A new concept is being introduced by Bullsemen.com to the UK - one of buying a team of bulls to suit various herd needs rather than just one bull at a time.
This idea is extremely popular in New Zealand, claim Bullsemen.com, and the concept can offer advantages to UK dairy farmers:
-
The needs of cows requiring different traits can be better satisfied from within a group of five or six bulls rather than just one or two. Farmers can select the appropriate bull from within the team to match with cow traits that need improvement, such as udders, feet & legs, body strength and production.
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Buying a bull team lowers overall semen costs as a greater number of straws can be purchased at one time. It is therefore easier to stay within the semen budget.
In the example below the average price of semen is £9.87 for a total 120 straws. More information from Bullsemen.com (Tel: 0808 202 3230).
Example of team of bulls
| Bull |
£PLI |
Milk |
Type |
Feet & |
Udder |
SCC |
Lifespan |
|
|
|
|
Legs |
|
|
|
| Deann |
119 |
519 |
2.97 |
2.09 |
2.71 |
-21 |
0.3 |
| Juwel |
144 |
900 |
2.36 |
2.19 |
1.84 |
-13 |
0.4 |
| Tempeuro |
138 |
558 |
2.34 |
1.65 |
2.17 |
-25 |
0.2 |
| Jelto |
130 |
642 |
1.93 |
1.66 |
1.70 |
-7 |
0.2 |
| Jakobus |
122 |
295 |
2.71 |
3.07 |
1.80 |
-6 |
0.3 |
| Average |
130 |
582 |
2.46 |
2.13 |
2.06 |
-14 |
0.28 |