This year’s April base change shows a consistent pattern across Friesian, Jersey, and Ayrshire — figures appear to decline on paper, but this simply reflects how much the average cow has improved. The baseline has moved forward, not the cows backwards.

Across production traits, all three breeds show reductions, with Jerseys seeing the largest adjustment, particularly for milk and protein. This highlights the rate of progress within the breed, especially for components and efficiency. Friesians and Ayrshires show smaller shifts, indicating more gradual but steady improvement.

Health, fitness, and profitability traits follow a similar trend. Small declines in fertility, lifespan, and £PLI reflect improved herd averages, while SCC remains broadly stable, with slight improvement in Friesians. In type traits, Jerseys and Ayrshires show negative movement in areas such as mammary and feet & legs, suggesting continued focus on production over conformation, while Friesians show a more progress overall.

Overall, each breed is progressing - just in different areas and at different speeds. The base change simply resets expectations to match today’s herd. The direction of travel remains the same: more efficient, more productive, and more functional cows.

A Baseline That Reflects Today’s Herd

Every April, the UK resets the genetic baseline to reflect the current average cow. So when figures appear lower, it’s not because cows are producing less — it’s because the national herd has improved.

What used to be “above average” is now the standard — that’s progress being recognised.

British Friesian

Cogent's Friesian portfolio has performed exceptionally following April's sire summaries, boasting:

• 5 of the Top 10 genomic sires
• 2 of the Top 5 proven sires
• 6 of the Top 10 for Milk (kg)
• 6 of the Top 10 for Fat (kg)
• 8 of the Top 10 for Type Merit

Across the current proof, British Friesians are delivering for a wide range of systems — from high-output, milk solids-focused herds through to more functional, low-input operations.

For those targeting maximum production and components, sires like Newbarton Ready For It and new graduates Whinnow Ambition, and Bankhouse Edward are setting the pace. These bulls drive exceptional milk alongside strong fat and protein, making them ideal for systems where efficiency and output underpin profitability — with Ready For It standing out as a real specialist for pushing both yield and solids.

Where a more balanced, all-round cow is the goal, the same leading sires combine production with key functional traits. Bankhouse Edward, Whinnow Ambition, and Bradash Trailblazer offer improvements in lifespan, fertility, and udder health — helping to create cows that not only perform early, but continue to deliver across multiple lactations, improving lifetime efficiency.

For herds focused on robustness, fertility, and ease of management, sires such as Bradash Patriot Red, Bankhouse Distinction, and Inch Jake bring consistent gains in fertility, SCC, and longevity. These genetics are well suited to systems looking to build resilient, trouble-free cows that perform with minimal intervention.

Jersey

the stars of the april proof

For herds looking to use proven Jersey genetics, Bayview Hamulus Erling  is our star of the April proof. Increasing 6 points on PLI and moving up 6 positions on the sire ranking, Erling has exceeded expectations once again. With added fat and protein, and now double digits on both percentages, this is a bull that keeps getting better with age. For farmers pushing solids, Erling is definitely a solid choice.

Mr Chrome Laspada once again proves his worth, remaining one of the top type bulls available. With strong feet and legs, excellent mammary traits, and consistent production, he is an exceptional sire for herds where form, function, and style are standard—and increasing production is mandatory. Laspada can still do it all.

These proofs show both bulls remain highly recommended for use, producing daughters that excel in milk quality, durability, and temperament.

NEW JERSEY GRADUATES

For herds targeting maximum production with strong components, CBL Unique Hickey is setting the pace. He combines solid milk and component yields with added strength and width, alongside improved conformation, producing daughters that are functional, durable, and profitable across multiple lactations.

Where high genomic performance and herd longevity are priorities, JX Sexing Gardner {5} stands out. Ranked 9th among UK genomic Jersey sires, he combines strong production with excellent mammary traits, improved lifespan, and SCC. His daughters are highly adaptable — a standout option for high-performance Jersey systems who do not require pedigree registration.

For farmers looking to increase strength while boosting fat and protein, Dulet Mr Bright delivers a balanced solution. He produces daughters with extra robustness and strong components, perfectly suited to herds that need functional, long-lasting cows capable of performing in grazing, seasonal, or more intensive setups.

