WEBVTT 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:15.060 Breaking free from the chains of the past Where 00:00:15.060 --> 00:00:18.820 truth moves faster than a Holstein calf No law 00:00:18.820 --> 00:00:21.660 waiting on some printed page We're charting new 00:00:21.660 --> 00:00:25.300 ground in the digital age From genomic codes 00:00:25.300 --> 00:00:29.120 to robot facts We cut through the noise, no hold 00:00:29.280 --> 00:00:32.460 them back not your daddy's dairy news tonight 00:00:32.460 --> 00:01:03.020 we're sparking Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, 00:01:03.520 --> 00:01:05.680 where we cut through the noise to bring you the 00:01:05.680 --> 00:01:08.319 genetic insights that actually matter to your 00:01:08.319 --> 00:01:12.359 operation's bottom line. I'm your host, and today 00:01:12.359 --> 00:01:14.819 we're diving deep into what might be the most 00:01:14.819 --> 00:01:17.659 significant genetic evaluation shakeup we've 00:01:17.659 --> 00:01:22.459 seen in years. The August 2025 proofs just dropped, 00:01:22.560 --> 00:01:25.840 and frankly, some of these ranking changes should 00:01:25.840 --> 00:01:28.400 have every progressive breeder paying attention. 00:01:28.560 --> 00:01:31.730 We're talking about bulls. losing over 100 points 00:01:31.730 --> 00:01:35.489 overnight, proven sires delivering $2 ,400 per 00:01:35.489 --> 00:01:38.890 cow advantages, and a fundamental shift happening 00:01:38.890 --> 00:01:41.790 between genomic promises and economic reality. 00:01:42.329 --> 00:01:46.069 From Canada's dramatic leadership change to Italy's 00:01:46.069 --> 00:01:48.590 genomic volatility that should concern everyone, 00:01:49.069 --> 00:01:51.849 today's episode breaks down what these evaluations 00:01:51.849 --> 00:01:55.109 really mean for your breeding strategy. Whether 00:01:55.109 --> 00:01:58.260 you're running 50 cows or 5000, The trends we're 00:01:58.260 --> 00:02:01.560 seeing across the US, Canada, UK, Germany, and 00:02:01.560 --> 00:02:04.260 Italy are reshaping how smart producers approach 00:02:04.260 --> 00:02:07.359 genetic selection. And trust me, the old playbook 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:10.300 of chasing the highest TPI scores, that might 00:02:10.300 --> 00:02:12.900 be costing you serious money. Let's dive in. 00:02:13.020 --> 00:02:16.020 We're talking about the August 2025 genetic evaluations, 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:17.800 and frankly, they've delivered some of the most 00:02:17.800 --> 00:02:19.979 dramatic ranking reshuffles we've witnessed in 00:02:19.979 --> 00:02:22.080 years. Oh, absolutely. Just look at Stanton's 00:02:22.080 --> 00:02:25.349 remover, PP. Making a spectacular leap from number 00:02:25.349 --> 00:02:27.569 seven to number one in Canada. It's not just 00:02:27.569 --> 00:02:29.569 a shakeup. It's a fundamental question mark, 00:02:29.650 --> 00:02:32.650 I think, over the very stability of genomic predictions. 00:02:33.810 --> 00:02:36.189 So the big tension right now is, are genomic 00:02:36.189 --> 00:02:39.169 promises truly delivering on their hype? Or is 00:02:39.169 --> 00:02:42.069 that tried and true reliability of proven sires 00:02:42.069 --> 00:02:44.770 making a strong comeback? Yeah, that's really 00:02:44.770 --> 00:02:46.270 the core issue, isn't it? And it's something 00:02:46.270 --> 00:02:48.889 I've been watching closely for, oh, over two 00:02:48.889 --> 00:02:51.360 decades now. Believe me, these kinds of ranking 00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:54.759 shifts where a top bull can lose over 100 points 00:02:54.759 --> 00:02:58.219 in a single evil. Unthinkable. Almost. It would 00:02:58.219 --> 00:03:00.879 have been unthinkable just a few years ago. And 00:03:00.879 --> 00:03:03.360 the implications for your breeding program, for 00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:06.120 your farm's financial health are, well, they're 00:03:06.120 --> 00:03:08.780 truly massive. What's really caught my attention 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:11.960 isn't just the new leaders, you know. as impressive 00:03:11.960 --> 00:03:14.259 as some of them are. It's this escalating gap, 00:03:14.400 --> 00:03:18.000 this dance between what genomics promise us through 00:03:18.000 --> 00:03:21.539 predictions and what proven bulls actually deliver 00:03:21.539 --> 00:03:23.159 in the real world. That real world performance. 00:03:23.539 --> 00:03:26.060 Exactly. And honestly, some of the volatility 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:28.120 we're seeing should prompt every producer to 00:03:28.120 --> 00:03:30.259 pause and consider if they're becoming perhaps 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:32.159 a bit too aggressive with unproven genetics. 00:03:32.460 --> 00:03:34.620 It's definitely a reality check for the industry. 00:03:35.210 --> 00:03:37.270 That volatility really hits home when you look 00:03:37.270 --> 00:03:39.530 at the numbers. The article has some pretty stark 00:03:39.530 --> 00:03:41.689 examples, doesn't it? It does. Take the Italian 00:03:41.689 --> 00:03:44.689 case study, for instance. Cookie cutter Hadley 00:03:44.689 --> 00:03:47.370 ET, a bull that was once number two genomic. 00:03:47.590 --> 00:03:50.610 Right at the top. Dropped to number 10, losing 00:03:50.610 --> 00:03:54.389 a staggering 102 points in one single evaluation 00:03:54.389 --> 00:03:57.289 cycle. One cycle. That's not just a minor adjustment. 00:03:57.469 --> 00:04:00.449 For a producer, that's a complete reversal of 00:04:00.449 --> 00:04:03.210 fortune, a complete shift in the projected value 00:04:03.210 --> 00:04:05.740 of his offspring. it's an astronomical shift 00:04:05.740 --> 00:04:08.560 really and for any producer who had invested 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:11.939 heavily in hadley et perhaps buying a lot of 00:04:11.939 --> 00:04:14.159 semen or you know banking on his future daughter 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:16.259 planning their whole herd around it potentially 00:04:16.259 --> 00:04:19.220 it's a direct and immediate hit to their confidence 00:04:19.220 --> 00:04:22.040 and potentially their financial projections to 00:04:22.040 --> 00:04:26.000 lose 102 points in one go from a top tier position 00:04:26.000 --> 00:04:29.160 is almost unprecedented in terms of its magnitude 00:04:29.160 --> 00:04:32.100 wow it highlights the inherent risk when you're 00:04:32.100 --> 00:04:33.930 dealing with predictions that don't yet have 00:04:33.930 --> 00:04:36.449 that real -world data to fully back them up. 00:04:36.550 --> 00:04:38.790 This isn't just about a number on a page. It's 00:04:38.790 --> 00:04:41.189 about the breeding decisions made on the farm, 00:04:41.290 --> 00:04:43.329 the capital spent on semen. My heifer's already 00:04:43.329 --> 00:04:46.230 born. Exactly. The future performance of heifels 00:04:46.230 --> 00:04:48.870 that were born based on that earlier, higher 00:04:48.870 --> 00:04:51.970 prediction. It's a stark reminder that while 00:04:51.970 --> 00:04:54.370 genomics offer speed, they can also carry significant 00:04:54.370 --> 00:04:57.290 risk if not approached, you know, strategically. 