The Jersey Bull, Gym, is currently ranked 31 on the RAS list with a Breeding Worth (BW) of 464 (August 2024). Gym boasts size, and capacity, and excels in health and production traits.
Gym was bred by Gordon Ferguson of Horopito Jerseys from Ross on the West Coast, a longtime supporter of polled genetics. CRV Genetics Product Manager Mitchell Koot says Gym’s place on the RAS list shows that genetic excellence and polled traits can go hand in hand.
“Gym’s place on the RAS list means farmers can breed for polled (hornless), without sacrificing genetic merit,” says Mitchell.
He says breeding high-quality polled bulls has been a focus for CRV as the company seeks to support New Zealand farmers who are committed to the highest animal welfare standards, wanting to lower their costs and meet the needs of changing consumer preferences.
Calves born without horns remove the need for disbudding, improving animal welfare, and reducing labour and costs, says Mitchell.
“Gym has size and capacity to go with his excellent health and production traits, resulting in him being one of our top 10 selling Jerseys this season, which reflects the quality and demand for this polled bull.”
Mitchell says CRV has made a significant investment in its polled breeding programmes internationally across Holland and the USA. That work, combined with CRV’s efforts in New Zealand is paying farmers dividends with plenty of high-quality polled bull options to choose from.
