Welcome to another episode of the Bullvine Podcast,
where we dive deep into the latest trends, breakthroughs,
and controversies shaping the global dairy industry.
Today, we're unpacking the highlights from this
past week's genetic evaluations. from reshuffled
rankings to fertility triumphs and inbreeding
alarms there's a lot to digest so grab your coffee
or better yet your milk and let's get started
first up let's talk about the top 100 tpi sires
for april 2025. the big story here is the genetic
base change a recalibration that's shaking up
rankings across the board genosaurus captain
et holds strong at number one with an impressive
3441G TPI, despite recalibrated production trait
values. Meanwhile, SDG cap Garza ET keeps his
solid number 2 spot. But it's not all stability.
There's been significant movement in the rest
of the top 10. For example, SGC E climbed to
number 3 with a TPI of 3389, while plain null
Renegade Trooper dropped from number 3 to number
8, despite gaining points. The recalibration
isn't just about rankings. It's reshaping how
we interpret production traits. Milk production
values saw numerical decreases across the board,
but don't be fooled. These adjustments reflect
statistical resets rather than diminished genetic
potential. Breeders should focus on relative
rankings rather than absolute numbers as they
plan their next moves. Well, hello there and
welcome to the deep dive. Today, we're diving
headfirst into the Holstein genetic evaluations
from April 2025. And well, trust me, this isn't
just another quarterly update. We're talking
about a major shakeup, you know, a real recalibration
of the genetic landscape thanks to a significant
base change. It's like. Someone decided our genetic
ruler needed a whole new set of markings and
the dairy world is definitely taking notice.
That's absolutely right. For everyone tuning
in, the dairy farmers, the breeders, the industry
folks who live and breed these numbers, this
deep dive is all about unpacking what this base
change means for your breeding decisions and,
you know, ultimately your profitability. Yeah.
We know you're busy, so our goal isn't to drown
you in statistics, but to really illuminate the
practical implications of these shifts. And,
you know, when you say shifts, we mean significant
ones. Predicted transmitting abilities, those
PTAs we rely on so heavily, have been slashed
across the world. We're talking upwards of 20
% in some cases. For Holstein specifically, the
average drops were around 750 pounds of milk,
45 pounds of fat, and 30 pounds of protein. Now,
we know that might look like a pretty dramatic
downturn on paper, enough to make you spill your
coffee, maybe. Right. But there's a really important
reason behind this. And by the time we're done
here, you'll have a much clearer understanding
of what's going on and what truly matters moving
forward. Exactly. And to navigate this new terrain
effectively, the key concept to wrap your head
around is relative genetic merit. Even with these
big numerical adjustments, the truly elite animals,
you know, the top care bulls, have largely maintained
their positions at the peak. That's a crucial
piece of the puzzle, and it's what we'll be digging
into today. Okay, let's unpack this big genetic
-based change then. What exactly is it? Why did
it happen now? Okay, so think of a genetic base
change like resetting the average. We're essentially
recalibrating all the genetic values so that
the average genetic merit of Holstein cows born
in 2020 becomes our new zero point. It's like
re -anchoring our measurements to a more current
population. The base year of 2020 was chosen
to reflect the genetic merit. of the current
milking population more accurately. As genetic
progress steadily marches on, you know, the average
genetic value of the breed naturally increases.
So resetting the baseline helps us to see the
current top animals more clearly when compared
against a contentiary standard rather than, well,
against a population from decades ago. So it's
a statistical adjustment, right? To keep things
in perspective, not a sign that our Holsteins
have suddenly become less genetically gifted.
That's a really crucial distinction because those
initial numbers could definitely, you know, raise
some eyebrows in the marn. Precisely. That's
the key point. The inherent genetic potential
within these animals hasn't shrunk overnight.
What's changed is the yardstick we're using to
measure and compare that potential. And as you
pointed out, the numerical changes, particularly
for those fundamental production traits like
milk, fat, and protein, are substantial. It's
vital to recognize that this isn't isolated to
a few animals. It's a widespread statistical
recalibration affecting the entire Holstein breed.
Right. Now, despite these... Pretty significant
number crunching exercises. We're hearing that
the cream of the crop, those elite bulls, have
by and large held on to their top spots. That
might seem a little counterintuitive. How does
that work? Well, what's truly fascinating here
is how relative genetic merit shines through.
While the absolute PTA values have indeed come
down across the board due to this base change,
the relative differences in genetic merit between
the highest ranking bulls and the average of
the breed have remained remarkably consistent.
Take RP Cord, for example. He's still commanding
the top spot with a GTPI of 3 ,537. And right
on his heels is Darth VDR at 3 ,504. Their actual
numerical values have certainly been adjusted
downwards, but their position of superiority
relative to the overall whole stand population
is largely unchanged. You've got some specific
examples to illustrate this, right? Someone like
Genosaurus Captainet, a name many of our listeners
will definitely recognize. What kind of numerical
shift did he experience? Exactly. Genosaurus
Captainet actually saw his TPI nudge upward slightly
from 3336 to 3441. Yeah. Now, on the surface,
that might look like a positive jump, right?
Yeah, sounds good. But his milk PTA took a significant
dip from a hefty 2 ,542 pounds down to a still
respectable 1 ,872. We also saw numerical decreases
in his PTAT, utter and posit, and productive
life. PTAT went from 1 .1 to 0 .28, UDC from
1 .65 to 0 .83, and productive life from 5 .0
down to 3 .7. Wow. Now, it's absolutely critical
to reiterate, this doesn't imply that Captain
suddenly became a less valuable genetic asset.
It simply reflects the new baseline. His genetic
advantage relative to the current Holstein population
remains strong, which is why he continues to
be a leading proven sire. So if I'm understanding
this correctly then, some bulls might have even
gained a few TPI points numerically but still
seen their overall ranking in the breed slip
slightly, while others managed to hold steady
or even climb the ranks despite the general downward
pressure on PTA values. That really underscores
the importance of focusing on those relative
shifts in position, doesn't it? It's not just
about the raw numbers anymore. Precisely. You
hit the nail on the head. The base change has
essentially dealt us all a new hand, and understanding
where each bull now sits in this new ranking
order is absolutely paramount for making informed
breeding decisions. Some bulls who were perhaps
extreme outliers for certain traits might have
experienced a more pronounced adjustment, potentially
leading to a change in their overall position,
even if their fundamental genetic merit remains
high. All right, let's dive into those GTPI frontrunners
in a bit more detail. You mentioned Rippey Cord,
ABAJZ, Darth Vader, and Watchmen as the Bulls
currently sitting in the top five spots. What
are the key strengths and, you know, the standout
PTA figures that contribute to their lofty rankings
in this new evaluation? Okay, so leading the
charge, as we've already mentioned, is RIP Cord,
boasting that impressive 3 -5 -37 GTPI. His real
strength lies in his remarkably well -balanced
profile. He brings a significant amount to the
table. table in terms of milk production. We're
looking at 1 ,496 pounds coupled with excellent
fat production at 126 pounds and a solid 62 pounds
of protein. He's really a true all -around genetic
powerhouse. And what about AB, who's right on
his heels in that number two spot? What's his
story? AB, with a GTPI of 3 ,526, truly shines
when it comes to those crucial component percentages.
He boasts an exceptional 0 .34 % for fat and
0 .11 % for protein. In today's economic climate
where milk component pricing plays such a vital
role in profitability, that's a really significant
advantage for producers. Absolutely. Then we
have Jay -Z and Darth Feed Air, both comfortably
above that 3 ,500 GTPI threshold. What are the
defining characteristics that set them apart?
Well, Jay -Z clocks in with a GTPI of 3 ,506
and offers a very compelling overall package
of desirable traits, just solid across the board.
Darth Vader at 3504 GTPI is particularly noteworthy
for his outstanding milk production. He's putting
up an impressive 2 ,228 pounds of milk, which
is actually the highest milk yield among these
current top five GTPI sires. That's a lot of
milk. And rounding out that elite top tier is
Watchmen. What makes him a standout in this competitive
group? Watchman, with a GDPI of $3 .499, offers
a really attractive combination of robust production
figures and truly exceptional health -related
traits. His health index of 8 .7 is particularly
noteworthy, indicating a strong genetic predisposition
for healthier and less problematic daughters.
Hmm, valuable. Yeah, that's something that can
have a real impact on long -term farm efficiency.
You also highlighted some leading proven sires.
For those of our listeners who, you know, prefer
to rely on data from actual milking daughters,
who are the top contenders in the proven bull
category right now. Right. On the proven side,
Genisaurus Captain Ed, as we've... already discussed,
maintains the top spot with a GTPI of 3 ,441G.
Falling closely behind him is SDG Cap Garza 8
at 3 ,418, and Stegian Kellenthorstinette has
emerged as a strong number three contender with
a GTPI of 3 ,389. Okay. These bulls have already
demonstrated their genetic merit through the
performance of their daughters in, you know,
real -world conditions, providing that added
layer of confidence for some breeders. Now, while
GTPI is a fantastic overall index to consider,
for many commercial dairy producers, the bottom
line really comes down to dollars and cents,
right? So let's shift our focus a bit to the
net merit champions. Who's leading the way in
terms of projected economic efficiency in this
new evaluation? Yeah, good point. When we talk
about net merit dollars, that's NMDU. Darth Vidyar
actually takes the crown there with an impressive
$1 ,270. Oh, wow. Right behind them in terms
of projected lifetime profitability are rapicord
at $1 ,239 and endurance at $1 ,222. These are
the bulls that the number suggests will generate
the most economic value in commercial dairy herds
under current market conditions. What specific
combinations of traits are driving those high
NML values for these top bulls? economic contenders?
Is it just milk? Well, for Darth Vader, it's
that powerful combination of very high milk production
again, exceeding 2 ,200 pounds, coupled with
excellent component values at 145 pounds of fat
and 69 pounds of protein. Endurance, on the other
hand, really shines when it comes to component
percentages, boasting a superior 0 .35 % for
fat while still maintaining solid milk production.
Okay. And Ripicord, as we observed for this GTPI,
offers that excellent all -around balance across
a range of economically important traits, including
a strong productive life of 4 .5 and a respectable
fertility index of 1 .7. It's really interesting
to see that strong correlation between high TPI
and high net merit. It suggests that the overall
genetic merit as captured by TPI is indeed aligning
pretty well with projected economic efficiency
in these April evaluations. And I understand
there have been some significant shifts in how
net merit itself is calculated, right? That's
a critically important point for our listeners
to be aware of. Yes. The updated NMO formula
now places a significantly greater emphasis on
certain key traits. The waiting for fat production
has increased by 13%. The emphasis on feed efficiency
has seen a substantial jump of 41%. 41%. Yeah,
big jump. And the waiting for livability has
been dramatically increased by 100%. Wow, doubled.
