners to seek out and utilize such tools to their advantage.

Figure 2 groups herds the same way as Figure 1, but shows progress for EBV Milk over five and ten year periods. Once again, it is clear that there are certain herds making much faster genetic progress for this trait, and that the annual progress achieved in these herds in the most recent five year period far exceeds that achieved over the ten year period. Also noteworthy is the fact that in both Figures 1 and 2, herds in the bottom deciles made more progress per year for LPI and EBV Milk over the ten year period than the five year period, meaning that the annual rate of progress has been slowing down so these herds are falling more and more behind.

Annual Progress for Key Traits Table 1 shows the annual genetic gain for key traits in an average herd, as well as the average progress per year experienced by herds in the top and bottom 10%. Only LPI and its three components as well as production yields and Conformation are included since rates of genetic progress for functional traits are quite slow in most herds with little difference across herds.

The average herd makes approximately 70 LPI points of progress per year while a herd in the top 10% or bottom 10% would make approximately 40 points more or 40 points less gain per year, respectively. By looking at the LPI components, it is clear that most of the annual rate of gain in LPI comes from progress for Production and Durability. For the Health and Fertility, however, the average herd in Canada has virtually made no genetic progress for this component while the best herds have achieved an average gain of one point per year during the past five years. The poorest herds for rate of progress for LPI actually lost ground for Health and Fertility at an average rate of nearly two points per year.

Genetic progress for production traits is variable from herd to herd, with the average herd gaining 77 kg EBV Milk per year while the top 10% of herds for LPI gain achieve EBV Milk gains of nearly 140 kg EBV Milk. Progress for herds in the bottom 10% is only 19 kg EBV Milk, annually. These extreme genetic differences surely translate into considerable production differences among herds, which translates to poorer profitability.

In terms of Conformation, the average herd makes 0.8 EBV points of progress annually. Interestingly, even herds in the bottom 10% for LPI gain make 0.6 EBV points of progress for Conformation each year. This shows that significant progress is made for Conformation, even if progress for LPI is minimal.   Summary Your herd is almost certainly making genetic progress but there are real and significant differences among herds in the rate at which genetic progress is occurring. Thanks to genomics, genetic progress has sped up in most herds in the past five years, which has contributed to the fact that annual rates of gain have been faster in the most recent five years compared to earlier years. While the average herd has made more progress over the past five years, it is herds in the top 10% that are achieving gains at a much faster rate than others. Herds in the top 10% for LPI gains are likely utilizing all tools available to them to maximize genetic progress, keeping them far ahead of the pack in terms of annual genetic gain.

Cows that inherently move about in their environment with ease and comfort are what every breeder wants to have in their herd. They produce more milk, require less labor, are usually more reproductively sound and, ultimately, they make more profit in their lifetime. Lame cows are significant profit eaters and, as animal welfare becomes more and more important to our industry, lameness could become our Achilles Heel.

Genetics and Lameness

So what does genetics have to do with lameness? To date our phenotypic evaluations of feet and legs have yield heritabilities of 5% to 10%, so we have essentially said why bother breeding for improvement in mobility? Instead we choose to address it through feed and management and cull the problems from the herd. Well that approach is not resulting in a reduction in lameness.  So let’s address the elephant in the room. Why are we not breeding for improved mobility in dairy cattle?

Other New End Result Indexes

In the past few months new outcome based indexes have been declared official and are now being used for fertility (Holstein USA’s Fertility Index), for immunity (CDN’s Mastitis Resistance Index) and for herds that depend on grazing ( CDCB’s Grazing Merit Dollars). As well, both TPI and NM$ had their formulas adjusted or expanded in December 2014. However the very important area of cow mobility does not even appear to be on the radar screen, when it comes to providing breeders with animal ratings for locomotion. Is mobility too big or too complex for our researchers, genetic evaluation experts, breeders and A.I. to tackle?

Evaluating Mobility

For seventy years we have had the Dairy Cow Scorecard which describes the ideal feet and legs and how they are to function. We also have very good type classification programs that analyse the form of feet and legs. But they do not capture data on how the feet and legs function. And yes it would take time and effort for classifiers to see all cows walk. But, if it was a requirement, would it not give the classifier the opportunity to more accurately assess this important area of a cow’s conformation? One significant factor that adds bias to the classification of feet and legs is that herds often have the hoof trimmer visit and trim all animals before the classifier visits. Can we expect that the heritability estimates for feet and leg traits will ever be above the current low values? Not likely.

Very few cows relative to the size of the recorded national herd get to dairy shows. Those that do get to shows seldom have major mobility problems and therefore judges infrequently make negative comments on a cow’s mobility. As well few elite gTPI, NM$, PTAT or gLPI dams, the mothers of the very top young bulls or heifers, are taken to shows, so show ring feet and leg evaluations are not a solution when it comes to improving animal mobility.

I have heard some people suggest that all heifers 6 to 15 months of age should be evaluated for their mobility. Perhaps that could be a more accurate assessment of how an animal naturally walks and it would replace the need to have every cow that is classified observed on the walk by the classifier. However that would require that the type classification program be expanded to include heifers. Who would benefit and who would pay for that expanded service?

Locomotion Scoring

Often veterinarians, feed advisors, consultants and herd managers evaluate a portion of a herd rating the cows for the locomotion from normal to severely lame. (http://www.zinpro.com/lameness/dairy/locomotion-scoring)  However that information is usually for only a portion of the herd and is not linked to classifier evaluations for feet and legs.

