Genomics is accelerating the pace of genetic change. In the Holstein breed, it took a Net Merit (NM$) score of 788 to make the top 50 list among nonprogeny proven young bulls. A short four months ago, the last bull on the top 50 genomic list was 750 NM$. That is a 38-point shift. When looking back to April, bulls on the Top 50 genomic list range from 936 to 726 compared to 986 to 788 this December. As one would expect, the top-end of the list also pushed upward with five bulls above 890 NM$. Topping the genomic list was 200HO7450 Numero Uno.
In the Jersey breed, there is a similar story. We list the top 25 genomic bulls and it took a 585 to make the list, while in August it was 548 NM$. That is a 37-point shift. What is different is the top-end of young bulls did not move as much when compared to the Holstein breed.
Among the proven Holstein bulls, there wasn't that much change. In Holsteins, Freddie, the top bull, still ranks first as he moved up 14 NM$. Among the top 100 progeny-proven bulls it took a 491 NM$ to make the list which is one point higher than August. The Jerseys had the same situation with Zuma topping the list by moving up 30 points. Among the top 50 progeny proven Jerseys, it took a 346 $NM to make the list which is 10 points higher than August.
Hoard's Dairyman bull list features all seven breeds. In the Holsteins, the Top 100 bulls for Net Merit are listed. All bulls must be in the top 40 percentile for Net Merit (cutoff is 332 NM$) to be listed in the top lists for Fluid Merit, Cheese Merit, udders, feet and legs, productive life, somatic cell score, pregnancy rate, conception rate, and sire calving ease.
As mentioned earlier, we also have a Top 50 ranking for actively marketed Holstein young sires with genomic tests. We compiled a similar list for the Top 25 Jerseys. This is a logical addition to the bull list as more breeders are using genomic young bulls. We published the progeny tested and genomic lists side by side so breeders can make direct comparisons. Bulls with genomic-only evaluations are not eligible for other trait lists.
In the Jersey breed, we also ranked the Top 25 JPI (Jersey Performance Index) bulls. In the Brown Swiss, we ranked bulls on PPR (The Progressive Performance Ranking) since the breed is no longer ranking bulls on Net Merit. If you would like more information on that decision, check the August 10, 2010, issue on page 515.
In the Red and Whites, we listed the Top 10 Red bulls and the Top 10 Red Carrier bulls by Net Merit. We made similar Top 10 lists for the Guernseys and Ayrshires. The Top 5 Milking Shorthorns are ranked by Net Merit, also.
Click here to download Bull List