Doubled, yeah. This clear shift in emphasis towards
milk components, efficiency of production, and
the longevity of cows in the herd is definitely
reflected in the trait profiles of these top
net merit bulls. It signals a potential shift
in breeding goals for many farms, moving beyond
just sheer milk volume to really focus on the
quality and the value of the milk produced, as
well as the overall efficiency and durability
of the animals. Makes sense. Now, for those breeders
who have a keen eye for the show ring and maybe
prioritize those highly desirable confirmation
traits, who are the leading type specialists
in this latest evaluation. Right. For our confirmation
enthusiasts, StoryArk currently leads the pack
with a remarkable PTAT of 3 .88. Very high. Yeah.
Falling closely behind in terms of type are SHG
LEGO at 3 .83 PTAT and Admire at 3 .71 PTAT.
These are the bulls that are really excelling
in those visual appeal traits that are so important
in the show ring. And what are the specific confirmation
strengths that these leading type bulls typically
bring to the table? Utters. Feet and legs. Generally,
they exhibit exceptionally high utter composite
scores, with StoryArts leading the way in that
category at 2 .74 UDC. They also tend to have
very strong feet and leg composites, with SHG
Lego particularly standing out in that area with
a score of 2 .22 FLC. Okay. These are precisely
the kinds of traits that catch the judge's eye
and will also contribute to longevity and soundness
in the herd. But there's often a bit of a trade
-off, isn't there, between pursuing that extreme
type and those high production and economic indexes
that we were just discussing. It's a balancing
act for many breeders, I imagine. Oh, absolutely.
That's very often the case. Bulls that are extreme
outliers for type traits sometimes tend to have
lower TPI and net merit values compared to the
top production -focused leaders. For example,
StoryArx, despite his incredible PTAD of 3 .88,
has a TPI of 2244 and a net merit of minus 601.
Minus 600. Oof. Yeah. This really highlights
the different breeding priorities and the strategic
choices that breeders need to make based on their
individual goals. Definitely. However, you mentioned
there There are some options available for breeders
who are aiming for more of a middle ground, maybe
bulls that offer a good combination of both desirable
type and solid overall merit. Absolutely. For
those breeders seeking a more balanced approach,
Star Power RC is an excellent option to consider.
He boasts a very respectable PTAT of 3 .08 while
still maintaining a competitive TPI of 3 .137
and a positive net merit of $445. Okay, that's
more like it. Yeah. And Palo Ayan, with a TPI
of 3085 and a PTAT of 3 .12, is another strong
contender in that category, offering a compelling
blend of both type and overall genetic merit.
These bulls demonstrate that you don't necessarily
have to sacrifice one completely for the other.
Good to know. Now, it's not just the traditional
black and white Holsteins making significant
strides in genetic progress, is it? Let's talk
about the exciting advancements we're seeing
in the red and white Holstein genetics. Oh, yeah.
The red and white segment of the breed is truly
on an impressive upward trajectory. We now have
several red and white bulls that are exceeding
that significant 3 ,200 TPI threshold, which
is a real milestone. Papaya red is currently
leading the charge with a TPI of 3 ,285 and also
boasts very respectable type values at 1 .99
PTTAT. Nice. Morris Red is right up there with
a TPI of 32 .16 and a strong net merit of 1 ,005
lays. And Pegasus Red comes in at 3 ,162 TPI
with an exceptionally high health index of 9
.4. Those are some really impressive numbers,
especially that health index on Pegasus Red.
What are some of the specific strengths that
we're seeing emerge in these leading red and
white sires? Well, Morris Red really stands out
with his impressive milk production of 1 ,499
pounds and that strong net merit figure we mentioned
earlier, indicating his potential for significant
economic contributions. Pegasus Red's exceptional
health traits, as indicated by that high health
index, are a huge advantage for herd health and
longevity. Right. And we shouldn't forget Parby
Red. who offers a well -balanced profile with
a TPI of 3144 and good type at 1 .63 PTAT, demonstrating
the increasing depth and quality in the red and
white gene pool. It really sounds like breeders
who have a preference for color genetics no longer
have to feel like they're compromising on overall
genetic merit compared to their black and white
counterparts. Is that fair to say? That's absolutely
correct. The top -tier red and white bulls are
now highly competitive with their black and white
counterparts in terms of overall performance
and genetic indexes. The performance gap is definitely
closing, which is... Well, incredibly exciting
for breeders who are interested in color or who
are looking to diversify their herds. Definitely
exciting times for red and white. Now, every
genetic evaluation update seems to bring with
it some surprises, you know, bulls that make
unexpected leaks up the rankings or experience
significant drops. What were some of the notable
movements and exciting newcomers in this April
2025 evaluation? We certainly witnessed some
significant shifts in the rankings this time.
ABI and Jay -Z made a spectacular entrance right
near the top of the GTPI list, debuting at impressive
GTPIs of 3 ,526 and 3 ,506, respectively. Big
debuts. Huge. Genesaur's capital of Oyeet also
made a notable climb into the top 10, landing
at number 9 with a TPI of 3 ,257. And RMD daughter
SE game day TR also surged in the top 10, coming
in at 3253 TPI. These kinds of rapid ascensions
really highlight the ongoing impact of genomics
and identifying and quickly propagating superior
genetics. On the flip side, were there any established
players who saw significant drops in their rankings?
Always interesting to see who falls. Yes, there
were a few notable declines. Plain Null Renegade
Trigger TR, somewhat surprisingly, despite actually
gaining 75 TPI points in this evaluation, slipped
in the rankings from number 3 down to number
8. Huh. Even with a gain. Yeah. Shows how relative
it is. But perhaps the most dramatic falls were
experienced by genosaurus capenum maguiretta,
who plummeted from number five all the way down
to number 43 with a TPI of 3 ,160. Ouch. And
delicious H. noon Tampa 8 TRTE, who dropped from
number nine to number 49 at 3 ,153 TPI. These
kinds of significant movements really underscore
the dynamic nature of genetic evaluations and,
well, the impact that a base change can have
on relative rankings within the breed. Definitely
shakes things up. And what about new and noteworthy
faces in the red and white category specifically?
Any big debuts there? Yes. We saw some impressive
debuts from newcomers in the red and white category,
most notably papaya red and parby red, which,
again, further emphasizes the rapid genetic progress
that is happening within colored genetics. Interestingly,
the data reveals that we're seeing the highest
rate of turnover in the red carrier category,
with a significant 20 new bulls entering the
top 20. 20 new bulls. Wow. Yeah, 20. This compares
to 14 newcomers in the overall GTPI category,
again reflecting both the emergence of new genetic
talent and the significant influence of the base
change on relative positions across the board.
So with all this focus on achieving these elite
levels of genetic merit and seeing some names
popping up repeatedly, are there any potential
concerns about the overall genetic diversity
within the Holstein breed that these evaluations
might be highlighting? That's a really important
and forward -thinking question. The April 2025
evaluations do reveal a noticeable concentration
of genetic influence within certain prominent
sire lines, particularly those with the CAP prefix.
Right, the Captain Suns. Exactly, which indicates
the significant impact and widespread use of
Captain Suns at the upper echelons of the rankings.
Now, while this demonstrates the remarkable speed
of genetic progress that can be achieved through
genomic selection, It does raise potential concerns
regarding inbreeding levels within the breed
if these trends aren't managed thoughtfully.
And it's not just the influence of that single
sire line, is it? We're seeing names like Ripcord
and Darth Vader quite a bit, too. Exactly right.
The widespread prevalence and high rankings of
sires like Ripcord and Darth Vader across multiple
different trait categories also point to a concentration
of genetic influence from a few key individuals.
While these bulls undoubtedly possess exceptional
genetic merit across a range of important traits,
their extensive use in breeding programs could
lead to a narrowing of the overall genetic pool
within the breed over time if breeders aren't
consciously paying attention to maintaining diversity
in their mating selections. Makes sense. In fact,
the data indicates that inbreeding rates within
the Holstein breed have increased by a significant
28 % since 2015, which is a trend that definitely
warrants careful consideration and proactive
management strategies for the long -term health
and resilience of the breed. 28 % increase since
2015. That's quite something. Okay, so with all
this in mind, the base change, the rankings,
the diversity concerns. What are some really
practical and actionable recommendations that
you would offer to dairy farmers and breeders
as they navigate these new genetic evaluations
and start thinking about their future breeding
programs? Okay, the first and most crucial step
is to truly understand the implications of this
genetic base change. As we've stressed throughout
our discussion, when you're comparing these April
2025 evaluation values to those from previous
evaluations, it's absolutely essential to remember
that the numerical differences you're seeing
are largely a result of this statistical reset.
Therefore, when assessing a bull's genetic merit
in the current population, you should really
be focusing on those relative rankings within
the breed and their percentile ranks, rather
than just fixating on the absolute numbers themselves.
That makes perfect sense. The old benchmarks
and absolute PTA targets that we might have used
in the past, they might need to be adjusted in
this new landscape. Precisely, yes. If you previously
had specific selection thresholds based on absolute
values, for instance, only considering bulls
with a net merit above, say, a certain dollar
figure like $1 ,000, you will very likely need
to recalibrate those thresholds downwards to
reflect the new average of the breed. Okay. A
more effective approach might be to start considering
using percentile rankings to maintain a similar
level of selection intensity within the population.
For example, instead of a fixed enema value,
you might aim to select bulls that consistently
rank in the top 10 or 15 % for net merit within
the breed. Gotcha. And it sounds like this latest
evaluation really reinforces the longstanding
importance of taking a well -rounded and balanced
approach to trait selection in our breeding programs,
not just chasing one number. Absolutely. The
success of bulls like Rip Peacord and Darth Vader,
who exhibit excellence across a range of economically
important traits, really highlights the value
of aiming for a well -balanced genetic profile
in your herd. Rather than chasing extreme values
in just one or two specific traits, consider
utilizing selection indexes that are specifically
designed to align with your individual farm's
unique production goals and economic priorities,
whether that's emphasizing milk production, components,
health traits, or, you know, a combination of
all these factors. the growing importance of
actively managing genetic diversity within our
herds. What are some concrete steps that breeders
can take to address this concern in their breeding
decisions? Well, maintaining a healthy level
of genetic diversity within your herd requires
a conscious and proactive effort. When making
breeding decisions, consider intentionally incorporating
bulls from diverse and less common genetic backgrounds
into your mating plans where it's appropriate
and aligns with your overall goals. Make sure
to utilize the inbreeding management tools that
are often readily available through your genetic
suppliers and breed associations. And don't overlook
the potential value of using red carrier bulls
as a strategic tool for introducing new genetic
diversity and, well, the red coat color trait,
into your herd, as they can offer valuable outcross
pedigrees in some situations. Interesting point
about the red carriers. And looking beyond just
the raw numbers and indexes, what other crucial
factors should breeders be taking into consideration
when making their sire selections? Yeah, that's
important. While these comprehensive genetic
evaluations provide an incredibly valuable wealth
of data and insights, it's absolutely crucial
for breeders to look beyond the numbers alone.
When possible, Consider the real -world performance
data from a bull's actual milking daughters,
paying close attention to the reliability figures
associated with those evaluations. And always
keep the critical factor of genetic diversity
in mind as you make your selections. Don't hesitate
to consult with experienced genetic advisors
who can provide personalized insights and guidance
tailored to your specific breeding objectives
and the unique needs of your herd. Sound advice.
