Gold Medal Sires

In the most advanced Holstein countries, for some time now bulls which have contributed greatly to the genetic improvement of the whole population have been given a title in recognition of services rendered. More recently, the National Association of Italian Holstein Breeders (ANAFI), in view of the optimum performance achieved by the Italian Holstein population in Italy and abroad, decided to acknowledge with the Gold Medal title those bulls that can be included, and rightly so, among the best in the world.

The initiative received the approval of the Central Technical Committee of the breed (CTC) which regulates the activities of the Herd Book.

During a meeting on March 29 2001, the members of the CTC agreed on the utmost necessity to reward the bulls in the 95 Rank (or higher) for national selection index (PFT) and with a minimum of 2,000 daughters in their production breeding value. The title "Gold Medal Sire" will appear on the official documents of the bull.

The bulls identified with this recognition will also receive "stars" of merit – up to a maximum of three stars – when they achieve further results. The first star will be added when the bull has at least 60% of 2 year olds classified GP or VG; the second when he reaches the figure of 15,000 daughters with breeding values for production in Italy (according to Interbull indications for production traits); the third when his progeny comprises at least 5,000 daughters with breeding values for production in the various countries that belong to Interbull.

So far, the Committee has identified no less than 16 bulls which qualify for Gold Medal Sire status. The first nine bulls in the list belong to the history of the Italian Holstein, while the remaining ones represent the existing qualities of the Italian national breeding scheme.

Again, these results highlight the efficacy of a selection program which, although in its early stages, has already achieved remarkable success both in Italy and abroad.

Here is some information relating to the bulls whose semen is available on the international market.