With the April 2020 Bull proofs, there will be an industry wide base change. A Base change happens every five years, and it allows us to compare all the bulls available in the market to a new, younger cow population, keeping the figures relevant for UK dairy farmers. We have seen bull proof figures going down for traits like PLI, Milk, Fat, Fertility and Type for example, this demonstrates the genetic progress that the breed has made in the last five years and is a positive outcome. We have seen a lot of change at the April proof run, but don’t be alarmed, this happens every five years and is important for our industry to keep moving genetic progress forward.

In addition to the normal base change, we have also seen an update to the Holstein Type Merit formula from Holstein UK. The aim of this change is to put more emphasis on different traits to move the genetic progress of the breed in a more desirable direction. This new formula will put more emphasis on Legs and Feet and it will also put a penalty on stature. This means bulls with high Legs and Feet composite scores, that are moderate or lower for stature will do better than they used to in the rankings.

For more information contact your local Cogent Genetics Consultant or give the office a call on 0800 783 7258.