Story by RNZ
An elite Holstein Friesian that sired over 17,000 daughters and 90,000 grandaughters has been inducted into the bull 'Hall of Fame.'
Animal genetics company Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) has the hall of fame to recognise bulls who have delivered a significant contribution to the dairy industry.
And the bull named Farside Illustrious has done just that - he sired 17,313 daughters and over 90 thousand granddaughters across the country during three seasons.
He also sired 33 sons that have been used for artificial breeding, with nine of these bulls following in their father's footsteps by joining a Premier Sires team.
Farside M Illustrious is the 60th animal to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
LIC livestock selection manager, Simon Worth said Illustrious was predicted to be a star performer as a young bull.
"Based on his DNA and ancestry, Illustrious ranked number one for genetic merit compared to his Holstein Friesian peers.
"Fast forward to today, that prediction was spot-on, as Illustrious is recognised as the highest production bull used in the artificial breeding industry in 2011."
For breeders Graeme and Jacki Barr from Tokoroa it was the first time they have had a bull inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Graeme Barr said they knew he was a good bull from early on.
"He did well in the LIC breeding programmes and in both the national and international market.
"llustrious is from one of my best cow families, his mum, known as number eight cow, had fantastic longevity, a superb udder, and always produced well."
The family was known for good temperament and were easy to interact with and so was Illustrious, he said.
"I remember the Breeders' Day we attended when Illustrious was in a Premier Sires team, one of the LIC team told me he had a great personality and was the easiest bull to work with."
RNZ
