Holstein bulls make 5,000gns at Moira

Prices reached a ceiling of 5,000gns at Holstein NI’s 25th annual spring bull show and sale, Moira.
Leading trade was the day’s supreme overall champion Relough Ross, a fifteen-month-old Co-op Bosside Massey son with a PLI of £378 bred and exhibited by Ronald McLean, and sons Malcolm and Barry, County Tyrone.

His dam Relough Legend Roxie 2 is a potential 10th generation Ex cow and gave over 10,200kgs at 4.47% at and 3.46% protein in her second 305-day lactation. Highest bidder was James Cummings from, County Tyrone.
Show judge John O’Sullivan from the 320-cow Lisduff herd in County Cork described the champion as a well-developed and stylish bull. “He has a tremendous rump and frontend, and tracks well on good feet and legs.”

A fourteen-month-old De Su Freddie Galaxy son came under the hammer at 4,750gns for Ian and Kenny Watson, County Londonderry. Majestic Galaxy Alert with a PLI of £385 is one of the highest PLI bulls in the Genus ABS stud and is out of Majestic Earnit Annette. Buyer was Gordon Fulton, County Tyrone.

Next best at 4,200gns was Cluntagh Amazon consigned by Steven Robinson, Crossgar, County Down. Born in September 2013 he is the result of an embryo imported from the USA. His sire was the Sandy Valley Bolton son Wabash Way Explode, out of Larcrest Cambria. Buyer was Gordon McCully from Ballyward, County Down.

Following close behind at 4,000gns was the McLean family’s reserve PLI award winner Relough Gala with a PLI of £407. Sired by De Su Freddie Galaxy, this yearling bull was bred from Relough Iota Gloriette who gave 10,476kgs at 4.24% fat and 3.20% protein in her first 305-day lactation. Backed by eight generations of VG and Ex dams he sold to Alastair Barclay from Dunloy, County Antrim.

The McLean family experienced a solid trade, selling nine Relough bulls to average £3,068 a head.
Quality bulls met a ready market, with 28 lots changing hands to average £2,539 in a 78% clearance.