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SUNY Cobleskill’s Animal Science program has announced, through its Jersey embryo program with Select Sires, that it has produced a bull calf ranking worldwide as a top specimen of its breed. Known as Grandslam, the calf's Jersey Performance Index (JPI) rating of 197 places him third for his entire breed based on desirable dairy cattle characteristics.
The College's Dairy program has introduced Jersey cattle into its Holstein herd, allowing students to perform research and trials with the two most popular breeds of dairy cattle in the United States. Jerseys are known to produce milk that is naturally higher in fat and protein than Holstein cattle and, therefore, great for making cheese and other specialized dairy products processed at the College’s Dairy Processing Center.
The Jerseys were introduced to SUNY Cobleskill’s herd using embryo transfer technology, placing Jersey cattle embryos in Holstein cattle recipients. These Holstein recipients carry the calves to term and deliver pure-bred Jersey calves.
Grandslam, born in April 2023 through the work of SUNY Cobleskill students and faculty, returned an initial JPI rating of 181, placing him in the top ten globally. Since the original test, his JPI rating has since increased to 197, third currently of his entire breed and the highest-ranked calf out of his sire presently. The JPI, maintained by the American Jersey Cattle Association, is an industry-standard measuring several key factors, including health and functional traits, fertility, survivability, body size, and other features.
The calf has been purchased by Select Sires Inc., a large global Artificial Insemination cooperative comprised of six farmer-owned and controlled local organizations in the United States. An industry leader, the company supplies dairy and beef producers with the world’s best cattle genetics.
Thomas Poltynski, SUNY Cobleskill’s Director of Farm and Entrepreneurial Operations, elaborated on the College’s long-standing relationship with Select Sires.
“Select gives us the opportunity to have the best-of-the-best when it comes to the genetics of our herd. We’ve been buying semen through them for more than 20 years, using the same high quality genetics that they do when they developing their next productive sire. We are fortunate to have a such a mutually beneficial relationship with Select Sires, and Grandslam is proof of what we are working toward together: raising healthy cattle and establishing future dairy industry professionals.”
Grandslam will be raised in Ohio with Select Sires Inc. His official registered name is JX Cobleskill S-S-I Best GRANDSLAM {6} -ET.
SUNY Cobleskill’s Bachelor's of Technology in Animal Science prepares students for careers in the animal industry at the production level or in the support industries. Advisement tracks are offered in a general course of study or in dairy, livestock, equine, or animal nutrition. The Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science provides the academic background necessary for entrance into advanced degree programs, as well as the course work required to apply to veterinary medicine programs.
About SUNY Cobleskill
The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill is an accredited, baccalaureate, residential college with a rich academic tradition spanning more than 100 years. With an emphasis on experiential education, SUNY Cobleskill prepares students for successful careers, advanced studies, and engaged citizenship. Our founding principle that students “learn by doing” was formalized in 2016 with the SUNY system’s first applied learning requirement, guaranteeing that every student graduates with real-world experience in their field of study. Learn more at www.cobleskill.edu.
