Gibor- opinion from the Ground.

"He is one of those bulls that breed the "commercial" type of cow: much milk, low fat-%, average protein-%, very positive for cell score (126), longevity (125) and maternal fertility (110). Daughters tend to be smaller, round and frail, but they have excellent feet&legs. Udders are average: not too well attached and front teats tend to be a bit wider. Milking speed is an issue: 88 (average is 100). " - German Farmer

Open Day at Monamore

2009 IHFA Open Day

Tom Kelly - Monamore Herd
Philipstown Farm,
Ballymakenny,
Drogheda,
Co. Louth.
on Wednesday 24th June 2009

http://www.pedigreecattle.ie/monamoreholsteinfriesians/index.htm

NATIONAL SPRING FAIR '09

Andrew Kennedy handler for Ivan Robinson, Ballygowan, Co. Downwith Judge Michael George, Wales and Glaslough Charles Fancy Show Champion

Results

Class 1: Handler born on or after 1st March '97

1.Kevin Behan, Rathangan, Co. Kildare.

Class 2: Handler born between 1st March '88 and 28th Feb. '97

1. Paul Shannon, Belturbet, Co. Cavan

Class 3: Jersey Heifer Born 2008

1. Michael Booth, Stradbally, Co. Laois - Potterswalls Jamacian Pansy

Class 4: Confined Heifer Born after 1st January 2008

1. Margaret Laffan, Adare, Co. Limerick. Everground Gail

Class 5: Heifer born on or after 1st August '08

1. Mervyn & Philip Jones, Gorey, Co. Wexford - Hallow Shottle Daisy

Class 6: Heifer born between 1st March '08 and 31st July

1. Seamus Shannon, Belturbet, Co. Cavan - Clonocey Lheros Jazz

Class 7: Heifer born between 1st Nov '07 and 2nd Feb '08

1. David & Ml. O'Sullivan, Bandon, Co. Cork. - Lisnacunna Toystory

Class 8: Heifer born between 1st Jan '07 and 31st Oct. '07

1. Michael Booth - Beechrow Gibson Twain

Junior Championship

Champion: Michael Booth - Beechrow Gibson Twain

Reserve: David & Michael O'Sullivan - Lisnacunna Toystory

Class 9: Cow shown not in Milk

1. Mervyn & Philip Jones - Sanfield Aero Pine 77

Class 10: Jersey Heifer in Milk

1. Ivan Robinson, Ballygowan, Co. Down - Montgomery Mitage Zoe

Class 11: Confined Heifer Class

1. Tom & Maura Murphy, Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny - Ballythomas Adolph Mia

Class 12: Junior Heifer in Milk

1. Seamus & Aidan Foody, Crossmolina, Co. Mayo - Glaslough Stormatic Carry

Class 13: Senior Heifer in Milk

1. Ivan Robinson - Loughdale Gibson Rosie

Intermediate Championship

Champion: Ivan Robinson - Loughdale Gibson Rosie

Reserve: Seamus & Aidan Foody - Glaslough Stormatic Carry

Class 14:Jersey Cow in Milk

1. Cal Hennessy, Dungourney, Co. Cork - Potterswalls Jetson Prance

Jersey Championship

Champion: Ivan Robinson - Montgomery Mitage Zoe

Reserve: Cal Hennessy - Potterswalls Jetson Prance

Class 15: Cow in Milk having had 2 calves

1. John A Patterson & Sons, Crumlin, Co. Antrim - Ballyginnif Jasper White Rose

Class 16: Cow in Milk having had 3 calves

Ivan Robinson - Glaslough Charles Fancy

Class 17: Group of 3 Females

1. Thomas R. Kelly, The Twenties, Drogheda - Monamore

2. Mervyn & Philip Jones - Hallow

3. Seamus Shannon - Clonocey

Best Udder of the Show

Ivan Robinson - Glaslough Charles Fancy

Exhibitor Bred Champion

John A Patterson & Sons - Ballyginnif Jasper White Rose

Premier Breeder

Mervyn & Philip Jones - Hallow Herd
Premier Exhibitor

Mervyn & Philip Jones - Hallow Herd

Senior Championship

Champion: Ivan Robinson - Glaslough Charles Fancy

Reserve: John A Patterson & Sons - Ballyginnif Jasper White Rose

RESULTS FOR THE 2009 CENTENARY NATIONAL HOLSTEIN SHOW

SUPREME CHAMPION (and BEST UDDER)
Wills Brothers, Bassingthorpe Leader Dilys 10

RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION (and EXHIBITOR BRED)Seaton Farms, Styche Lyster Sally PI