OTHER BREEDS

For breeders aiming to build functional, high-performing Guernseys, our two new sires STGen Torpedo Landers and Tredinney Daytonas Maestro set the standard. Both combine strong type, exceptional mammary traits, and structural soundness, while adding well over 100kgs of milk, these two sires will produce daughters that are adaptable, durable, and easy to manage across a wide range of systems.

Landers improves overall conformation and udder quality while still increasing milk kgs, and Maestro adds longevity, greater feet & leg scores, and health traits creating cows that remain productive and profitable over multiple lactations. Across this line-up, you’ll see daughters that excel in the profit drivers - milk quality, durability, and longevity.

AYRSHIRE

For herds pushing production without sacrificing fertility, Inch Terry is a proven powerhouse. Ranked #4 for milk, he delivers strong volumes and solids while daughters return to calf quickly—maximising profitable days in milk. Terry is the go-to choice for efficiency-focused herds chasing next-generation performance.

Whinnow Voltage is a genomic standout, one of the highest protein sires available, with strong fertility and an exceptional mammary system. He produces daughters that are durable, functional, and profitable, ideal for herds seeking reliable, all-round cows that excel in solids and type while staying low-maintenance.

Ardmore Jeepers Creepers is a proven all-rounder, ranking top 6 for overall merit and top 8 for lifespan. He produces slightly smaller, firmer daughters with excellent body depth—perfect for herds prioritising longevity, functional strength, and adaptability across grazing and intensive systems.

For herds seeking trouble-free, easy-to-manage cows, Marilie Moliere P delivers polled genetics with high milk, strong type, and solid health, mammary, and feet scores. He produces daughters that are efficient, productive, and low-maintenance, ideal for labour-conscious operations.

The new release, Misty Meadows Jocko is a genomic star, ranked #2 for type merit and #2 for mammary. He combines top fat and protein with exceptional conformation, producing daughters that are high-performing, structurally sound, and built to last—perfect for herds pushing production limits while valuing functional type and long-term performance.

Across this Ayrshire line-up, these sires deliver functional, durable, high-producing cows that excel in milk, components, fertility, and type—tailored to a wide range of herd systems.

REFRESHED FLECKVIEH LINE-UP

Four bulls designed not just to meet these demands, but to lead the market in delivering them. This is what we've built into our new line-up. 

These four sires represent a continuation of what Fleckvieh does best: profit per cow per lifetime, achieved through strong production, excellent components, longevity, and beef genetics that will continue to add value year on year.

For herds targeting maximum production alongside fertility and long-term efficiency, sires like Megafit P are setting the benchmark. A Megastar son, widely used across the UK and behind some of the world’s leading genomic sires, he delivers strong milk with solid components while driving exceptional fertility and longevity. progeny are sure to milk well and remain in the herd longer, reducing replacement pressure and improving overall profitability.

Where modern system efficiency and labour-saving traits are a priority, Megaday PP leads the way. He is a homozygous polled bull, meaning 100% of his calves will be without horns—no surprises, saving labour and costs. Also a Megastar son and a seriously popular sire in the UK, he combines exceptional udder traits and longevity with calm, manageable temperament. His daughters are long-lasting, easy to milk, and perform reliably across a range of systems, while still delivering strong milk solids and meaningful beef value.

For farmers seeking a versatile, all-round cow, Malibo P offers a balanced and dependable solution. Backed by proven genetics, he delivers consistent milk with strong components, alongside fertility, longevity, and ease of calving. His daughters are functional, persistent, and adaptable across grazing and more intensive setups.

For those prioritising udder quality, longevity, and calf value, Mr Good P stands out as a premium option. He delivers exceptional udder structure and health, combined with persistent production and strong beef traits. His daughters are calm, well-balanced, and easy to manage, generating returns both from the tank and the calf pen.

Across the line-up, the focus is clear: functional, profitable cows that deliver over time, combining production, fertility, durability, temperament, and beef value into your herd that work in real-world commercial systems.