Hoof trimmers could also analyse cows for mobility before they trim their feet but there again how would that information be captured and who would pay for it? Linking the results for a herd would also be a problem because only a portion of the herd is trimmed on any visit and what about the cows that are not trimmed?

What could a Mobility Index Look Like?

The Bullvine has not done an extensive study on what a mobility index might look like but from our experience as classifier, judges, researcher and breeders we offer the following suggested content and weightings:

Mobility Index = 50% (Walking Evaluation) + 20% (Rear Legs Rear View) + 15% (Feet and Pasterns) + 5% (Rear Legs Side View) + 5% (Thurls / Pins – location and width) + 5% (Chronic Conditions –i.e. crampiness)

Additional traits may also have an influence on mobility. However for brevity we have limited the traits included.

What Needs To Be Done?

Studying mobility is a big task. Likely requiring the evaluation of many many more animals than the current coordinated international multi research herd study underway. That study is for relating feed intake, production and genomic profiles to give animal ratings for feed efficiency. Also a lowly heritable but important trait. Both Holstein USA and Holstein Canada have conducted pilot studies on how to capture cow locomotion. But as yet they have not been able to find a way to expand the classification of feet and legs to include locomotion. However they should be congratulated for attempting to find solutions.

The truth is that this challenge is too large for any single organization to undertake and it is not limited to a single breed. At this point what is needed is a champion to bring all the stakeholders together to consider how to proceed.  As has been the case for every other trait, determining genetic indexes requires phenotypic observations, genomic profiles, data analysis, extensive funding and likely new ways of evaluating body parts.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Until breeders have a mobility index they will not be in an improved position to breed cows that move with ease and comfort in their environment. Limited mobility, limited production, limited reproduction, reduced profit, all contributing to the challenge of future industry viability and sustainability. It requires a collective stakeholder effort. The challenge is a big one but it is not impossible. Our industry needs to address the elephant in the room and not continue to remain silent on finding ways to improve cow mobility.

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Many changes were expected this round, with the adjustments to the Net Merit Formula (Read more: The New Net Merit Formula – The Winners & the Losers) and the base changes (Read more: US Genetic Evaluation Changes: Are You Keeping Up?).  The -0.99 change in PTAT certainly had many talking as the top PTAT sire, Eclipse Atwoods Archrival, went from 4.84 to 3.88 and no sires are over that magic 4.00 PTAT that so many type focused breeders had been using as their filter for sires to look at.  (Read more: 8 Steps to Choosing What Sires to Use).

• High Genomic Sire Report
• Top 100 TPI Bulls
• Top 100 Genomic Bulls
• Top 300 PTAT Sires
• Top 300 Polled TPI Sires December 2014

To see complete lists visit our Genetic Evaluation Section

Mogul as expected #1

Probably the worst kept secret was that MOGUL (007HO11314, Mountfield SSI Dcy Mogul-ET TR TY, Dorcy BY x Marsh x O Man, Born:  06/22/2010, Reg No: HO840003006972816) was going to debut at #1 TPI.  Long has Mogul been popular because genomic sons like Rubicon, Delta, and Silver are ringing the bell on the genomic lists and breeders rave about the daughters. It therefore comes as no surprise that he is the #1 sire.  In fact Mogul’s type proof actually increased 0.88 points, when you factor in the 0.99 base change and now finds himself at a very respectable 2.84 which, under the old base would have been 3.83.  Where Mogul   is outperforming the most, is on his NM$. He now stands at 728, which would have been 912 on the old base which has him 59 points higher this round and just behind Robust as the #2 NM$ proven sire.  Another area that Mogul’s official evaluation is much higher than his genomic proof was his productive life (PL), where he went from 5.0 to 5.1 despite a 1.0 point rollback with the base change.  Look for Mogul to sire great udders, very good feet and legs and solid dairy strength.  While he will improve chest width, he may need to be protected on body depth for those looking for your elite classifying 2 year olds.

Robust jumps 3 spots

Moving up from his #3 position in August to the #2 spot in December is ROBUST (007HO10524, Roylane Socra Robust-ET  TR, Socrates x O Man x Manat, Born:  12/23/2008, Reg No: HOUSA000064966739).  While Robust’s production did drop slightly (90 lbs of Milk, 5lbs of Fat and 2lbs of Protein) he saw a significant increase in his productive life value.  Going from 5.3 for PL in August to 6.3 in December despite the 1.0 point rollback.  Robust’s production proof is now 99% rel and his type evaluation is at 98% rel, meaning that very soon he will enter the 99% rel, where he would easily stand as the #1 sire ahead of current #1 and #3 overall sire BOOKEM (007HO10721, De-Su 521 Bookem-ET TR TY, Planet x Ramos x AltaHershel, Born:  02/21/2009, Reg No: HOUSA000066636657) who is strongly holding his numbers, with the base change.

Facebook drops to #4

Former #1 TPI sire FACEBOOK (200HO03753, Marbri FACEBOOK TR TV TL TY TD, Man-O-Man x Airraid x Shottle, Born:  03/28/2010, Reg No: HOCAN000010847042) is now in the #4 spot.  While Facebook’s type numbers held strong, his production dropped by 161 lbs more than the rollback to +1281 PTAM and his productive life dropped from 2.8 to 1.1, 0.7 points greater than the rollback.  So while his TPI may not have changed very much, +2366 this round vs +2356 last round, that is mostly the adjustment in the base formula calculation masking an actual 10% decrease in his numbers, due to lower new daughter information than his initial daughters.

