Not many people have heard of an artificial insemination (AI) bull called QG Prince ET (QGI).

It isn’t that surprising as he was a test bull in the 1990s with only a handful of heifer calves out of c300 straws.

This was before any real breeding programme in Ireland so he was imported from Holland. Currently ICBF lists his EBI as a lowly €83, with milk at €70 and fertility €11. Not a bull that a farmer would be rushing out to buy.

He has, however, sired at least one good cow. The oldest cow in my herd is number 243, Courtmac Prince Petal.

Since she was born in October 2001 she has calved unassisted 11 times and only met the vet for scanning and the herd test. The kind of cow that would go unnoticed from day to day. Meanwhile in 10 lactations she has quietly averaged nearly 4% protein and has managed to put three tonnes of milk protein into the bulk tank.

The IHFA recognises this milestone with Diamond awards to the cows that also classify excellent. Non Barryroe Show models like my lady get a gold award. It is probably even better to get a prize for the true commercial ability of a cow instead of just looks.

Unfortunately, 243 is not back in calf for next season. It is both a commercial and an emotional decision.

At first, my heart said to try one more straw, so I did. She didn’t hold, which in hindsight is for the best. Every cow reaches the point where enough is enough. The worst thing that could happen is to see a fine cow suffer because I decided to push her too far.

There are daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins to continue the family line. A family I would not have fully appreciated but for milk recording records.

When milk is paid for on solids rather than litres you’re only working in the dark without testing each individual cow’s milk. I couldn’t imagine an AI company having great sales without information on the individual sires. Number 243 also proves the value of being willing to trust predicted information based on records, being the daughter of a then unproven test sire.

With an EBI of 181 she may not rank in current top cow lists, but she was ahead of her time in 2001. It will be interesting to see how many modern cows will pass her production.