Improve daughter fertility and production from forage by crossbreeding

'The number one reason for crossbreeding is to improve daughter fertility, so why not utilise, the Friesian, the most fertile breed in the world?' asks Ervin McKinstry from Genus ABS.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th May 2016, 09:20 BST
Updated 9th May 2016, 10:27 BST
Catlane Chad daughter, Frenchpark Wendy 130 in second lactationCatlane Chad daughter, Frenchpark Wendy 130 in second lactation
Catlane Chad daughter, Frenchpark Wendy 130 in second lactation

Ervin goes on to explain that the Friesian is also the number one breed for lifespan, producing cows that last longer than any other breed.

The Friesian, while offering completely unique bloodlines also offers an “invisible cross” on Holsteins producing black and white cows which are more consistent in size than some other crossbreeding alternatives.

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In the present economic climate there are two other advantages that will attract dairy farmers. Firstly the Friesian will produce a valuable bull calf from Holstein cows. Secondly, farmers are trying to maximise returns from grassland and Ervin points out that the Friesian is tailor made for this purpose.

Catlane Chad daughter, Roydmoor Sophie 5 in first lactationCatlane Chad daughter, Roydmoor Sophie 5 in first lactation
Catlane Chad daughter, Roydmoor Sophie 5 in first lactation

To prove the fertility claim the breed rankings for Daughter Fertility Index on the UK Animal Data Centre base compared to Holsteins are:

Friesian + 14.3

Shorthorn + 10.2

Montbeliarde +9.7

Catlane Chad daughter, Roydmoor Sophie 5 in first lactationCatlane Chad daughter, Roydmoor Sophie 5 in first lactation
Catlane Chad daughter, Roydmoor Sophie 5 in first lactation

Jersey +7.2

Ayrshire +4.6

Brown Swiss +3.8

Holstein 0.0

Guernsey – 0.6

l One point on the fertility index equals 0.5 days reduced calving interval.

Farmers wishing to crossbreed will find a sire to suit their particular needs from the comprehensive list of “Genus Fertile Friesians”. This list includes:

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Catlane Chad a calving ease sire that is No 1 PLI bull in the UK.

Blackisle Maverick – No 1 type sire in the UK.

Morcourt Hilton – No 1 PLI bull with over 90% reliability.

Deangate Quaich – an exciting new proven sire with £286 PLI.

Trumpet Topman – high milk production with excellent legs and feet.

Skyhigh Patrol – high PLI, very good fertility and impressive type.

Deangate Quentin – outstanding daughter fertility and calving ease.

For further details, please contact your local Genus ABS representative or the office on 028 3833 4426.