Calf stripped of U.S. Guernsey title

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

by PATRICIA GROTENHUIS

DNA testing results have disqualified the Ontario-bred junior champion of the 2009 National Guernsey Show at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.

Results from the testing that followed Eby Lawn Ebybrook Delta Mel’s win showed the heifer calf was not sired by Four Winds Royal Delta, as listed on her registration. Instead, subsequent tests proved she was sired by a red and white Holstein bull.

Listowel area Eby Lawn and Eby Brook Holsteins own the calf. A representative from the farms could not be immediately reached for comment.

Incorrect parentage on registrations does happen, says Ron Black, general manager of Canadian Livestock Records Corporation. “But it probably happens less in a breed like Guernsey where most breedings are done by AI (artificial insemination),”

An April 14 press release on the Canadian Guernsey Association website indicates several tests on the animal produced the same result. A representative from the national association was not immediately available for comment.

The American Guernsey Association website confirms, in a March 24 posting, that all animals who competed directly with Mel have been moved up in standings, both for the junior champion class and for the fall calf class.

“Given what’s been determined, the animal’s papers will be redone as a percentage Guernsey,” says Black.

Black explains that DNA testing has revealed different parentage than what is registered before. Cattle and horses are the most likely animals to be receive such tests. BF