ASDA subsidise ‘High Welfare Holstein semen

A 20% discount on semen from Cogent’s ’High Welfare Holstein’ bull Huddlestone Spooky will provide an additional incentive for ASDA DairyLink and BeefLink farmers to rear dairy bull calves.

Spooky comes with all the right credentials: he is very easy calving and produces medium framed cows with low cell counts, positive protein percentages, super udders and great locomotion, plus the ability to carry extra condition without losing milk yield. He is by Art-Acres Patron Spock and out of a full sister to global sire Mascol. This gives him crosses of the two most highly respected longevity bulls of all time – Mtoto and Rudolph. But his other great asset is that he produces strong, thick-set bull calves that are well worth rearing.

Commenting on the deal, ASDA agricultural development manager Pearce Hughes said "The Holstein breed is often criticised for being too extreme, with reports of high culling rates and producing unviable bull calves that must be disposed of at birth. However, using a Holstein bull such as Spooky allows farmers to enjoy the best of both worlds; Spooky produces long lasting, medium framed cows with low cell counts, great legs and feet and all this without having to sacrifice on milk output. His bull calves are blocky and predominantly black in color - just the type of calves our rearers are looking to take on."

This is one of a long line of ASDA CalfLink initiatives launched by ASDA and ABP to accommodate dairy bull calves into ASDA’s standard beef range. Asda DairyLink farmers have the option of rearing calves on their own farms, or supplying bull calves to ASDA BeefLink farmers for rearing and finishing.

To take advantage of this deal, ASDA DairyLink farmers should contact their local Cogent Breeding Advisor or call Freephone 0800 7837258.