Now, one area that I know has been on the minds
of many of our listeners is the data related
to calving traits. What's the latest update on
that front in this April evaluation? Anything
new there? That's an important and timely question.
The updated data for calving -related traits,
such as calving ease and stillbirth rates, is
actually on a slightly different release schedule
and was not included in this particular April
evaluation update. We are currently anticipating
that this updated information for calving traits
will be released with the subsequent August genetic
evaluations. In the meantime, it would probably
be prudent for breeders to exercise a degree
of caution when making significant breeding decisions
based solely on the existing calving data, as
those values will also undergo recalculation
as part of the ongoing base change adjustments
and are expected to be updated in the fall. Good
to know. So, patience is needed on the calving
traits front. All right, so the key takeaway
for our listeners today seems to be that while
these April 2025 Holstein genetic evaluations
present us with a new set of numbers across the
board, the fundamental principles of driving
genetic progress within our herds remain largely
the same. This base change essentially provides
us with a more current and hopefully accurate
snapshot of the genetic landscape within the
Holstein population. Exactly. That sums it up
well. We are still observing the continued dominance
of those elite sires at the top of the rankings.
And it's genuinely exciting to witness the ongoing
and rapid advancements in genetic merit in both
the conventional black and white Holsteins and
the steadily improving and increasingly competitive
colored breeds. Definitely. So I guess the provocative
thought to leave everyone with is as you navigate
these newly recalibrated numbers and consider
your breeding strategies moving forward, How
will you strike that critical balance between
chasing those elite genetics that offer rapid
potential for progress and diligently ensuring
the long -term genetic diversity and resilience
of your herd? It's certainly a question worth
careful consideration as you make your breeding
plans in this evolving genetic landscape. Absolutely.
A crucial question. Well, thanks so much for
joining us for this insightful deep dive into
the April evaluations. My pleasure. Until our
next discussion. Heading north to Canada, we
see similar ripples from the genetic base change
but with some unique twists. OCD Monkey leads
the genomic bulls list with an impressive GLPI
of 4079, showcasing balanced production and confirmation
traits. On the daughter -proven side, SS IPAR
Renegade retains its dominance with an LPI of
3850. What sets Canada apart is its focus on
balanced breeding, production efficiency, paired
with improved health traits like fertility and
longevity. Pulled genetics are also gaining ground,
with bulls like Fraholm Vec Triton PP making
notable debuts. All right, everyone, welcome
back to the Bullvine Newsroom. We're diving headfirst
into the April 2025 Canadian genetic evaluations.
You know those new numbers hit and everyone scrambles
to see what's what? Yeah, they're out there,
and trust me, we've been pouring over them. You
know, so you don't have to wade through all those
spreadsheets. That's right. We're doing the heavy
lifting here, folks. Distilling it down to the
good stuff, the stuff that really matters for
your breeding decisions. Absolutely. We've been
analyzing both the genomic young guns and the
daughter proven veterans. You know, those Holsteins
with daughters out there proving their worth.
Exactly. Giving you the inside scoop on the latest
trends and movers and shakers in the genetic
world. Yeah. Our goal here is to equip you with
the knowledge you need. You know to make informed
choices. Choices that are going to benefit your
herd for the long haul. It's not just about the
numbers, though, right? We're going to break
it down into practical advice. Things you can
actually use on your farm. From boosting that
milf production to having cows that just keep
on giving. Yeah, we're talking about longevity.
healthy udders, strong feet and legs, all those
factors that contribute to a thriving and profitable
dairy operation. So settle in, grab your coffee
or your favorite beverage, whatever, helps you
unwind after a long day in the barn. And let's
get this genetic deep dive started. Sounds good
to me. Okay, so let's jump right into the genomic
bowls, those up and comers, with all that genetic
potential. And guess what? Sitting at the top
of the genomic mountain is OCD Monkey Eat with
a whopping GLPI of 4079. That's a name you're
going to hear a lot, I think. He's not just a
flash in the pan either. Those numbers are backed
by some seriously impressive stats. Like what?
Spill the beans. What makes this guy a genetic
superstar? Okay, so we're talking plus 1267 kilograms
of milk. Can you believe that? Plus 134 kilograms
of fat and a solid 74 kilograms of protein. That
milk figure alone, it's a significant jump from
what we've seen in previous top bowls. Wow, that's
a whole lot of milk. It's like having an extra
cow in the barn without the extra mouth to feed.
Pretty much. But it's not just about quantity,
right? We need quality, too. And OCD monkey delivers
on that front as well. Yeah, I was just going
to say, he's got the looks to match those impressive
numbers. A plus 11 mammary system and plus 12
dairy strength, those aren't just for show. Not
at all. A strong mammary system is essential
for longevity. You know fewer udder issues, higher
milk quality, and good dairy strength usually
means a healthy, resilient cow. Fewer vet bills,
more productive lactations. It's a win -win.
So basically this bull is the whole package.
Strong production, good conformation, healthy
and long -lasting. What more could you ask for?
Well, there are other strong contenders, too.
I mean, right behind OCD Monkey, just a hair's
breadth away, is Progenesis Impulse with a GLPI
of 4078. Ah, yes. Another name that's been creating
a buzz. What's this guy's specialty? Well, he's
a bit of a fat specialist. He's got an impressive
plus 132 kilograms of fat. So if you're on a
component -based pricing system, that extra butterfat
can really add up. More money in your pocket.
Touching. More butterfat, more dollars, music
to any dairy farmer's ears. And I hear he's also
got something else going for him. Something that
can save a lot of headaches down the line. You're
talking about daughter fertility, right? Yep.
Progenesis Impulse is known for siring daughters
with good fertility. Reliable breeders, shorter
calving intervals, less time and money spent
on getting those cows pregnant. It's all part
of that balanced approach we're seeing in these
top genomic bulls. Speaking of balance, let's
take a quick look at the rest of the genomic
top five. We've got Attaway Beyond Fitness at
4062, OCD Milana at 459, and Progenesis Melnick
rounding out the group at 4038. It's like a who's
who of balanced genetics. It's not about chasing
one single trait anymore, right? The best bulls
excel across the board. They offer that solid
combination of high production, good confirmation,
and those essential fitness traits. It's about
the whole picture. Yeah, you need a cow that
can not only produce milk, but also stay healthy
and in the herd for a long time. It's about sustainability
and efficiency. And it seems like the Canadian
breeding program is really hitting the mark on
that front. Definitely. And let's not forget
about another trend that's gaining momentum.
The rise of polled genetics. Oh yeah, that's
a game changer. No more horns, less stress for
the cows, less work for the farmers. It's a win
-win for everyone involved. And speaking of polled
genetics, we've got a newcomer making a splash
in the top 30. Furholm Vivec Triton PP coming
in at number 30 with a GLPI of 3952. That's right.
And he's homozygous polled, meaning all of his
offspring will inherit that polled gene. No horns
guaranteed. Talk about peace of mind. But he's
not just a pretty face, is he? Nope. He's got
the numbers to back it up. Plus 940 kilogram
milk, plus 105 kilograms fat, plus 63 kilogram
protein. And here's what's really interesting.
He's got a plus. 0 .58 % deviation for fat and
plus 0 .25 % for protein, meaning his daughters
are producing milk that's richer in those valuable
components. So more milk and higher component
percentages, that's a double whammy of profitability.
Exactly. And it just goes to show that poll genetics
are really coming into their own. You don't have
to sacrifice production or any other trait for
that matter. All right, let's move on from the
young guns and talk about the seasoned veterans.
The daughter proven bulls. These guys have daughters
out there in the real world proving their worth
day in and day out. And guess who's still holding
on to that number one spot? I think we all know
who you're talking about. SSIPR Renegade Eat.
Still the reigning champion with an LPI of 3850.
He's like the Tom Brady of dairy bulls. Just
keeps on performing year after year. Well, he's
definitely got the stats to back it up. Plus.
1 ,154 kilograms of milk, plus 98 kilograms of
fat, plus 67 kilograms of protein. And these
are consistent results we're seeing across a
huge number of his daughters. We're talking 1
,509 daughters and 457 herds. That's a pretty
solid sample size. Absolutely. And with that
many daughters, we have a high level of reliability
in this proof. So you can be confident that what
you see is what you get. And what we see is a
bull that sires daughters with outstanding production,
good health, and fantastic feet and legs. Plus
14 for feet and legs. That's a big deal when
it comes to longevity. No doubt about it. Good
feet and legs mean fewer lameness issues. Cows
that can walk comfortably to the feed bunk and
the milking parlor. They stay in the herd longer
and produce more milk over their lifetime. So
it's not just about production per lactation.
It's about... total lifetime production. And
Renegade Eat is definitely a champion in that
regard. Right on his tail, though, is another
Renegade son, Seymour's Renegade Rosline in second
place with an LPI of 300 and 835. The Renegade
legacy lives on. What makes this particular Renegade
son stand out? Well, he's a real fat powerhouse,
plus 144 kilograms of fat and an incredible plus
1 .24 percent fat deviation. That's a huge jump
in butterfat content. And for those of you on
component -based pricing, that translates into
some serious extra cash. More buddy fat, more
money. It's a simple equation. And then rounding
out our top three daughter -proven sires, we
have Genesaurus John Boy Eat with an LPI of 327.
He's a bit more balanced than the previous two.
What do you mean by balanced? Well, he's got
very respectable production numbers, but he also
excels in those fitness traits. fertility, health,
all those things that contribute to a long and
productive life. If you're looking for a well
-rounded bull, he's a great option. So he's like
the all -around athlete of dairy bulls. Good
at everything. Exactly. And then we've got a
bit of a genetic anomaly in the top 10. Three
bulls from Genisaurus. Captain It, Jackie N,
and John Eaton. All tied at 3816 LPI. With almost
identical proofs. Wait a minute. How is that
even possible? Three bulls with the exact same
genetic makeup? Well, they're full brothers.
And they've performed almost identically in their
daughter proofs so far. It's a testament to the
power of genetics and the consistency that can
be achieved through selective breeding. So it's
like having triplets, but in bull form. Pretty
much. And for you as a producer, it means you
have multiple options for accessing the same
great genetics. All right, let's shift gears
now and talk about those bulls that are all about
aesthetics. The ones that make you say, wow,
that's a good looking cow. The confirmation specialists.
The beauty pageant winners of the bovine world.
Exactly. And leading the pack in the genomic
category is Walnut Lawn PG Brightstar with a
confirmation score of plus 20. That's like winning
Miss Universe in the cow world. And he's not
just a pretty face either. Nope. He's got the
brains to match the beauty. Plus 1 ,285 kilograms
milk. So you're not sacrificing production for
confirmation. That's the best of both worlds
right there. And right behind him, we have Walnut
Lawn PG Love Story and Progenesis Artorias. both
with plus 18 for confirmation. It seems like
Walnut Lawn and Progenesis are really cornering
the market on good looking bulls. They're definitely
breeding for type. Yeah. And it's paying off.
Now in the daughter proven category, the top
confirmation sire is Blondin Energy with a score
of plus 17. And he's not just good looking overall,
he excels in some key areas. Right. Plus 13 for
mammary system and plus 13 for feet and legs.
