A new British-bred Holstein out-cross sire offering £387 PLI combined with high scores for components, functional type and health traits has joined Sterling Sires. Wyevalley LPS Fable's genomic proof promises positive chest width and rump width, +6 fertility index, +0.4 lifespan and +1.4 Type Merit (TM). A cell count reducer at minus 5%, the bull also carries the A2/A2 gene.

The bull's out-cross status arises from zero Oman or Goldwyn in his pedigree. According to Sterling Sires general manager Simon Gee, the bull is ideal for farmers breeding medium sized, robust ‘cubicle-suited’ cows. “With his solid all round proof, Fable should appeal to commercial milk producers looking for progeny with decent production figures and sound functional type,” added Mr Gee.

Fable’s breeder, Eryl Done of Wyevalley Dairy Genetics Ltd, Herefordshire, has direct experience of the Fay cow family from which the bull is bred, following his 2013 purchase of eight family members from Laurelhill Holsteins. Mr Done explains: “They are not overly tall but are aggressive feeding, natural milking cows that stand their own in the herd.

"The whole family scores well for health traits and components with fantastic hoof health. They must be among the best outcross families anywhere.”

Fable’s dam is Laurelhill Maestro Fay EX90 who has averaged 10,072 kg at 5.1%BF and 3.91% protein over three lactations and is described by Mr Done as “probably the best Cogent Maestro daughter in the world.”

Semen is available from Sterling Sires Ltd, telephone 01458 210720, www.sterlingbullsonline.co.uk.