LOCUST claims #1. ECBERT drops 40 points. ECUADOR crashes 98. December’s Italian rankings just reshuffled the deck.

Executive Summary: DENOVO LOCUST-ET seized Italy’s #1 international genomic ranking in December 2025, posting gPFT 5450 with +1,472 kg milk, +115 kg fat (+0.57%), and +96 kg protein. Domestic leader ECBERT retained his crown but dropped 40 points to gPFT 5349, while PINETA IRONGEN RASCASSE surged 42 points to become December’s top domestic mover. The proven sector delivered the cycle’s biggest story: The high-profile polled star KNO ECUADOR P plunged 98 points as daughter data corrected earlier projections, while ZFZ CRISALIS RF held firm at the top with gPFT 5180. Four international newcomers—HARMONY, SCOTTY, DREAMER, and THUMPING—broke the 5300 barrier. Eight Italian bulls debuted above gPFT 5070, signaling that domestic genetics are closing the gap. December’s lesson: the sires you banked on in August deserve a fresh evaluation today.

December’s evaluation crowned a new international leader—and exposed cracks in former favorites. DENOVO 23392 LOCUST-ET (Sire: LODI; MGS: CASCADE) claimed the number one position with a commanding gPFT of 5450, edging out previous contenders with exceptional production credentials: +1,472 kg Milk, +115 kg Fat (0.57%), and +96 kg Protein (0.40%).

Hot on his heels, PEAK VINDICATE-ET and PEAK SPELLBOUND-ET sit virtually tied at gPFT 5445, making the top three positions a photo finish separated by just five index points.

Fresh International Genetics Breaking Through

Several high-powered international sires made notable December debuts above the 5300 gPFT threshold :

• KENYON-HILL OC-ET HARMONY (Harmony x Gameday) – gPFT 5386
• ADAWAY SUNDANCE SCOTTY-ET  (Sundance x Hayk) – gPFT 5374
• KINGS-RANSOM O DREAMER-ET  (Owen x Happen) – gPFT 5348
• PROGENESIS THUMPING (Hipster x Frost Bite) – gPFT 5318

Domestic Drama: ECBERT Holds Top Spot Despite 40-Point Drop

Italy’s homegrown genomic leader ECBERT (Sire: GLADIUS; MGS: DATELINE) maintained his domestic crown but couldn’t avoid a 40-point index decline, falling from 5389 to 5349 gPFT. Meanwhile, PINETA IRONGEN RASCASSE ET surged upward with a +42 point gain to secure second position at gPFT 5321—the evaluation’s biggest domestic mover.

New Italian Sires Entering the Elite (gPFT ≥5070)

Proven Sector: Stability at Top, Volatility Below

The daughter-proven rankings tell a more cautious story. ZFZ CRISALIS RF held firm as Italy’s top proven bull, ticking up slightly from 5169 to 5180 gPFT with a strong fat percentage (+0.16%). IDEVRA ROYAL INSEME CARLOMAGNO secured second place at gPFT 5068, delivering impressive milk volume (+1,568 kg) and solid longevity (105).

The proven sector’s headline loss: KNO ECUADOR P plummeted 98 points—from 4943 to 4845 gPFT—as additional daughter data recalibrated expectations. Conversely, ISOLABELLA DISTEFANO ET climbed 34 points to 4982 gPFT.

The Bottom Line

For breeders finalizing 2026 matings, December’s volatility demands one response: reassess before you commit. LOCUST’s emergence and ECBERT’s decline demonstrate why continuous index monitoring matters more than ever. For breeders targeting the Italian market, December’s evaluation reinforces that international genetics continue to set the pace—but domestic programs are closing the gap fast.

Data Source: ANAFIBJ December 2025 Italian Holstein Genetic Evaluations

Key Takeaways:

•  LOCUST seizes #1: DENOVO LOCUST-ET tops Italy’s international genomics at gPFT 5450 with +1,472 kg milk, +115 kg fat, and +96 kg protein
• ECBERT drops 40 points: Domestic leader holds #1 but bleeds index value while PINETA IRONGEN RASCASSE surges 42 points behind him
• ECUADOR plunges 98 points: December’s proven-sector collapse proves daughter data can shatter genomic confidence overnight
• 12 new elite sires debut: Four international bulls cracked gPFT 5300; eight Italian bulls entered above 5070—fresh firepower for 2026 matings
• Your August picks need a December review: Index swings this size reward breeders who adapt, not those married to last cycle’s rankings

Top Lists:

• ITALY – Genomic PFT (Domestic) – 12/25 
• ITALY – Genomic PFT (International) – 12/25 
• ITALY – Dtr proven PFT (Domestic) – 12/25 

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