Bullseye September 2014

Type Bulls Help Promote Genomic Wave

Whether you are a fan of Genomics or are still a bit skeptical, it is hard to ignore extreme  numbers – perhaps for any trait of interest but especially it seems for Type. That’s why newly released bulls like Lookout Pesce SNOWY (Let It Snow x Atwood) and Silverridge V ELUDE (McCutchen x Snowman) are expected to be hard to keep in stock in the early going. After all the folks who are bought into the science have been waiting for their release while more conservative breeders too have a hard time ignoring the 4-5 point advantage these bulls have over daughter proven Type leaders.

How unique are Snowy and Elude? Both bulls are among a very small group of sires that combine +3000 LPI and +20 Type, an exclusive club that includes just 4 bulls with Snowy being the only one who is not a McCutchen son. Snowy and Elude are the only bulls in the breed that also offer at least +15 for both Mammary and Feet & Leg improvement.

Snowy’s +20 Conformation rating is what triggers interest. Savvy breeders these days also look at the Direct Genomic Values (what the DNA says) for key traits and this is where +24 places him in a class of his own – tops among bulls available in the market today. Furthermore his DGV’s for Udders at +23 and F&L at +17 also pull up his published numbers considerably for these two traits. Such stellar numbers help producers focusing on Type to conclude that he is a “must use” sire.

Silverridge Elude is a McCutchen from a Snowman full sister to the dam of popular Genomax sires Envious and Wickham. His LPI at +3373 is very high and this makes his +20 Type number all the more remarkable. With DGV’s of +3470 LPI and +22 Conformation, you would be right in thinking his numbers for the combination are hard to match. Elude was not originally included on our proof sheet due to concerns about availability, however he is included among the Additional Genomax sires. While we are receiving a small allocation weekly, demand is expected to exceed supply for several months.