Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Bullvine podcast.
I'm your host, Bella, and I'm joined today by my co-host, Douglas.
We've got an absolutely fascinating episode lined up for you today about a Holstein cow
that quite literally changed the global dairy landscape.
That's right, Bella.
Today we're diving into the extraordinary story of Day Crow saws iron, O'Colly Bra,
a Swiss bred Holstein who shattered preconceptions about European dairy cattle and rose to become
Holstein International's all-time world champion.
If you breed Holsteins or just appreciate exceptional dairy cattle, you won't want to
miss this one.
I'm particularly excited about this episode because O'Collibre's story challenges so
many assumptions in our industry.
For decades, we've thought of North America as the epicenter of Holstein excellence, with
Madison's colored shavings and Toronto's royal winterfair as the ultimate proving grounds.
But O'Collibre rewrote that narrative, didn't she, Douglas?
She absolutely did, Bella.
And what makes this story even more remarkable is that O'Collibre never even set foot on
North American soil, yet she earned global recognition that surpassed even the most celebrated
North American champions.
Her impact continues today through her descendants winning major shows worldwide.
It's a story about exceptional genetics, visionary breeding, and breaking geographical boundaries.
Well, I can't wait to dive into this fascinating journey.
Let's get started.
Douglas, let's start at the beginning.
When and where was O'Collibre born, and what was special about her pedigree?
O'Collibre was born on September 4th, 2008 in Switzerland, bred by Freddie Decraçaz and
his sons.
Her pedigree was carefully constructed, sired by Boss Iron, with her dam being an excellent
92E integrity daughter, followed by a very good 89 milestone.
What's interesting is that while this is certainly a good pedigree, it wasn't necessarily
what you'd call a royal pedigree at the time.
It just goes to show that sometimes exceptional animals can emerge from thoughtful, strategic
breeding rather than just combining the most fashionable bloodlines.
That's fascinating.
Were there any early indications that she was special or did that become apparent later
in her development?
You know Bella, with truly great cows, there's often something that catches the eye even
early on.
With O'Collibre, she developed that rare combination of dairy strength and refinement that makes
a cow stand out.
According to those who saw her develop, she displayed exceptional width of frame, dairy
character and that distinctive silky, nearly translucent hide quality that would become
her trademark.
At what point did people outside the Decraçaz family start to take notice of her?
Edwin Steiner of GS Alliance had that critical, good eye that great cattle people possess.
He purchased O'Collibre when she was almost dry as a two-year-old, recognizing her potential
before many others did.
Later, when she was a fresh four-year-old showing her true magnificence, American Pat
Conroy from Indiana acquired a share in this emerging superstar.
That's quite the international partnership.
Did Pat Conroy ever share what initially caught his eye about O'Collibre?
Indeed he did.
That was quoted saying, what caught our attention was her massive frame, wide chest and high
quality udder.
She was the kind of cow that could look after herself and never had a bad day.
In addition to that, she milked like crazy.
That combination of functional traits and dairy character would prove crucial to her
longevity and success both in and out of the show ring.
It's interesting how he mentioned both her confirmation and her production abilities.
But balance seems to be a recurring theme in her story.
Absolutely Bella.
If I could sum up what made O'Collibre so special in one word, it would be balance.
She wasn't just extreme in one area at the expense of others.
She excelled across the board.
And that's what makes a truly great cow, regardless of where she's born or shown.
And so, let's talk about O'Collibre's show career.
When did she first start making waves in the show ring?
O'Collibre's competitive career began in earnest in 2011.
That year she claimed honorable mention champion and reserve best uddered cow at Swiss Expo
in Lausanne, one of Europe's premier dairy cattle shows.
That same year she continued building her reputation by securing reserve grand champion
at Expo Bull.
Those are impressive accomplishments, but I understand her biggest wins came later.
Yes, 2012 is when O'Collibre truly arrived on the international stage.
She returned to Swiss Expo and claimed the supreme champion title.
But what's truly remarkable is that she wasn't a one hit wonder.
She came back in 2013 and defended her crown, again being named supreme champion at Swiss
Expo.
She would later secure this prestigious title a third time in 2015, establishing an unprecedented
record of excellence at one of Europe's premier dairy events.
Three supreme champion titles at Swiss Expo is extraordinary, but her influence extended
beyond Switzerland, didn't it?
Absolutely.
In 2013, O'Collibre competed at the All-European Holstein show in Freiburg.
This is where the finest Holsteins from across the continent gather and the competition is
incredibly stiff.
