Swiss Simmental X Jersey X Holstein
Foske (Viking Red) X Holstein (Digger)
- The two pictures had already been posted on our Facebook page for some time now. Periodically, I’ve been throwing up some pictures that I don’t want to make a whole blog post about. The first picture I asked people to guess what breed it was. Given the lack of a white face, nobody guessed Swiss Simmental. This was my first Swiss Simmental calf (sired by Adi) and I’ve had a few since then. The next picture is my first Foske heifer calf, born on Monday. If this calf is any indication, he’ll be a fine bull for calving ease and using on heifers.
- Interesting numbers printed in Hoard’s Dairyman on 2011 semen sales by breed in the United States. Norwegian Red accounted for 40,375 units sold which was an increase of 107.6% over 2010. It outpaced Swedish Red (35,055) and Montbeliarde (24,094). Montbeliarde semen sales saw a 31.1% drop from 2010 to 2011. Of course, those numbers all pale in comparison to the 20,000,000 units of Holstein semen sold. (edited to add: the Swedish Red and Montbeliarde units sold only reflect what was sold by Select Sires and semen sold by Creative Genetics was not included. See comments for further clarification)
- A new round of Montbeliarde proofs are here. Valfin still paces the breed at 164 ISU though his numbers have remained steady as we await his second crop. Urbaniste continues to be the bull I watch with most interest. He added a slug of daughters this run and while he takes a little slide in ISU down to 152, he is tied with Redon for top bull with second crop daughters. I hear nothing but good things when I talk to people that have seen Urbaniste daughters.
- We also have new Norwegian Red proofs. While the bull can’t be purchased here in the USA and is at best very limited elsewhere, Velsvik looks to be far and away the best Norwegian Red bull with a TMI of 35 and the next closest being 28. I know I’ve got a few units of Velsvik left. I’ll be sure to use them wisely. Ten of his daughters also roam my herd with the first due to calve later this year. The polled offering from the Geno continues to be strong.
- I look over these European proofs and see bulls I wish I could be using but due to import restrictions am not able to use. Pell-Pers being an example of a VikingRed bull that would likely be finding his way into the rotation as a compliment to Foske. Of course it would also be nice to be able to load up on some more Valfin.
- One young crossbred bull named Dr. Gonzo, an Urbaniste X Q Impuls is now producing semen for Sierra Desert Breeders. This is perhaps the first groupthink bull to enter stud as it was you the readers that chose this mating. I’m looking forward to being a guinea pig and testing this bull out. I did breed him, after all.
Enjoying the California warmth
