Genomic sires blitz the Good Bulls Guide

Dairy farmers are set to reap the benefits of the ABS genomics program with three new proven bulls hitting the Good Bulls Guide with the release of the December Australian Breeding Values.

The new bulls include 29HO16714 De-Su BALISTO (ranked number 1) who is a full brother to the already proven 29HO16667 De-Su TOPSY(ranked number 2) and the farmer favourite 29HO16888 Seagull-Bay MVP (ranked number 4)

These three sires also hold down the number 1, 2 & 3 positions on the proven ABV Type Weighted Index. Pictured is BALISTO daughter Lindenright Balisto Darcy VG-86

ABS Australia National Sales Manager Paul Quinlan said it was rewarding to see the first genomic sires receive daughter proofs as part of a bull breeding program which was producing efficient cows, improved fertility, lower maintenance and increased profits for customers.

Balisto finished the year as number 1 in both Australia and Germany. His Balanced Performance Index (BPI$) of 347 leads the proven rankings, just one ahead of his brother (TOPSY) at 346 BPI$.

MVP rewarded past users with an impressive entry into the proven bull rankings with more than 200 daughters in this December proof. The all-rounder achieved a 312 BPI$ and over 110 for type and udders.

“More and more dairy farmers are asking for a well-balanced bull that isn’t too tall, has good production, low maintenance and some dairy strength. MVP has a likeability score of 105 and is a bull that produces profitable cows that farmers are asking for,” Mr Quinlan said.

Another bull graduating is 29HO16909 Larcrest COMMANDER at 237 BPI$ and with more than 140 daughters in his first Australian proof. Commander’s figures include 111 for udders and 105 for farmer likeability. Commander is also the number 1 Lifetime Profit Index (LPI) Canadian proven bull and is an outstanding multi country performer.

“ABS’s Australian genomic program has delivered proven sires from its lineup and strengthened its genomic team with over 20 sires above 300 BPI$,” Mr Quinlan said.