Bullseye

GORDON NEUENSCHWANDER Dalton, Ohio

“It’s better to be thought a fool, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” I was asked to provide this information so you can be the jury!

I don’t have the experience some of you have, but these are my observations. The beauty of the Holstein breed is the diversity of the breed. With literally thousands of bulls when you breed cattle what do you want to see? There are at least three different ways to breed Holsteins: Type, genomics, and how does she milk in my barn? Obviously with type you are focusing on eye appeal, and good classification scores. Genomically, you are focusing on certain numbers equaling either milk in the tank or sellable animals. How she works for me is the boots on the ground, rubber hits the road, paying the bills kind of cow for me.

For me, type and genomics are closer to hobbies in a lot of ways. I haven’t been in either one long enough to round them out. Bulls like Analyst-red, Warrior-red, Done Right-P-red, Delta Lambda, and now Eye Candy seem like bulls that will transmit type most of the time. In the genomics I have used Alta wheelhouse. I have seen Frostbite, Zappy, Tennessee, and heard good reports on Jalapeno et cetera, and I haven’t touched the iceberg on bulls.

In our herd, we used Delta Lambda heavily as a young sire. He has the udders, the frame, rib, and the power to perform well. Delta Gamma, Denver 1426, Bringham, Lighthouse, Webster, also have a strong influence on our herd transmitting paying the bills kind of cows. Enough front end, balanced on the rear, and good udders. I like Red so I have used JackpotPP-Red, Rager-Red, Swingman-Red, Go-fast-Red, and a few others. Rager-Red has the most influence in my red carrier milking daughters. Cows that are built to perform and last and improve each lactation.

Looking down the bull path, I see bulls like Jericho, Ranger-Red, and many others being good bulls that pay bills.

Breeding the perfect cow is only part of the picture. We need the blessing of Providence, good feed, a good labor force to take good care of the animals we have been given, and a lot of common sense.

Blessings,

Gordon Neuenschwander