HONOURABLE MENTIONWills Brothers, Riverdane Outside Hazel

MATURE COW
1, Wills Brothers, Bassingthorpe Leader Dilys 10, 65,199kg in 4 lacts
2, A H Wilson & Son, Tregibby Geraldine 41, 70,158 kg in 5 lacts
3, Riverdane Holsteins/B & L Whitfield & Sons, Applevue Rudy Mattia PI, 95,740 kg in 4 lacts
4, D J & S Tomlinson, Denmire Rudolph Ivy 7 PI ET, 80,419 kg in 6 lacts
5, H Wright & Son, Berryholme Lee Linda 2, 48,758 kg in 4 lacts
6, R A Bown, Richaven Astre Squaw PI ET, 66,902 kg in 6 lacts
7, R A Bown, Flettdale Stardust Kay PI, 121,699 kg in 8 lacts
SENIOR COW
1, Blyth Farms, Ardgairney Juror Placida
2, A & D Mackellar/D Gray/P Manning, Drointon Leduc Brenda PI
3, R A Bown, Ecstasy Journalist Roxie
4, T H Cope & Son, Huddlesford Lee Dotty
5, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Rebecca 13 PI
6, P Rawcliffe, Weeton Journalist Helen PI
7, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Grey 80
8, A H Wilson & Son, Leachfield Leduc Dark Cocoa PI
9, R A Bown, Richaven Mattador Squaw PI ET
10, Robert Paterson, Airfield Rox Ring

INTERMEDIATE COW (SENIOR)

1, Wills Brothers, Riverdane Outside Hazel
2, Sahara Holsteins, Bricknell Stormatic Ethel
3, I & J Mallinson, Carhall Lyster Elizabeth
4, Seaton Farms, Ternbridge Rosalind 90
5, B & V Davidson, Errolston Gibson Wendy 2
6, Wills Brothers, Mileoak Stormatic Spotless 2
7, Matthew Isles, Sunnybanks Lee Val PI
8, Robert Paterson, Airfield Gibson Amanda PI
INTERMEDIATE COW (JUNIOR)
1, Seaton Farms, Styche Lyster Sally PI
2, Riverdane Holsteins/M Roberts, Hendomen Arlene 20
3, Messrs Dennison, Denmire Lheros Pamela 8 PI ET
4, T H Cope & Son/B Challenor, Ternbridge Peleen 39
5, R K & S G Miller & Sons, Moorshard Outside Delight PI
6, A & J Whittaker, Knowlesmere Bossy Diamond
7, D Yates, Meiklefirth Empire Babs
8, R A Bown, Ketby Whitesocks 180
9, T H Cope & Son, Huddlesford Champ Candice PI ET
10, R A Bown, Richaven Raider Squaw PI ET
JUNIOR COW (SENIOR)
1, P & J A Isles, Ryisle Holly M 101
2, A H Wilson & Son, Ridgefield Gibson Cherril PI ET
3, ADI/R Lancaster/Greenmile Genetics, Riverdane Ladino Sara PI ET
4, C & J Smith, Inspired C C Choice PI
5, Riverdane Holsteins, Woodlake Freeman Surprise
6, B G Yates, Logan Silky Barb PI
7, P Rawcliffe/F R Lawson & Son, Almondene Whitney PI
8, Wills Brothers, Riverdane Astro Romance PI
9, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Present 72
10, A H Wilson & Son, Llan Talent Dolly 2 PI ET
JUNIOR COW (JUNIOR)
1, Pedran Holsteins Ltd, Weeton Oralie Talent PI
2, T H Cope & Son, Huddlesford Allen Rose
3, ADI/R Lancaster, Luptonhall Jasper Vaakje
4, R A Bown, Richaven Lee Katie PI
5, R & E Butterfield, Saxelby Shottle Marie PI
6, T H Cope & Son, Huddlesford Allen Pretzel
7, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Shotle Trix
8, D J & S Tomlinson, Bilsrow Freeman Rolls PI
9, S P & S R Davies, Castellhyfryd Sep Storm Rosina PI
10, Holdcroft & Sons, Dovetrent Allen Christine 88