Petrone debuts at #5

The 2^nd highest newcomer to the list is PETRONE (007HO11169, Welcome Super Petrone-ET TR TY, Super x AltaBaxter x Buckeye, Born:  07/23/2010, Reg No: HOUSA000069207641). Petrone actually outperforms his parent average by 6% on the strength of his much higher than expected Productive Life scores (7.5 actual vs 6.1 base adjust genomic values from last round).  He also had much higher rankings for DPR (+3.7).  Petrone is not a high production sire (+624 PTAM, +32 Fat, +13 P), but does have solid type numbers (+1.39 PTAT, +1.50 UDC, +1.37 FLC), and outstanding health and fertility traits.  A typical Petrone daughter has an outstanding mammary system, with strong ligaments and teats that are slightly to the inside. They have solid feet and legs, but could be protected on their body depth and dairyness.

Numbero Uno comes out at #6

While debuting at #6 may not be considered a disappointment, big things were expected of NUMERO UNO (200HO07450, Amighetti Numero Uno TVLy   TY, Man-O-Man x Shottle x Boss Iron, Born:  07/15/2010, Reg No: HOITA017990915143).  This has some asking “What happened?”  Daughter numbers are low (169 in production proof and 60 in his type evaluation) and they are certainly not living up to expectations.  They are performing as expected for type but are substantially (50%) lower than his expected production values.  With the US TPI formula putting more emphasis on production and feed efficiency, this does have a negative impact on sires like Numero Uno. There certainly is the chance that, with the addition of more daughters and daughters further into their lactations, his production values could increase. However, if these early daughters are an indicator of what’s to come, there will be many breeders disappointed with the end result.

Denim jumps 26 spots to #7

The biggest mover of this evaluation has to be DENIM (001HO10218. De-Su Freddie Denim 646-ET   TY, Freddie x Wizard x Mtoto, Born:  10/15/2009, Reg No: HOUSA000068656227) who goes from #33 last round to #7 this round, with the addition of 400 daughters to his production evaluation and 102 daughters to his type evaluation.  Most of this dramatic change can be attributed to the significant increase in his productive life values from 5.7 to the now outstanding 7.3. Denim also had an increase from 2.9 DPR in August to 5.6 now.  While you certainly would not expect a Freddie from a Wizard to have very much type, and Denim does not (-0.70 PTAT, -0.48 UDC) he does have okay feet and legs (+0.53 FLC) and daughters are much more durable than his type evaluation indicated, highlighted by his significant increase in productive life as his daughters prove themselves. His daughters are extremely fertile and have outstanding components, but will need to be protected on his wide teat placement, partly due to lower ligament scores, and his angularity and body depth.  Just like his sire, Denim daughters are not fancy, but they are proving to milk hard and last.

Wright enters at #8

Another newcomer to the official proven list is WRIGHT (007HO11123, Pine-Tree Freddie Wright-ET, Freddie x Wizard x Rudolph, Born:  07/02/2010, Reg No: HOUSA000069169765).  It certainly seems that, when it comes Freddie sons, they have to earn their stripes before they can top the list.  This is probably as a result of the fact that they are not fancy to look at and they tend not to perform well on genomic testing. But, when the daughters start calving and performing well in commercial environments, they seem to outperform expectations. With the addition of daughter information, Wright takes a significant jump in his Productive Life (7.8 in Aug to 9.6 in Dec) and DPR Scores (3.7 in Aug to 5.4 in Nov).  In fact he is the highest sire in the top 200 TPI sires for PL and DPR.  A typical Wright daughter has a strong component test, sound udders and great health traits.  They do require protection on their dairyness, body depth and size as they can best be described as a low maintenance commercial cow that just keeps outperforming expectations. Though his low overall production may see him closer to the beef truck than the milk truck (Read more: TPI – Do we have it all wrong?)

Stability at the top

Rounding out the top 10 TPI sires are the very stable Freddie (001HO08784, Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie   TY, O Man x Die-Hard x Metro, Born:  10/31/2004, Reg No: HOUSA000060996956) himself and Dorcy (029HO14142, Coyne-Farms Dorcy-ET BY, Bolton x Bret CV x Rudolph, Born:  09/17/2007, Reg No: HOUSA000139005002).  In fact there are 5 sires in the top 10 that are over 96%+ reliable for Production and Type.  This is a strong indication of how, in the genomic era, sires are reaching this reliability pinnacle very quickly.

Modesty tops the Genomic List

Topping the Genomic Sire list is Modesty (Bacon-Hill Pety Modesty-ET   TY, Pety x Supersire x Bolton, Born:  06/25/2014, Reg No: HO840003013654627) at +2826 gTPI.  Modesty is a Pety (Mogul x Explode x Mac) from Supersire out of Unique-Style Bolton Money EX-91 DOM, the dam of high genomic sons  Montross, Milson and Mills.  At just six months of age it will be a while before Modesty has semen available.  He is certainly an outlier at 387 points higher than his parent average TPI of +2439.  With the majority of his contribution coming from his sire, Modesty certainly has the makings of being the next dominant sire of sons (Read more: Why Braedale Goldwyn Wasn’t a Great Sire of Sons).  Rounding out the top three genomic sires are Halogen and Charismatic.  De-Su Halogen 12342-ET BY (Halogen x Paradise x Bookem, Born:  04/23/2014, Reg No: HOUSA000072851885) at +2815 gTPI and Charismatic (147HO02492, Seagull-Bay Charismatic-ET, Catalyst x Mogul x Robust, Born:  06/28/2014, Reg No: HO840003124720331) at +2809 gTPI.  (View complete US High Ranking Genomic Sires for December 2014) follow closely behind Modesty. To see complete lists visit our Genetic Evaluation Section

