The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) this week released a list of the most popular AI sires used in Ireland in 2013 for both dairy and beef.
Dairy
On the dairy side Holstein bred Lauragh Evert LHZ was the most popular AI sire. LHZ has a an EBI of €272 and sired 25,693 calves this year. Holsteins made up the top five on the list and in total accounted for seven of the most popular 10 dairy bulls in the country. The most popular Friesian on the list was Piet Adema 186 PZI siring 9,453 calves in 2013.
Code Name Breed Number of calves
1. LHZ (IG) Lauragh Evert Holstein 25,693
2. HMY Highmount Kenny Holstein 25,355
3. AWB (IG) Ballintossig Andrew Holstein 13,505
4. DSU (IG) Derrinsallow 812 Arthur Holstein 10,492
5. TSK (IG) Knockcais Tossy Holstein 10,168
6. PZI Piet Adema 186 Friesian 9,453
7. HYZ Scotts VHA Hydraulic S2F Holstein 7,588
8. AYW Carrowmanagh Andy Holstein 7,415
9. RVJ Raheenarran BCG Sochar Friesian 7,347
10. VML Barrowvale Martell 12 Friesian 7,039
Beef
In terms of beef sires Limousin bulls made up half of the top 10 beef sires last year. The breed also had the most popular bull in Hauteclair HCA. This bull is both a popular maternal and beef on dairy sire. Last year Hauteclair sired 6,265 calves. Lisnagre Elite LGL was the second most popular bull on the beef side siring 5,402 calves in 2013. The Charolais bull is a well-known terminal sire and is noted for producing high-quality weanlings.
Code Name Breed Number of calves
1. HCA Hauteclair LM 6,265
2. LGL Lisnagre Elite (ET) CH 5,402
3. ADX Ardlea Dan LM 5,201
4. RHF Roundhill Dara 1069 LM 5,024
5. FTK Messager de Fooz BB 4,128
6. BBQ Ballyfin Borat (ET) BB 3,988
7. OZS Ozeus LM 3,885
8. MLJ Mogeely Joe H979 AA 3,122
9. NHL Netherhall Epic LM 3,093
10. APZ Curaheen Apostle (ET) SI 3,047