Menalpyn has undertaken an extensive Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) program to add exciting new American Black Simmental genetics to its herd. We are sourcing bloodlines predominantly from Gateway Simmental, Montana, to produce animals with the following desirable qualities:

• Moderately framed
• Easy calving
• Solid black and red coats
• Polled heads
• High quality carcase (particularly marbling).

These cattle also provide the growth and yield that Simmental cattle are renowned for, and do not compromise on do-ability, marbling or low birth weights.

Z331 son of GW Lucky Dice, April 2006

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Menalpyn began the AI program in 2002 and the first drop of Gateway Simmental AI calves were on the ground and weaned in late 2003. These calves were out of Angus cross cows from the Menalpyn herd, mated to Gateway Simmental sire Lucky Dice (see the Sire Summary at the bottom of this page for a description of Lucky Dice – he is in the top 1% of the breed for marbling).

Menalpyn continued this AI program in 2003, and inseminated more cows from the Menalpyn herd with American Simmental genetics. 120 angus cross cows were inseminated with Lucky Dice semen and the calves from that insemination are due in April 2004. Menalpyn’s Angus first calvers for 2004 were also mated to an American Simmental called Red Reality, a solid red bull with excellent figures for low birthweight. Some Shorthorn cross cows from the Menalpyn herd were also mated to Red Reality. See the Sire Summary at the bottom of the page for more information on these sires.

In 2003, Menalpyn had the opportunity to purchase a number of embryos from Gateway Simmental. These embryos were sourced from flushes of two Bodybuilder daughters, one Lucky Strike daughter, and one Lucky Dice daughter. Bodybuilder has been proven to produce easy doing cattle; Lucky Strike is known as the breed standard for carcass traits. For more information regarding these sires, see the Sire Summary at the bottom of the page.

The four cows had been mated to the following bulls: Lucky Dice, Lucky Strike, Lucky One, Gateway Maternal Power, and Nichols Legacy. Lucky One is the top marbling bull in the American Simmental breed. Maternal Power is above average in marbling and has proven to have excellent calves. Legacy is in the top 1% of the breed for calving ease, the top 4% for birth weight, and the top 5% for retail cuts and marbling. See the Sire Summary below for more information on these sires.

Menalpyn purchases shares in two Gateway brood cows

In September 2003, Menalpyn purchased shares in two black Simmental brood cows from the Gateway Breeding Value Sale XXI in Montana, USA.

The two cows are exceptional examples of the Black Simmental breed. They will be flushed for embryos, which will be imported to Menalpyn to further genetic development in Menalpyn’s herd.

The first cow, GW Miss Maternal 611F is a pure bred black Simmental, born in February 1996. Her sire was GW Mr Maternal 057D. She is homozygous black and polled, and is a moderate framed, still structurally sound animal with outstanding phenotype and a great udder.

She was the dam of GW Lucky Throw 250M, a great herd bull prospect at Gateway in 2003.

The second cow, GW Miss Choice 717F, is a pure bred homozygous black and polled black Simmental. She was born in March 1996 and her actual birthweight was 32kg.

Her sire was GW Tailored Choice 1410D, and her dam was 407D, the dam of Lucky Strike and Lucky Dice (see the Sire Summary below for further information on these bulls).

	Gateway Lucky Dice Lucky Dice was sired by Leachman Lucky Buck and is homozygous black and polled. His offspring are moderately framed and are all polled. He is placed in the top 1% of the breed for marbling, and also has great carcass weight and % retail product figures. He is known for siring light birthweight cattle that perform well.
	Photo courtesy of Gateway Simmental Stud, Montana USA

Gateway Lucky Strike Lucky Strike was sired by Leachman Lucky Buck and is a full brother to Lucky Dice. He is homozygous black and polled, and is considered the breed standard for carcass traits. His calving ease, both direct and maternal, is outstanding.
Photo courtesy of Gateway Simmental Stud, Montana USA

	Gateway Lucky One Lucky One is a Lucky Strike son who has excellent carcass potential. Lucky One has the ability to soften hard cattle, throw moderate birthweights and excel in both muscle and marbling. Lucky One is potentially the top marbling bull in the breed.
	Photo courtesy of Gateway Simmental Stud, Montana USA

Gateway Maternal Power Maternal Power is homozygous black and polled, and a son of GW Mr Maternal. He has great calves and is proving to be above average in marbling and % retail product. His birth to weaning spread is outstanding.
Photo courtesy of Gateway Simmental Stud, Montana USA

	Nichols Legacy Legacy is a homozygous black and polled bull that throws large capacity, free moving cattle with superior muscle shape. Legacy is a superior sire for calving ease, birthweight, growth and carcass traits. He is also in the top 5% for retail cuts and marbling, the top 4% for birthweight, and the top 1% for calving ease. His daughters are feminine and strong with good udders.
	Photo courtesy of Agri-Gene. Wangaratta Vic.

Leachman Lucky Buck

Leachman’s sire was Irish Black Knight, and his sons include Lucky Dice and Lucky Strike. He is claimed to be the best combination bull in the breed and can significantly improve calving ease and growth as well as maternal and carcass qualities.

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