Holstein bulls to 1,850gns

Austin Perry, Ahoghill, exhibited the supreme champion Killane Rolo sold for a top price of 1,850gns at Holstein NI's autumn show and sale at Kilrea. Included are judge Ian Watson, Coleraine, and sponsor James Kelso, Semex.

Sale leader was the day’s supreme champion Killane Rolo PLI £285, a nineteen-month-old entry bred by Holstein UK vice president David Perry, and brother Austin, from Ahoghill, County Antrim. Sired by River Bridge Co-op Troy, he is backed by twelve generations of VG and EX dams from the noted Roberta family. His dam Killane Atlas Roberta 25 EX averaged 8,377 at 4.01% fat and 3.07% protein in four lactations.

Rolo was described by judge Ian Watson, Majestic Herd, Coleraine, as a medium sized, well fleshed and nicely balanced bull. Buyer was Thomas Hamilton from Carrickfergus.

The pre-sale show was generously sponsored by Semex. NI manager John Berry, and newly appointed sales representative James Kelso were on hand to congratulate the winners and present the awards.

Stuart Smith, Londonderry, exhibited the reserve champion Prehen Freeboard sold for 1,750gns. Included are judge Ian Watson, Coleraine; and sponsor James Kelso, Semex.

Scooping the reserve championship was Prehen Freeboard GPLI £456, a June 2015 born Towerview Galaxy ET son bred by Robbie and Stuart Smith, Londonderry. His dam is Prehen Altaiota Froukje GP 83 – sister to the former number one and number two GPLI cows in the UK, and a former number one proven bull. Buyer at 1,750gns was Maurice Hughes from Kircubbin.

Following close behind at 1,700gns was the honourable mention award winner Cluntagh Joe PLI £169 bred by Steven Robinson from Crossgar. Sired by Holstein International’s former outcross sire of the year Sherdon Irresistable, he is bred from Wardle Shottle Heather 2 EX90 who averaged 10,188kgs at 3.80% fat and 3.17% protein in six 305-day lactations. This one caught the eye of Ian Steele from Antrim.

Geoffrey Patton, Carrowdore, realised 1,520gns for Carrowcroft Photocopy PLI £407. Born in May 2015, he was sired by the Mogul son River Bridge Co-op Troy, and is backed by five generations of VG and EX dams. His dam Carrowcroft Beacon Primrose VG86 gave 11,300kgs at 4.32% butterfat and 3.53% protein in her third 305-day lactation.

Results from the show ring:

Bull, born between 01/02/15 and 31/03/15 – 1, and champion, Austin and David Perry, Killane Rolo by River Bridge Co-op Troy; 2, and hon mention, Steven Robinson, Cluntagh Joe by Sherdon Irresistable; 3, Inch Genetics, Inch Increase by Regancrest Altaiota; 4, David McNaugher, Mullaugher Lenny by Morningview Legend.

Bull, born between 01/04/15 and01/04/15 and 30/09/15 – 1, and res champion, Robbie and Stuart Smith, Prehen Freeboard by Towerview Galaxy; 2, Robbie and Stuart Smith, Prehen Samsung by Cogent Supershot; 3, Ronald McLean and Sons, Relough Demo by Welcome Armitage Pesky; 4, Philip and Simon Haffey, Glasson Sobriety by Richmond D EL Bombero.

Average: 12 bulls £1,512 each (80%).