00:04:57.709 --> 00:05:00.730 So the contrast with Chrysalis is undeniable. 00:05:01.389 --> 00:05:04.050 In sharp contrast, you have the proven sire, 00:05:04.189 --> 00:05:07.970 ZFC, Chrysalis RF, who actually gained points. 00:05:08.129 --> 00:05:10.529 Gained 29 points. And solidified his number one 00:05:10.529 --> 00:05:12.170 position in Italy. The article points out he 00:05:12.170 --> 00:05:15.069 has thousands of daughters actually milking in 00:05:15.069 --> 00:05:17.470 real barns, dealing with real feed costs and 00:05:17.470 --> 00:05:20.350 real heat stress. And that's the key phrase right 00:05:20.350 --> 00:05:22.269 there. That's a powerful statement about the 00:05:22.269 --> 00:05:24.430 value of real world validation, isn't it? For 00:05:24.430 --> 00:05:26.410 a farmer, that's where the rubber meets the road. 00:05:26.670 --> 00:05:29.370 It absolutely is. Chrysalis is the perfect counter 00:05:29.370 --> 00:05:32.550 -narrative to Hadley ET's dramatic fall. When 00:05:32.550 --> 00:05:34.730 you have a bull with thousands of milking daughters, 00:05:34.930 --> 00:05:37.310 that data isn't speculative, it's concrete, it's 00:05:37.310 --> 00:05:40.129 validated, it's, well, it's reliable. You know 00:05:40.129 --> 00:05:42.209 what you're getting. Exactly. Those daughters 00:05:42.209 --> 00:05:44.250 are experiencing the same daily challenges your 00:05:44.250 --> 00:05:47.410 cows are, the same feed costs, the same environmental 00:05:47.410 --> 00:05:51.079 stressors, the same management systems. So when 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:53.620 a proven sire like Chrysalis gains points and 00:05:53.620 --> 00:05:56.839 strengthens his position, it speaks to an undeniable 00:05:56.839 --> 00:05:59.040 level of reliability and consistent performance 00:05:59.040 --> 00:06:02.300 under actual farm conditions. That's the kind 00:06:02.300 --> 00:06:04.680 of stability that truly pays dividends over the 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:07.019 long term, reducing your risk in a volatile market. 00:06:07.279 --> 00:06:10.000 It's the difference between, say, a highly accurate 00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:11.819 weather forecast for tomorrow, which you can 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:14.379 plan your day around, and a speculative forecast 00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:16.579 for next year. You know, you might hope for the 00:06:16.579 --> 00:06:18.279 best, but you wouldn't bet your entire farm on 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:21.000 it. And that analogy really clarifies the risk. 00:06:21.139 --> 00:06:23.319 Moving over to Germany, the article highlights 00:06:23.319 --> 00:06:26.519 another interesting gap. Genomic leaders Evenstar 00:06:26.519 --> 00:06:31.019 and Pennywise both hit RZG 164. Top of the charts. 00:06:31.279 --> 00:06:33.699 Now, RZG, for those unfamiliar, is Germany's 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:36.240 total merit index, designed to balance production 00:06:36.240 --> 00:06:40.079 with crucial functional treats. That 164 RZG 00:06:40.079 --> 00:06:42.740 is a full 17 -point advantage over the proven 00:06:42.740 --> 00:06:46.220 leader, Zivit, at RZG 147. That's a big gap. 00:06:46.420 --> 00:06:49.740 A huge gap. The article then adds that critical 00:06:49.740 --> 00:06:53.160 phrase, if the predictions hold true, noting 00:06:53.160 --> 00:06:56.740 that this gap represents serious money in lifetime 00:06:56.740 --> 00:06:59.439 profit. What kind of serious money are we talking 00:06:59.439 --> 00:07:02.310 about here and how does a producer... weigh that 00:07:02.310 --> 00:07:04.629 potential against a proven track record. Well, 00:07:04.730 --> 00:07:07.050 that phrase, if the predictions hold true, is 00:07:07.050 --> 00:07:09.129 really the crux of the matter in Germany and, 00:07:09.189 --> 00:07:11.230 well, everywhere genomics are used, frankly. 00:07:11.370 --> 00:07:15.529 On paper, a 17 -point RZG advantage is incredibly 00:07:15.529 --> 00:07:18.269 significant. Huge. For a typical herd, that could 00:07:18.269 --> 00:07:20.529 translate to hundreds, even thousands of dollars 00:07:20.529 --> 00:07:23.170 per cow in lifetime profitability. We're talking 00:07:23.170 --> 00:07:25.709 about more milk, yes, but also improved health, 00:07:25.829 --> 00:07:28.110 better fertility, greater longevity, all traits 00:07:28.110 --> 00:07:30.089 that directly impact your bottom line. The whole 00:07:30.089 --> 00:07:33.110 package. Right. However, the Italian experience 00:07:33.110 --> 00:07:36.089 with Hadley ET serves as a stark reminder that 00:07:36.089 --> 00:07:38.329 those genomic predictions, while powerful and 00:07:38.329 --> 00:07:41.860 often accurate, are still predictions. Germany's 00:07:41.860 --> 00:07:44.279 breeding program is world -class, no doubt about 00:07:44.279 --> 00:07:47.180 it. But even there, you have to weigh the potential 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:50.120 upside of those high genomic numbers against 00:07:50.120 --> 00:07:53.040 the proven, reliable performance of a bull like 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:55.459 Zivit, who is already demonstrating his worth 00:07:55.459 --> 00:07:57.839 through actual daughters. It's a gamble, isn't 00:07:57.839 --> 00:07:59.759 it? It's a high -stakes gamble, potentially, 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:02.060 for serious money. But a gamble nonetheless. 00:08:02.240 --> 00:08:05.160 You have to ask yourself, how much risk are you 00:08:05.160 --> 00:08:07.750 willing to take on for that potential gain? But 00:08:07.750 --> 00:08:10.470 then we look at the UK, and it almost seems like 00:08:10.470 --> 00:08:12.970 an exception to this rule of genomic volatility. 00:08:13.250 --> 00:08:16.110 It does, yeah. Marco Winters from AHDB is quoted 00:08:16.110 --> 00:08:19.230 saying, The six new graduates in the top 10 already 00:08:19.230 --> 00:08:22.850 have around 7 ,000 heifers registered in UK milk 00:08:22.850 --> 00:08:25.670 -recorded herds, with some now milking. Their 00:08:25.670 --> 00:08:28.829 proven high PIL values deviate by just one point 00:08:28.829 --> 00:08:31.329 on average from their earlier genomic predictions. 