Quality dairy heifers peak 3,200gns at Moira sale

Quality dairy heifers met a strong demand at Holstein NI’s November show and sale, hosted by Taaffe Auctions at the Pedigree Sales Arena, Moira.

Trade peaked at 3,200gns, and following a complete clearance the auctioneers reported that 27 in-milk heifers and young cows changed hands to average 1,961gns a head.

Sale leader was the fourth placed Ards Rosberg Magic from the herd of Harry Patton and sons, Wilson and Wallace, from Newtownards, County Down. Backed by six generations of VG and Ex dams, this twenty-six-month-old heifer is by the home-bred Sandy Valley Bolton son, Ards Rosberg. Her dam is by Regancrest Mr Drham Sam and gave over 10,600kgs at 4.41% butterfat and 3.06% protein in her fourth 305-day lactation. This one joins Mr W Gillespie’s herd at Portglenone, County Antrim.

Second highest price of the day 2,520gns, was also paid to Harry Patton and Sons for the September 2010 born Ards Russell T Monica. Sired by the home-bred Braedale Goldwyn son, Ards Russell, she sold to Mr Herron from Newtownhamilton, County Armagh.

The Patton trio also realised 2,400gns for the day’s reserve champion Ards Russell Belinda. She is by Ards Russell, and is out of an Ocean View Zenith daughter which gave over 9,000kgs at 4.23% butterfat and 3.55% protein in her second 305-day lactation. Backed by seven generations of VG and Ex dams, this heifer is calved four weeks and producing 40 litres a day.

Ronald McLean and sons, Malcolm and Barry, from Donaghmore, County Tyrone, realised 2,400gns for the October 2010 born Relough Jeves Danna 2. Sired by the Comestar Outside son, Ked Outside Jeeves, she is bred from the Jose daughter, Relough Jose Danna 2 ET VG86.

Regancrest Mr Drham Sam was behind the breeding of Relough Sam Lead which also came under the hammer at 2,400gns. Backed by four generations of VG and Ex dams, she is bred from a Picston Shottle dam which gave almost 8,000kgs at 4.17% butterfat and 3.10% protein in her first lactation.

Cows peaked at 2,350gns, paid to Holstein NI chairman Jay Warden, Bangor, for his honourable mention award winner Ballygrainey Ravenhill Darkie 5. Sired by Ards Ravenhill, she produced over 8,300kgs at 3.83% butterfat and 2.91% protein in her first lactation. Calved two weeks and giving 45 litres daily she sold to Mr Herron from County Armagh.

Mr Herron also paid out 2,220gns to secure Abercorn IM Elegance consigned by David and Alan Wallace, Antrim. Sired by the Mascol son, Inch Mast, she is bred from a VG88 dam which gave over 8,400kgs at 4.05% butterfat and 3.30% protein in her third 305-day lactation.

Following close behind at 2,200gns was the supreme champion Ballyginniff Cyclone Beth 2, bred by John Patterson and Sons, James and Andrew, from Crumlin, County Antrim. Sired by the home-bred Pursuit September Storm son, Ballyginniff Cyclone, she is bred from a BKB Affirmed daughter which gave over 9,000kgs at 3.62% butterfat and 3.09% protein in her second 305 day lactation. Calved four weeks and yielding 29 litres daily, she sold to Mr Stevenson from Maguiresbridge.

A consignment of maiden heifers from the Rocklyn Herd of Edwin and Gary Bryson, Poyntzpass, topped at 1,040gns, with the 20 lots selling to average 909gns per head.