A high PLI bull from the noted Danna family
at Relough topped Holstein NI’s 28th annual spring show and sale,
hosted by Taaffe Auctions at Dungannon.
The December 2016 Relough Danship PLI £625
came under the hammer of auctioneer Michael Taaffe at 6,100gns, selling to
Robert Anderson from Dungannon. Sired by Sandy Valley Penmanship ET, he is bred
from the VG 2yr Relough MVP Danna 3 ET – the UK’s number six PLI cow £571 who
produced 10,029kgs at 6.02% butterfat and 3.77% protein in her first 305-day
lactation. He is backed by ten generations of VG and EX dams, and secured the
honourable mention ribbons at the pre-sale show sponsored by Danske Bank.
Second highest bid of the day 5,100gns,
also went to Ronald McLean, and sons Malcolm and Barry, for the supreme
champion Relough Daneiro PLI £574. Sired by KNS Brasileiro ET, this November
2016 bull is backed by ten generations of VG and EX dams. He is bred from
Relough Numero Danna 2 ET EX91 who averaged 10,551kgs at 4.51% butterfat and
3.32% protein in three 305-day lactations. Buyer was John Caldwell from Beragh
near Omagh.
Scottish judge Matthew Armour awarded the
reserve championship to Prehen Fidel PLI £553 bred by Robbie and Stuart Smith,
Londonderry. Sired by Seagull Bay MJ Solaris ET, he is out of Prehen Shottle
Froukje EX93-3E who averaged 11,205kgs at 4.09% butterfat and 3.32% protein in
four 305-day lactations. Backed by ten generations of VG and EX dams, he
attracted a bid of 4,600gns from Messrs R and V Draffin, Kircassock Farm, Lurgan.
Auctioneer Michael Taaffe confirmed an 80%
clearance, with 24 lots selling to level at £2,636 – representing an increase
of £296 on this time when 25 bulls averaged £2,340.
