Pedigree Holstein bulls met a ready market, selling to a top price of 2,800gns at Holstein NI’s spring show and sale, held at Kilrea Mart.

 

Sale leader was the November 2014 born Inch Sochar PLI £183 consigned by Inch Genetics based at Downpatrick. Sired by Raheenarran BCG Sochar, he is bred from Inch Goldwyn Vivan SP LP50 EX90 E2. Buyers were J and F Kyle from Stranocum, County Antrim.

 

Next best at 2,650gns was the day’s supreme champion Prehen Rupert Red PLI £132, exhibited by breed club chairman Stuart Smith, Londonderry. At thirteen-months-old, he was the youngest bull in the catalogue, and was sired by Cogent Celeb P. His dam is the home-bred Prehen Talent Eddi Red ET EX93(2). Highest bidder was Richard Irwin, Ardstraw, County Tyrone.

 

The honourable mention award winner Relough Danmander came under the hammer at 2,200gns for Ronald McLean and Sons, Donaghmore. Born in January 2015, he was sired by Seagull Bay MVP ET, and is bred from Relough Legend Danna 3 VG87. Boasting a high PLI of £462, he was snapped up by W McIntyre from Glenleslie, Clough.

 

Next best at 1,920gns was the December 2014 born Derrydorragh Kilbane PLI £294 bred by Willard and Adam Watson, Macosquin. He was sired by the popular Co-op Bosside Massey.

 

William and Andrew McCollum, Coleraine, realised 1,660gns for the December 2014 born Ballycairn Model Ivor PLI £379. He was sired by Diepenhoek Model Man.

 

The same vendors secured a bid of 1,600gns for Ballycairn Mooray H PLI £392. He was born in October 2014, and was sired by De Su Moonray.

 

The pre-sale show was generously sponsored by AI giant Genus ABS, and was judged by Kenny Watson from the Coleraine-based Majestic herd.

 

Auctioneer Mark Stewart confirmed that Holstein bulls averaged £1,480 per head in a 73% clearance.