There are four main herd sires being used in 2009 fall. With so many Cruz and Eisenhower dams in the herd we had to step out into new lines. One advantage of the size herd we run is that we can afford to buy the very best sires available and spread the cost over a large number of cows. We have had to outbid AI companies more than once.
1. Curragh Malcolm 892. Imported from the UK, he is one of the few sons out of the famous Netherton Missie who sold for a record price ST£31k in Scotland. By Rawburn Transformer. As of May 2009 Malcolm is the highest bull in Ireland for both Terminal Sire and Self Replacement EBVs. A winner in Tully, he is Gene Ireland Approved. A really good-looking bull. Malcolm stands out as one of the top of the range sires internationally, any way you measure him.
July 09 . Using the new GENESTAR DNA technology available in the UK, Malcolm was submitted for Feed Efficiency evaluation. It turns out he carries genes that rank him in the Top 10% of the Angus breed for Feed Efficiency. He requires 0.59Kg less meal per day to achieve the same weight gain than an average Angus.
2. Friarstown Edition 37. A full bother to a bull of the same name in the National Stud. By Hoff Limited Edition out of Royal Eston Anne, whose embryos sell for very high prices in Scotland. Edition weighed 794kg at just over 400 days. One of the highest sires in Ireland for 600 day weight.
3. El Buffboi 110. Out of the Youndale Elba 18L cow that bred several national level show winners and a bull in AI. Sired by Buffalos Conclusive, a bull made famous in the US continent by his consistent ability to throw small calves which rapidly grew on to be top of the class for weight gains and looks. He weighed in at 548Kg at 310 days.
Result DNA results show that Buffboi is in the top 10% for feed efficiency.
Dalriada 830, typical son of 110.
Showing lots of style.
4. Howlett 111. By TC Freedom out of Southland Duchess. We bought this bull because he is a full brother to the Sept 09 Tully intake record-breaker. Breaking all records for growth, from a small calf size. He was bought by the National AI Centre.
Our breeding aim is to produce pedigree stock which obey this equation for our customers :
Value = Volume = Length x Breadth x Height
Whilst maintaining the Angus traits of hardiness, easy calving and suitability to low labour systems.
Small, tight and stubby cattle are culled.
We have successfully served two markets.
1. Pedigree breeders looking for top quality female genetics from which to breed show stock.
2. Farmers looking for herd sires for both dairy and beef enterprises.