00:08:31.449 --> 00:08:34.399 Just one point. That's incredible. Now, POI, 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:37.519 the Profit Lifetime Index, is the UK's index 00:08:37.519 --> 00:08:40.860 for estimated lifetime profit. That's a massive 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:43.480 vote of confidence for genomics, isn't it? What's 00:08:43.480 --> 00:08:46.330 going on in the UK that sets them apart? It absolutely 00:08:46.330 --> 00:08:48.789 is an incredible success story, and it provides 00:08:48.789 --> 00:08:50.629 such a strong counterpoint to the volatility 00:08:50.629 --> 00:08:53.769 we just discussed in Italy. When you have 7 ,000 00:08:53.769 --> 00:08:56.389 heifers across numerous milk -recorded herds, 00:08:56.389 --> 00:08:59.289 some already milking, validating their sire's 00:08:59.289 --> 00:09:01.929 genomic predictions with only a one -point deviation 00:09:01.929 --> 00:09:05.899 on average in PIPLI. Wow. That's accuracy. That's 00:09:05.899 --> 00:09:08.519 incredibly powerful. It signifies an extremely 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:11.259 high level of accuracy and predictability in 00:09:11.259 --> 00:09:13.580 their genomic evaluation system for those specific 00:09:13.580 --> 00:09:16.200 traits. It suggests that factors like robust 00:09:16.200 --> 00:09:19.080 data collection, a well -structured genomic reference 00:09:19.080 --> 00:09:21.580 population, and perhaps the specific traits emphasized 00:09:21.580 --> 00:09:24.320 in their PLI are contributing to this remarkable 00:09:24.320 --> 00:09:26.899 consistency. So UK breeders can feel pretty good 00:09:26.899 --> 00:09:29.440 about using those young sires. Well, yeah, for 00:09:29.440 --> 00:09:31.940 breeders in the UK, this gives them a much higher 00:09:31.940 --> 00:09:34.360 degree of confidence in adopting those genomic 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:37.080 young sires early, knowing that the real world 00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:39.740 performance is highly likely to closely mirror 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:42.379 the initial predictions. This isn't just good 00:09:42.379 --> 00:09:45.460 news. It's groundbreaking for accelerating genetic 00:09:45.460 --> 00:09:48.860 progress with significantly reduced risk. It 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:51.200 truly shows what's possible when genomics are 00:09:51.200 --> 00:09:54.059 done right. So if you're a farmer trying to make 00:09:54.059 --> 00:09:56.779 breeding decisions right now. Yeah. How do you 00:09:56.779 --> 00:10:00.159 balance this pursuit of rapid genetic progress 00:10:00.159 --> 00:10:03.059 that genomics promise with the fundamental need 00:10:03.059 --> 00:10:05.639 for reliability and stability that proven sires 00:10:05.639 --> 00:10:07.720 offer? It feels like you're walking a tightrope 00:10:07.720 --> 00:10:09.980 trying to get the most advanced genetics without... 00:10:10.279 --> 00:10:12.320 you know falling into a financial hole you are 00:10:12.320 --> 00:10:15.200 absolutely it's a constant balancing act the 00:10:15.200 --> 00:10:18.080 key is recognizing that genomic and proven aren't 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:20.320 mutually exclusive categories you have to choose 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:23.059 between they're both powerful tools in your breeding 00:10:23.059 --> 00:10:25.820 toolbox the uk example shows that genomics can 00:10:25.820 --> 00:10:28.700 be incredibly accurate and reliable offering 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:32.179 a pathway to faster genetic gain but the italian 00:10:32.179 --> 00:10:34.240 situation reminds us that they are not always 00:10:34.240 --> 00:10:37.200 accurate and that volatility carries real financial 00:10:37.200 --> 00:10:41.210 exposure so what's the approach then For a producer, 00:10:41.509 --> 00:10:44.129 this means you need to adopt a portfolio approach, 00:10:44.409 --> 00:10:46.090 which we'll definitely dive into more later. 00:10:46.269 --> 00:10:48.909 You can't just chase the highest genomic numbers 00:10:48.909 --> 00:10:51.429 blindly. You need to look at the reliability 00:10:51.429 --> 00:10:54.129 percentage of those genomic predictions, look 00:10:54.129 --> 00:10:56.370 at the depth of the pedigree, and critically 00:10:56.370 --> 00:10:58.710 evaluate the specific market you're operating 00:10:58.710 --> 00:11:01.549 in. Gotcha. If you're in a market where the genomic 00:11:01.549 --> 00:11:04.210 validation is strong, like the UK seems to be, 00:11:04.370 --> 00:11:07.460 perhaps you can be more aggressive. But in others, 00:11:07.539 --> 00:11:09.720 maybe a more conservative, balanced approach 00:11:09.720 --> 00:11:12.240 makes much more sense. It's about being progressive 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:15.039 without being reckless. It's about being smart 00:11:15.039 --> 00:11:17.159 with your genetic investments, just like any 00:11:17.159 --> 00:11:19.259 other investment on your farm. That's a crucial 00:11:19.259 --> 00:11:21.360 distinction. Now let's transition across the 00:11:21.360 --> 00:11:23.679 pond to North America, because the article notes 00:11:23.679 --> 00:11:26.460 how economic reality is truly driving genetic 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:28.759 choices there, especially in the U .S. market. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:32.399 The focus seems to be shifting. And I get the 00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:34.980 sense it's all about profitability. Indeed, it 00:11:34.980 --> 00:11:37.580 is. Very much so. When we talk about the U .S. 00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:39.779 market, it's easy for producers to get caught 00:11:39.779 --> 00:11:43.240 up in the TPI numbers. TPI, or Total Performance 00:11:43.240 --> 00:11:46.539 Index, right? The Holstein Association USA's 00:11:46.539 --> 00:11:49.379 Index for Genetic Merit, a broad composite. Sure, 00:11:49.419 --> 00:11:52.259 everyone knows TPI. Exactly. For instance, Beyond 00:11:52.259 --> 00:11:54.840 High Level ET might claim the number one genomic 00:11:54.840 --> 00:11:59.220 spot at plus 3 or 539 TPI. But, as the article 00:11:59.220 --> 00:12:01.220 points out, that's not the whole story. While 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:03.519 TTI is important for genetic merit, especially 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:05.600 maybe for breeding stock, it doesn't always directly 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:07.840 translate to profitability for the commercial 00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:09.799 producer. Okay, so what's the better measure 00:12:09.799 --> 00:12:12.080 then? The real conversation, especially with 00:12:12.080 --> 00:12:13.860 the economic pressures farmers are facing in 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:16.919 2025, needs to be about net merit and what that 00:12:16.919 --> 00:12:18.740 means for your milk check, because that's where 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:20.480 the rubber meets the road for daily operations. 00:12:20.980 --> 00:12:23.059 So tell us more about this economic domination 00:12:23.059 --> 00:12:25.779 by genosaurs in the U .S. net merit rankings. 