CHAMPION HEIFER IN MILK
Wills Brothers, Smiddiehill Goldwyn Sharon PI ET

RESERVE CHAMPION HEIFER IN MILK
H Wright & Son, Berryholme Goldwyn Maud

HONOURABLE MENTION
W A & A Booth, Feizor Goldwyn P Wendy

SENIOR HEIFER IN MILK
1, H Wright & Son, Berryholme Goldwyn Maud
2, T H Cope & Son, Huddlesford Mrs Melody
3, Wills Brothers, Morsan Breeze Allen Doris PI ET
4, Riverdane Holsteins/B & L Whitfield & Sons, Riverdane Sept Mattia PI
5, A & D Mackellar, Drointon Titanic Virtue
6, A H Wilson & Son, Honesberie Gibson Melanie PI ET
7, W J Nadin & Co, Hyclass Roy Anna PI
8, Roston Partners, Cassia Goldwyn Edna
9, R & E Butterfield, Ingleview Troubador Daisy
10, Seaton Farms, Ternbridge Trixie 65
INTERMEDIATE HEIFER IN MILK
1, W A & A Booth, Feizor Goldwyn P Wendy
2, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Satisfaction Rebecca 20
3, B G Yates, Logan Mr Sam Hope PI
4, Sahara Holsteins, Wiltor Goldwyn Lausine PI ET
5, S & A Oliver, Ansa Goldwyn Mala Peach PI ET
6, Messrs M Armstrong/C Baty, Ridgefield September Rose PI
7, A & J Whittaker, Knowlesmere Garrison Papoose PI
8, Riverdane Holsteins/A & C Watson, Overside Mr Sam Bonita PI
9, R A Bown, Richaven RR Squaw 2 PI ET
10, B & V Davidson, Errolston Talented Fran PI ET
JUNIOR HEIFER IN MILK
1, Wills Brothers, Smiddiehill Goldwyn Sharon PI ET
2, R K & S G Miller & Sons, Huntlodge Jordan Royalty PI
3, Riverdane Holsteins, Upsall Sam Sheri PI
4, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Jordan Contented 384
5, W J Nadin & Co, Sterndale Shottle Papoose PI ET
6, C & J Smith, Smiddiehill Shottle Hope
7, C B Cooper Partnership, Noremead Outside Stocking
8, A H Wilson & Son, Carrock Blitz Spottie PI ET
9, Riverdane Holsteins/W J Nadin & Co, Riverdane Dundee Mira PI ET
10, Messrs Dennison, Denmire Shottle Marie 57 ET

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSahara Holsteins, Sahara Damion Tessie

RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION
R A Bown, Richaven Shottle Squaw ET

HONOURABLE MENTION
D J & S Tomlinson, Bilsrow Shottle Olympia 3 ET

SENIOR HEIFER
1, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Damion Tessie
2, B G Yates, Logan Damion Joleen
3, G Lucas, Q Serrabassa, E Rijneldvelt, Drointon Jordan Brenda PI
4, C Baty, Tynevalley Shottle Katrina ET
5, Wills Brothers, Willsbro Shottle Edda PI
6, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Damion Tammy
7, D J & S Tomlinson, Bilsrow Gibson Ada
8, R A Bown, Richaven Chapter May PI
9, A L & H F Nottage, Forte Leduc Cocoa ET
10, A L & H F Nottage, Forte Shottle Elegance 2 ET
INTERMEDIATE HEIFER 1, A & J Whittaker, Knowlesmere Ism Miss Linda ET
2, Sahara Holsteins, Ridgefield Show Rosie ET
3, A & D Mackellar/H Henke, Ridgefield Shottle Rosie ET
4, R A Bown, Richaven CC Katie
5, H G Middleton & Son, Grangecroft Storm Daisy
6, Messrs M Armstrong, Wolfa Damion Roxy
7, S L & P S Bell, Holmland Stormatic Rolly
8, P & J A Isles, Ryisle Blackberry
9, W J Nadin & Co, Sterndale Ruby Red ET
10, C B Cooper Partnership, Noremead Revolution Lys
JUNIOR HEIFER
1, R A Bown, Richaven Shottle Squaw ET
2, D J & S Tomlinson, Bilsrow Shottle Olympia 3 ET
3, Blyth Farms, Drointon Goldwyn Sally ET
4, J R A Steeples, Cramar Bkb Revealed
5, ADI, ADI Goldwyn Alice
6, D & P Mead & Co, Ridgefield Carmel ET
7, I & J Mallinson, Carhall Talant Elizabeth 3
8, C Baty, Tynevalley Talent Janice
9, A L & H F Nottage, Forte Talent Renita Red ET
10, WJ Nadin & Co, Sterndale Ashlyns Gold ET

