With the publication of genetic evaluations for Friesians on a Friesian base instead of being compared with Holsteins, we now have so much more information to help with breeding decisions.
For ease of operation, there is a direct link from the HUK site (as there is to the British Friesian Club site) to the MDCEL. Follow this through to Friesian and you will find much information including the Fertility Index. The tables can be re-ranked specifically according to requirements. For a more detailed search, the HUK site provides back pedigree and
type information. Go to Animal Data and choose Friesian and the tables come up, ranked by type or production. Again, specific selection is possible. This information is only available for animals with a qualifying proof and the introduction of the test day model has brought forward more information. In the case of young bulls for progeny testing, the HUK site provides for an individual Animal Search. There are currently 20 young test bulls, bred by members of the British Friesian Breeders Club and offered by various AI companies. These are included in the list on the BFBC website under “more recent bulls”. There is a healthy spread of bloodlines and the top PLI is £186, however it is through the ancestry that much is revealed. Numbers of lactations for the dams average 7.5, grand dams 8.8, and sires’ dams 8.5. Breeding from this strong and proven position has ensured the establishment of great cow families and the healthy survival of the breed. True sustainability!
« back to headlines
|