Rubicon tops sires over 1 year old

Topping the list of Genomic Sires that should have semen available currently or very soon is Rubicon (151HO00681, Edg Rubicon-ET  TV TL TY, Mogul x Robust x Planet, Born:  12/20/2012, Reg No: HOUSA000072128125) at +2718 gTPI.  With a sire stack that reads like a who’s who of the genetics world, it’s not surprising the Rubicon will have the ability to throw the extreme list toppers.  In fact the cow family behind Rubicon has been doing that for many generations with his 2nd dam being SANDY-VALLEY PLANE SAPPHIRE VG-87-2YR-USA.  Rubicon has extreme components with a combined Fat and Protein of +149 lbs and added to that he has over 2.26 on Type. He is in rare company.  But what really makes Rubicon stand out is his sire stack that demonstrates the ability to sire extremes.  Similar to Modesty, Rubicon’s Chromosomal PTA’s would indicate that he will make a much better sire of bull mothers than a sire of sons.

Delta #2 over 1 year old

The #2 genomic sire over a year of age is Delta (203HO01468, Mr Mogul Delta 1427-ET, Mogul x Robust x Planet, Born:  01/31/2013, Reg No: HOUSA000072128216) at +2709 gTPI.  From Miss Ocd Robst Delicious-ET VG-86 DOM the dam of other high genomic sons such as Director, Dozer and Denver (the #4 gTPI sire over 1 year of age) from the Windsor-Manor Rud Zip TV TL EX-95 3E GMD DOM cow family.  Delta has extremely high ratings for CM$891 and milk (1441), fat (82), protein (50), PL (7.8) and SCS (2.77). His DPR is 2.1 and he is positively rated for all type traits (PTAT +2.19, UDC +1.95 and FLC +1.76). Delta should sire extreme mammary system improvement, specifically rear udder height and attachments, and also solid feet and legs.  Delta will need to be protected on his body depth and overall stature.

Silver shines at #3 over 1 year old

Rounding out the top 3 gTPI genomic sires over 1 year of age is Silver (029HO17573, Seagull-Bay Silver-ET   TY, Mogul x Snowman x Planet, Born:  04/10/2013, Reg No: HOUSA000072156794) at +2683 gTPI. Silver is a Mogul from the Snowman sister to Supersire.  Like Supersire, Silver has the ability to leave extreme production.  And just like Supersire he will have a significant impact as a sire of sons as well.  Ranking in the top 1% of the breed for Milk, Fat, Protein, Type, and Udders tells you that Silver is going to make a lot of noise before all is said and done.

Archrival new #1 PTAT sire

Debuting at the top of the type list is the genomic young sire Archrival (187HO01000, Eclipse Atwoods Archrival-ET, Atwood x Shottle x Champion, Born:  02/02/2013, Reg No: HOAUS000H01786521) at +3.88 PTAT just ahead of his sire Atwood.  Due to the base change of 0.99, no sires are over 4 points for PTAT anymore (Read more: US Genetic Evaluation Changes: Are You Keeping Up?). While his dam may not be well known in North America, his pedigree certainly is.  His 2nd dam is Sherona-Hill Champ Angel VG-89-USA EX-MS 2yr from the 2003 All-American Jr 2 year old Amlaird Lee Alice EX-94-USA.  She is, of course, the sister to BVK Atwood Abrianna EX-92-USA & Arianna VG-89-USA 2yr from the great MS Kingstead Chief Adeen-ET EX-94-USA 2E DOM and the dam of Atwood, Aftershock, Golden Dream and many more.  Look for Archrival to sire extreme improvement across the board, as he is at +2.00 or more for most type traits.  He will need to be protected on his rump angle as well as on pin setting. To see complete lists visit our Genetic Evaluation Section

Powerball-P tops the polled list

Topping the polled sire list and over 1 year of age is Powerball-P (534HO00031, View-Home Powerball-P-ET  PC TY, Earnhardt P x Robust x Zenith, Born:  05/20/2013, Reg No: HO840003011789392) at +2534. Powerball is less than 200 points behind Rubicon, the top genomic sire over 1 year old.  Polled has certainly been making rapid improvement over the past few years and Powerball-P is now leading the charge.  (Read more: Polled Dairy Cattle).  From the WESSWOOD-HC RUDY MISSY EX-92 3E GMD DOM cow family,  Powerball-P is certainly in high demand (Read more: The 7 Most Influential Holstein Brood Cows of the Modern Era).  His outstanding production proof (+1085 PTAM, +53 Fat, +54 Protein), combined with his solid type numbers (+1.61 PTAT, +1.49 UDC) and high productive life (+4.3) and good calving ease (SCE 6.7Z%, DCE 4.2%) make Powerball-P the polled sire that will launch polled to the top of the genomic lists.  Powerball-P will need to be protected on his body depth and height at front end. To see complete lists visit our Genetic Evaluation Section

The Bullvine Bottom Line

The base change every 5 years, as opposed to every year as in Canada, certainly takes getting used to for most breeders.  Especially those used to seeing type traits over 4 points who are now seeing that there are no sires over 4 points.  With former high  genomic sires like Mogul, Bookem, and Facebook now topping the proven sire list, the surprises each proof round have been eliminated.  Combine that with the fact that most genomic young sires are identified at 2-3 months of age and almost a year old before they enter semen production, there really are NO surprises with each round.  While this stability is great for breeders and the rate of genetic advancement, it certainly does take some of the WOW away from proof day.  However, as we have found on The Milk House that certainly does not stop breeders from talking (Read more: Introducing The Milk House – Dairy Breeder Networking on Facebook)