00:12:26.440 --> 00:12:28.759 The article says it's a complete takeover. It 00:12:28.759 --> 00:12:31.500 really is quite something. With genosaurus retrospective 00:12:31.500 --> 00:12:34.980 leading at an incredible plus 1317 NMA, followed 00:12:34.980 --> 00:12:37.220 closely by a stablemate's genosaurus endurance 00:12:37.220 --> 00:12:41.000 deep at plus 1233 NM and genosaurus purdy at 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:45.700 plus 1222 NMLO. Why is this so significant? And 00:12:45.700 --> 00:12:49.080 what exactly does net merit signify for a dairy 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:50.980 producer dealing with the realities of 2025? 00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:54.100 This is a seismic shift, truly a defining moment 00:12:54.100 --> 00:12:57.340 in U .S. dairy genetics. Net merit, or deninima, 00:12:57.480 --> 00:12:59.799 is an economic index that estimates the lifetime 00:12:59.799 --> 00:13:02.480 profitability of a cow. It's incredibly comprehensive, 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:05.139 taking into account a broad range of economically 00:13:05.139 --> 00:13:07.559 important traits. Not just milk. Not just milk. 00:13:07.620 --> 00:13:10.080 It includes production, component yields, fat 00:13:10.080 --> 00:13:12.639 and protein, health, fertility, productive life, 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:15.200 and even things like body size. It then weights 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:17.639 them by their actual economic value to the producer, 00:13:17.820 --> 00:13:20.000 factoring in things like feed costs, milk prices, 00:13:20.200 --> 00:13:22.100 replacement costs. So tell me about the bottom 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:25.409 line. Precisely. So when Genisaurus takes the 00:13:25.409 --> 00:13:28.289 top three spots in Net Merit, It's not just about 00:13:28.289 --> 00:13:31.470 high production. It signals a strategic and systematic 00:13:31.470 --> 00:13:33.950 breeding for traits that actually make money, 00:13:34.090 --> 00:13:36.950 rather than simply chasing TPI points that might 00:13:36.950 --> 00:13:39.009 look good on paper but don't always translate 00:13:39.009 --> 00:13:41.330 into real world profitability. Especially with 00:13:41.330 --> 00:13:44.149 feed costs. Exactly. With feed costs being what 00:13:44.149 --> 00:13:46.649 they are in 2025, which the article emphasizes 00:13:46.649 --> 00:13:49.370 is non -negotiable, selecting for profitability 00:13:49.370 --> 00:13:52.330 through net merit is absolutely critical. It's 00:13:52.330 --> 00:13:54.330 about breeding for efficiency and resilience, 00:13:54.750 --> 00:14:10.549 ensuring that every cow can That's the goal. 00:14:10.610 --> 00:14:12.830 For a producer, this means fewer surprises on 00:14:12.830 --> 00:14:14.490 the expense side and more consistent income. 00:14:14.789 --> 00:14:16.889 And on the proven side in the U .S., SDG Cap 00:14:16.889 --> 00:14:20.870 Garza EAT is leading at plus 3488 TTI with an 00:14:20.870 --> 00:14:23.830 impressive 98 % reliability. Rock solid reliability. 00:14:24.570 --> 00:14:26.250 The article highlights his balanced profile, 00:14:26.549 --> 00:14:30.029 plus 146 pounds fat, plus 53 pounds protein, 00:14:30.250 --> 00:14:35.350 and plus 3 .7 productive life, PL. For a producer, 00:14:35.549 --> 00:14:37.590 how does that combination of fat, protein, and 00:14:37.590 --> 00:14:40.710 PL translate into actual profitability, especially 00:14:40.710 --> 00:14:43.549 when milk prices or feed costs start to fluctuate? 00:14:43.669 --> 00:14:46.090 Garza is a textbook example of a proven sire 00:14:46.090 --> 00:14:48.289 that offers true stability and profitability 00:14:48.289 --> 00:14:52.059 in a volatile market. The 98 % reliability means 00:14:52.059 --> 00:14:54.700 there's very little guesswork involved. His performance 00:14:54.700 --> 00:14:57.200 is validated by a huge number of daughters already 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:59.899 in production. Proven performance. Proven. And 00:14:59.899 --> 00:15:03.440 his balance is key. High fat. plus 146 pounds 00:15:03.440 --> 00:15:06.240 in protein, plus 53 pounds, ensure getting paid 00:15:06.240 --> 00:15:08.279 for components, which is increasingly important 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:10.559 in many milk markets where premiums are tied 00:15:10.559 --> 00:15:12.700 to solids, not just volume. Right, that impacts 00:15:12.700 --> 00:15:14.820 the milk check directly. Directly, making each 00:15:14.820 --> 00:15:17.519 pound of milk more valuable. Plus, that plus 00:15:17.519 --> 00:15:20.720 3 .7 productive life, PL, is crucial for longevity. 00:15:21.100 --> 00:15:23.259 In practical terms, it means his daughters are 00:15:23.259 --> 00:15:25.120 expected to stay in the herd almost four months 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:27.039 longer than average. And that saves on replacement 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:30.379 costs. Dramatically. When you combine strong, 00:15:30.399 --> 00:15:32.820 component -rich production with cows that stay 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:35.279 in the herd longer and have fewer health issues, 00:15:35.480 --> 00:15:37.559 you dramatically reduce your replacement costs 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:40.299 and veterinary bills, improving overall efficiency. 00:15:40.840 --> 00:15:42.960 These are the traits that act as a financial 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:45.840 buffer when feed prices are high or milk prices 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:48.620 are volatile. They provide consistent, reliable 00:15:48.620 --> 00:15:51.600 income and reduce expenses, helping you weather 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:54.019 those economic storms. Moving north to Canada, 00:15:54.159 --> 00:15:56.159 the article describes the remover revolution. 00:15:57.100 --> 00:15:59.980 Stanton's remover PP made this spectacular jump 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:02.720 from number 7 to number 1 in August. Quite the 00:16:02.720 --> 00:16:06.259 jump. Backed by 234 daughters across 32 hertz. 00:16:06.480 --> 00:16:09.480 That's real -world validation proving his genomic 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:12.350 predictions. How is Remover's balanced profile 00:16:12.350 --> 00:16:14.309 specifically addressing the needs of Canadian 00:16:14.309 --> 00:16:17.009 producers, especially with those rapidly rising 00:16:17.009 --> 00:16:19.789 replacement costs? Remover Search No. 1 in Canada 00:16:19.789 --> 00:16:22.389 is a fantastic story of genomic prediction meeting 00:16:22.389 --> 00:16:25.950 real -world validation. The 234 daughters across 00:16:25.950 --> 00:16:28.769 32 herds aren't just a number. They represent 00:16:28.769 --> 00:16:31.070 diverse management systems and environments from 00:16:31.070 --> 00:16:33.009 B .C. to Quebec, right? Right across the country. 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:36.019 This means his performance is robust and repeatable 00:16:36.019 --> 00:16:38.820 under varying conditions, giving Canadian producers 00:16:38.820 --> 00:16:41.980 high confidence. His balanced profile is exactly 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:44.500 what Canadian producers need right now. With 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:46.860 replacement costs climbing rapidly, we're talking... 