Those are crucial traits for longevity and functionality.
Yeah. A well -attached, high -quality, utter
and strong sound feet and legs are essential
for a long and productive life. Absolutely. You
can have all the milk in the world, but if the
cow can't walk to the feed bunk or has utter
problems, it's all for nothing. Exactly. And
then we have Black Silver Crushable Stan with
plus 16 for confirmation. Another reliable choice
for those who prioritize type. And rounding out
our top three is VoWo A2P2PP with plus 15. Another
polled bull making his mark on the confirmation
front. It just goes to show that polled genetics
are no longer a niche market. They're right up
there with the best of the best. So it's clear
that the Canadian dairy industry is making great
strides in breeding better cows. Cows that are
more productive, healthier, longer -lasting,
and increasingly hornless. It's a really exciting
time to be in the dairy business. It really is.
And with all these new genetic tools and technologies
at our disposal, the future looks bright. Brighter
than ever. So what are some of the key takeaways
from these April 2025 evaluations? What do our
listeners need to know to make the best breeding
decisions for their herds? Well, first and foremost,
I think it's important to emphasize the importance
of balanced breeding. We're seeing a clear trend
towards bulls that excel across the board. High
production, good conformation, strong fitness
traits. It's not about chasing one extreme trait
anymore. It's about the whole package. Right.
You need a cow that can do it all, produce milk,
stay healthy, and last a long time. Exactly.
And secondly, the rise of pole genetics is something
to pay close attention to. We're seeing more
and more pole bulls ranking among the top sires,
and that's only going to continue. So if you're
not already incorporating pole genetics into
your breeding program, now is the time to start
thinking about it. No more horns, less stress
for the cows, less work for the farmers. It's
a win -win situation. Absolutely. And thirdly,
we're seeing continued improvement in health
traits. Daughter fertility, somatic cell scores,
all those indicators are trending in the right
direction. which means healthier cows, fewer
vet bills, and more milk in the tank. Healthy
cows are happy cows, and happy cows produce more
milk. It's a simple equation. And finally, we're
seeing a strong focus on production efficiency,
especially those high component yields. With
component -based pricing becoming more and more
common, it's essential to breed cows that produce
milk that's rich in fat and protein. So it's
not just about quantity anymore. It's about quality,
too. Exactly. It's about producing the kind of
milk that consumers want and that processors
are willing to pay a premium for. So to sum it
all up, the Canadian dairy industry is on the
right track. We're breeding better cows every
year, cows that are more productive, healthier,
and more efficient. And it's all thanks to the
hard work and dedication of breeders, geneticists,
and farmers across the country. So keep up the
great work, everyone. And keep an eye out for
those top sires in the April 2025 evaluations.
They're the key to unlocking the genetic potential
of your herd. Now, as you process all this information
and look at your own herd and your own goals,
what breeding decisions will you make to ensure
the future success of your dairy operation? It's
definitely something to think about. The future
of dairy is in our hands, and these genetic evaluations
are a powerful tool to help us shape that future.
Thanks for joining us for this deep dive, folks,
and we'll see you next time with more insights
and analysis from the Bullvine Newsroom. Take
care, everyone. Now let's talk fertility, a trait
that's been under intense scrutiny worldwide.
Countries like the US, Germany, and Canada are
taking wildly different approaches to achieve
gains in Holstein breeding. In the US, daughter
pregnancy rate, DPR, has been dethroned as the
dominant fertility metric. The new fertility
index gives equal weight to cow conception rate.
CCR, prioritizing cows that conceive quickly
post -calving over long -term predictions. Germany
focuses heavily on conception rates within its
RZR index, but is shifting toward holistic health
metrics as a foundation for reproductive success.
Meanwhile, Canada takes a multi -trade approach
that includes calving ease and gestation length,
proving that fertility isn't just about conception,
it's about durability. Kind of mind -blowing.
20 years ago, if you were talking about Holstein
fertility, it was a bit like discussing dial
-up internet. You know, not exactly cutting edge.
Hey, right. Ancient history. But fast forward
to today and suddenly fertility is surging. What's
fascinating is that the US, Germany, and Canada
are all using like totally different playbooks
powered by the almost magical advancements in
genomics to build more fertile cows. And you,
listening to us right now, making those crucial
breeding decisions on your farm, you are smack
dab in the middle of this global race for reproductive
efficiency. Exactly. As someone, you know, deeply
involved in the dairy industry, you're constantly
juggling feed prices, milk markets. A million
other things to keep your operation humming and
profitable. And let's be brutally honest, if
your cows aren't getting pregnant and staying
pregnant, a lot of those other efforts, well,
they feel like trying to fill a leaky bucket.
Yeah, frustrating. Today, we're taking a real
deep dive into how three of the big hitters in
Holstein genetics, the U .S., Germany, and Canada,
are tackling this really critical area of fertility.
We've sifted through the... latest data and research
so you don't have to spend your precious time
wading through scientific papers. I, we did the
homework for you. Think of this as getting the
inside track on the strategies that are actually
moving the needle. you know, the real game changers
in fertility. So our mission for this deep dive
is super clear. We want to dissect the specific
fertility traits that are getting the most attention
in the US, Germany, and Canada. We're going to
pull apart their distinct approaches, really
understand the why behind those approaches, and
ultimately figure out what this all could mean
for your breeding program and the future of your
herd right there in your barns. And to do that,
we're drawing on some seriously insightful information,
looking at how these leading countries are not
just measuring, but actively selecting for fertility.
So grab a coffee, maybe a notepad, because we're
about to take a fascinating look at the numbers,
the underlying philosophies about what makes
a fertile cow, and the very real impact these
high -level decisions are having on the ground
on dairy farms, just like yours. So before we
get into the the nitty gritty of each country's
strategy, let's just rewind the clock a bit.
It wasn't always smooth sailing when it came
to getting Holsteins to breed back efficiently,
was it? No, definitely not. I mean, there was
a period where milk production seemed to take
center stage almost at the expense of everything
else. Absolutely. If you look back from, say,
the 1960s all the way up to the early 2000s,
the focus in Holstein breeding was. heavily,
heavily geared towards maximizing milk yield.
Yeah, big time. And boy, did we see incredible
gains in production. But, and this is a big but,
with flashing neon lights, this came at a significant
cost to the cow's ability to get and stay pregnant.
Right. Fertility in the Holstein breed took a
nosedive. It became... It really became a major
concern for the entire dairy industry. Alarmingly
so. It was like we were building these incredible
milk producing machines that just weren't quite
as good at the whole reproduction thing. Exactly.
But the good news is that about two decades ago,
there was a real industry wide push to start
actively selecting for fertility traits again.
A turning point. And as we mentioned right off
the top, the arrival of genomics has been an.
absolute game changer, really helping to reverse
that concerning downward trend. It's like we
finally found the right tools in the genetic
toolbox to tackle this issue head on. Precisely.
And what's particularly interesting is that the
U .S., Germany and Canada all recognize this
problem. They all saw the declining fertility
and they all decided to address it proactively.
However, each country developed its own very
distinct approach, reflecting their unique priorities
and philosophies. It's a great illustration that
there isn't just one single right way to breed
a fertile cow. Yeah, that's fascinating. Different
roads can, and hopefully will, lead to the same
destination. More fertile, more efficient, and
ultimately more profitable cows for you. Okay,
let's start by looking at what's happening in
the United States. They've got their own way
of evaluating fertility, and it revolves around
a few key traits that they keep a close eye on.
That's right. In the U .S., The Council on Dairy
Cattle Breeding, or CDCB, you'll hear that acronym
a lot. Yep, CDCB. Provides the essential genetic
evaluations, and they focus on four key fertility
traits. First, there's daughter pregnancy rate,
or DPR. This is a metric many of you are likely
familiar with. Yeah, yeah, DPR has been around.
It essentially tells you the probability of a
non -pregnant cow becoming pregnant during each
21 -day heat cycle. Then you have cow conception
rate, or CCR, which looks specifically at a lactating
cow's ability to conceive each time she's bred.
Oh, okay. There's also heifer conception rate,
HCR, which, as the name suggests, focuses on
conception in those all -important maiden heifers.
Crucial. And finally, early first calving, or
EFC, which indicates the age at which heifers
have their first calf. Right. So those are the
individual pieces of the puzzle. And to get an
overall picture of a bull's or a cow's genetic
merit for fertility, the U .S. Holstein Association
combines these into their fertility index or
FI. And this is where things get really interesting
because there's been a pretty significant shakeup
in how they actually calculate that index, isn't
there? It's not the same formula it used to be.
A dramatic shift, you could definitely say. Yeah.
Up until very recently, the fertility index was
heavily, heavily weighted towards DPR. Right,
like 70%, wasn't it? Exactly. The old formula
looked like this. FI equals 0 .7 DPR plus 0 .1
PCR plus 0 .1 DCCR plus 0 .1 EFC ECA. So as you
can see, DPR was the undisputed king, making
up a whopping 70 % of the index. Yeah. However,
as of August 2024, the formula has been revised
to FI. 0 .4 time DPR plus, 0 .4 HCCR plus, 0
.1 HCR plus, 0 .1 HAC. Notice anything significant?
Whoa, yeah. 40 -40 split now between DPR and
CCR. Exactly. DPR's weight has been practically
cut in half, and cow conception rate, CCR, now
carries exactly the same weight. It's a massive
change after two decades of DPR being the dominant
factor in U .S. fertility evaluations. Wow, that's
a huge demotion for DPR. It was the top dog for
so long. So what gives? Why the sudden change
of heart? What prompted the U .S. to completely
rethink how they're evaluating fertility after
all this time? Well, the industry uncovered a
pretty critical limitation. A real flaw with
relying so heavily on DPR as the primary indicator
of fertility. Okay. It turns out that DPR doesn't
really take into account something called the
voluntary waiting period or VWP. Ah, the VWP.
Right. This is the period after a cow calves
that dairy farmers intentionally wait before
breeding her again. And this VWP can vary quite
significantly from farm to farm. depending on
management goals and herd health protocols. Makes
sense. The problem is that cows in herds with
longer VWPs would naturally appear less fertile,
based on the DPR calculation, even if they conceived
quickly and efficiently once they were actually
bred. Ah, I see. So a cow in a herd where they
wait, say, 100 days before breeding might look
less fertile on paper based on DPR. Exactly.
Not because she has trouble getting pregnant
when bred, but simply because she had fewer opportunities
to get pregnant within the standard measurement
window after calving. That makes a lot of sense.
Exactly. So the longer wait period artificially
deflated their DPR, introducing a bias into the
genetic evaluations. So by bumping up CCR to
equal status with DPR, they're trying to get
a more accurate picture of a cow's fundamental
ability to conceive when she is actually bred,
regardless of when that breeding occurs relative
to her last calving. Precisely. And there's also
a significant economic angle to this shift. As
a spokesperson for the CDCB put it, this new
40 -40 waiting of DPR and CCR isn't just a mathematical
tweak, it's a survival strategy for today's dairy
environment. A survival strategy, oh. Yeah. In
this era of high input costs and tight margins,
farms can't really afford to have cows that take
a long time to conceive, even if they eventually
do. They need cows that can get pregnant relatively
quickly when they're ready to be bred. Makes
sense, economically. It's about maximizing reproductive
efficiency and getting those pregnancies established
in a timely and cost -effective manner. The bottom
line is, a pregnancy sooner rather than later
often translates directly to better profitability.
