The progress of Australian Holstein genetics

By Graeme Gillan

August was an outstanding proof run for the Holstein breed and Australian Holstein breeders. Highlighted by continual improvement of the breed for BPI and the many traits incorporated, diversity of sire lines and diversity of companies.

Australian Holstein breeders, whatever their main selection criteria have a range of bulls to meet their varied needs. Through the growing testing of males and females located either in Australia or overseas the range of bulls available continues to grow. Looking for health traits, high type, production or outcross pedigrees the Holstein list provides many options.

The three main groups of bulls to consider are:

• BPI - Bulls with milking daughters either in Australia or overseas
• BPI - Australian Proven Only
• BPI - Genomic

Bulls with milking daughters in Australia or overseas

The average of the top ten bulls for BPI lifted from 350 to 392 driven by the introduction of nine new bulls to the list. Of the nine new bulls, five have graduated from the April genomic list and four have improved their rankings from the April list.

Adding to the positive outcome the top 10 bulls are sired by nine different bulls and there are seven different maternal grandsires represented in the pedigree. Additionally the range of companies represented in the top listings ensures a high level of competition in the market.

Australian Proven only

A very stable list of bulls represented with many milking daughters in Australia. From the top 10 in August there is one new graduate to this list and one bull rising to enter the top 10. The remaining eight bulls ensure a very similar look to April. 

Genomically proven

It is from this list we can see the progress and excitement for the Holstein breed with the top 10 bulls averaging 410 BPI this run compared to 378 BPI in August 2019. It was not that long ago we were counting bulls over 300 BPI to measure the progress of the breed. What makes this group of bulls even more exciting is the relative stability of the group.

For Australian Holstein breeders the August 2020 run is extremely important as the representation of Australian bred sires in the top Genomic proven list highlights the progress the breed is making combining outstanding Australian based cow families with the highest ranked sires from Australia and around the world.

This is all being achieved without losing diversity of the breed while making significant progress for health traits, type and production.

In summary, across the three lists we see continual improvement within the breed for a wide range of traits without sacrificing diversity. Add the bonus of many high ranking Polled and A2 bulls there is little need to look outside of the breed to find the bull team to match your breeding goals.

Click here to download a copy of The Good Bulls Guide for August 2020.