CHAMPION CALF
Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Damion Sara

RESERVE CHAMPION CALF
R A Bown, Richaven RR Squaw 4 ET

HONOURABLE MENTION CALF
A H Wilson & Son, Lyganlan Shottle Kandy
SENIOR CALF
1, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Damion Sara
2, R A Bown, Richaven RR Squaw 4 ET
3, A L & H F Nottage, Forte RR Renita
4, Wills Brothers, Willsbro Shottle Marie ET
5, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Damion Ebony
6, Seaton Farms, Excel Goldwyn Promise ET
7, P Mercer, Sandringham Spirte Kitty
8, W J Nadin & Co, Sterndale Advent Rosemary Red ET
9, B G Yates, Logan Proof Rosa
10, W J Nadin & Co, Sterndale Gold Ashlyn ET
INTERMEDIATE CALF
1, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Advent Enjoy ET
2, A Sutton & Son, Shottle Dundee Dorothea ET
3, W J Nadin & Co, Sterndale Advent Prose Red ET
4, Wills Brothers, Willsbro Talent Romance ET
5, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Advent Rae 2 ET
6, Holdcroft & Sons, Dovetrent Champ Christine 111
7, G Kirby, Carldanton Dundee Lexus ET
8, Mr D M & Mrs P Coombes, Mikali Damion Erle
9, J R A Steeples, Cramar Affirmed A Cutes
10, R G Swain/C Baty, Shavington Rampage Ravina Red
JUNIOR CALF
1, A H Wilson & Son, Lyganlan Shottle Kandy
2, Sahara Holsteins, Sahara Goldwyn Regenia ET
3, W Maddocks Ltd, Wyndford Mr Sam Rebecca 36
4, Wills Brothers, Willsbro Roumare Delight ET
5, R A Bown, Richaven Jasper Roxie ET
6, Seaton Farms, Styche Pronto Chancel ET
7, I & J Mallinson, Carhall Shottle Elizabeth ET
8, Mr D M & Mrs P Coombes, Excellence Silky Lozan
9, Y K Bradbury, Peak Shottle Sexy
10, W & J Templeton, Syke Hot Jodie ET
ALL BRITAIN BREEDERS GROUP
1, TH Cope & Son, Huddlesford Holsteins
2, RA Bown, Richaven Holsteins
3, R Paterson, Airfield Holsteins
4, CB Cooper Partnership, Noremead Holsteins
ALL-BRITAIN PRODUCE OF DAM OR DAUGHTER/DAM PAIR
1, RA Bown, Richaven Holsteins
BEST RED & WHITE
1, Sahara Holsteins, Glaslough Talent Kim Red PI
2, A Swale, Holmland August Rachel Red PI ET
3, W & J Templeton, Tegan Advent Mahogany Rox Red 2 ET
4, A Sutton & Son, Shottle Rozalla Kite Red ET
5, Mrs A J & Mr P G Barrell, Wysall Talent Lou Red PI

Holstein Friesian Ireland is back

We're back even if we are all depressed over milk prices we will try keep bright side out.

WORLD FIRST PRODUCES 20,000GNS BID AT BORDERWAY

The Borderway Black and White Sale (Saturday 29th November 2008) hosted at the Borderway sale Centre, Carlisle, attracted the very best of UK pedigree dairy genetics and resulted in a top price of 20,000gns and an overall sale average of over £5,000.

Braedale Goldwyn and Picston Shottle sired many of the stars that made this sale such an immense success and resulted in the highest Black and White sale average in the past 22 years. The sale included a world first opportunity to purchase a first choice animal from two entire herd offerings. The average for all lots sold including embryos, first choice females, Holstein and Jerseys was £5,029.

Top price was 20,000gns paid for the first choice of the entire Overside Holstein herd of Hugh Neilson, Strathaven, Lanarkshire. The last bidder was Alan and Christine Watson from the Lillyhall Herd, Cockermouth, Cumbria. The successful bidders have two weeks to make their considered choice from this world renowned herd.

Another herd with a first choice offering was the famous Potterswalls Jersey Herd, owned by the Fleming family. The successful bidders have the option of any female from the entire group of 2008 born calves. Winning the bidding on this exciting 5,000gns lot was Michael Booth, Co. Laois, Rep. of Ireland.

