FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
53rd Pot O’Gold Dairy Sale Utilizes New Genetic Testing
by Chelsey Waltz
LOUISVILLE, KY—November 6, 2010- The Pot O’Gold sale has been around for 53 years,
but technology used this year will be unlike anything seen before. This is the first year that
Jersey heifers in the sale have been tested using what is called the 3K genomic test.
The 3K genomic test uses DNA samples to better predict not only the production ability
of the heifer, but also the reproductive abilities and overall health and fitness traits.
The 3K genomic test is bringing a new perspective to this year’s sale as it provides
buyers and breeders an insight to future production and reproductive capabilities. Costs of tests
have been covered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).
3K genomic test samples are obtained like human DNA samples, using blood or hair.
The test, which is usually conducted from a sample of the animal’s tail hair, is a “game-changer”
according to Neal Smith, executive secretary of the AJCA. Smith believes that genomic testing
can more accurately predict the heifer’s productive life, compared to previous methods.
“This test is a great tool for sorting profitable genetics to the top,” Smith says.
The Pot O’Gold sale is unique because it is only open to youth breeders age 7-20. After
the sale 17% of gross sales will be donated into a fund or “pot”. Breeders who purchase heifers
will compete to win the “pot” after 2 years. The top 22 competitors will receive cash rewards.
Herby Lutz, a sire analyst for Select Sires Inc. from Chester, S.C., remembers what an
impact the Pot O’Gold Sale had on him when he was younger.
“I actually got started in Jerseys because of the Pot O’Gold Sale,” says Lutz
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Lutz says the sale helps young breeders become interested in the production aspect of
Jerseys with competition being based on production yield instead of just showing. Smith also
feels the sale is important for youth in agriculture.
Smith says “Youth are the future of our industry and our breed (Jerseys).”
Considering the tradition of the Pot O’Gold sale in combination with new 3K test
predictions, this year’s Pot O’Gold sale is sure to be one of a kind and a pacesetter in the dairy
industry.
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Sidebar
Tally From Colossal Pot O’Gold Sale
Thirty-one Jersey heifers, all with genomic genetic evaluations, were sold in the 53rd Pot
O’Gold sale.
The average sale estimate was a record-setting $4,796.77 on 31 lots. The high, also a
record-setter, was $10,750.
The sale is believed to be the first in the dairy industry to sell all genomically tested
animals.
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