ABS Global has released its December Sire Summary, revealing significant updates in the sire rankings for Australia. The company’s bulls continue to dominate the nation’s Holstein genetics, showcasing the importance of consistency in a landscape marked by evolving breeding goals.
Jeronimo P and Hoogerhorst Dg Rubels Red remain prominent figures, maintaining their positions despite a recent overhaul of the National Breeding Objective and adjustments to the Australian Breeding Values (ABVs). Rubels Red ranks third on the proven ABV list, recognized for his blend of production, type, and strength. Jeronimo P, a long-standing heavyweight, sits in fourth place and has impressively remained in the top five since achieving proven status in August 2021. With a record of 2,634 milking daughters and exceptional health traits, he continues to be a profitable choice for farmers across Australia.
Bruce Ronalds, business operations manager at ABS Australia, emphasized that consistency is crucial for dairy farmers seeking profitability. “Bulls come and go, but the ones that keep delivering year after year are the ones that farmers can confidently build herds around,” Ronalds stated. He noted that the recalibration of the ABVs serves as a rigorous test, underscoring the strength and balance of many animals in the ABS lineup.
Another bull that has gained from these changes is Flowrider, a former high genomic sire who now ranks sixth on the ABV proven list, attributed to his outstanding health traits.
Emerging Stars in the Sire Rankings
On the brink of becoming a proven Australian sire, Ttm Ellis-PP has made a notable impression with 120 milking daughters across more than 18 herds, achieving a Balanced Performance Index (BPI) of 618. Surpassing his genomic predictions, the polled sire boasts impressive scores: 110 on type, 104 on udders, 109 for mastitis resistance, and is among the breed leaders for somatic cell count.
Jake and Melissa Hinkley, dairy farmers in Carpendeit, Victoria, have eight daughters of Ellis-PP in their 240-strong herd. They selected Ellis-PP for his polled and A2 genetics, aiming for productive, low-maintenance animals. “I want to run the farm by myself, not have staff, so I want to minimise jobs — such as dehorning — to make life easier for myself,” Jake Hinkley explained. “Ellis fits that requirement; he delivers nice sound cows that do everything right.”
The genomic rankings further highlight ABS’s supremacy, particularly in the homozygous polled ABV genomic category. The company boasts the top seven genomic PP Holstein bulls and 14 of the top 20, covering approximately 70 percent of Australia’s leading Holstein PP genomic bulls. The highest-ranked PP bull, Denovo 23176 Highfert PP, now sits at number 11 in the ABV genomic rankings.
Jersey and Red Breeds Making Strides
In the Jersey category, the high-production sire Forest Glen Craze Tripp has re-entered the upper ranks of the proven list, reflecting the new breeding priorities. He currently holds a high Australian Selection Index (ASI) of 380 and is recognized as the leading milk-producing bull on the proven list.
Cal-Mart Dino, part of ABS’s genomic Jersey offering, continues to remain a top choice, currently ranking tenth. His appeal stems from impressive metrics including 105 for daughter fertility, 109 for mastitis resistance, and valuable outcross bloodlines. His son Daytona follows closely at number 12, with positive type and improved health traits.
Among the top Jersey sires, Kaarmona Jeronimo Brady holds at number 17, celebrated for his overall type rating of 114 and udder rating of 113, alongside an ASI of 364. His success is further supported by a strong maternal background.
The Jersey breed is also represented by Miami Heathstar, who has a BPI of 402. With outstanding type, health traits, and 107 for daughter fertility, he remains a popular option for Jersey breeders.
In the red genetics sector, Norway’s NR Skoien has made a significant impact, entering the Australian genomic list at number 16 with a BPI of 382. ABS recognized his potential early on, and with daughters proving successful in both Australia and internationally, his health and production capabilities are becoming increasingly evident.
In the proven rankings, the high-production bull Sausvatn PP retains his position among the nation’s red genetics, currently ranking third with a BPI of 330, contributing to a lineage of 100 percent polled progeny.
As ABS Global continues to adapt to the dynamic nature of breeding objectives, the latest sire rankings underscore the importance of consistency and performance in driving profitability for dairy farmers.