So the key takeaway for our listeners in the
U .S., and really anyone using U .S. genetics,
is that the long reign of DPR as the sole king
of fertility, well, it's over. Pretty much, yeah.
The new fertility index is signaling a shift
towards really prioritizing those cows that can
get pregnant now, not just those who might have
a higher probability of getting pregnant over
a longer period, which could be skewed by management
practices like VWP. Precisely. It's a much more
immediate and direct focus on the conception
efficiency of lactating cows at the time of breeding.
All right, let's hop across the Atlantic now
and take a look at how Germany approaches this
whole fertility puzzle. Their system sounds quite
different, a real contrast to what we see in
the U .S., if I remember correctly. It is indeed
a different ballgame in Germany. They take a
dramatically different tack with their RZR, which
stands for reproduction index. RZR, okay. Unlike
the U .S., with its four publicly available traits
contributing to the EFI, Germany's RZR actually
incorporates five different traits. But here's
the real eye -opener. They place a massive 90
% of the total index weight on traits directly
related to conception. 90 %? Wow. That's a stark,
almost unbelievable contrast to the U .S.'s newly
balanced approach. It really highlights their
core philosophy when it comes to breeding for
fertility. 90 % on conception. That's not just
a focus. That's almost an obsession. So what
are the five specific traits that make up their
RZR index and command such a significant weighting?
Okay, they evaluate first the interval from calving
to first insemination, which gets a 10 % slice
of the RZR pie. All right, 10%. Then they look
at non -return rate in heifers and non -return
rate in cows. each contributing 7 .5 % and a
substantial 37 .5 % respectively. Big chunk for
the cows there. Huge chunk. Finally, they considered
the number of services from first to successful
insemination in both heifers, 7 .5%, and cows,
again, 37 .5%. So, as you can clearly see, the
overwhelming majority of the emphasis is placed
squarely on those non -return rates, which...
essentially indicate if a pregnancy was established
and the overall efficiency of getting both cows
and heifers pregnant as quickly as possible.
That really hammers home their priority, doesn't
it? It's all about getting those animals in calf
quickly and efficiently, minimizing those open
days. Absolutely. But you mentioned something
earlier about the RZR's importance within their
overall breeding goals maybe shifting a little
bit. It's not the be -all and end -all anymore.
You're absolutely right to pick up on that. What's
quite telling is that Germany has been strategically
decreasing the relative importance of the RZR
within their overall total merit index, which
is called the RZG. RZG, right. Now, this isn't
to suggest that they suddenly don't care about
fertility far from it, given that 90 % waiting
on conception within the RZR itself. Yeah, 90
% is hard to ignore. But it does reflect a growing
and significant emphasis on other crucial factors,
particularly health traits. They've developed
and are increasingly prioritizing an RZ Health
Index, which now includes evaluations for various
reproductive health disorders alongside other
health -related issues. Ah, so they're taking
a broader view, looking at the bigger picture
of the cow's overall well -being and how that
foundational health ultimately impacts her ability
to reproduce consistently and efficiently over
multiple lactations. Exactly. Their breeding
philosophy seems to be evolving towards the understanding
that you can't simply breed for conception in
isolation. Right. A cow that is genetically predisposed
to be healthy, that recovers well after calving,
and that has a robust immune system, is inherently
going to be more likely to exhibit good fertility
and remain a productive member of the herd for
longer. Makes total sense. As the German Holstein
Association has emphasized, and I think this
really encapsulates their thinking, we don't
just breed for conception. We breed cows that
recover. A healthy uterus today often means three
or more additional lactations tomorrow. That's
a great quote. So in their overall breeding strategy,
health is becoming increasingly recognized as
the bedrock upon which good reproductive performance
is built. So the key takeaway from Germany's
approach seems to be a very strong initial and
ongoing focus on the immediate ability to conceive
efficiently, minimizing services and open days.
But with a growing and crucial recognition that
the cow's overall health, including specific
reproductive health, plays a vital role in long
-term reproductive success, cow longevity, and
sustained profitability. Precisely. They're not
just chasing pregnancies. They're trying to build
a population of cows that are inherently reproductively
sound, healthy, and therefore more durable and
profitable in the long run. Okay, we've covered
the U .S. with their newly balanced act and Germany
with their conception obsession and growing focus
on health. Now, let's head north to Canada. Their
approach has often been described as the most
comprehensive and multifaceted of the three.
What makes their system stand out in the global
landscape of Holstein fertility evaluations?
Canada definitely takes a very holistic view,
as you said. They employ what they consider a
sophisticated multi -trait reproductive performance
model that actually integrates both calving ease
and direct fertility measures into its evaluation.
Interesting. Calving ease, too. Yeah. When you
look specifically at their daughter fertility
index, it's not just relying on one or two key
traits. It's actually comprised of six different
fertility traits, reflecting more granular and
comprehensive assessment. Six traits. That sounds
like they're really digging down into the details
and trying to capture a much more complete picture
of a cow's reproductive capabilities. What are
those six components that make up the Canadian
Daughter Fertility Index? Okay, they include
age at first service, which carries an 11 % weighting,
non -return rate in heifers at 16%, first service
to conception in heifers at 8%, Calving to first
service at 15%. Non -return rate in cows, which
receives a significant 34 % weighting. Wow, 34
% for cow non -return. That's big. That's the
largest single piece. And finally, first service
to conception in cows at 16%. So as you can observe,
their approach considers both how quickly animals
are bred and their ability to successfully establish
and maintain a pregnancy in both heifers and
mature cows. And you also mentioned that these
six fertility traits are just a part of an even
larger, more encompassing model that they use.
It's not just about these six in isolation. That's
absolutely correct. Those six fertility traits
are just one piece of a larger model that evaluates
a total of 16 different traits. 16. Okay, this
is a key differentiator for Canada. They place
a strong emphasis on the complex interplay and
interrelationships between various traits. For
instance, they fully recognize that how easily
a cow calves her calving ease can have a significant
and cascading impact on her subsequent fertility
and overall health. Right. Makes sense. A tough
calving messes things up. Exactly. So they're
not looking at fertility in a vacuum. They're
considering the whole biological system of the
cow. Interesting. And you also tease that Canada
has a sort of secret weapon in their approach,
something that's not even a direct fertility
trait, but has a big influence. That sounds intriguing.
Spill the beans. Hey, it is quite interesting.
Canada's secret weapon, as some has playfully
called it, is gestation length. Gestation length.
OK, how does that fit in? Now, it's crucial to
understand that gestation length isn't actually
included directly within their daughter fertility
index calculation. However, it plays a profoundly
important. indirect role because it has a very
significant impact on calving ease, which, as
we just discussed, directly and substantially
affects subsequent fertility. Right, right. Think
about it. Longer gestation periods tend to result
in larger calves at birth. Bigger calves. Larger
calves can lead to more difficult calvings, an
increased risk of stillbirths, a higher incidence
of retained placentas, and ultimately longer
and more challenging recovery periods for the
cow post -calving. Yeah, a whole cascade of problems.
All of which can negatively impact her ability
to cycle normally and conceive in a timely manner
for the next lactation. Ah, so by strategically
selecting for sires that tend to produce calves,
with slightly shorter gestation lengths, even
though it's not a direct fertility trait in their
index, they're essentially setting the stage
for better calving ease across the board, which
in turn leads to fewer post -calving complications
and a quicker and more efficient return to normal
reproductive cycling. It's like they're tackling
the root causes that can hinder fertility down
the line. Exactly. As one geneticist at the Canadian
Dairy Network aptly put it, gestation length
is almost a silent fertility trait. A silent
fertility trade. I like that. Optimize it through
careful selection, and you can solve a multitude
of downstream issues related to calving ease,
stillbirths, and the cow's smooth and rapid recovery
postpartum, all of which have a significant positive
effect on her subsequent fertility. That's smart.
So while the U .S. and Germany might be more
hyper -focused on the direct metrics of conception,
Canada is playing a more nuanced game by looking
at these related traits that have a powerful
ripple effect on overall reproductive performance
and long -term herd health and efficiency. So
the big takeaway from Canada's approach is this
really comprehensive multi -trait perspective.
They're not just looking at the simple binary
of whether a cow gets pregnant or not. Right.
They're taking into account a wider array of
interconnected factors, such as calving ease,
which is heavily influenced by gestation length,
as critical components of overall reproductive
success, cow well -being, and long -term efficiency
on the dairy farm. Absolutely. They're embracing
a much more holistic, systems -based view of
fertility, recognizing that it's not just one
single factor at play, but a complex interplay
of genetics and physiology. It's truly fascinating
to see these three major players in the global
Holstein industry taking such distinct and in
some cases almost opposite routes when it comes
to breeding for fertility. It really is. But
the really interesting and... perhaps somewhat
surprising thing is that despite their very different
strategies, they are all actually reporting positive
results and making genetic progress in improving
Holstein fertility within their respective populations.
That's a really crucial and encouraging point
for everyone listening. Despite the contrasting
approaches and the different traits they prioritize,
all three nations are demonstrating tangible
genetic improvements in key fertility traits.
That's great news. The U .S., as we discussed,
has managed to reverse those previous concerning
declines in fertility, observing better overall
pregnancy rates and fewer services required per
conception. Germany is seeing improved daughter
fertility metrics in their top -ranking sires,
indicating their intense focus on conception
is paying dividends. Good for them. And Canada's
data suggests they've been successful in largely
avoiding the steep fertility declines that have
been observed in some other dairy regions around
the world, likely thanks to their more holistic
approach. Yeah, that holistic view seems to be
working. So clearly when it comes to breeding
more fertile cows, there's more than one way
to effectively get the job done. It's not a one
-size -fits -all situation. To really highlight
these key differences and some of the underlying
similarities, we've put together a quick snapshot
comparing the main metrics each country emphasizes
in their fertility evaluations. We've got a table
for that. Right. So in the U .S., the key metric
now... Within their fertility index is cow conception
rate, carrying that significant 40 % weight.
CCR? 40 %? Yeah. Their primary economic focus
really centers on the return on investment generated
by those lactating cows. Makes sense. Germany.
with their rzr index is overwhelmingly focused
on the overall conception rate which as we said
makes up a staggering 90 of their index 90 still
blows my mind and their economic driver appears
to be herd turnover speed getting cows pregnant
quickly to maintain production flow ray keep
them moving and then canada with their Comprehensive
Daughter Fertility Index places the highest individual
weight on cow non -return rate at 34%. The biggest
chunk for Canada. Reflecting a broader economic
focus on achieving robust lifetime pregnancy
success for their cows. It seems that while the
specific metrics they track and the weights they
assign to them can differ quite a bit, there
are some fundamental underlying shared drivers
that are contributing to this overall global
success we're seeing in improving fertility in
Holsteins. It's not just about the numbers. There
are some common principles at play. Definitely.
