Genetically, Doc is a unicorn in a few ways. Her current Genomic Total Perfor- mance Index (GTPI), a meas- ure of her total genetic pack- age, is +2742.
over 3200. But what’s more, Doc has already produced three female offspring with GTPI of over 3035. “This means Doc has what’s called high genetic transmissibili- ty,” Jorgensen explains. “Her offspring have scores high above the score average of their parents, Doc and the sire in ques- tion. Based on what we’re seeing with her sons and daugh- ters, she is transmitting in the area of both production and phenotype. She and they can compete at the highest show levels because of their individual beauty. That just doesn’t happen. It rarely happened with Dellia herself.” Doc has about 40 progeny already born or to be born soon, obviously with the vast majority being carried by recipients through embryo implantation. Jorgensen reports that Doc’s genetics have been combined with that of many different bulls, some not related and some closely related in selections that have the best potential chance at great results. He says four of Doc’s sons just got DNA analysis results from Select Sires at the start of July, and three look promising in terms of milk production traits that they can potentially pass on to their progeny. What overall does Jorgensen foresee with Doc’s progeny be- ing a little or very superior to Doc? “I sure hope that there are some that are greatly superior, due to the 30 years of amazing genetics behind her,” he says. “I expect that she will do unique things, in terms of a genetic range that meets the needs of producers across the globe. But the people who will guide the breeding matter. The present owners have had a hand in
the history of this cow and are very skilled at breeding. For me that’s an exciting part of this.”
An owner’s perspective How Dave King came to own Doc started with his purchase of Doc’s full sister (8783 for short) in the 2019 National Conven- tion Sale in Wisconsin. “When I first saw her in the sale lineup, I knew I needed this heifer (8783) who was due that year as a milking yearling,” he says. “I bought her and then calved her in and we exhibited her at Louisville where she won the milk- ing yearling class and I sold her that day. I had several people tell me that 8783 and her sister 8784 (Doc) at Duckett’s might be two of the best full sisters in the business right now, and I think this is bearing out to be true today.” As mentioned, in terms of the genetic “family” that Doc belongs to, King and his partners had already been invested with several other cows. “We knew this cow family was able to breed in so many ways,” he says. “We’ve seen them do it, so that gave us a lot of confidence in Doc 8784 to do the same.” King and the rest of Doc’s new owners have already had inquiries from around the world about her embryos and offspring, as well as the embryos of her daughters. Genomic testing of all her offspring will continue. “We think this cow can check all the boxes,” says King. “Our group of owners mar- ket cattle in almost every Holstein genre, and we think this cow can make an impact in sons and daughters for years to come in the Holstein breed.”
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