Which AA to use on HERF/BFR heifers ?

[Jockers84]

As said above, wondering if there's any advice out there regarding which sire to use...? I bumped into the local AI technician today, he works mainly with cogent and holds straws from 4 sires in the tank. being;
Rawburn BLACK BUSH
Linton Gilbertines DUBLINER
Linton Gilbertines PREACHER
Oakchurch DE ADMIRAL

I'm sort of swaying towards Black Bush or Dubliner as their both available as sexed straws and they're more the shape I'd look for when retaining heifers.

Any opinions out there? Good, bad or generally indifferent. Couldn't fine the accuracy % on the EBV's, their 2015/2016 born so not split new.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Gulli]

Personally I'd be leaning towards preacher, but it depends on what you want from your bull.

 

[Jockers84]

Personally I'd be leaning towards preacher, but it depends on what you want from your bull.

I’m looking for Heifer calves with good shape. A bit less milk to calm down the Frisian part. Have you used Preacher before? If so how’d you go?

 

[Gulli]

Never used him, I'm a Hereford man (they are much better )
Just what I'd pick if they were my only 4 options. But for me calving ease and milk is more important than massive growth rates and heavy cows

 

[Jockers84]

Never used him, I'm a Hereford man (they are much better )
Just what I'd pick if they were my only 4 options. But for me calving ease and milk is more important than massive growth rates and heavy cows

Yes Calving ease is a must, I have a full time job but will have a few weeks off for lambing so look to start calving then. Mature cow size wasn't overly considered on the initial look at the bulls, will look again. You'll be happy to know the heifers that come from this will be put to a Hereford, like the look of Netherhall 1 OZ DaFFY

 

[Gulli]

Yes Calving ease is a must, I have a full time job but will have a few weeks off for lambing so look to start calving then. Mature cow size wasn't overly considered on the initial look at the bulls, will look again. You'll be happy to know the heifers that come from this will be put to a Hereford, like the look of Netherhall 1 OZ DaFFY

Daffy looks a nice bull, was tempted by him last year but went with northern star from progressive genetics in the end, only on a couple of heifers though so not much to judge him on yet.like I say it all depends on what you want from the bull and what you're putting him onto.

 

[Samcowman]

Just had a look on the Angus database I would say for what you want no to Black bush due to big calves and daughters will end up big.
Probably go for Preacher on the whole. Easier calving and smaller cows in the end. This is all based on EBVS so are just estimates. The Quaker Hill bull Cogent have looks quite interesting as well

 

[AGN76]

Duster, Dimension or Espresso from Genus?

 

[Holsteinfriesian90]

Preacher I’ve had some lovely calves from him. They are growing on well.

 

[Jockers84]

Duster, Dimension or Espresso from Genus?

I’ve been trying to get a hold of the Genus tech up this area but seem to have dropped off the map, only seeing Duster in the June 19 catalogue. He looks a sound lad, would prefer a bit more fat on the ones I’ve got to pick from.

 

[Jockers84]

Just had a look on the Angus database I would say for what you want no to Black bush due to big calves and daughters will end up big.
Probably go for Preacher on the whole. Easier calving and smaller cows in the end. This is all based on EBVS so are just estimates. The Quaker Hill bull Cogent have looks quite interesting as well

Cheers, probably be a toss of the coin between the Linton Gilbertine pair. Yes I like the look off the Quaker Hill bull, good stamp of the father and better figures for fat and IMF

 

[Jockers84]

Preacher I’ve had some lovely calves from him. They are growing on well.

Cheers, you got any pictures? What did you use him on?

 

[Jockers84]

Daffy looks a nice bull, was tempted by him last year but went with northern star from progressive genetics in the end, only on a couple of heifers though so not much to judge him on yet.like I say it all depends on what you want from the bull and what you're putting him onto.

I’m looking to copy Robert Fleming’s system and breed up some black baldies. His Nuffield report on the subject is worth a read.

 

[Samcowman]

Cheers, probably be a toss of the coin between the Linton Gilbertine pair. Yes I like the look off the Quaker Hill bull, good stamp of the father and better figures for fat and IMF

How many daughters do you want to keep? If not many then using sexed semen wouldn’t be a benefit anyway.
What are the price differences between the Quaker Hill bull and the others. I would imagine he would be higher.

 

[Jockers84]

How many daughters do you want to keep? If not many then using sexed semen wouldn’t be a benefit anyway.
What are the price differences between the Quaker Hill bull and the others. I would imagine he would be

It’s only 10 heifers going to the bull so would like to keep as many as possible, hence leaning towards sexed to increase the likelihood. I’ll ask about the price for the Quaker Hill just out of interest, he said theres normally a flask of straws up most months so would be possible to source others but the 4 that’s always in the tank are the ones I’ve listed. They were all the same price, which I though wasn’t too bad compared to hiring a bull. Will see vet next week for sync price

 

[Woolless]

I’ve been trying to get a hold of the Genus tech up this area but seem to have dropped off the map, only seeing Duster in the June 19 catalogue. He looks a sound lad, would prefer a bit more fat on the ones I’ve got to pick from.

A bloke I know used Duster on his cows, said the calves were a bit temperamental. Maybe not a deal breaker but something to consider.

 

[Cripper]

I have used two bulls by the same sire as oakchurch de admiral. They were both a success and easy calving. Looking at the other side of his pedigree they are going to be smaller framed types. So i would say he will be suitable for easy management grass fed system or holstien type heifers

 

[Holsteinfriesian90]

Cheers, you got any pictures? What did you use him on?

Holstein friesian cows and heifers.