A new line of sires, introduced to the commercial market by St Jacobs under the name Linear Choice, prioritises function, balance and health.
The line has been available in Japan and France since May and will become available to more countries in coming months through the ABS Global channels.
Bulls in the Linear Choice line-up must meet strict criteria established by St Jacobs manager Brian Behnke.
Some of the 17 criteria include factors such as:
- More than 272kg milk, positive components.
- More than 18kg of protein.
- Between +0.4 and +2.0 stature.
- Less than 2.9 somatic cell count.
- No haplotypes.
- No major health problems.
- Good daughter fertility.
Brian said it could be difficult to find bulls that met the strict criteria.
He has been buying bulls that fit the criteria for 18 months.
"Our goal is to create a global supply, consisting of 25 available bulls," he said.
"The ABS business was missing a key segment — bulls that were roughly a point to a point-and-a-half on PTAT and udder.
“But I didn't just want that type, I wanted complete cows that worked hard, were healthy and functional, making cows that will work and last.“
Marcus Rees from ABS Australia said Linear Choice sires had created great interest among his main accounts.
"With their faultless type profile, positive health and production traits, I can confidently put the Linear Choice Sires in front of any client I have," Marcus said.
Demand for the new line of sires has exceeded expectations, even before the global release.
When it was still being designed, projections were 100,000 conventional units and more than 30,000 sexcel (sexed) units. Since then, projected demand has grown to 300,000 conventional units and 200,000 units of sexcel.
Brian said Linear Choice was a good option for commercial farmers.
"I believe this product line fits what dairymen are looking for — balanced cows that are not too big or too small, that mature and develop and make a dairyman's life easier by requiring less attention,“ he said.
“This product line fits all markets and management styles — grazing herds to tie-stall herds have been asking for Linear Choice Sires."
Brian said dairy cows must be "built sustainably year after year, have a strong and workable udder, and be able to walk smoothly".
These traits are included in the strict criteria alongside correct leg position, rump structure and teat length.
He said another benefit of the line was the move toward more sustainable dairy farming.
"Making cows that don't take themselves from the herd leads to older cows in the herd that produce more milk per stall and fewer heifers that need raising, all leading to a more sustainable dairy."
Though in its early days, the program is already showing success.
Brian said out of the first embryos specially bought for Linear Choice, two bulls immediately met all 17 criteria.
"Sales are just getting started, but the response has been phenomenal.
“Country managers have been asking for it, which means the salespeople want it because their clients are asking for it.”