Over the past two decades, the dairy industry in South African and worldwide, has undergone a significant transformation. Today, we see greater adoption of technology, increased automation, and access to real-time data that informs decision-making on the farm. Genetic strategies have also evolved, with a noticeable shift toward increased female selection intensity and widespread use of genomic bulls over proven sires. Not to mention, general industry changes include an increasing average herd size as well as a gene pool that is more protected than ever before.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Navigating a rapidly changing industry requires more than just following trends—it demands a tailored genetic plan that maximizes YOUR efficiency, profitability, and long-term sustainability. You could be leaving money on the table with genetic selection based solely on what the industry deems important, today’s most popular bull, or this Sire Summary’s highest-ranking sires. Subsequently, continuously using a single sire line because of its high-ranking status could put your dairy at risk and open the door for harmful recessives to appear.
Our goal is to drive genetic progress faster, but we believe it must be done in a responsible way that preserves genetic diversity and protects our customers. We aim to create balanced sires that are strong for many traits and have minimal weaknesses. The result? Cows that are healthier, more fertile, more productive, more fit, and better suited for the evolving demands of the dairy industry. Our latest performance during this Sire Summary is testament to this approach. It shows that genetic diversity not only protects our customers but supports them in reaching their goals.
A BALANCED PORTFOLIO DESIGNED FOR YOU
Genetic diversity continues to be an important discussion point in South Africa and all over the world. Over the years, the dairy industry has seen more germplasm protection, fewer breeder herds, high IVF and flushing costs, and increased use of genomics and selection intensity, making it challenging to maintain genetic diversity in any breeding plan.
This means genetics companies must uphold strong breeding programs to ensure success for producers. However, it’s safe to say not everyone takes this as seriously as we do, which is unfortunate. Your future depends on it.
ABS launched 27 bulls this Sire Summary by 14 different sires from 12 different maternal grandsires, showcasing true genetic progress and diversity.
ABS has been taking steps to maintain a strong genetic nucleus for years now. Here’s how.
- The complete acquisition of De Novo gives us access to a wide range of bloodlines, high-ranking females, and desired IVF sessions.
- Purchasing high-ranking females or IVF sessions outside of ABS bloodlines guarantees our ability to create and offer diverse genetics.
Because we have our own Research and Development department, we can create solutions for the future from within—most co-ops don’t have the ability to invest like we can.
Now, let’s dive into what has come out of this Sire Summary…
KEY BLOODLINES – PERFORMANCE
U.S. Holsteins
29HO20684 LEEDS added his first early milking daughters to his proof. He went up +30 NM$ to more than $1,000 NM$ and over 2,000 pounds Milk. His legacy continues with his 41 sons who are bred from 17 different maternal grandsires, average 138 pounds Combined Fat and Protein, and all are producing Sexcel.
29HO19973 BENEFIT now has 112 milking daughters and strengthened his position as one of the highest TPI proven bulls in the world. BENEFIT has a big impact on our breeding program, with 7 sons and 21 grandsons in production, all while still producing well himself.
14 sons of ABS Legend, 29HO19773 DUFFY from 10 different maternal grandsires are now available. They all average over 900 pounds. for Milk, +3.8 Productive Life, +0.42 CCR, and are globally available. The best part? All of them are available in Sexcel!
UK Holsteins
29HO20684 LEEDS and his sons continue to dominate the U.K. PLI lists. ABS has 4 LEEDS sons in the top 10 and 38 in the top 100. Other high-ranking bulls include outcross sires like 29HO21531 HYPE, 29HO21371 COLTER-P, and 29HO21675 SECTOR-P—showing the true diversity of our offering. For proven bulls, 29HO20542 MASERATI debuts at number 4, and 29HO19518 MENDEL-P went up £70 in PLI.
