'World's best' bull boosts Genus

SHARES in bovine genetics group Genus soared today after it revealed farmers were queuing up for semen produced by 'probably the best bull in the world'.

Picston Shottle, a five-year-old Holstein Friesian cross with a taste for Mozart based at a stud in Wales, is the highest ranking bull in its class and is breaking all known records at Genus for virility.

Sales of Shottle's semen have been so strong that all production is sold out until April next year.

Chief executive Richard Wood said: 'People are clamouring for his semen.'

His unique status means the bull enjoys a life of luxury. Wood said: 'He has a sprung mattress, subdued lighting and he listens to Mozart.'

Genus can command up to £50 for semen as farmers attempt to produce the perfect calf. Using new biotechnology, the group can stretch Shottle's production to 200,000 samples a year.

The news comes just two years after Genus hit the headlines with Machoman, which was acclaimed the World Leader and Best in Breed by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Half-year results today showed pre-tax profits rose 35% to £4.4m in the six months to September.

Shares in the group climbed 12½p to 263½p, a jump of almost 5%.