One key factor that stands out is strategic integration.
All three countries have made a conscious and
deliberate effort to fully integrate fertility
into their overarching comprehensive breeding
programs, alongside the more traditional emphasis
on production traits like milk yield and component
percentages. It's not an afterthought anymore.
Exactly. It's no longer just solely about how
much milk a cow gives in a lactation. Her ability
to reproduce efficiently and consistently over
multiple lactations is now widely recognized
as being equally, if not more, important for
long -term profitability and sustainability of
a dairy operation. And the significant advancements
in selection tools and the sophistication of
their genetic evaluations have undoubtedly played
a major role in this progress. Oh, absolutely.
These multi -trait selection indices like Net
Merit in the U .S., RZG in Germany, and LPI in
Canada allow breeders to make much more informed
and balanced selection decisions when choosing
sires and managing their breeding programs. Absolutely.
These comprehensive genetic indices provide breeders
with the ability to look at a much wider array
of economically important traits simultaneously.
Yeah, see the whole picture. This allows them
to select animals that not only excel in one
or two specific areas, but have a more well -rounded
and favorable overall genetic profile, which
now strongly includes improved fertility alongside
production, health, and longevity. It's about
breeding a more complete and profitable dairy
cow. But I think we'd be remiss if we didn't
address what's... arguably been the biggest game
changer in this whole area of the genomic revolution.
Ah, genomics, yes. How has the advent of genomics
and genomic testing truly impacted the ability
to make faster and more accurate genetic progress
in complex traits like fertility? Genomics has
been an absolute paradigm shift, a true game
changer in every sense of the word. Being able
to obtain a much more accurate and reliable assessment
of an animal's inherent genetic potential for
fertility at a much younger age, even as a calf.
Right, super early. has dramatically accelerated
the rate of genetic progress. Think about it.
In the past, we had to wait for daughters to
enter production and have their own reproductive
records to even begin to evaluate a sire's impact
on fertility. Genomics has essentially bypassed
that lengthy waiting period. As one researcher
at the USDA's Animal Genomics and Improvement
Laboratory put it quite succinctly, genomics
cut approximately five years off the timeline.
for achieving significant fertility gains five
years wow what took decades to accomplish through
traditional progeny testing using daughter or
pregnancy rate we've now been able to achieve
in roughly half a generation thanks to the focus
on ccr and other fertility related traits and
genomic evaluations it's really compressed the
time frame for making meaningful and impactful
genetic improvements in fertility that's an incredible
acceleration Five years shaved off the timeline
for genetic gain that really underscores the
immense power and potential of these advanced
genomic tools in modern dairy breeding. Now we've
talked about the different approaches each country
is taking and the successes they're seeing, but
it's also important to remember that the heritability
of direct fertility traits is generally considered
to be... quite low compared to something like
milk production. Right. That's a key challenge.
How do these countries manage to make significant
progress in improving fertility despite this
inherent genetic challenge? That's an excellent
question. And it really highlights the sophistication
and effectiveness of their comprehensive breeding
strategies. While the direct heritability of
traits like DPR or conception rate on their own
might be relatively low. It is really low sometimes.
Yeah. Sometimes only a few percent. But. By effectively
leveraging genomic information, which significantly
increases the accuracy and reliability of those
genetic predictions, and by carefully constructing
multi -trait selection indices that thoughtfully
incorporate related and often more heritable
indicator traits, they're able to indirectly
but very effectively select for improved overall
fertility. So, using related traits. Exactly.
You can see this trend in the data. For example,
while daughter pregnancy rate in the U .S. might
have a heritability of only around 4%, its genomic
reliability is considerably higher, around 58%.
Okay. Much more reliable with genomics. Similarly,
cow non -return rate in Canada has a heritability
of about 8%, but boasts a genomic reliability
of approximately 67%. Germany's KON, which is
a measure closely related to conception rate,
has a heritability of around 6%, but a genomic
reliability of about 63%. And notably, gestation
length, which Canada strategically focuses on,
has a much higher heritability at 22%, with a
genomic reliability of 71%. which really underscores
the effectiveness of their indirect selection
approach. It really underscores the key point
that you don't necessarily have to directly select
for a trait with inherently low heritability
if you can identify and select for related, more
heritable traits that have a strong positive
influence on the trait you're ultimately trying
to improve. Canada's strategic focus on gestation
length as a lever to improve calving ease and
subsequent fertility seems like a prime example
of that smart and innovative thinking in action.
Exactly. And it also brings up the crucial point
that while genetics plays an increasingly important
role, good on -farm management still remains
a very significant factor, especially when it
comes to expressing those genetic potentials.
Yeah, genetics isn't everything. For instance,
something like daughter pregnancy rate can still
be significantly influenced by farm -specific
management practices, such as the voluntary waiting
period and heat detection efficiency. Management
matters. A lot. So with these diverse approaches
being implemented across the globe, is there
any emerging indication of which particular strategy
might ultimately prove to be the most economically
beneficial for dairy producers on the ground,
for the folks listening to us right now? That's
truly the million dollar question, isn't it?
Yeah, literally. And the honest answer is that
the optimal strategy is likely going to depend
on the specific goals, resources, and management
style of an individual dairy farm. Right, it's
farm -specific. However, we do have some interesting
data points that offer some clues. For instance,
Canada's strong emphasis on pregnancy durability,
which is reflected in that higher weighting on
cow non -return rate in their daughter fertility
index. That 34%, yeah. Really highlights the
fact that achieving a pregnancy quickly isn't
the only pathway to enhance profitability. Ensuring
that a cow stays pregnant through to a successful
calving is often just as, if not more, critical
for maximizing lifetime productivity and reducing
costs associated with repeat breedings. Avoiding
those pregnancy losses. Exactly. The fact that
top 10 % daughter fertility bulls in Canada have
been shown to lead to a significant 12 % improvement
in cow non -return rates really speaks volumes
about the tangible economic impact of reducing
those costly repeat breedings and increasing
the likelihood of a successful full -term pregnancy.
Absolutely. Fewer repeat breedings translate
directly to lower semen costs, reduced labor
expenses associated with insemination and pregnancy
checks, and a more consistent and predictable
calving interval across the herd, all of which
contribute directly to a healthier bottom line
for the dairy operation. And looking at the other
side of the coin, we have that compelling report
from a dairy producer in Wisconsin who made a
strategic decision to switch to using bowls with
higher cow conception rate, CCR proofs, aligning
their breeding program with the U .S.'s new emphasis
on this trait. Following the new U .S. index
focus. Right. They reported achieving a significant
18 percent reduction in their overall conception
cost. 18 percent. That's substantial. That real
world example really drives home the point that
focusing on getting cows pregnant efficiently
and in a timely manner right now can also have
a major and immediate economic impact on a dairy
farm's profitability. Yeah. It certainly seems
like the old adage of. milk first, worry about
fertility later, is rapidly becoming an outdated
and potentially costly way of thinking. It really
does seem that way. So for our listeners out
there who are making these critical breeding
decisions on a daily basis, what are some of
the key actionable strategies they should be
considering and perhaps re -evaluating given
these diverse international approaches and the
insights we've discussed today? What practical
advice can we offer them? Well, having a solid
understanding of these different evaluation systems
and the underlying philosophies is going to be
absolutely critical for making informed decisions
that will impact the future profitability and
efficiency of your dairy herd. Gotta know the
systems. Based on what we've unpacked today,
here are a few key actionable strategies to seriously
consider. First, Particularly with the recent
and significant shift in the U .S. Fertility
Index, it's now more important than ever to really
audit and pay close attention to the cow conception
rate, CCR, proofs of the sires you're considering
using in your breeding program. Check those CCR
numbers. That equal weighting with daughter pregnancy
rate means CCR is now a much more influential
factor in the overall fertility ranking. Second,
given Germany's strong and enduring emphasis
on non -return rates as the primary indicator
of successful conception, it would be a wise
move to compare both heifer and cow non -return
rate proofs when you are evaluating sires, regardless
of where those genetics originate. Look at both
NRR proofs. This can give you valuable insights
into the likelihood of achieving and maintaining
pregnancies. Okay. And finally, taking a page
from Canada's Strategic Playbook, don't overlook
the potential impact of gestation length. If
genomic data on gestation length is readily available
for the sires you are considering, it's definitely
worth paying attention to. Ask for that gestation
length data. As even subtle differences in gestation
length can have a significant indirect but positive
impact on fertility through improved calving
ease and reduced postpartum complications. That's
all incredibly valuable and practical advice
for our listeners. And I think the overarching
key takeaway for everyone is that while daughter
pregnancy rate, DPR, has been a familiar and
widely used metric for a long time. Yep, the
old standby. Solely chasing high DPR bulls might
not be the most effective or economically sound
strategy moving forward, especially given its
acknowledged limitations related to voluntary
waiting periods and the recent shift in the U
.S. index. A more balanced and nuanced approach
is clearly needed. Exactly. The most successful
dairy breeders in the future will be those who
take the time and make the effort to truly understand
these different international approaches to fertility
valuation, recognize the inherent strengths and
potential weaknesses of each, do the homework,
and then leverage that deeper knowledge to make
more balanced, efficient, and ultimately more
profitable breeding decisions that are best suited
for their own unique herd management and operational
goals. Because at the end of the day, no matter
how much milk a cow produces in her lifetime,
If she can't reproduce efficiently and consistently,
she's simply not going to be a sustainable and
profitable part of your dairy operation in the
long run. Absolutely right. That fundamental
truth about the importance of efficient reproduction
remains constant regardless of which country's
specific breeding philosophy we happen to be
discussing. Absolutely. Efficient reproduction
is, without a doubt, the bedrock upon which a
profitable and sustainable jerry farm is built.
So just to quickly recap some of those key takeaways
for you, our listener, as you head back to the
barn or the office. The US has made a significant
and fundamental shift in their fertility index,
now equally prioritizing cow conception rate
alongside better pregnancy rate. The 40 -40 split.
Really emphasizing the importance of getting
those lactating cows pregnant in a timely and
efficient manner. Germany, while maintaining
a very strong and almost singular focus on achieving
high conception rates and minimizing services,
is increasingly recognizing the vital role that
overall cow health plays as a foundational element
for consistent and long -term reproductive success.
Health is key there now, too. And Canada is taking
a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, not
only looking at direct fertility traits, but
also strategically considering related factors
like gestation length, which can indirectly but
powerfully impact fertility through its influence
on calving ease and subsequent pregnancy durability.
The holistic view. Exactly. And as you carefully
consider your next crucial breeding decisions
for your herd. this information really raises
an important question for you to ponder. Are
you primarily focused solely on how quickly a
heifer reaches her first breeding and conceives?
