Holstein Friesian – The Breed of Choice
“There is a great diversity within the Holstein Friesian breed that provides a choice of genetics to any dairy farmer, no matter what their breeding philosophy is,” said Tony O’Connor, President of the New Zealand Holstein Friesian Association, “The Holstein Friesian is the breed of choice.”One of the many attributes of the breed that O’Connor listed included high Breeding Worth (BW) bulls on offer from AI companies, “Based on BW, 15 of the top 20 bulls on the Ranking of Active Sires (RAS) list (as at 18 July 2009 Animal Evaluation run) are black & white.”
O’Connor commented on the size of cattle on offer, “The Holstein Friesian bulls from AI companies have a range of liveweights – if you don’t want big cows then select a bull with a lower liveweight; if you do want big cows known for superb production, the choice is also there.”
Efficient production with an above average payout was another attribute mentioned by O’Connor as well as improved fertility, “The Holstein Friesian sires that are available today have daughters that will get in-calf more readily compared to six to 10 years ago.” O’Connor also highlighted the improved overall conformation of the breed, especially in the udder.
O’Connor suggested that crossbreed bulls were not superior to Holstein Friesian sires, “I thought if crossbreeding is one of your breeding objectives the advantage is hybrid vigour. Crossbred sires aren’t superior, in fact, to maximise hybrid vigour straight breeds should be your choice.”
“Consider Holstein Friesian bulls for your matings this year – they really are the breed of choice.”
