{"id":10365,"date":"2026-04-10T04:32:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:32:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/uk\/?p=10365"},"modified":"2026-04-10T04:55:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:55:50","slug":"april-2026-proof-run-genetic-progress-and-profitability-with-genus-abs-balanced-sires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/uk\/april-2026-proof-run-genetic-progress-and-profitability-with-genus-abs-balanced-sires\/","title":{"rendered":"April 2026 proof run: genetic progress and profitability with Genus ABS balanced sires"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Today\u2019s dairy industry demands more than single trait selection or industry favorites. To\u00a0maximise your milk\u00a0cheque<\/strong>, minimise expenses<\/strong>, and\u00a0optimise\u00a0Beef-on-Dairy production<\/strong>, a genetic plan\u00a0<\/strong>tailored to your herd and goals is required. That\u2019s when you\u2019ll drive real profitability through measurable genetic progress.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As herd goals diversify and production systems evolve, success comes from leveraging the impact balanced sires have on improving longevity, health, fertility, milk production, and profitability, without sacrificing genetic diversity. At Genus ABS, the focus remains clear: helping you profit from genetic progress by building the right cows for your system. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drive real profit with balanced sires<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The classic comparison of a sprinter and a marathon runner can be easily used to describe dairy cows. A sprinter delivers intense productivity in short bursts, while a marathon runner maintains a steady, reliable output over time. While the sprinter\u2019s speed and power are impressive, it\u2019s the marathon runner who ultimately lasts the longest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balanced cows are designed to stay productive over time, combining solid milk production with the fertility, health, and longevity needed to remain in the herd long enough to generate a true return on investment, like a marathon runner. Genetics solely selected for\u00a0high levels\u00a0of fat and protein production are\u00a0sprinters\u00a0with potentially other weaknesses that lead to early culling before\u00a0their optimum return\u00a0on investment\u00a0is met.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The framework for a profitable cow includes a balance of\u00a0Production, Lifespan, Daughter Fertility, Lameness advantage and health traits such as Somatic Cell Count. <\/strong>At Genus ABS, the objective isn\u2019t to create \u201csprinter\u201d cows that excel briefly and leave the herd early. Our goal is to\u00a0deliver marathon cows that perform consistently across multiple lactations<\/strong>, helping to drive overall profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Genus ABS balanced sires produce cows built for the long-haul\u2014delivering profitability and not only short-term gains.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

April 2026 base change update <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The April base change has prompted plenty of discussion, with milk, fat, protein, PLI and type figures all appearing to fall. On paper, it can look like a step backwards, however, in reality, it\u2019s a reflection of how far the industry has come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each year, the UK updates its genetic baseline to keep it aligned with the current national herd. Rather than comparing today\u2019s animals to those from several years ago, they are measured against a much stronger and more productive population. As a result, figures shift. Changes such as -30kg milk, -2.2kg fat, -1.8kg protein and -\u00a341 PLI don\u2019t indicate a drop in performance, they show that the average cow is now delivering more than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What previously stood out as above average has effectively become the new benchmark.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, while the numbers may appear lower, the underlying message is positive. Genetic progress continues at pace, and the base change simply resets the scale to reflect that advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AHDB\u2019s Genetic base change – April 2026<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Another successful proof run for Genus ABS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This proof run once again highlights the strength and consistency of the Genus ABS breeding programme, with 39 of the top 100 \u00a3PLI sires carrying the Genus ABS name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading our genomic line-up is\u00a0Denovo LORENZO<\/a>, now the number one genomic Holstein sire <\/strong>on the AHDB rankings, underlining the continued progress being made within our genetic programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alongside this genomic success, our proven sires continue to deliver dependable, long-term value. Denovo ORCHARD<\/a>, one of our top-selling genomic sires in recent years, has transitioned strongly into the proven rankings and now sits at number five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Importantly, this success is also underpinned by exceptional genetic diversity. Within our 39 of the top 100 \u00a3PLI sires, 39 are sired by 21 different sires, with only two having more than three sons represented, alongside 17 different maternal grandsires. This breadth of pedigree ensures sustainable genetic progress for our customers, while reducing reliance on narrow bloodlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UK Holstein sire summary highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This proof run delivers a strong line-up of our UK Holstein sires, bringing together production, efficiency and type to support balanced, profitable cows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n