• High Genomic Sire Report
• Top 100 TPI Bulls
• Top 100 Genomic Bulls
• Top 300 PTAT Sires
• Top 300 Polled TPI Sires December 2014

To see complete lists visit our Genetic Evaluation Section

Narrowly missing an official proof in August, Marbri Facebook (Man-O-Man x Airraid) starts his proven career this December at the top of the LPI list. Facebook already has nearly 300 production and 120 classified daughters in his Canadian proof. De-Su Gillespy-ET (Bolton x Shottle) moves up in rank to #2 LPI, while former breed leader, Mel-Crest AltaRazor (AltaBaxter x Goldwyn), falls 76 points landing him at #3 LPI. Previous #2 LPI, Regancrest AltaIota-ET (O Man X Ito), falls 130 points now ranking #16 LPI. Quebec-bred bull from the La Presentation Daurel family, Pellerat Planet Lego (Planet x Goldwyn), follows next in line at #4 LPI making him the second highest newly proven sire this round. Tied at #5 LPI are Mainstream Manifold (O Man x BW Marshall) and VA-Early-Dawn Sudan CRI-ET (Jammer x Sailor). Manifold added over 750 daughters to his production proof and 650 daughters to his type proof since August. As a result, his LPI increased, boosting him up from his previous position at #9. Sudan also took a jump up the list from his former position at #17 LPI, thanks to an extra 100 points gained this round. The final new entrant to debut on the Top 10 LPI list is another Canadian-bred bull, Mapel Wood Boulder (Man-O-Man x Shottle, #7 LPI) from Gen-I-Beq Shottle Bombi. Following next is Lake-Effect AltaCaliber-ET (Goldwyn x Shottle), who also increased roughly 100 points since last round, leading him to a substantial leap from #26 to #8 LPI. Rounding out the Top 10 LPI are well-known sires, Man-O-Man at #9 and Freddie at #10.

A New #1 Conformation Sire in the Top 50 LPI

December sees 97 young sires graduate to proven status as well as a first domestic LPI for 24 sires initially progeny proven outside of Canada. Man-O-Man sired 23 of the newly proven bulls in Canada this round, for a current total of 26 proven sons (averaging 2606 LPI), of which 14 are among the Top 100 LPI. Planet also has a huge influence with 17 of his 57 proven sons occupying positions in the Top 100 LPI. Beyond the three new entrants into the Top 10 LPI mentioned above, the Top 50 acquires seven newly proven sires, the highest of which is Gibbs M-M Denalli-ET (Man-O-Man x Bolton) who ranks #11 LPI. At #21 LPI, Regancrest-GV S Bradnick-ET (Sanchez x Shottle) is the next highest newly proven sire. Bradnick also becomes the new #1 Conformation sire at +20, taking the title from Lirr Drew Dempsey who now ties for second at +19 Conformation with Mr Chassity Gold Chip-ET and another newcomer, Gibbs-I Claynook Dude (Atwood x Bolton, maternal brother to Denalli). Following on the heels of Bradnick are three Man-O-Man sons, namely Welcome Powerbroker-ET (Man-O-Man x Goldwyn) at #23 LPI, Ralma-RH AltaCello-ET (Man-O-Man x Goldwyn) at #24 LPI and Dykster AltaOmis (Man-O-Man x Shottle) at #25 LPI. Other newly proven bulls to penetrate the Top 50 LPI this round include Genervations Energy (Planet x O Man) at #34 LPI and Siemers Toys Hero 9710-ET (Toystory x Durham) at #44 LPI. Another popular genomic young bull of interest that receives his first official proof is Genervations Epic (Superstition x AltaBaxter), landing at #51 LPI with 300 production daughters and 165 classified daughters.

Five Newly Indexed Cows Infiltrate the Top 10 GLPI!

Fending off the strong competition, Ste Odile Manoman Model Saphir hangs on tight to her position at #1 GLPI for the fifth consecutive proof release. The highest newly indexed cow this round is Sully Robust 720-ET (Robust x Planet), who comes in at #2 GLPI and is tied at #1 Protein with Tannahill Man O Man Sandy. Larcrest Cinergy-ET maintains her position at #3 GLPI but falls to #2 Fat, being surpassed by the new breed leader Lindenright Brewmaster Dollars (Brewmaster x Manifold). Following next are two cows carrying the “Velthuis” prefix, namely Velthuis S G Snow Evening at #4 GLPI and Velthuis Supersonic Alyssa at #5 GLPI (dam is Velthuis SG MOM Alesia), making her the second highest newly indexed cow this December. Ste Odile Manoman Mod Plantine (full sister to Saphir) and MS Lookout Pesc Bkm Bria-ET both change rank, but maintain a place among the Top 10 GLPI at #6 and #7, respectively. Two of the three cows that complete the Top 10 GLPI this round carry the “Ste Odile” prefix and are daughters of Saphir (#1 GLPI), leading to an impressive total of four out of the Top 10 GLPI from this herd. Ste Odile Sudan Model Venus ranks #8 GLPI and Ste Odile Moon Model Luna ranks #10 GLPI, both receiving their first official index this December. Lindenright Bradnick Moovin On is also newly indexed this round, arriving at #9 GLPI and becomes new #1 Conformation cow with +21.

