DairyCo

Stability at top of other breeds’ rankings

Despite the changes witnessed at the top of the Holstein rankings, the other breeds show continuing stability in the latest proofs, published by DairyCo breeding+ onTuesday April 7.

British Friesian

The former number one British Friesian Lakemead Rancher retains his leading position, further strengthening his lead with a Profitable Lifetime Index of £159 and showing a small improvement in his lifespan (LS +0.5).

He is followed in second place by Grietman, ahead of newcomer Kirkby Emperor in third, who has the best SCC rating of the top three at -5.

Jersey

The Jersey ranking has a new name at the top, this time in Sunset Canyon Maximus. He improves on production and lifespan, giving him a PLI of £204, one ahead of second placed DJ Hulk who moves up one place since January. Former front-runner Q Impuls can now be found in third place with a PLI of £201.

Ayrshire

There's little change at the top of the Ayrshire rankings with high production sire Brieryside Golden Sand still ranked in top spot (PLI £215) and Morwick Sand Ranger still at number two. New into the top three and moving up one place since January is R Ascona, thanks to excellent fitness traits of -26 SCC, +0.3 Lifespan and +3.2 Fertility Index.

Guernsey

Sniders Option Aaron climbs into first place on the GMI (Guernsey Merit Index) rankings, pushing Trotacre Jay Mr Luck into second position. The top three is rounded of by Tiresford Pedro.

Reminding breeders that comparisons of genetic indexes can not be made between breeds, Marco Winters, director of DairyCo breeding+ says: "All breeds are assessed against a different genetic base. This means that comparisons across breeds can not be made, whether that be a comparison between Friesians and Holsteins or between Jerseys and Ayrshires, for instance. This is an important point for breeders to remember, especially for those who are considering using a variety of breeds in their herds."

Ends

7 April 2009

For further information:

N:        Philippa Stagg

T:         01285 646519

E:         philippa.stagg@dairyco.org.uk

Notes for Editors:

DairyCo is a division of the statutory levy board, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

DairyCo's current focus is on improving the profitability of dairy farming by focusing on four specific areas:

• Provision of high quality market information to help farmers and their representatives make the most of dairy markets and opportunities.
• Helping dairy farmers increase their profits while meeting regulatory and environmental requirements - through the provision of world class research programmes and practical on-farm tools and services
• Helping promote the positive perception of dairy farming with the general public.
• The development of DairyCo activities towards a self-sustaining model.

DairyCo is funded entirely by milk producers, via a statutory levy on all milk sold off-farm, at the rate of 0.06p per litre.  This provides an annual income of around £6.5m.