The Jersey breed has dominated the £PLI ranking, with some brand new bulls which have risen through the ranks bringing added interest for non-Holstein breeders in the latest AHDB proof run.
The No 1 Jersey, River Valley Cece Chrome (Critic-P cross Celebrity) is a case in point, having risen from 57th position in the December rankings, with a PLI of £568.
Outstanding amongst the top five for his Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for production (808kg milk, 33.5kg fat and 27.2kg protein), he also offers excellent improvement in cell counts (SCC -17) and Lifespan (LS +73 days). Chrome is also the highest Type Merit Jersey in the top five at TM 1.9.
Danish VJ Raastrup Hihl Gislev (PLI £457) moves up one place to second, offering high milk quality (0.14% fat, 0.11% protein), the lowest cell counts (SCC -19) in the top five alongside good daughter fertility (+7.2) and lifespan (+61 days).
In third with a PLI of £434, River Valley Circus Craze (Lemonhead cross Pharoah) is a newcomer, graduating from the genomic list last time. He offers good weights of milk, fat and protein (543kg, 21.6kg and 16.9kg, respectively) and high health, notably reducing cell counts (-14), increasing daughter lifespan (+64 days) and also offering high type (TM+1.9).
Two Danish Jerseys round off the top five, one – Danish VJ Blanke Jason Janko – offering the highest milk quality in the top five at 0.34% fat and 0.18% protein while the fifth-ranking Danish VJ Hilario has the most exceptional daughter fertility, at +16.3.
The small but stable British Friesian population sees limited change in the ranking, with long-term headliners, Catlane Caleb and Catlane Cromwell – PLI £346 and PLI £334, respectively – taking first and second positions, ahead of third ranking Lakemead Pinnacle son, Inch Patrick, with a PLI of £324.
In fourth position, former no 1 sire, Lakemead Jingle, who edges downwards with a PLI of £311 but transmits the highest weight of protein on the list (+16.2kg). He ranks ahead of Kirkby Malvern (Blackisle Benloyal) who enters the ranking for the first time, and earns a PLI of £302.
Ayrshires see little adjustments in the first three positions, which are led by VR Nivalan Fimbe Faabeli with a PLI of £552, ahead of VR Gunnarstorp Backen Gobel (PLI £486) and Pell Pers (PLI £447).
Completely new to the Ayrshire list is fourth-ranking VR Vimpula son, VR Stenkulla Vimpula Vilano, with a £PLI of 429. As in the last proof run, the top five are rounded off by VR Kuusian Valpas Vimpula, which has a PLI of £428.
___
The Scottish Farmer remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of Covid-19.
If you are unable to get out to pick up your weekly read, please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £35 - or consider a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months.
To arrange either follow this link:
http://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/subscribe.
Thanks – and stay safe
___
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article