Denmire Shottle Marie 80, bred by the Dennison family, Ulverston, Cumbria, sold for 19,000gns to Colin Dent, Bridgend Holsteins, Penrith. The first three females in this pedigree are all Excellent 94 scored dams and each animal has produced over 100 tonnes of milk in their lifetime.

The famous Lylehaven Lila Z EX 91 had a beautiful grand daughter sired by Bolton from a VG 87 Two-Year-Old daughter of Picston Shottle. This June born calf attracted enormous interest from around the world and sold with numerous embryo and bull contracts. She was consigned by Andrew Davies, Abertegan Farm, Llanybydder and now joins the breeding establishment of Andrew Bunting, New Abbey, Dumfries, for 18,000gns.

Another headliner that attracted the attention of bidders was Nethervale Goldwyn Tabby. This animal was described by auctioneer Glyn Lucas as a heifer that “flirts with perfection”. Her dam was the former All Canadian Veazland-R Bstar Tabby EX. This lot was consigned by W. Scott & Co, Netherhall Farm, Largs, and was purchased for 13,000gns by Jim Currie, Lanark, Drumchapel Estate, Brechin, and Usan Estate, Montrose.

All Red Holstein animals attracted huge interest with a top price of 11,000 paid for an Advent Red calf from Scientific Mahogany Red EX, a sister to the famous Madison show winner, Scientific Debutante Rae. This lot was consigned by Andrew Davies, Abertegan Farm, Llanybydder, and purchased by Willy Templeton, Syke.

Carhall Goldwyn Beth and Feizor Shottle L Melody both sold for 10,000gns. Both calves are bred from top UK show animals and were purchased by the Beth Syndicate and Wilsbro Farms, respectively.

The sale mangers would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this sale such a success, and would like to wish all the purchasers much success in the future with their animals.

Leading Prices
Lot Gns Vendor Purchaser
30 20,000 Hugh Neilson “Overside” A&C Watson, “Lillyhall”, Cockermouth
31 19,000 JM&M Dennison “Denmire” C Dent, “Bridgend”, Kirkby Thore, Penrith
45 18,000 DM&M Davies “Tegan” A Bunting & Son, “Newabbey” Dumfries
57 13,000 W Scott & Co, “Nethervale” J Currie, “Carlinside”, Lanark,
Drumchapel Estates, “Drumchapel”, Brechin, Angus
and Usan Estates, Montrose, Angus
39 11,000 DM&M Davies “Tegan” RW Templeton, “Syke”, Ayrshire
33 10,000 WA&A Booth, “Feizor” Wills Brothers, “Willsbro”, Cornwall
52 10,000 I Mallinson, “Carhall” “Beth Syndicate”, Cumbria
71 8500 Noel Willis, “Conncorr” A Owen, Manor Oak Farm, Audlam, Crewe
75 7500 JM&M Dennison, “Denmire” I Robinson, “Ravara”, Ballygowan, Co Down
36 7500 H Wright & Son, “Berryholme” J Pollock, “Garrick”, Portadown, Co Armagh
61 7000 Stellar Genetics “Stellar” D O’Neill, “Denholme”, Dromore, Co Down
51 6800 Noel Willis, “Conncorr” H&M&D Hodgson, “Wormanby”, Carlisle
and S&A Morley, “Petteril”, Southwaite
34 6200 J Brewster, “Boclair” S Roan, “Colvend”, Dalbeattie
and B McMiken, “Ernespie”, Castle Douglas
53 6200 P Dunn “Dunbanard” Dr Edwin Brade, Germany
23 6000 “Absolute” & “Holmland” Messrs Scott, “Pod” Holsteins, Dorset
2 5200 JM&M Dennison, “Denmire” WM Hutchinson & Son, “Bowberhill”, Kirkby Stephen
40 5000 Fleming Family, “Potterswalls” M Booth, “Ballyduff”, Stradbally, Co Laois
66 5000 D Clarke, “Clarkestown” AH Laird, “Blythbridge”, West Linton, Peebleshire

Genomics, a UK overview.

Genomics is a hot topic in Canada, so following a recent trip to the country, Joanne Pugh takes a look at the science and its relevance to UK farmers.

IN Canada there is much talk about genomics and considerable excitement about using a bull's DNA to predict how good a sire he will be.

There is similar enthusiasm in the USA but the small amount of information coming to the UK appears confusing.