Just the heifers. Or are you also carefully factoring
in how reliably your mature cows maintain their
pregnancies, and even considering the more subtle
but potentially significant influence of gestation
length on both calving ease and their long -term
reproductive success within your operation? Think
bigger picture. The global landscape of Holstein
fertility evaluation and breeding strategies
is clearly evolving rapidly. make absolutely
sure that your own breeding program isn't inadvertently
getting left behind in this dynamic and important
area. Definitely some important food for thought
as you plan for the future of your herd. We strongly
encourage you to delve deeper into the specific
genetic evaluations that are available in your
region and to really consider how these global
trends and the insights we've discussed today
might inform and enhance your own breeding strategies
and decision -making processes. Yeah, dig into
your local data. Don't hesitate to explore the
valuable resources offered by your local Holstein
associations and your trusted genetic providers.
They are there to help you navigate this increasingly
sophisticated and evolving landscape. Thanks
for taking this deep dive into the fascinating
world of Holstein fertility with us today. And
finally, let's address the elephant in the room,
inbreeding. The April 2025 genetic base change
has exposed how surging Holstein inbreeding is
silently distorting PTAs. Expected future inbreeding
EFI calculations now account for up to 18 % of
PTA changes. Holsteins are facing an average
EFI of 9 .4%, up from 7 .5 % in 2015, a stark
reminder that unchecked genetic concentration
can erode profitability over time. Breeders need
to prioritize genomic relationship management
and utilize mating programs that optimize both
genetic gain and diversity. Welcome back to the
Bullvang Newsroom. If you're tuning in, chances
are you're a dairy farmer or, you know, somewhere
deep in the dairy industry. That's right. You've
probably seen some buzz about the April 2025
genetic base change. Now, on the surface, it
might seem like just another round of number
shuffling, right? Yeah, just the usual update.
But what the data you shared with us reveals
is, well, it's more like a genetic shakeup, especially
for Holstein herds. And trust us, this isn't
the kind of update you can just glance at while
you're waiting for the parlor to finish. That's
right. This deep dive isn't just about rehashing
the usual updates. What's fascinating here is
the subtle but pretty significant way this base
change is impacting your top Holstein genetics.
If you're not digging into the details with us,
you might miss some crucial shifts that could
impact your herd's profitability in the coming
years, almost like a like a hidden tax on your
future milk checks. A hidden tax. Yeah. And that
brings us to the real puzzle we want to crack
for you today. We've been pouring over the data
you sent and a real head scratcher has emerged.
Why are some of those, you know, tried and true,
traditionally high ranking Holstein bulls? showing
smaller dips in their predicted transmitting
abilities, their PTAs, for milk than we'd expect.
It's as if they've somehow sidestepped the full
force of the downward adjustment. What's the
inside scoop there? Exactly. It's a bit of a
genetic who doing it, isn't it? Yeah, it is.
And that's precisely the kind of mystery we love
to sink our teeth into here. Our mission in this
deep dive is to really unravel the... the underlying
forces behind these PTA shifts. We want to equip
you with the knowledge and maybe more importantly,
the practical strategies to navigate these changes
for the long -term vitality and, well, profitability
of your dairy operation. We're talking about
some sneaky genetic factors potentially at play,
the surprisingly prominent role of inbreeding,
and let's be frank, what it all boils down to
for your bottom line. So let's dive straight
into those headline numbers and the little curveball
they've thrown our way. Okay, so as expected,
The average PTA drops for Holsteins were pretty
substantial. Looking at the data you provided,
we're seeing averages around 752 pounds of milk.
752, wow. 0 .44 pounds of fat and 29 pounds of
protein disappearing in this update. And when
you tally up the net merit, the average Holstein
sire saw a drop of about $404. $404, yeah. Those
are not insignificant changes across the board,
impacting nearly every Holstein in, well, in
your tank. Definitely not. Absolutely. You see
those averages and you think, right, okay, that's
the new benchmark. Time to adjust my targets.
But then as we dig into the specifics and the
material you shared, that's where things get.
Well, let's just say they make you raise an eyebrow.
Take Segal Bay Super Sire ET, a real legend in
the Holstein world, a bull many of you have likely
used or have genetics tracing back to. His milk
PTA did drop, sure, but only by 617 pounds from
978 down to 361. And that's the crucial data
point right there, isn't it? It really is. A
missing 135 pounds, if you will, when you compare
it to that 752 pound average drop we just mentioned.
Now, it's vital for you to understand this isn't
a data glitch or some kind of hiccup in the calculations.
This seemingly small discrepancy is actually
a really telling sign of something fundamentally
shifting within the Holstein genetic landscape.
One of the articles you flagged even called it
a canary in the coal mine for Holstein breeding.
A canary in the cool mind. Yeah. Yeah, that's
a good way to put it. It's almost like the genetic
playing field has tilted slightly and some bulls
are navigating the change much more smoothly
than others. Exactly. And to really put this
Holstein situation into context for you, it's
worth quickly looking at how other breeds fared
in the same base change. Jerseys, for instance,
saw considerably smaller average drops around
355 pounds for milk. Much smaller. 0 .16 for
fat, 14 for protein, and $179 for net merit.
Brown Swiss, even less so, with 381 pounds for
milk, just 9 for fat, 14 for protein, and $130
dip in net merit. This stark contrast really
highlights that the magnitude of these adjustments
is particularly pronounced in the Holstein breed,
suggesting a, well, a Holstein -specific factor
at play. Exactly. These breed -specific differences,
as highlighted in the data you provided. are
key they indicate that whatever forces are at
work here they're exerting a much stronger influence
on holsteins compared to jerseys and brown swiss
right and to truly grasp why super sires numbers
look the way they do and why whole schemes are
experiencing these larger shifts overall we need
to delve into a concept called expected future
inbreeding or efi efi okay it's not exactly a
household name but it's becoming increasingly
vital for you to understand EFI, it sounds a
bit like something out of a genetic crystal ball,
you know, predicting the future of inbreeding
in our herds. So let's break this down for you.
What exactly is EFI and why should you as a dairy
professional be paying attention? Well, think
of EFI as a bull's genetic footprint extending
into the future of your herd. It's a measure
of how genetically similar that bull is to the
current population of Holstein females. When
you use a bull extensively, His genes become
more widespread in the subsequent generations.
EFI Essentially estimates the level of inbreeding
we can anticipate in his offspring if you were
mated randomly across the breed. It's like measuring
how much of his genetic shadow will fall across
the future generations of your cows. Okay, so
it's not just about the inbreeding that might
be present in a bull's pedigree now, but the
potential for inbreeding that a particular bull
carries and could contribute to in the future
generations in your herd. Precisely. And why
does this matter to you? Because inbreeding,
as we know from, well, countless studies and
practical experience, comes with some pretty
significant economic downsides. We often call
this inbreeding depression. Right. Inbreeding
depression. Like a subtle drain on your herd's
potential. Right. And we're not just talking
about some abstract theoretical dip in performance,
are we? The data you shared clearly shows there
are real dollar and cents consequences for your
operation. Absolutely. For every 1 % increase
in the expected future inbreeding in your herd,
research has consistently shown some tangible
hits to production and profitability. We're talking
about an average reduction of around 63 .9 pounds
in milk yield. Wow, nearly 64 pounds. Yeah. Net
merit, that all -important economic index you
rely on, can take a hit of about $25 per 1 %
increase in EFI. Okay. You also see decreases
in fat and protein yield ranging from 1 .18 to
1 .70 kilograms for fat and 0 .90 to 1 .45 kilograms
for protein. And even seemingly small things
like calving interval can be affected, potentially
increasing by 0 .19 to 0 .34 days. These little
percentages might seem minor on the surface,
but they can really add up and erode profitability
across your entire herd over time. Wow. Those
are some pretty compelling numbers. So EFI isn't
just some, you know, nerdy genetic exercise.
It's directly tied to the financial health of
your dairy operation. Definitely. So how does
this EFI factor into the PTA calculations that
you see for your bulls? Well, the Council on
Dairy Cattle Breeding, they actually incorporate
EFI into their PTA calculations to account for
this in breeding depression. The formula looks
something like this. PTA adjusted for EFI. or
PteFi, equals the original PTA, PTA0, plus a
factor B multiplied by the difference between
the bull's EFI and the average EFI of the base
population. That's EFI minus EFI base. Okay.
That B factor is essentially a statistical measure
that estimates the average impact of inbreeding
on that specific trait within the population.
It's their way of trying to give you a more accurate
prediction of a bull's true genetic merit in
the context of future inbreeding. So this formula
is attempting to give you a more realistic picture
of a bull's transmitting ability by factoring
in the potential drag that increased inbreeding
in his offspring might cause. Exactly. It's about
predicting the genetic value he'll pass on to
future generations while also considering the
likely increase in inbreeding that comes with
using him. and this is precisely where the significant
shift in the average relatedness of the holstein
population as highlighted in the materials you
shared becomes so critical for your understanding
of these pta changes which brings us to this
holstein relationship crisis as one of the articles
you sent over rather dramatically put it yeah
it sounds a bit over the top maybe but what's
actually behind this rapid increase in relatedness
within the breed that should concern you well
what the data clearly shows is a significant
acceleration in the average level of of genetic
relatedness among young Holstein animals between
the 2015 and the 2020 base populations. The average
expected future inbreeding in the 2015 -born
cows used as the base was around 7 .5%. Fast
forward just five years to the 2020 -born cows
that now form the new base, and that average
EFI has jumped to a substantial 9 .4%. 9 .4%,
wow, that's a big jump. That's a pretty remarkable
increase in a relatively short period. Essentially,
the new benchmark, the genetic makeup of the
average Holstein animal is already more inbred
than the benchmark was just five years ago. Think
of it like the average starting point for inbreeding
has been significantly elevated. And what's the
driving force behind this rapid increase? It
can't just be random, can it? What decisions
have you and other breeders been making that
are contributing to this? No, not at all. The
primary driver, and this is something many of
you have participated in. has been the very intensive
and, frankly, successful use of genomically tested
elite sires. Ah, genomics. Right. With the widespread
adoption of genomic testing, you've been able
to identify and heavily utilize young bulls with
exceptional genetic potential very early in their
lives. While this has undoubtedly accelerated
genetic progress for many important traits in
your herds. Which is what we wanted. Exactly.
But it has also inadvertently led to a narrowing
of the genetic base and a faster accumulation
of inbreeding across the breed. When a few highly
popular sires have a disproportionate number
of offspring that then go on to become highly
influential themselves, you inevitably see an
increase in the average relatedness within the
population. It's a bit like putting all your
genetic eggs in a very small, albeit high -performing,
basket. Okay, that makes sense. So going back
to our poster child for this discussion, super
sire. How does this significant jump in the average
EFI of the Holstein population explain his smaller
than expected milk PTA drop that you might have
noticed? Well, this is the interesting part.
Super Sire's individual EFI actually remained
remarkably stable between the December 2024 and
April 2025 evaluations, going from around 13
.5 % to 13 .6%. Barely moved. Okay, so he stayed
about the same. Right. However, as we've discussed,
the average EFI of the base population took that
significant leap from 7 .5 % up to 9 .4%. Right,
the baseline changed. Exactly. Consequently,
his inbreeding adjustment in the PTA calculation
changed quite a bit. It went from negative 441
pounds of milk under the old base to negative
310 pounds under the new base. Ah, I see. So
even though Super Sire himself... didn't become
any less related to the population, the fact
that the average Holstein is now carrying more
similar genes means that the difference between
his EFI and the population average has actually
shrunk. Is that right? Exactly. You nailed it.