Once this elite field, O'Collibre stood supreme, being crowned champion in what observers described
as one of the finest displays of black and white cattle ever gathered at one location.
That's when the global dairy community really started taking notice, right?
What was the reaction from North American breeders and judges?
It sparked quite the international conversation, Bella.
Many North American experts confidently stated that she should walk on the colored shavings
at Madison and give the North American cattle a run for their money.
That's high praise coming from people who've seen the best of the best at World Dairy Expo.
Though she never crossed the Atlantic to compete, her reputation certainly did.
Why didn't she ever compete in North America?
Was there a specific reason?
Great question.
There are several factors that make international cattle transport challenging.
Logistical complexities, quarantine requirements, health certificates, and significant costs.
Plus, there's always risk involved in shipping a valuable animal such long distances.
Her owners likely weighed these considerations and decided her European show career was sufficient
to establish her legacy.
And history proved them right.
She didn't need to compete in North America to be recognized globally.
What do you think made her so successful in the show ring?
What were judges consistently commenting on?
Judges were consistently impressed by three main attributes.
First, her dairy strength, that exceptional combination of openness, angularity, and power
that defines elite dairy cattle.
Second, her mammary system, perfectly balanced with exceptional fore and rear attachments.
And third, that incredible hide quality, silky and almost translucent, which is something
that can't be manufactured but signals exceptional dairy quality.
But beyond these physical traits, she had that indefinable presence that makes a champion.
When she entered the ring, people noticed.
That's something you can't really measure or classify.
It's just there with truly special animals.
Let's talk about classification, Douglas.
I understand Okalibra achieved some remarkable scores.
She sure did, Bella.
Okalibra became Switzerland's first cow ever classified, Excellent 97, which is an extraordinary
achievement that places her among an elite group of Holsteins worldwide.
To put this into perspective, only a handful of cows globally achieve this near perfect
score in any given year, making it a hallmark of confirmation excellence.
For listeners who might not be as familiar with the classification system, can you explain
why an Excellent 97 score is so significant?
Certainly the classification system evaluates cows on a range of traits that contribute
to functional type, mammary system, feet and legs, dairy character, and frame.
The score ranges from poor to excellent with numerical values assigned within each category.
Excellent scores start at 90 and anything 95 or above is considered truly exceptional.
An Excellent 97 score means the cow is approaching perfection and confirmation.
Classifiers are extremely conservative with scores at this level as they represent the
absolute pinnacle of the breed.
For context, in many countries, only a handful of cows, sometimes zero, reach EX-97 in a
given year out of tens of thousands classified.
So for Okalibra to be the first in Switzerland to achieve this score speaks volumes about
her exceptional quality.
That really helps put it in perspective.
And I imagine her classification wasn't just about aesthetics, right?
These scores reflect functional traits that contribute to longevity and productivity.
That's exactly right Bella.
Her classification wasn't just about looking pretty.
It reflected structural attributes that contributed to her functionality and longevity.
This harmony between beauty and utility represents the ultimate goal of Holstein breeding.
Skills that excel in both the show ring and the milk parlor.
Take her mammary system, for example.
The exceptional attachment scores she received.
Strong fore attachment, impressive rear udder height, and exceptional rear udder width.
These aren't just about show ring success.
They contribute to longevity, reduced risk of injury, and sustained production over multiple
lactations.
Were there specific trade evaluations where she really stood out?
According to her linear evaluation data, Okalibra demonstrated positive scores for dairy form,
indicating her openness of rib and angularity characteristic of high producing dairy animals.
Her thorough width received an exceptional score, demonstrating remarkable width through
her pelvic region that facilitated calving ease and overall structural stability.
But her mammary system was perhaps her most exceptional feature.
The teats were ideally placed with both fore and rear teat placement receiving positive
scores indicating centralized positioning beneath each quarter that optimized milking
efficiency and reduced injury risk.
So her classification excellence directly translated to her productive life and her
ability to remain in the herd for many lactations.
Absolutely Bella.
And that's the key takeaway for breeders listening to this podcast.
Production isn't just about winning in the show ring.
It's about identifying animals with functional traits that promote longevity, health, and
productivity.
Okalibra embodied that principle perfectly.
Speaking of productivity, let's talk about Okalibra's production records.
Sometimes exceptional show cows don't always excel in the milk parlor.
Was that the case with Okalibra?
Not at all Bella.
What made Okalibra truly special was that her show ring accomplishments were matched by her
production capabilities.
