Breeders using young genomic sires are usually keen to be the first with a combination of modern bloodlines and a new bull from Mastergen is expected to be snapped up by those who want to keep ahead of the game.
The bull is Galactico, the number two bull ranked on Italy’s economic index for Production, Functionality and Type (PFT- 3335) who promises to bring the superstar potential his name would suggest.
An early son of Galaxy – himself a son of the internationally acclaimed, former No 1 TPI sire, Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie – he is also the first son to be marketed from the exciting young cow, Val-Bisson Bookem Dona VG86 2yr. A Bookem daughter out of a VG89 Shottle dam, she is full sister to the popular genomic sire, Val-Bisson Doorman, as well as four other bulls currently active in AI.

Galactico

Galactico’s UK genomic index, converted from Italian figures, includes a massive Type Merit of +3.17, udder composite of +2.77, foot and leg composite of +2.66 and a huge Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) of £584. He earns his £PLI in part through the transmission of high quality milk production and exceptional health and fertility, including scores of -27 for cell counts and +6 for fertility. He brings the further bonus, prized by cheese makers, of carrying the BB genotype for kappa casein.
At an international level, his index equates to a genomic TPI of 2454.
“Galactico represents the cutting edge when it comes to pedigree, style and performance,” says Molly Westwood from Mastergen. “His sire, Galaxy, is a high milk bull with a faultless linear and we believe that combining this with the type and components of Val-Bisson Bookem Dona represents the perfect mating.
We are confident Galactico will not only produce show winners, he will also produce high quality, customer satisfaction cows to suit all systems.”
Galactico is available in limited quantities from January 2015 at £25 per straw.