• Top LPI Bulls
• Top MACE LPI bulls
• Top Bulls by Type
• Top LPI Cows
• Top GPA LPI Heifers
• Top GLPI Genomic bulls

Source Canadian Dairy Network

Facebook debuts at #1 edging out Dorcy for the top spot on the official US Proven Sires list in August 2014.  Dorcy increases 51 points to +2318 TPI. With the addition of 240 daughters, his production proof moves ahead of former #1 Robust, who also increased 23 points to 2347, with the addition of 81 daughters in his production proof.   Also showing a significant increase, with additional daughter information, was AltaGreatest, who moves into the #4 proven TPI sire position at +2330.  Bookem holds steady at #5 with 859 more daughters added to his production proof and a TPI of +2319.  The biggest surprise, AltaFairway, comes in at +2263, 149 points higher than his genomic proof to take the #6 proven sire ranking. Making the jump from #16 in April to #7 this proof round is Myrle, with the addition of 24 daughters in his production proof and 86 daughters in his type evaluation. Myrle now stands at +2251 TPI. Junior is a relatively unexpected sire who debuts at #8, with a TPI of +2243.  Although Massey has remained in the top 10 proven TPI sires for over two years now, he drops from the #4 spot to #9.  Rounding out the top 10 proven sires is another new release sire, Grafeeti, his TPI is +2226.

With four new release sires in the top 10, it certainly confirms that the rate of genetic advancement is continuing at a record pace.

Notable New Proven Sires:

Facebook

Marbri Facebook
200HO03753
Man-O-Man x Airraid x Shottle

Sire: Long-Langs Oman Oman VG-86
Dam: Serenityhill Airraid Fawn
MGS: Sildahl Airraid EX-94
MGD: Marbri Shottle Fiona-Ets
MGGS: Picston Shottle EX-95
MGGD: Gleneil Finley Fair Isle

Debuting at #1 on the proven sires list is Marbri Facebook.  Facebook actually increased his numbers from his last genomic proof increasing 78 TPI points to +2356.  With 172 pounds of fat and protein, he stands out as a production improver. The area demonstrating the greatest improvement over his genomic numbers is his feet and legs with an increase from +0.39 to +2.09 FLC.  Though there are only 39 classified daughters in 26 herds, they seem to be delivering as expected.  Facebook daughters are tall and dairy with adequate strength and body depth.  He will need to be protected on pins as his genomic test, sire stack and daughter information all confirm his high pins.  Heavily used as a sire of sons, Facebook’s most-notable sons are MR Lookout P Enforcer (Read more: The 12 Holstein Sires to Maximize Genetic Gain), Coyne-Farms Jabir and Wind-N-Tail FB Dalton.

AltaFairway

Opsal Altafairway
011HO10908
Planet x O Man x Morty

Sire: Ensenada Taboo Planet EX-90
Dam: Opsal O Man Fantasy EX-93 GMD DOM
MGS: O-Bee Manfred Justice EX-94
MGD: Opsal Morty Fantasia EX-92
MGGS: Stouder Morty GM
MGGD: Opsal Winchester Faith EX-90 GMD

With no sons at any A.I. units currently, it’s easy to say that no one was expecting AltaFairway to make it into the top 10 proven sires.  This Planet son out of Opsal O Man Fantasy 2E-93, one of the three highest classified O Man daughters, is now over 215,000 lifetime.  With 107 daughters in 49 herds in his type proof and 302 daughters in 71 herds in his production proof, AltaFairway can be expected to hold on to these substantial numbers since  his current evaluation is 11% higher than his DGV’s.  AltaFairway is a high fertility, production specialist that will sire strong mammary systems and functional conformation.   He will certainly need protected on his Feet & Legs, specifically his foot angle and leg curvature.

Junior

Ovina Juletta Junior
001HO10219
Freddie x Toystory x Boliver

Sire: Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie
Dam: Co-Op Tstory Julettarose VG-85
MGS: Jenny-Lou Mrshl Toystory
MGD: Ridge-Heights Evelyn Cri EX-90 DOM
MGGS: End-Road PVF Boliver EX-95
MGGD: Ridge-Heights Entry EX-90 GMD DOM

Another relatively unexpected sire, based on his initial genomic proof at +2143 TPI, Junior comes up big at +2243. TPI, with 135 daughters in his production proof and 78 in his type proof. His official proof is 5% higher than his genomic proof. With very few progeny genomically tested, it is easy to say that this sire was missed, even though he was part of the Co-op breeding program at Genex.  At over 2500 lbs of milk and 114 lbs of combined fat and protein, Junior is certainly a production sire who also transmits significant udder improvement.  Junior will need to be protected on his Feet & Legs, specifically his foot angle, his angularity and his high pins.

Grafeeti

Ladys-Manor Rd Grafeeti
007HO10848
Freddie x Goldwyn x Debut

Sire: Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie
Dam: Ladys-Manor Ruby D Grace EX-92
MGS: Braedale Goldwyn GP-84
MGD: Ladys-Manor Ruby D EX-90 GMD DOM
MGGS: Rickland Mandel Debut
MGGD: Ladys-Manor Ruby Jen EX-94 2E GMD DOM

From the Ladys-Manor Ruby Jen TV EX-94 2E GMD DOM family and three generations in a row of EX high production cows, Grafeeti is not a surprise at the top of the lists.  With many sons and daughters already testing high and well above parent average, Grafeeti’s debut near the top of the charts was expected.  Another early Freddie son, Grafeeti is from the same family that produced Shamrock.  While, unlike AltaFairway and Junior, who exceeded their initial genomic tests, Grafeeti’s extremely high parent average had him at +2316 TPI back in August of 2011. He now finds himself at +2226 with 261 daughters in his production proof and 82 daughters in his type evaluation.   Typical Grafeeti daughters have high components but not necessarily high milk.  They have an extremely strong mammary systems, with good feet and legs that can be a touch straight.  He will need protecting on his overall body depth and stature.

