Fastnet races ahead

Cogent Fastnet further bolstered his future as a quality sire for management and body traits after daughter Ingleview Buttergirl 213 secured the Reserve Exhibitor Bred Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show last week.

Ingleview Buttergirl 213 continues owners Richard and Robert Butterfield's previous success with Fastnet daughters. An outstanding second calver, the cow displays an impressive depth and openness of rib, with outstanding udder qualities - key qualities for those looking to improve type and longevity.

"We predicted some time ago that Fastnet would provide the calibre of cow fit for the UK show ring," says Hugh Pocock, sire analyst at Cogent. "What's exciting about Fastnet is that not only can he provide success in the ring, he is also ideal for those farmers wanting to put more width and power into their herd."

"He's definitely a bull who can be used with a number of modern Holstein blood lines, such as Principal, Lookout, Lee, Marshall, and Manat, in order to provide a broader, more powerful animal," Mr Pocock adds.

Ingleview Buttergirl 213 (VG86 2yrs) having given over 8,000kg at 3.83% fat and 3.2% protein in her first lactation, is the latest in a series of Fastnet successes for the Butterfields. Ingleview Fastnet Penny (VG86), who was producing more than 40kg five weeks into her lactation, was the top-priced female - 1,200gns - at April's Lancaster Holstein club sale. And Ingleview Fastnet Cathy topped the sale at the Border and Lakeland Holstein club in March 2003, with 1,800 gns.

Fastnet is high on volume at +816kg milk, has components of +42.4kg, and excellent lifespan and SCC scores.