00:16:47.179 --> 00:16:49.960 thousands of dollars to raise or buy a new heifer. 00:16:50.039 --> 00:16:52.039 Yeah, it's getting serious. Producers need cows 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:54.059 that are durable and productive for multiple 00:16:54.059 --> 00:16:57.259 lactations. Remover offers solid production numbers, 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:59.639 but critically, he brings those essential durability 00:16:59.639 --> 00:17:03.759 traits. Strong feet and legs, good udders, and 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:06.220 overall conformation that allows cows to withstand 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:09.599 the rigors of modern dairy farming, even in Canada's 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:12.819 diverse climates. So fewer problems, cows last 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:15.710 longer. Exactly. This translates directly into 00:17:15.710 --> 00:17:18.509 fewer herd health issues, fewer forced calls, 00:17:18.710 --> 00:17:21.230 and cows staying in the herd longer, which directly 00:17:21.230 --> 00:17:23.490 reduces those increasingly painful replacement 00:17:23.490 --> 00:17:26.410 costs. For a producer, it's about investing in 00:17:26.410 --> 00:17:28.289 a cow that will pay you back year after year. 00:17:28.529 --> 00:17:30.849 And on the genomic young sire front in Canada, 00:17:31.309 --> 00:17:37.599 OCD Milan ET leads at plus 4118 GPA LPI. LPI, 00:17:37.720 --> 00:17:39.700 for those listening, is Canada's Livestock Performance 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:42.940 Index, a multi -trade index for lifetime profitability. 00:17:43.500 --> 00:17:46.240 Milan has impressive numbers like plus 638 milk, 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:49.460 plus 108 fat, plus robust type, plus 10 mammary 00:17:49.460 --> 00:17:52.299 system, plus 6 feet and legs. Really strong numbers 00:17:52.299 --> 00:17:54.599 there. How does this combination of high production 00:17:54.599 --> 00:17:57.279 and structural soundness align with what the 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:59.319 Canadian industry is selecting for, particularly 00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:01.599 given its diverse climate and management challenges? 00:18:02.170 --> 00:18:05.049 Milan is incredibly exciting for the genomic 00:18:05.049 --> 00:18:07.809 category in Canada. His combination of high production, 00:18:08.049 --> 00:18:10.049 especially in components with that exceptional 00:18:10.049 --> 00:18:13.230 plus 108 fat, alongside truly robust type traits 00:18:13.230 --> 00:18:15.769 like a plus 10 mammary system and plus six fetal 00:18:15.769 --> 00:18:18.480 eggs is, well, it's. Almost the ideal package 00:18:18.480 --> 00:18:20.420 for the Canadian industry. Why is that type so 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:22.259 important in Canada? Well, Canada has a wide 00:18:22.259 --> 00:18:24.180 range of climates, right? From harsh winters 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:26.460 that demand resilient animals to hot, humid summers 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:28.759 and diverse management systems, from large free 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:31.039 stalls to smaller tie stalls. Cattle bred with 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:33.220 strong structural soundness and functional type 00:18:33.220 --> 00:18:35.339 can withstand these varied conditions better. 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:38.200 Makes sense. Fewer issues. They have fewer lameness 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:40.960 issues because of strong feet and legs, fewer 00:18:40.960 --> 00:18:44.259 mastitis problems due to superior udders, and 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:47.069 they simply last longer in the herd. This translates 00:18:47.069 --> 00:18:49.450 directly into more profitable cows that require 00:18:49.450 --> 00:18:52.470 less intervention and are more resilient to environmental 00:18:52.470 --> 00:18:55.430 and management stressors. He's the type of bull 00:18:55.430 --> 00:18:58.269 that delivers on both ends, making abundant, 00:18:58.470 --> 00:19:01.630 valuable milk and lasting in the herd to pay 00:19:01.630 --> 00:19:04.470 dividends over time. Less headaches, more profit. 00:19:04.589 --> 00:19:06.549 That's it. For a farmer, it means less headaches 00:19:06.549 --> 00:19:08.710 and more profit. So whether you're in the U .S. 00:19:08.710 --> 00:19:11.490 or Canada, how do these market -specific trends 00:19:11.490 --> 00:19:14.329 and economic priorities impact a listener's breeding 00:19:14.329 --> 00:19:17.329 goals? How should they consider these differing 00:19:17.329 --> 00:19:19.730 indices when making their crucial breeding decisions? 00:19:20.109 --> 00:19:22.369 You really need to intimately understand what 00:19:22.369 --> 00:19:25.029 drives profitability in your specific operation, 00:19:25.230 --> 00:19:27.390 because one size definitely does not fit all. 00:19:27.470 --> 00:19:30.009 It's not plug and play. For example. If you're 00:19:30.009 --> 00:19:32.369 in the U .S. and selling into a market that heavily 00:19:32.369 --> 00:19:35.829 penalizes somatic cell count or rewards fat and 00:19:35.829 --> 00:19:38.670 protein significantly, then net merit is your 00:19:38.670 --> 00:19:41.589 absolute best friend. It's specifically designed 00:19:41.589 --> 00:19:44.549 to align with those economic realities. If you're 00:19:44.549 --> 00:19:46.910 in Canada, facing high replacement costs and 00:19:46.910 --> 00:19:49.869 diverse environmental conditions, then LPI with 00:19:49.869 --> 00:19:52.630 an emphasis on durability, productive life, and 00:19:52.630 --> 00:19:55.150 solid production might be your primary focus. 00:19:55.450 --> 00:19:58.589 Don't just chase the highest TPI or LPI if it 00:19:58.589 --> 00:20:00.109 doesn't align. line with how your milk is paid 00:20:00.109 --> 00:20:02.849 for or the specific challenges your cows face 00:20:02.849 --> 00:20:05.670 daily. Know your own situation. It's about understanding 00:20:05.670 --> 00:20:08.289 the nuances of your own market, your unique farm 00:20:08.289 --> 00:20:10.710 setup and selecting genetics that will perform 00:20:10.710 --> 00:20:12.789 optimally and profitably within that context. 