First calving at two years and two months, she produced a respectable 9,166 kilograms
of milk with 3.6% fat and 3.3% protein in 305 days.
And did her production improve as she matured?
It certainly did.
Her peak performance came as a four year old when she produced 14,247 kilograms with 4.0
percent fat and 2.9 percent protein in a 305 day lactation.
That's over 31,000 pounds of milk in a single lactation, which is exceptional by any standard.
Was production excellence something that ran in her family?
Yes, it was actually a family trait.
Her dam produced 13,372 kilograms as a four year old while her grandam recorded 14,217
kilograms as a seven year old.
These production records demonstrate the depth of genetic potential in Okalibra's lineage.
Great cows come from great cows.
That's a principle that holds true generation after generation.
What about her lifetime production?
Do we have those figures?
We do and they're remarkable.
Over her lifetime, Okalibra accumulated an astounding production total of 94,000 kilograms.
That's 206,800 pounds of milk with considerable components.
This exceptional lifetime yield places her among elite producing cows globally and underscores
how show winning type and high production can coexist in the same animal.
That's truly impressive.
It seems like Okalibra really embodied the ideal of form following function.
Her beautiful conformation directly supported her outstanding production.
That's a great way to put it Bella.
In the dairy industry, we sometimes create false dichotomies, show type versus commercial
functionality, beauty versus production.
But the truly exceptional animals like Okalibra remind us that with the right genetics and
management, one cow can excel in both areas.
I've seen too many breeders chase extremes in one direction or the other, either focusing
entirely on show type at the expense of production or maximizing production while ignoring functional
conformation.
Okalibra represents the ideal balance, exceptional in the show ring and the milk parlor.
It sounds like there's a valuable lesson there for breeders.
Balance should be the goal rather than extremes.
Absolutely.
Pat Conroy said it best when discussing Okalibra.
Cows that have some power and strength, yet are still dairy, will ultimately outlast and
outmilk the high style younger cows that seem to be one hit wonders.
I think that iron Okalibra is one example that proves this fact to be true.
You know, Veal, let's talk about Okalibra's genetic impact.
How has her influence spread throughout the Holstein population?
Okalibra's lasting legacy extends through her offspring, which have influenced Holstein
populations worldwide.
Her sons have been particularly impactful with several entering artificial insemination programs.
Notable among these are her red-destry son, Okalif, and her Akmi son, Okalibra, both acquired
by Swiss genetics.
And have these sons proven successful as sires?
Her son from Akmi, Okalibra, became particularly influential as a sire of show-winning daughters.
He was the number one daughter proven type bull in Switzerland with a 134 ITP.
His daughters include some truly exceptional animals that have continued the family's
show ring dominance.
Are there any specific daughters or granddaughters that have made a significant impact?
One of the most notable is Urbacrez Snapple Shakira, a granddaughter through Okalibra
who captured junior two-year-old at the Royal Winter Fair in 2017 and later developed into
an excellent 97 II e-cow.
Shakira went on to claim supreme champion honors at World Dairy Expo, proving that Okalibra's
genetic excellence transmits reliably through generations.
Other notable descendants include Lee Matters V. Calamerra, who was first senior two-year-old
and honorable mention intermediate champion at Swiss Expo 2018, GS Alliance Sid Okamila
RC Excellent 90, GS Alliance Okisha RC Excellent 91, and GS Alliance knowledge Okatanga Excellent
92.
It's fascinating how one exceptional cow can have such far-reaching impact through
her offspring.
Are there more recent examples of her descendants making an impact?
Absolutely Bella.
As recently as 2025, her descendants have been dominating major shows.
At the Schauder Best in 2025, one of Germany's premier dairy shows, Okati captured both intermediate
champion and grand champion titles.
Okati is a three-year-old Stanton's chief daughter, and this victory follows her junior
champion win at the same event in 2024, and the success didn't stop there.
At that same show, Wilkor Awesome Okalata Red secured the senior champion title.
Okalata Red is actually a full sister to Okatizdam Okamera, further cementing the strength of
this genetic line.
That's remarkable.
Winners in multiple age categories all tracing back to Okalibra.
Can you trace that lineage for our listeners?
Finally Okatizdam is Wilkor Awesome Okamera RC Excellent 90, who was second-placed junior
three-year-old at the German Dairy Show in 2019.
Okamera's dam is GS Alliance Sid Okamila RC Excellent 90, and Okamila's dam is none
other than Dekrasaz Iron Okalibra Excellent 97.
So Okatizdam is actually Okalibra's great-granddaughter.
