More economic options for block calving herds

We may be approaching a lull between spring and autumn calving, but indexes continue to be published throughout the year for the increasing numbers of herds which choose the block calving option.

Spring Calving Index (£SCI)

As spring calving approaches, block calving producers placing a heavy reliance on grazed grass can look to the Spring Calving Index (£SCI), published today (7 December, 2021) by AHDB Dairy, for their most profitable sire selection options.

The exceptional daughter fertility improver, Progenesis Unicorn remains the number one bull ranked on SCI, at £485. He is followed by Progenesis Wimbledon, from the same breeding programme, whose SCI of £472 reflects the bull’s transmission of high milk solids, as well as lameness reduction and fertility improvement – all key traits for spring, block calving herds. New entrants in places three to five are Schoene AltaRobert (SCI £457), Peak Motion (SCI £456) and VH River Ramsey (SCI £441). Although £SCI is an across-breed index, the top five bulls in this proof run are all from the Holstein breed.

Autumn Calving Index (£ACI)

Autumn block calving herds will have to wait longer to use some brand-new genetics, with three sires making their debut at the top of the Autumn Calving Index (£ACI) ranking.

Progenesis Wimbledon features in number one position, matching his pole position achieved in the Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI) ranking. His ACI of £661 indicates he is just as suited to autumn block calving as year-round calving herds. Wimbledon is followed by second placed VH River Ramsey (ACI £633) and Peak Motion in third (ACI £632). Remaining in fourth place is Progenesis Unicorn (ACI £629) and rounding off the top five is a former number one £ACI sire, Westcoast Guarantee (£619).

With both £SCI and £ACI expressed on an across-breed basis, these rankings allow those who wish to assess the strengths and weaknesses of bulls from different breeds to make ready comparisons.