Genomic News

The genomic TPI list introduces a totally new top 10…

Since these sires are all under a year of age, they have yet to have semen available.  The following would be the top 10 genomic sires with either semen available or available shortly.

Notable Genomic Sires:

Silver

SEAGULL-BAY SILVER
HOUSAM72156794
029HO17573
MOGUL x SNOWMAN x PLANET

Sire: Mountfield Ssi Dcy Mogul
Dam: Seagull-Bay Snow Darling
MGS: Flevo Genetics Snowman
MGD: Ammon-Peachey Shauna VG-87
MGGS: Ensenada Taboo PlanetEX-90
MGGD: Pine-Tree Martha Sheen VG-86 DOM

Since Supersire put Seagull-Bay on the map (Read more: Charting the Right Course at Seagull Bay Dairy), everyone has been watching to see just who would be the next impact sire from this genomically gifted Rudy Missy family.  Now comes Silver who might have an even greater impact than Supersire has had.  Silver is a Mogul from the Snowman sister to Supersire.  Like Supersire, Silver has the ability to leave extreme production.  Moreover, just like Supersire, he will have a significant impact as a sire of sons as well.  Ranking in the top 1% of the breed for Milk, Fat, Protein, Type, and Udders tells you that Silver is going to make a lot of noise before everything is said and done.

Supershot

COGENT SUPERSHOT
HONLDM755898903
224HO02881
SUPERSIRE x SUPERSTITION x SHOTTLE

Sire: Seagull-Bay Supersire
Dam: Super-Classic Shot VG-86
MGS: Charlesdale Superstition
MGD: Classicshot VG-87
MGGS: Picston Shottle EX-95
MGGD: Clas Touch VG-86

Looking for a shot of production?  Then Supershot will score well for you.  The pedigree behind Supershot is certainly not well known among breeders, since the last 5 of his eight generations come from Dutch breeding.  Behind that is the US cow family at Vir-Clar Holsteins, tracing through the highly acclaimed Tirsvad Patron Claire EX92.  He hails from the same line as the famous Koepon Classy’s and Anderstrup Claire family, known worldwide for its ability to breed high-ranking females and bulls on numerous different bases.  Supershot has an extremely high genomic test, and his pedigree indicates that he should be able to sire those extreme production daughters many breeders are looking for.  Supershot should be protected on milking speed and dairy strength.

Draco 15006

MR Delicious Coin 15006
151HO00698
Cashcoin x Robust x Planet

Sire: Farnear-Tbr-Bh Cashcoin
Dam: Miss Ocd Robst Delicious VG-86 DOM
MGS: Roylane Socra Robus
MGD: OCD Planet Danica EX-93 DOM
MGGS: Ensenada Taboo Planet EX-90
MGGD: Miss Elegant Delight-ET VG-88 DOM

Draco 15006 is and early Cashcoin son from Miss OCD Robst Delicious-ET VG-86 the former No.1 cow on the Locator List.  Even with an outstanding parent average, Draco 15006 DGV’s exceed his parent average by almost 10%. Something unheard of for a sire at this level.  Also, it is interesting to note that, though many genomic young sires from top TPI females get the majority of their genetics from their maternal line, Draco 15006 actually gets a larger contribution from his sire than from his dam. This is a strong indicator of sires that  hold their numbers (Read more: The 12 Genomic Sires Most Likely to Top the Proven TPI List in April 2016 and The Genomic Roller Coaster – Hold on it’s going to be a bumpy).  Look for Draco 15006 to sire extreme production, with strong type and solid health and fertility.  He will need to be protected on his feet & legs, specifically his foot angle and heal depth, as well as on his dairy strength/body depth.

Delta

Mr Mogul Delta 1427
203HO01468
Mogul x Robust x Planet

Sire: Mountfield Ssi Dcy Mogul
Dam: Miss Ocd Robst Delicious VG-86 DOM
MGS: Roylane Socra Robust
MGD: OCD Planet Danica EX-93 DOM
MGGS: Ensenada Taboo Planet EX-90
MGGD: Miss Elegant Delight-ET VG-88 DOM

Delta is a Mogul brother to Draco and is from the WINDSOR-MANOR RUD ZIP-ET 3E 95 GMD DOM family.  Delta offers extreme health and fertility traits with solid type and substantial production.  Breeders who are looking for tall framey two-year-olds will certainly not want to use Delta, but he does offer significant udder improvement.  Delta is among the breed leaders for productive life.

Check out our Genetic Evaluations Section for more proof info

While no newly proven bulls enter the Top 10 LPI this round, bulls moving up into the Top 10, as well as shuffled rankings, result in new #1 and #2 bulls. Moving up 93 LPI points, Mel-Crest AltaRazor  AltaBaxter x Goldwyn) now leads the breed for LPI and is the #2 ranked bull for Fat. Since his first official proof in Canada last August, Regancrest AltaIota-ET (O Man x Ito) has been no stranger to the Top 5 LPI. This round, while adding over 500 daughters to both his production and type proofs, he ranks the highest he has to date at #2 LPI. The previous LPI leader, Flevo Genetics Snowman (O Man x BW Marshall), dropped slightly falling to #3 position. Maintaining a stable LPI yet descending in rank, De-Su Gillespy-ET (Bolton x Shottle) now sits at #4 LPI and #10 Milk. The well-known bull, Man-O-Man (O Man x AltaAaron), moves slightly back up the list from #8 to #5 LPI. Lirr Drew Dempsey (Goldwyn x Derry) and Sully AltaMeteor (Planet x Shottle) jumped up the list into the Top 10 LPI, positioning themselves at #6 and #7, respectively. Dempsey does so while adding over 500 daughters to his production proof and over 400 to his type proof, for which he maintains his status at #1 Conformation. Sildahl Jett Air-ET (AltaBaxter x BW Marshall) also moves up in rank, now occupying the #8 spot for LPI. With over 5000 milk-recorded and classified daughters in his proof, Mainstream Manifold (O Man X BW Marshall) takes #9 LPI and is tied at #10 Protein. UFM-Dubs AltaEsquire-ET (O Man x AltaSam) completes the Top 10 LPI list this round and is #4 in the breed for Fat.

