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AltaLUCKY MIKE Update
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You probably noted in our last issue of AltaInsight that AltaLUCKY MIKE, the centerpiece of our European proven sire lineup is leading the way, companywide, in sales for 2005. Just a few short years ago, many at Alta could not have imagined that this would be the case. In fact, it is an enormous accomplishment for the bull himself, for our sales staff around the world for recognizing what he has to offer and most of all for our European colleagues for making such an important contribution to our sire lineup. Certainly AltaLUCKY MIKE is joined by a growing number of bulls that can be used effectively with our clients to deliver profitable herd replacements and there are sure to be more on their way. |
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But back to AltaLUCKY MIKE… Of late we have heard from a number of sources that the AltaLUCKY MIKE calves are a hit with our clients. These calves, easily delivered, are long-legged and stylish from the get-go, with an identifiable pattern that makes them easy to pick out in the heifer pens. No wonder then that his popularity continues unabated.
In the first crop group, the AltaLUCKY MIKE daughters are also maturing nicely with most daughters now well into their second lactation and even a few already starting their third. In an article just posted to the Alta Netherlands web site, Arjan Bom provides some interesting facts that are worth taking note of:
- AltaLUCKY MIKE has 81 daughters in 62 herds, ¾ of which have started their 2nd lactation. In other words, they are surviving!
- AltaLUCKY MIKE daughters produce milk easily, demonstrated by their very flat lactation curve (extreme persistency score of 106) and further punctuated by a 101 score for body condition. Note that most high production bulls have difficulty reaching 100.
- Production index values for individual lactations shows AltaLUCKY MIKE daughters maturing extremely well, typical of the Lucky Leo pattern. This fact is borne out by an INET (economic weights applied to Production proof values) in 1st lactation of €+57, increasing to €+104 in 2nd lactation. Similarly, AltaLUCKY MIKE’s protein rating in 1st lactation is +32 kg while 2nd lactation reaches +54 kg! No wonder his index for daughter development is 105.
- Not surprisingly, based on these additional facts, AltaLUCKY MIKE also sports an exceedingly impressive longevity score of 107.
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Evaluating daughter development the old fashioned way also works. New pictures of two AltaLUCKY MIKE daughters milking in their second lactation reinforce an image of cows that continue to grow and mature. These two cows, not previously pictured exhibit well attached mammary systems, excellent feet and legs and that attractive frame structure so strongly associated with Lucky Leo himself. |
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Without question, seeing is believing. In Europe where many Alta sales staff have had an opportunity to see the AltaLUCKY MIKE daughters, it’s not surprising that he would become their go-to bull. Certainly sales of the bull in the UK, Germany and especially Holland reflect the confidence Alta people have in him. Still, it’s noteworthy as well that AltaLUCKY MIKE sales in the US and especially Canada have also been strong. It is further proof that we have embraced the message that diversity makes us stronger. |
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Posted Oct 21st
