Recently launched breeding company, Mastergen, has scored a coup for Holstein breeders by securing two top proven Italian bulls for use in the UK.

Amighetti Planet Kid
Amighetti Planet Kid is definitely one for the type enthusiasts, taking his position as the number one feet and leg improver of the Holstein breed (F&L +4.01) and offering superb overall type (Type Merit +3.64). But with just +1.11 points for stature, his daughters will fit into any commercial system, also producing quality milk with a PTA fat of +0.10%.
Planet Kid has not only demonstrated his transmitting ability (his high reliability proof is based on milking daughters in Italian herds) but he also has an outstanding back pedigree and is bred from a high-flying family.
His dam is Amighetti Shottle Ave VG89, also dam of the acclaimed Numero Uno as well as more than half a dozen other AI sires. And the name of his sire, Planet, speaks for itself, as the bull has a global reputation as an exceptional production and health improver and a sire ahead of his time.
“It’s little wonder Planet Kid has earned a Profitable Lifetime Index of £412 with such a strong pedigree and a well-balanced proof,” says Alison Dunphy, MD for Mastergen. “Daughter health and fertility are outstanding, lifespans are likely to be long and their high type credentials don’t detract from their functionality and ease of management.”
List price for Planet Kid is £18 but he will sell for an introductory price of £15 for a limited period.

Trione Prince Fiumicino
Also new from a leading Italian stud is Trione Prince Fiumicino, a son of international second crop sire, New Farm Brit Prince – himself a former number one cell count improver.
From the popular cow family of Trione Aaron Belluna VG89 which continues to be used by studs around the world, Fiumicino will transmit positive components, good health and fertility, low cell counts and long lifespans. Earning his index from the performance of over 50 Italian daughters, he has a Type Merit of +1.7 and a linear profile which shows body width and depth together with good udder, leg and foot conformation.
List price for Fiumicino is £12, with an introductory price of £10 for a limited period.
“We’re delighted to have been able to secure a cross-section of high calibre bulls since the company launch,” continues Mrs Dunphy. “These bulls have really got Mastergen off to a good start since we began trading only last autumn. We’ve truly hit the ground running and have seen a big demand for our most popular sires, and look forward to bringing our customers more top pedigrees at excellent prices.
“We are building this business on a low overhead model and we’re delighted we’ve been able to push the price of semen down without sacrificing quality at such a difficult time for dairy farmers.”

16 January 2015