A Team of New Bulls Wins Their Way into the Top 50 LPI

This round sees 99 young sires graduate to proven status as well as a first official  domestic LPI for 16 bulls first progeny proven outside of Canada. Planet and Million each sired 16 of the newly proven bulls in Canada, and Planet is the most common sire of bulls in the Top 100 LPI with 18 sons. O Man, Goldwyn, Bolton and AltaBaxter each have at least 10 proven sons in this group as well. The Top 50 LPI this round is infiltrated by 16 newly proven sires, the highest of which is Dream-Prairie BG Bruno-ET (Bolton x Goldwyn) at #11 LPI. Identical brothers, Larcrest Chavez-ETS and Larcrest Camelot-ETS (Planet x Ramos) receive the same genetic and genomic evaluations and therefore share #14 LPI position. Following on their heels are new releases Comestar Lemust (#16 LPI, Planet x Bolton) and the uniquely pedigreed Va-Early Dawn Sudan CRI-ET (#17 LPI, Jammer x Sailor). Gen-I-Beq Lavaman (#21 LPI, Man-O-Man x Goldwyn), the French-born bull Duc (#22 LPI, Mr Burns x O Man), Larcrest Contrast-ET (#23 LPI, Alexander x Shottle) and Parile Loto (#25 LPI, Man-O-Man x Goldwyn) complete the list of newly proven bulls in the Top 25 for LPI. Other newly proven bulls to penetrate the Top 50 LPI this round include Da-So-Burn Dane-ET (Man-O-Man x Goldwyn) at #27, Regan-ALH A Denario-ET (Alexander x Goldwyn) at #29, Misty Springs Smokin (Lavanguard x FBI) at #38 and De-Su Phoenix 588-ET (Planet x Bolton) at #39 LPI. Tied at #45 LPI are Gillette Tavares (Planet x Shottle) and the fourth new release carrying the Larcrest prefix from the Cosmopolitan family, Larcrest Casanova-ETS (Goldwyn x Shottle). Benner Jeter (Planet x Goldwyn) finishes off the new releases in the Top 50 LPI at #50. Other noteworthy changes include the drop of Morningview AltaToyota from #4 LPI to #19 and Blondin Careyprice from #14 to #61 LPI.

“Bookem” Daughter Emerges as a New Top 10 GLPI Cow

Without reaching official proof status in Canada, the popular genomic young bull, De-Su 521 Bookem-ET (Planet x Ramos), has a daughter, Ms Lookout Pesc BKM Bria-ET, that penetrates the Top 10 GLPI list at #6 and is the highest newly indexed cow this round. For the fourth consecutive proof release, Ste Odile Manoman Model Saphir leads the breed as the #1 GLPI cow and is #9 Fat. Staying strong at #2 GLPI, now only 20 LPI points behind, is Velthuis S G Snow Evening. Moving up the list this round and landing tied at #3 GLPI are Ste Odile Manoman Mod Platine and Larcrest Cinergy-ET, who is also the new #1 Fat and maternal sister of identical newly proven brothers Chavez and Camelot (#14 LPI). Maryclerc Snowman Crystal drops down a position to #5 GLPI. Beaucoise Iota Ptolome moves up from #11 to #7 GLPI this round while Comestar Lautamisha Snowman, maternal sister to the newly proven Comestar Lemust (#16 LPI), stays firm at #8 GLPI. Sully Hartford Snwmn 282-ET, from the same family as #7 LPI bull AltaMeteor, slips a notch from #8 to #9 GLPI. Finishing off the list is a third cow in the Top 10 GLPI carrying the Ste Odile prefix, namely Ste Odile Manifold Model Jane, who rose 30 points and jumped from #22 to tie at #9 GLPI. In addition to Ms Lookout Pesc BKM Bria-ET at #6 GLPI, three other newly indexed cows this round manage an appearance among the Top 15 cows for GLPI. These include Cleroli Snowman Caramilk (#11 GLPI, full sister to Crystal at #5 GLPI), Stantons Bookem Epidemic (#12 GLPI, daughter of Stantons Manoman Ezra) and OCD Iota Savannah-ET at #14 GLPI, daughter of Ammon-Peachey Shana-ET.

	HO	AY	JE	BS	GU	CN	MS	All
Genetic Evaluation Highlights
Summary Tables for Bulls & Cows
Bulls-Domestic
Top LPI
Top EBV Milk
Top EBV Fat
Top EBV Protein
Top EBV Conformation
Bulls-Foreign
Top MACE LPI
Top MACE Actively Marketed
Bulls-Genomic Young Sires
Top GPA LPI Released in Canada
Cows
Top LPI
Top EBV Milk
Top EBV Fat
Top EBV Protein
Top EBV Conformation
Top Cow Candidates for Genotyping by LPI (under 42 months)
Heifers
Top Heifers by PA LPI – 9 months & older
Top Calves by PA LPI – Under 9 months
Top Heifer Candidates for Genotyping by PA LPI
Top Herds by LPI

Source: Canadian Dairy Network