Polled Holsteins
Today, 20% of our active Holstein sires available in Sexcel carry the polled gene! They’re all selected with the same ABS profitability traits and offer the added benefit of less hassle, reduced cost, and positive animal welfare by being POLLED! You get no horns and no production compromises with ABS Polled sires. This Sire Summary we launched 4 new single P sires and 1 PP, and ABS maintained its powerful polled position with 23 of the top 30 NM$ P bulls on the industry list with a stud code.
Linear Choice
Our Linear Choice lineup is for producers looking to create strong, healthy, and balanced cows from established cow families that are productive in commercial dairies. ABS launched 2 new Linear Choice sires this Sire Summary. 94HO21962 BLISS is an early Hotwheels son with 3343 TPI siring high milk, strong fertility and great type. 29HO22188 ELON-MUSK is a Blakely son with a positive DPR, +1.33 PTAT, and +1.53 Udders.
Jerseys
We have also launched 7 new Jersey sires, bred from 6 different sires and 4 different maternal grandsires. These elite bulls average $612 CM$ with a great diversity in production and health traits that is sure to suit all customer needs. These include grandsires of 29JE4305 JAMMER who had a great day becoming the #1 Proven JPI and #2 proven CM$ sire in the breed! The Jersey lineup is comprised of 10 sires over +180 JPI, 16 sires at 1,000 pounds of Milk or more, 20 sires above +4.0 Productive Life, 13 sires more than +1.5 Cow Conception Rate, and 21 sires at +15 JUI or higher.
BEST SUITED TO MEET A VARIETY OF GOALS AND NEEDS
Our lineup is unmatched in the industry when it comes to elite genetics in diverse packages. Because every dairy is unique, we strive to offer a large variety of sires that meet distinct customer goals.
Let’s take two real life customer scenarios. Do either sound like you?
CUSTOMER SCENARIO #1
This specific dairy producer is looking for high weights of Fat and Protein to maximize their cheese contract, alongside that they want cows that live longer and get back in calf quicker. The producer also wants their cows to be average sized to fit the farm’s current facilities and have functional udders, legs, and feet.
A quick search on Bull Search shows that ABS has 78 bulls from 36 different sires and 31 different MGS that fit the criteria for this producer’s goals.
CUSTOMER SENARIO #2
Another dairy producer is searching for a bull that helps them reach their herd goals of significant Milk pounds improvements and increases in herd fertility and longevity. This producer also values good conformation cows with great udders.
If you were to pull up this sort on Bull Search, you would find 70 bulls from 44 different sires and 44 different MGS that are a perfect fit for this producer’s goals.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT GENETICS
Because sexed semen is a commonplace tool today, its benefits can sometimes be considered ‘a given’ in a dairy. Let’s not forget. Sexed semen is a powerful tool that allows you to , increase your herd size, precisely manage heifer inventories, and improve your herd’s lifetime genetic value—just to name a few.
Sexcel combines all of that and more into one straw. The most advanced sexed semen technology, exceptional fertility, the most profitable ABS genetics, Sexcel is proven to fast forward your herd’s genetic progress. We are proud to offer our diverse set of balanced, genetically elite sires in a reliable product designed and validated with your success in mind.
- We have had record global Sexcel production in the past three months, with 322 dairy bulls currently producing Sexcel in North America alone. This is due to our continued investment to be the best in the industry and working cross-functionally to improve internal processes.
- 64 new Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss have been identified to produce their first units of Sexcel in September.
A GENETIC PLAN TAILORED FOR YOU
For us, it’s not about making bulls that make the “top list.” We are dedicated to creating sustainable, profitable genetics tailored to your herd. Our goal is to develop a customized genetic plan that maximizes your milk check by aligning with your market and minimizes your daily challenges by helping you improve weaknesses. In the end, the ultimate question is: what do you value in your genetics?
Your genetic selection should consider the following, not just industry popularity.
- How are you paid?
- What challenges do you face?
- Why do cows leave your dairy?
- What is your operation like?
- What is your environment like?
When you plan like this, you’re planning for the bigger picture—your future.
