Press Release: Popular CRV bulls live up to expectations

In this index run, a number of CRV bulls that were already popular as InSire bulls were awarded their first breeding values based on the performance of their daughters. These values confirm the genomic breeding values.

For example, the excellent allrounder Majo (Minor x Zepter) with a total merit index (TMI) for Fleckvieh of 136 is the best newcomer among the daughter-proven bulls. He passes on almost 800 kg of milk with +0.15% fat and neutral protein content and scores +8% CRV Efficiency. Majo improves udders (breeding value 113) and udder health (breeding value 120). This son of Minor scores well on other health and fertility traits too, resulting in +7% CRV Health. Majo passes on the A2A2 variant of the beta-casein protein.

Westwind and Wüstensohn, sons of Worldcup, are also living up to their genomic breeding values with their first breeding values based on daughter performance. They follow in their sire's footsteps as suppliers of balanced, dual-purpose cows. For example, Westwind (Worldcup x Epinal) combines a milk index of 116 with +0.15% fat and a beef index of 115. Westwind scores 129 total merit index (TMI) for Fleckvieh, and excels in persistency (breeding value 115). Wüstensohn (Worldcup x Raldi) combines a milk index of 114 with a beef index of 113, and a total merit index (TMI) for Fleckvieh of 130. Wüstensohn’s daughters have excellent udders (breeding value 110) with excellent udder health (breeding value 120). They also have a high life expectancy (breeding value 111).

Pascal (Herzschlag x Vanadin) is an excellent, reliable choice for farmers who want to breed strong, well-developed Fleckvieh cows. His breeding value is now based on almost 1,800 offspring. These daughters have good frames (breeding value 125) and strong feet and legs (breeding value 117). Pascal also passes on a good balance between milk and beef production. He has a production breeding value of +874 kg of milk with +0.14% fat and +0.03% protein, and a beef index of 115.

Reinforced range for polledness

After this excellent index run, CRV is adding three interesting new InSire bulls to the range for polledness breeding. Of this trio, Minoa P*S (Meter Pp x Woiwode) scores the highest with 139 total merit index (TMI) for Fleckvieh. High lifetime production can be expected from the daughters of Minoa P*S. He passes on more than 1,200 kg of milk and a longevity index of 127. The CRV Efficiency score for this new InSire bull is +12%. Minoa P*S improves persistency (breeding value 122), and his daughters will be highly fertile (breeding value 121).

Mur P*S (Marokko PP* x Hermelin) is an excellent all-round Fleckvieh bull with a milk index of 123, a longevity index of 120, and a beef index of 124. In addition, his conformation puts him at the top of the league. He improves both udders (breeding value 123) and feet and legs (breeding value 117). Mur scores +9% CRV Efficiency and 138 total merit index (TMI) for Fleckvieh and is suitable for use on maiden Fleckvieh heifers.

The calves of Dakar P*S (Doc x Manolo Pp*) are also born easily. This heterozygote bull has all-round breeding values with 120 TMI, 122 longevity index, and 111 beef index, resulting in +9% CRV Efficiency. In addition, Dakar scores +6% CRV Health with, among other things, 116 udder health. This bull passes on correct feet and legs, with a breeding value of 120.

Hyndai for milk and beef

A fourth interesting new InSire bull in the range is Hyndai (Hashtag x Rolls), with a total merit index (TMI) for Fleckvieh of 140. He passes on 1,166 kg of milk with +0.04% fat and a milk index of 132. Hyndai has a beef index of 114 and a longevity index of 111. With a score of +9% CRV Efficiency, this new bull is, therefore, an excellent choice for Fleckvieh breeders who want to improve milk and beef production efficiency on their farms. All in all, he’s a worthy representative of CRV's breeding program.