This may be because the first semen company to launch the concept in the UK - the New Zealand company LIC - has since run into difficulties, offering refunds to Kiwi farmers who have already invested in the technology.

LIC has also promoted genomics as a replacement for progeny testing, reducing its own progeny testing programme from 300 bulls per year to 100. With genomics equivalent to testing a handful of daughters, that led to backlash against the technology.

But such scepticism is less prevalent in North America, where semen companies are already using genomics, describing them as an additional tool rather than a progeny testing replacement.
Genomic information will be included in the North American proof runs next year (January in the USA and April in Canada), something that will certainly affect UK farmers. Therefore some clarity is needed.

What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of DNA. Previously 'gene markers' have been promoted to identify specific traits but, because complex traits are not controlled by a single gene and the cost of the technology has fallen dramatically, genomics relies on a panel of 58,000 gene markers instead.
Using this panel relies on developing a 'key', which is done by genomically testing bulls that have already been progeny tested. Because scientists already know what traits those bulls have they can draw parallels between recorded traits and genomics, then apply the information to predict what traits non-progeny tested bulls may pass on.

For example, if 100 progeny tested bulls have high milk protein and a certain combination of DNA markers, any non-proven bull with the same combination of DNA markers can be assumed to also have high milk protein.

The 'key' is vital and the more animals used to develop it the better. For example, LIC used around 2,500 proven bulls and several semen companies in Canada and USA combined resources to process around 5,000 bulls. Holsteins are ahead of the game because of a larger population and greater databank.

LIC withdrew its 'DNA proven' Holstein Friesian semen (sold before bulls had daughters on the ground) because its predictions (the 'key') did not match the initial progeny testing data.
The company says the Jersey and KiwiCross breeds do match up but it is 'prudent' to stop selling the Holstein Friesian semen while it 'works to understand' what has happened.
How reliable is genomics and how will it be used?

At no point has any semen company claimed genomic selection is as reliable as progeny testing, and only two companies (LIC and the Dutch CVR) have reduced their progeny testing programmes.

Most semen companies are promoting three uses for genomics:

1. Better selection of bulls for progeny testing.
All the big semen companies are now using genomics, selected young bulls on their pedigree, parent average (PA) and genomic evaluation.
Brian Van Doormaal of the Canadian Dairy Network says the reliability of PA is 24 per cent and this increases to 42 per cent when combined with genomics.
Although this reliability will increase as DNA technology improves and more data is included in the 'key', Jacques Chesnais, senior geneticist for L'Alliance Boviteq, the research arm of Semex, says it will never rival the 80-95 per cent reliability of progeny testing.

2. More reliability for farmers using young sires.
Because of the greater reliability of PA combined with genomics, farmers who use unproven bulls will get better results (although still not as good as using proven sires).

3. Potential use of 'bull teams'.
Some semen companies are marketing genomically tested bulls in teams, saying this is a way to spread the risk of using young, unproven bulls.
New Zealand is used to bull teams and LIC is a big promoter of them. Semex will also provide them 'in markets where demand is sufficient' but teams are unlikely to gain much popularity with countries used to mating individual cows to specific bulls.

How will progeny testing be affected?

Most companies will continue to progeny test because of the demand from farmers for high reliability proofs.

Also, the 'key' will only improve if data continues to be collected, and more data will be needed as and when new traits start to be selected for.

Mr Van Doormaal says: “The only limitation will be the collection of high quality data. We need to record more and more accurately then ever before, not the other way round.”
How does this affect UK dairy farmers?

Genetic information used in the UK by non-commercial companies (eg DairyCo and Holstein UK) goes through Interbull, which 'converts' national genetic evaluations into international figures.
However, Interbull currently cannot convert genomic information, and will not be able to for at least another 12 months.

Brian Garrison of Select Sires, says this is 'not ideal' but UK farmers can still gain some information from ranking tables published in other countries.

Marco Winter from DairyCo urges caution when doing this, as figures published overseas cannot be automatically transferred to the UK. For example, 65 per cent reliability in Canada or the USA will be less in the UK.

He says genomics is a 'good technology' and 'an additional tool' as long as farmers do not mistake it as being as reliable as a proven bull. Those using unproven young sires would gain from genomics but using a genomically tested bull in place of a proven bull would be 'very high risk'.
He recommends using more than one genomically tested/unproven bull and to ignore claims using 'bull teams' increases reliability to equal that of proven bulls.