Currently, the test is only available from GeneControl in Germany (see http://www.genecontrol.de/ ) he said. ‘This new test allows us to take a closer look at the different polled bloodlines within the Holstein breed, helping to differentiate the unique from the more common. We see that one type of polled dominates the current AI polled Holstein bull list, suggesting now is the time to pay attention to rare polled bloodlines before they are lost for good’ Dorshorst,PhD said. HANDS ON- the importance of proper identification and not relying on a pedigree alone. During a comparison of horned and polled Holstein contemporaries Dorshorst PhD notes that ‘a comparison of animals registered with the Holstein Assoc. USA by birth year (to 2011) found that in both male and female datasets ... polled animals have fluctuated from below to above the average PTA of horned animals at certain points in time. This is related to the low overall number of polled animals registered prior to the past 10/15 years. It is easy to see(on a graph) that as the number of registered polled Holsteins grows, the consistency of polled genetics evens out and the gap between polled and horned groups remains small or narrows.’ In 2011 there were 1045 polled females registered with the American Holstein Assoc., twice as many compared to 2009, however he notes ‘In actuality these numbers are likely underestimated due to polled status not always being properly designated at the time of registration’. This is a timely reminder for all dairy farmers and breeders that a most important on farm contribution can be made this year simply by running your hands over a new born calves’ head to feel for horns, especially if records of polled animals have not been kept in the past. Physical identification is paramount because unless one parent is certified Homozygous polled (PP) you CAN NOT tell if an animal is polled by pedigree alone. You must physically check for horns before any unnecessary dehorning takes place, thus confusing the issue. Animals are either polled or they are not, they can not be born with horns and carry the polled gene in their DNA, it is simply not possible. Early this year Dairy Australia, in conjunction with DPI Vic., began preparations for a project targeting genetic testing for polled dairy stock
here in Australia. Within just a few days members of Jersey Australia were able to locate (at time of writing) over 90 head of polled dairy stock available to participate in a future project. The number of head, which were located mostly in Victoria, surpassed expectations. It is hoped in the near future these organisations will also be able to illustrate various herd mating strategies, offering guidelines for first time polled genetic users.
UPDATES
Even if you do not currently herd test, or register animals, please record polled animals when you find them, because it’s not known what part that information may play in the future. With life long polled assessment and identification carried out during those crucial first few weeks , the polled genetic pool will become a better representation of the benefits possible from using polled genetics.
New sires continue to appear on bull lists, though demand is causing some availability variation.
Alta Genetics have two new polled bulls in the system Jer-z-boys Credibull-P-ET 011JE1164 GJPI (production index) of 215, GJUI (udders) 5.43, a Critic P x Maximum-ET, and Jer-z-boys Critique-P-ET 011JE1162 GJPI 201, GJUI 5.65, a Critic P x TBone) though they will not be available until later this year at the earliest, as they are 2012 born. Both bulls are JH1 Free.
New to the Greenbook (USA) Dec 2012 list is Jason Faria, with Faria Brothers Bananas-P 535JE007, GJPI 184, GJUI 4.62, also a Critic P X TBone. Bananas is JH1 Free also. SEMEX also later this year will have All Lynns Vapour-P-ET 200JE00205 available.He is a high milk (1621, fat 57 pro 51)Eclipes-P son out of the well known D & E Paramount Violet. His GJPI is 184, and GJUI 3.53.He is JH1 Free.
Internationally, polled stock continue to dominate the sale results pages, including only recently 5 doses of semen from a high genetic merit Homozygous Red Holstein young sire which sold for an incredible $10,000 per dose. All of the major companies operating in Australia now have Jersey polled sires on their lists, so ask your local rep for further details. If they can’t tell you what you need to know, keep asking!
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