00:20:13.069 --> 00:20:15.410 It's about being strategic, not just following 00:20:15.410 --> 00:20:17.690 a generalized top list. That's a powerful call 00:20:17.690 --> 00:20:19.890 to action for our listeners. Now let's shift 00:20:19.890 --> 00:20:22.150 our focus to the European markets, which the 00:20:22.150 --> 00:20:24.670 article highlights as exemplifying a functional 00:20:24.670 --> 00:20:27.269 excellence revolution. They seem to have somewhat 00:20:27.269 --> 00:20:29.690 different priorities, driving a unique aspect 00:20:29.690 --> 00:20:32.490 of genetic progress focused on overall cow health 00:20:32.490 --> 00:20:35.430 and durability. They absolutely do. European 00:20:35.430 --> 00:20:38.829 evaluations, particularly in Germany, are widely 00:20:38.829 --> 00:20:41.130 regarded as world -class for their comprehensive 00:20:41.130 --> 00:20:44.190 approach to functional traits that go well beyond 00:20:44.190 --> 00:20:46.410 just milk volume. More than just production numbers. 00:20:46.609 --> 00:20:49.200 Much more. And as we discussed earlier, the UK 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:51.980 provides a fantastic counterpoint to the volatility 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:54.799 we saw in Italy, showing how well genomics can 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:57.279 work when the validation system is robust and 00:20:57.279 --> 00:21:00.160 consistently accurate. This section of the article 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:02.279 really drills down into what it means to breed 00:21:02.279 --> 00:21:05.799 a truly resilient, long -lasting cow, not just 00:21:05.799 --> 00:21:07.960 a high -producing one. The whole animal. Exactly. 00:21:07.980 --> 00:21:10.079 It's about breeding for the whole animal for 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:12.720 the entire life cycle and ensuring profitability 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:15.160 through health and efficiency. Let's revisit 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:17.500 the UK first because it's a shining example of 00:21:17.500 --> 00:21:19.500 where genomic predictions actually worked incredibly 00:21:19.500 --> 00:21:22.680 well. The article states that six new daughter 00:21:22.680 --> 00:21:25.420 proven sires entered the top 10 PLI positions 00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:29.099 and their proven values match their genomic predictions 00:21:29.099 --> 00:21:31.339 almost perfectly. Yeah, that one point deviation 00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:34.700 again. To recap, their values deviated by just 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:37.589 one point on average. Talk about a confidence 00:21:37.589 --> 00:21:40.569 boost. What makes this so remarkable? And what 00:21:40.569 --> 00:21:42.690 can other markets learn from this kind of consistency? 00:21:43.089 --> 00:21:45.710 It's an incredible success story that truly highlights 00:21:45.710 --> 00:21:48.660 the potential of genomics. That level of accuracy 00:21:48.660 --> 00:21:51.460 -proven values deviating by just one point on 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:54.619 average from earlier genomic predictions is truly 00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:57.539 the gold standard for genomic reliability. It's 00:21:57.539 --> 00:21:59.839 what everyone aims for. It is. It means that 00:21:59.839 --> 00:22:02.599 the UK's genomic evaluation system, particularly 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:06.319 for their PPi, profit lifetime index, is highly 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:09.200 reliable and robust. For a producer, this means 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:11.279 you can have an exceptionally high degree of 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:13.700 confidence in using those elite genomic young 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:16.059 sires. You're not just taking a leap of faith, 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:18.000 you're making an informed decision based on a 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:20.240 system that has demonstrated its ability to predict 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:22.559 real -world performance with remarkable precision, 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:26.440 validated by 7 ,000 milking daughters. So what 00:22:26.440 --> 00:22:28.940 can others learn? Well, this is what unlocks 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:31.839 the true potential of genomic selection. Faster 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:34.700 genetic progress with significantly reduced risk. 00:22:34.859 --> 00:22:37.279 Other markets can learn from their rigorous data 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:39.440 collection, the depth of their reference populations, 00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:42.000 and perhaps their emphasis on traits that are 00:22:42.000 --> 00:22:44.599 more consistently predictable through genomic 00:22:44.599 --> 00:22:46.839 markers. It's about building trust in the system, 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:49.839 which then allows for more aggressive yet responsible 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:52.900 adoption of new genetics. And leading that charge 00:22:52.900 --> 00:22:55.700 is OCD trooper Sheepster, the new proven leader 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:59.619 at 779 PLI. His production numbers are excellent, 00:22:59.740 --> 00:23:02.779 but the article points out his plus 113 day lifespan 00:23:02.779 --> 00:23:05.519 improvement as crucial. Why is that specific 00:23:05.519 --> 00:23:07.980 longevity trait so economically significant, 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:10.400 especially with UK replacement costs exceeding 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:12.579 2 ,000 pounds per animal? Yeah, that's a big 00:23:12.579 --> 00:23:14.440 number. For a typical herd, what does that really 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:16.759 mean in terms of savings? Chupra Sheepster is 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:19.700 a phenomenal example of the modern ideal for 00:23:19.700 --> 00:23:22.519 profitability in today's dairy landscape. His 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:26.180 production is excellent, yes, but that plus 113 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:28.380 -day lifespan improvement is where the true economic 00:23:28.380 --> 00:23:31.319 magic happens for the producer. Let's put it 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:33.779 into perspective. If a replacement heifer costs 00:23:33.779 --> 00:23:37.500 you over £2 ,000 to raise or purchase, which 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:39.500 is a very real number in the UK. Absolutely. 