Top bull Igale in semen shock

30 September 1999

Top bull Igale in semen shock

By FWi staff

SEMEN from the bull top of the PLI ranking of available Holstein Friesian bulls in the UK – Igale Masc – has been withdrawn from sale.

Breeding company Supersires announced the move after four calves were born with the genetic condition achondroplasia, also known as Bulldog calf syndrome.

Calves with achondroplasia are usually born dead in a deformed condition resembling a bulldog.

The company, which has sold around 4000 straws from Igale this year, has written to all customers to see if they wish to switch to another bull.

According to the Animal Data Centre, the probability of Igales offspring being born with achondroplasia is one in 2000.