Born in Northern Ireland but with origins in America, Redhouse Zeus-PP is set to take the dairy world by storm as the most sort-after homozygous polled Holstein of his generation.
The Irwin family
For four generations, breeders the Irwin family have been farming in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Today, the farm is managed by Alan and David Irwin, who proudly continue the family tradition.
A homebred herd since 1977 with only a few carefully chosen embryos sees milking cow numbers today at 170. With outstanding averages of 13,580 litres of milk at 4.40% fat and 3.4% protein per cow, this earns the herd recognition across Europe.
Recently, they achieved the coveted 1,000 kgs average for fat and protein per cow. Coupled with this, Redhouse cows consistently break lifetime achievement awards, with 56 cows exceeding 100 tonnes of milk production.
Herd management
Complementing their production achievements is the herd’s exceptional type, with 47 cows currently classified as ‘Excellent’, and many more expected to follow.
“Attention to detail is key,” says David, who firmly believes that if the farm looks after the cows, the cows will look after the farm.
He emphasises that effective feed management and breeding practices are essential to producing the desired cows they aim for.
David’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his farm. For example, he actively shares his knowledge through open days and school visits. His engaging social media presence has attracted a global audience of thousands.
Winsor-Manor Rud Zip family
One of the cow families David has long admired is the Winsor-Manor Rud Zip family. Zip herself was classified EX95(2) with an average production of 14,433 litres at 4.1% fat and 3.3% protein. Her legacy includes 14 Excellent daughters and over 20 sons via A.I., including many breed leaders of their day.
In 2014, David jumped at the opportunity to purchase embryos from Zip’s great-granddaughter, OCD Planet Diamond EX92(2). This resulted in two daughters by Coyne-Farm Jacey for their herd.
Redhouse Jacey Diamond Rud Zip, born in 2015, remains on the farm, scoring EX92(4) with 10 stars and producing a top yield of over 16,000 litres and over 100 tonnes of milk. Her daughter, Redhouse 1942 Helix Rud Zip 2, also scored ‘Excellent ‘with three lactations over 16,000 litres. Bred to the polled bull Luster-P, this exceptional cow is the dam of Redhouse Zeus-PP, whose sire, SBG Mecca-P, is also bred in Northern Ireland and owned by Genus ABS.
Genus ABS polled lineup
Recognising the extraordinary potential of Zeus-PP, Genus ABS acquired Redhouse Zeus-PP as part of their “Linear Choice” program. Zeus-PP’s genetics are set to make their mark in the industry with semen soon be available in over 25 countries worldwide.
Learn more about Redhouse Zeus-PP and explore our entire portfolio of polled genetics on Bull Search or contact us today.
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