00:23:39.869 --> 00:23:41.930 Every additional day, every additional month, 00:23:42.029 --> 00:23:44.809 every additional lactation, a cow stays healthy 00:23:44.809 --> 00:23:46.769 and productive in your herd directly reduces 00:23:46.769 --> 00:23:49.910 your overhead. For a 100 -cow herd, if you can 00:23:49.910 --> 00:23:52.049 improve the average productive life of your cows 00:23:52.049 --> 00:23:54.230 by even just a few months, you might reduce your 00:23:54.230 --> 00:23:56.990 annual replacement rate by maybe 5 -10%. Which 00:23:56.990 --> 00:23:59.269 means? Which translates into avoiding the cost 00:23:59.269 --> 00:24:02.609 of 5 -10 new heifers. That's 10 ,000 to 20 ,000 00:24:02.609 --> 00:24:05.109 pounds annually just in avoided replacement costs, 00:24:05.289 --> 00:24:08.029 not to mention the sustained milk income. Longevity 00:24:08.029 --> 00:24:22.299 isn't just a welfare concern. It's a trade that 00:24:22.299 --> 00:24:24.819 truly pays you back, directly improving your 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:26.940 cash flow. That makes perfect sense. And then 00:24:26.940 --> 00:24:28.839 you have the genomic leader, Peak Alta Value 00:24:28.839 --> 00:24:33.519 Pack, at 877 PLI, showing even stronger longevity 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:36.720 at plus 122 days, while still maintaining solid 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:39.400 production with nearly 800 kilograms of milk. 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:41.960 Even better longevity. The article calls him 00:24:41.960 --> 00:24:45.819 the modern ideal. What makes him the epitome 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:47.960 of what breeders are scribing for now, and how 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:50.279 does he embody this functional excellence revolution? 00:24:50.740 --> 00:24:53.220 Peak Alta Value Pack truly represents the direction 00:24:53.220 --> 00:24:55.259 the industry is heading globally, not just in 00:24:55.259 --> 00:24:57.779 the UK. To combine excellent production, nearly 00:24:57.779 --> 00:25:00.279 800 kilograms of milk with an astounding plus 00:25:00.279 --> 00:25:03.400 122 days of extended lifespan. And that higher 00:25:03.400 --> 00:25:05.920 PLI is to breed a cow that delivers on all fronts. 00:25:06.039 --> 00:25:08.099 The complete package. He's not just a production 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:11.420 machine. He's building a resilient, long -lasting 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:14.440 herd that will consistently generate income while 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:17.619 minimizing expenses. This focus on comprehensive 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:21.000 genetic merit, where functional traits like longevity, 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:24.299 health and fertility are given equal or even 00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:26.940 greater importance than just raw production volume, 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:30.660 is what defines the modern ideal. So it's about 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:33.109 efficiency and health. It's about breeding for 00:25:33.109 --> 00:25:36.529 efficiency, health, and sustainability, all of 00:25:36.529 --> 00:25:38.269 which contribute to long -term profitability 00:25:38.269 --> 00:25:40.809 and significantly reduced management headaches 00:25:40.809 --> 00:25:42.950 for the farmer. It's creating cattle that are 00:25:42.950 --> 00:25:45.210 built to last and to perform consistently over 00:25:45.210 --> 00:25:47.730 that extended lifespan, allowing producers to 00:25:47.730 --> 00:25:49.910 focus on optimizing their operations rather than 00:25:49.910 --> 00:25:51.950 constantly dealing with replacements and health 00:25:51.950 --> 00:25:54.440 issues. It's also striking how Genesaur's captain, 00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:56.720 a former industry leader, dropped to fifth place 00:25:56.720 --> 00:26:00.880 at 723 PLI despite having over 2 ,000 UK milking 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.559 daughters. Yeah, that's quite a drop for such 00:26:02.559 --> 00:26:05.220 a proven bull. This really illustrates how rapidly 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:08.099 genetic progress can transform breeding hierarchies 00:26:08.099 --> 00:26:11.720 when functional traits take precedence. Is it 00:26:11.720 --> 00:26:14.259 that captain is less good? Or that the bar has 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:16.740 just been raised so dramatically. It's absolutely 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:19.400 the latter. It's a stark illustration of the 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:22.640 incredible pace of genetic progress and the continuously 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:25.920 shifting priorities within the industry. Genesaur's 00:26:25.920 --> 00:26:29.119 captain has been a fantastic, reliable sire for 00:26:29.119 --> 00:26:32.099 years, a true workhorse. Sure, a household name. 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:35.019 Absolutely. But the fact that he's been displaced 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:37.640 from the very top, even with thousands of proven 00:26:37.640 --> 00:26:40.619 daughters validating his performance, shows how 00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:43.339 quickly the genetic landscape is evolving. The 00:26:43.339 --> 00:26:45.400 industry is moving toward a more holistic view 00:26:45.400 --> 00:26:47.680 of profitability, where health, fertility, and 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:50.140 efficiency traits are paramount. So is that a 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:52.619 knock on Captain? Not at all. This isn't a knock 00:26:52.619 --> 00:26:54.440 on Captain. It's a testament to the continuous 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:57.220 improvement in genetics, where newer sires are 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:59.380 simply offering a more complete package that 00:26:59.380 --> 00:27:01.180 aligns with the current economic and management 00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:03.950 demands. It's proof that standing still means 00:27:03.950 --> 00:27:06.529 falling behind in dairy genetics. You constantly 00:27:06.529 --> 00:27:08.750 need to be looking for that next level of improvement 00:27:08.750 --> 00:27:11.589 across all economically relevant traits. Over 00:27:11.589 --> 00:27:14.390 in Germany, their precision breeding truly shines, 00:27:14.529 --> 00:27:17.670 focusing heavily on functional traits. Proven 00:27:17.670 --> 00:27:21.549 leader Zivit commands RZG 147 through an impressive 00:27:21.549 --> 00:27:27.369 balance, plus 1 ,971 kg milk, plus 88 kg fat, 00:27:27.589 --> 00:27:31.009 plus 86 kg protein combined with functional traits 00:27:31.009 --> 00:27:35.609 like RZN longevity index 121 and RZG's overall 00:27:35.609 --> 00:27:38.609 health index 113. Really solid functional numbers 00:27:38.609 --> 00:27:40.829 there. How do these numbers specifically reflect 00:27:40.829 --> 00:27:43.089 a bull that actually works in commercial settings? 00:27:43.269 --> 00:27:45.130 What does that mean for a German producer on 00:27:45.130 --> 00:27:47.549 a daily basis? Zivid epitomizes the German breeding 00:27:47.549 --> 00:27:49.990 philosophy, which emphasizes a balanced functional 00:27:49.990 --> 00:27:52.089 animal built for commercial dairy operations. 