The fact that this influence continues so strongly, three generations later, speaks volumes about
how prepitant Okalibra was as a brood cow.
And that's really the ultimate test of a great cow.
Can she reliably pass her exceptional qualities to future generations?
Okalibra has answered that question with a resounding yes.
Trenching, let's talk about Okalibra's place in history.
How has she been recognized on a global scale?
Okalibra's achievements received the ultimate global recognition when Holstein International
named her a world champion not once, but twice during her lifetime, in 2013 and 2015.
This placed her in extremely rare company, as very few cows achieved this honor multiple
times.
But the crowning achievement came posthumously in 2021, when Holstein International conducted
a special competition to name the all-time world champion.
Okalibra was ultimately selected for this honor, cementing her place as one of history's
greatest Holsteins.
What kind of competition did she face for that all-time world champion title?
She was up against some legendary competition, Bella.
The final showdown included Okalibra, RF Goldwyn Haley from Canada, and Thru Lane James Rose.
Both Haley and Rose are iconic North American champions, who, like Okalibra, had each earned
multiple world champion titles during their careers.
What makes this particularly significant is that Okalibra, a European cow, prevailed over
these North American legends in a global competition.
This outcome would have been almost unthinkable just a decade or two earlier, when North American
Holsteins were generally considered superior to their European counterparts.
That really seems to mark a shift in the global dairy landscape.
What do you think contributed to this change?
I think several factors have contributed to this evolution.
First, there's been tremendous improvement in European Holstein breeding programs, with
more emphasis on cow families and balanced breeding goals.
Second, the widespread use of genomics and artificial insemination has democratized genetics.
Top bloodlines can now be accessed almost anywhere in the world, which has helped level the playing
field.
Third, there's been increased knowledge sharing and international cooperation among breeders.
Goals like Swiss Expo and the All-European Holstein Show have gained international prestige
and judges routinely work across continents, helping to standardize evaluation criteria.
Finally, I think there's been a global shift toward more balanced breeding goals, valuing
cows that excel in both type and production, rather than pushing extremes in either direction.
European breeding programs have traditionally emphasized this balance, which has served
them well as global preferences have evolved.
When did Okolibra pass away, and what were her final achievements?
Okolibra passed away sometime before September 2018.
Her final achievements included three Swiss Expo Supreme Championships in 2012, 2013,
and 2015, European Champion at Freiburg in 2013, two Holstein International World Champion
titles during her lifetime in 2013 and 2015, and ultimately being crowned all-time world
champion in 2021.
She was also named most influential cow of Switzerland in 2013, which recognized not
just her show ring success, but her broader impact on the breed.
When you consider her lifetime production of over 206,800 pounds of milk, her classification
as excellent 97, and her prolific genetic impact through sons and daughters, it's clear
that Okolibra truly earned her place among the all-time greats.
Noving.
As we wrap up our discussion about DeCrosse's iron Okolibra, I'm struck by how this one
exceptional cow from Switzerland managed to challenge and ultimately change global perceptions
about Holstein breeding.
She wasn't just one of Europe's greatest Holsteins.
She stands among the greatest worldwide regardless of origin.
That's absolutely right, Bella.
Okolibra's crowning as Holstein International's all-time world champion in 2021 solidified
her place among legends like RF Goldwyn Haley and Thru Lane James Rose.
But more importantly, she proved that exceptional genetics paired with balanced breeding goals
can produce results that transcend geographical boundaries.
And her legacy continues to thrive.
The recent successes of her descendants at shows across Europe and North America demonstrate
that her genetic influence remains powerful years after her passing.
It's a testament to how truly prepotent she was as a brewed cow.
For breeders listening today, Okolibra's story offers valuable lessons.
First, balanced breeding goals that emphasize both confirmation and production tend to create
the most lasting impact.
Second, don't underestimate the power of cow families and consistent breeding philosophies.
And finally, excellence can emerge from anywhere.
It's not limited by geography or pedigree.
In kneeling, we'd love to hear your thoughts about Okolibra or questions about her legacy.
You can reach out to us through the Bullvine website or on our social media channels.
And if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Bullvine podcast and leave us a review.
It helps other dairy enthusiasts find our content.
Our next episode will explore emerging trends in genomic selection and how they're reshaping
breeding decisions worldwide.
Until then, keep breeding for balance and remember that the next global Holstein legend
might be taking shape in your barn right now.
Thank you for listening to the Bullvine podcast.
I'm Bella, along with Douglas, wishing you successful breeding and healthy herds.
We'll catch you next time.