The inbreeding adjustment, as we explained with
that formula, is based on that difference. Because
Super Sire is now less of an outlier in terms
of his EFI relative to the more inbred base population,
the penalty applied to his PTA due to inbreeding
is smaller. It's not that his inherent genetic
merit for milk production suddenly declined less.
It's that the inbreeding penalty being factored
into his evaluation isn't as steep compared to
the new, more inbred average. He's still considered
relatively inbred, but the yardstick we measure
him against has changed. So, to really hammer
this home for you listening. The inbreeding adjustments
are now smaller relative to this more inbred
base population. That's why we're observing this
missing PTA drop in some heavily used bulls like
Super Sire. It's not that their underlying genetic
potential for milk production suddenly held steady.
It's that the inbreeding penalty being applied
to their evaluation isn't as severe when compared
to the new, more inbred average Holstein. Precisely.
And this isn't a one -off phenomenon unique to
super sire. It's highly likely affecting other
widely used sires across the Holstein breed as
well. Yeah, makes sense. It's a direct consequence
of the rapid increase in Holstein inbreeding
that's now reflected in this new genetic base.
And as we pointed out earlier, this isn't impacting
all breeds equally, which should give you pause
for thought about the specific situation within
the Holstein population. Right. Let's briefly
revisit that comparison of PTA drops across the
different breeds. The numbers and the data you
shared really do paint a clear picture. Holsteins
experienced the most significant declines across
the board, milk, fat, protein, and especially
in net merit, with that substantial 404 -meter
average drop. Big drop. Meanwhile, Jerseys and
Brown Swiss saw noticeably smaller adjustments.
This should really underscore the specific challenges
and considerations for those of you working primarily
with Holstein herds. And this difference truly
emphasizes the point we've been making about
inbreeding. The larger adjustments in Holstein's
directly reflect the more intensive selection
practices and, as a result, the higher rates
of inbreeding within the Holstein population
compared to Jersey's and Brown Swiss. Right.
There are perhaps more conservative breeding
approaches. maybe focusing a bit more on outcrosses
historically, have likely helped to maintain
a broader genetic base and avoid the same rapid
surge in average relatedness that we're seeing
in Holsteins. It's a clear illustration of the
long -term consequences of the breeding decisions
you and the broader industry make. It's a stark
reminder that the choices we make in breeding,
particularly the intensity of selection and the
level of reliance on you know, a few standout
sires, have significant long -term ramifications
for the genetic makeup and the overall resilience
of the breed that so many of you depend on. Absolutely.
Now, there was also a note in the materials you
provided about a delay in the update for calving
traits. What's the latest there and what should
you be aware of? Yes, this is an important heads
up for you. While the vast majority of traits
have transitioned to the new 2020 genetic base
with this April update, the evaluations for calving
-related traits, Specifically, daughter calving
ease, sire calving ease, daughter stillbirth,
and sire stillbirth will remain on the 2015 base
until the August 2025 evaluation. August. Okay,
that's a bit out of sync with the rest of the
traits, isn't it? What's the reason behind this
temporary holdup that you should be aware of?
Apparently, the experts, the folks at CDCB, encountered
some unexpected technical hurdles when attempting
to apply the base updates to these particular
traits. They're classified as phenotypically
scaled traits. phenotypically scaled, meaning...
Essentially, the way these traits are measured
through observations and scoring of calving difficulty
and stillbirth events by farmers like you created
some unique complexities when trying to implement
a broad population -wide shift like this base
change. It's not as straightforward as adjusting
the numbers for production traits based on direct
measurements like pounds of milk or fat percentage.
Okay, so it's trickier to adjust the baseline
for traits based on observation scores. So...
Even though you and other producers have been
diligently recording new data on calving ease
and stillbirth since last December, that information
is still being evaluated against the old 2015
baseline until August. Correct. That's a bit
like using an old ruler to measure new growth,
isn't it? That's a very apt analogy. The new
phenotypic data is indeed being incorporated,
so the relative rankings of animals for these
calving traits might still see some shifts between
now and August. Oh, okay. However, the fundamental
baseline for the evaluation, remains the 2015
population. This means we're in a sort of transitional
period for these specific traits. And it's something
you will need to keep in mind when making breeding
decisions in the coming months. Right. We'll
essentially have another set of adjustments to
selection criteria coming down the pipeline later
this year when the calving traits finally make
the jump to the 2020 base in August. So stay
tuned for that second wave of adjustments. Okay,
so we've laid out the situation based on the
information you shared. The unexpected PTA shifts,
the critical role of EFI, the accelerating inbreeding
within the Holstein breed, and this temporary
delay for calving trait updates. Now, what are
the concrete practical steps that you, as dairy
producers, need to take to effectively navigate
this evolving genetic landscape and protect your
herd's future? What's the actionable strategy
here for your farm? Okay, good question. The
first and perhaps most critical step for you
is to recalibrate your sire selection thresholds.
Recalibrate thresholds. Right. If you've been
relying on absolute net merit values as your
primary benchmark for choosing bulls, you might
need to adjust those targets upwards. Or, perhaps
better put, adjust your expectations downwards.
Okay. How so? For example, if you were consistently
aiming for bulls above, say, plus 2 ,000 NM all
under the old base, you might now need to be
looking at bulls closer to plus $1 ,600 NM bill
to achieve a similar level of genetic merit relative
to the new lower population average. Ah, okay.
So a $1 ,600 bull now might be comparable to
a $2 ,000 bull before, relatively speaking. Exactly.
It's about adjusting your expectations to the
new reality. The average moved, so your target
relative to that average needs consideration.
So it's not that the bulls themselves have suddenly
become genetically inferior, it's that the overall
average of the breed has shifted, and therefore
your targets need to shift accordingly. Precisely.
The average has moved, so your benchmarks need
to move with it. Secondly, it's more vital than
ever for you to focus on the relative rankings
of bulls rather than just fixating on absolute
PTA values. Focus on rankings. Okay. When you're
comparing bulls within the same evaluation, run
the same. CDCB. Update their positions relative
to each other are more meaningful than their
absolute numbers. Don't get overly caught up
in trying to hit specific PTA thresholds you
were using before. focus on identifying the top
performing bulls within the current evaluation.
Who's leading the pack now? That makes perfect
sense. It's about identifying the leaders in
the current pack, even if the numbers across
the board have experienced a bit of a downward
adjustment. And then we absolutely must address
inbreeding management. It sounds like this is
no longer something that Holstein breeders can
afford to put on the back burner. It needs to
be a proactive part of your breeding strategy.
You're absolutely right. Given the clear acceleration
of inbreeding within the Holstein breed, as evidenced
by the data you provided, proactive inbreeding
management is now essential for you to safeguard
the long -term profitability and health of your
herd. Okay, so what does that look like practically?
This involves a few key actions. Firstly, make
it a routine practice to actively monitor the
expected future inbreeding EFI values when you're
selecting sires. Don't stop at just looking at
the headline PTAs. Delve into the detailed genetic
information and carefully consider the potential
inbreeding implications of each sire you consider
using. Right. Look beyond net merit and milk
PTAs to that EFI number. And what should you,
as a dairy producer, be looking for in terms
of EFI? Lower is generally considered better
in this context, isn't it? Generally speaking,
yes. Lower EFI suggests a bull is less related
to the current female population, which can help
slow inbreeding accumulation. So you should actively
consider incorporating outcross sires into your
breeding program. Outcrosses, bulls less related
to the mainstream. Exactly. These are bulls that
have lower levels of genetic relationship to
the broader Holstein population. These bulls
can be valuable for introducing new genetic diversity
into your herd and helping to slow down the rate
at which inbreeding accumulates. Furthermore,
if you're not already utilizing them, now is
the time to seriously consider implementing formalized
mating programs and leveraging the available
mating software tools. Mating programs, yeah.
These resources can help you strategically optimize
for both continued genetic gain in the traits
that matter most to you and effective control
of inbreeding. ensuring that you're not inadvertently
breeding away your future profits through increased
genetic relatedness. So it's about taking a more
strategic and, well, data informed approach to
your mating decisions, going beyond simply chasing
the highest PTA figures. Precisely. It's a delicate
balancing act. You want to continue to drive
genetic progress in your herd? But you also need
to be keenly aware of and actively manage the
long -term consequences of increasing inbreeding.
Okay. And finally, just a quick reminder for
you about those calving traits. Be prepared for
another set of adjustments in August when those
evaluations finally transition to the 2020 base.
Keep an eye out for updates from the CDCB and
be ready to reassess your selection criteria
for calving ease and stillbirth at that time.
Right. Don't forget August. It's like a two -stage
adjustment process this year. Okay. So to bring
it all together, this April 2025 genetic base
change isn't just another routine update in the
dairy world. The data you shared clearly highlights
both the impressive genetic progress we've collectively
made and the growing and, frankly, significant
impact of inbreeding within the Holstein breed.
This situation demands a proactive, informed,
and thoughtful shift in your breeding strategies
to ensure continued profitability and the long
-term health of your herds. Absolutely. Understanding
the power of EFI and actively managing inbreeding
are no longer optional considerations. They are
now absolutely crucial components of maintaining
a profitable and sustainable dairy operation,
particularly for those of you working with Holstein
Genetics. Ignoring these factors is, well, it's
akin to leaving money on the table year after
year. Underscores the need to strike that balance,
doesn't it? Continuing to push for genetic advancement
in the traits that matter most to your farm while
diligently controlling the creeping effects of
inbreeding. That's the challenge. Because as
one of the sources you sent so memorably put
it, genetic progress without inbreeding control
is like milking three -legged cows. Eventually,
the whole operation goes lame. Yeah. A slightly
humorous, but ultimately very sobering thought
for all of you to consider. Indeed. So for all
of you who have tuned in today, our challenge
to you is this. Take some dedicated time, maybe
this week, to review the EFI values of the sires
you're currently using or considering for your
breeding program. Look up those numbers. Critically
think about how your current mating strategies
might need to evolve and adapt in light of this
new genetic reckoning, as we called it earlier.
You might find it beneficial to explore some
of the sophisticated mating software options
that are available, or even consider consulting
with a knowledgeable genetic advisor to delve
deeper into what these changes mean specifically
for your individual herd. Excellent advice. Thank
you for joining us for this deep dive into the
April 2025 genetic base change. We sincerely
hope this discussion, based on the information
you provided, has given you a clearer understanding
of the underlying forces at play and some concrete,
actionable steps that you can take to navigate
these important industry shifts. For more in
-depth analysis and the latest news impacting
your dairy business, be sure to visit us at thebullvine
.com. Until our next deep dive, take care. That
wraps up this week's recap of genetic evaluation
highlights. From recalibrated rankings to fertility
breakthroughs and inbreeding alarms, it's clear
that dairy genetics are evolving faster than
ever, and breeders must stay ahead of the curve.
Thank you for tuning in to the Bullvine Podcast.
Don't forget to subscribe for more insights into
dairy genetics and industry trends every week.
And as always, keep milking those opportunities.