00:27:52.490 --> 00:27:55.309 The RZG index in Germany is designed to identify 00:27:55.309 --> 00:27:57.430 bulls that excel across multiple traits important 00:27:57.430 --> 00:27:59.839 for profitability and ease of management. So 00:27:59.839 --> 00:28:02.519 it's the combination that matters. Exactly. While 00:28:02.519 --> 00:28:04.900 his milk, fat, and protein numbers are excellent, 00:28:05.119 --> 00:28:07.299 it's the combination with functional traits that 00:28:07.299 --> 00:28:11.099 truly sets him apart. RZN 121 for longevity means 00:28:11.099 --> 00:28:13.799 his daughters are built to last, reducing replacement 00:28:13.799 --> 00:28:18.480 costs. RZG's 113 for overall health, which includes 00:28:18.480 --> 00:28:21.099 traits like mastitis resistance, fertility, and 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:23.680 calving ease, indicates that his daughters are 00:28:23.680 --> 00:28:26.599 not just high producers, but also healthy, fertile, 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:29.500 and durable. Less trouble, basically. For a German 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:31.839 producer, this means less veterinary intervention, 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:35.039 fewer reproductive issues, and cows that stay 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:37.119 in the herd longer without needing constant attention. 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:39.839 That's what working in commercial settings truly 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:42.579 means. Delivering consistent, low -maintenance 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:45.099 profitability day in and day out, freeing up 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:47.240 time and resources for other aspects of the farm. 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:49.500 And the genomic sphere in Germany produced twin 00:28:49.500 --> 00:28:52.740 leaders. Evenstar and Pennywise, both at RZG 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:55.619 164. Tied at the top. Evenstar's projected numbers 00:28:55.619 --> 00:28:59.720 are incredible. Plus 2 ,090 kg milk, plus 120 00:28:59.720 --> 00:29:03.779 kg fat, plus 69 kg protein, plus a fantastic 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:06.960 RZN 134 for longevity. This really positions 00:29:06.960 --> 00:29:10.019 him as a premium choice. How might a producer 00:29:10.019 --> 00:29:13.160 decide between a proven bull like Zivit and a 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:16.140 genomic leader? like Evenstar. Absolutely. Evenstar 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:19.460 and Pennywise at RZG 164 are at the absolute 00:29:19.460 --> 00:29:22.299 cutting edge of genomic potential. Evenstar's 00:29:22.299 --> 00:29:24.940 projected numbers, particularly that plus 120 00:29:24.940 --> 00:29:28.279 kilograms fat and an outstanding RZN 134 for 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:30.680 longevity, indicate a bull that could significantly 00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:33.019 elevate a herd's performance across the board. 00:29:33.140 --> 00:29:35.339 Big potential jump. Huge jump. This isn't just 00:29:35.339 --> 00:29:37.779 about raw milk volume. It's about highly profitable 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:40.240 components in cows that will have extended productive 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:43.059 lives. For operations that can tolerate the inherent, 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:45.759 albeit lower genomic risk, perhaps larger herds 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:48.039 that can absorb the occasional genomic re -ranking. 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:50.539 Where diversification helps. Bowls like Evenstar 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:53.359 represent opportunity to achieve rapid genetic 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:55.559 leaps, producing cattle that are both highly 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:58.400 productive and incredibly durable. The decision 00:29:58.400 --> 00:30:00.680 between Zivit and Evenstar would come down to 00:30:00.680 --> 00:30:02.839 a producer's risk tolerance and their specific 00:30:02.839 --> 00:30:05.799 breeding goals. Zivit offers rock -solid, proven 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:08.539 reliability. Evenstar offers the potential for 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:11.400 faster, higher genetic gains, but with the inherent 00:30:11.400 --> 00:30:14.140 genomic prediction risk. It's a strategic choice 00:30:14.140 --> 00:30:16.779 for maximum progress. It's also fascinating to 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:19.000 see the continued progress in Red Holstein genetics 00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:21.799 in Germany, with Ginger leading proven sires 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:25.779 at RZG 143 and Shock leading genomics at RZG 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:28.509 161. What does this indicate for the broader 00:30:28.509 --> 00:30:30.789 industry? The strength and continued progress 00:30:30.789 --> 00:30:32.829 of Red Holstein genetics in Germany is remarkable. 00:30:33.410 --> 00:30:36.869 Ginger, a proven sire at RCG 143 with over 2 00:30:36.869 --> 00:30:40.109 ,600 kilograms of milk from 510 daughters, shows 00:30:40.109 --> 00:30:42.170 that this segment of the breed is not only holding 00:30:42.170 --> 00:30:44.529 its own but making significant strides in productivity 00:30:44.529 --> 00:30:47.250 and functional traits. So Red Holsteins are keeping 00:30:47.250 --> 00:30:51.730 pace. Absolutely. And Shock, a genomic red Holstein 00:30:51.730 --> 00:30:55.769 at RZG 161, demonstrates that the same rapid 00:30:55.769 --> 00:30:58.490 genetic progress seen in Holsteins is also being 00:30:58.490 --> 00:31:01.410 achieved in red Holsteins. This offers producers 00:31:01.410 --> 00:31:03.630 more choices and allows for important genetic 00:31:03.630 --> 00:31:05.789 diversification, which is always a good thing 00:31:05.789 --> 00:31:07.750 for long -term breed health and adaptability. 00:31:08.049 --> 00:31:10.549 More options are always good. Exactly. It signifies 00:31:10.549 --> 00:31:12.690 that you don't have to compromise on performance 00:31:12.690 --> 00:31:15.329 for color preference or specific market niches. 00:31:15.450 --> 00:31:18.069 It provides a valuable alternative. for producers 00:31:18.069 --> 00:31:20.809 looking to diversify their genetics or who simply 00:31:20.809 --> 00:31:24.130 prefer the red Holstein breed. And finally, Italy. 00:31:24.490 --> 00:31:27.210 The article describes their evaluations as providing 00:31:27.210 --> 00:31:29.890 the starkest illustration of genomic volatility 00:31:29.890 --> 00:31:32.230 you've seen in the world. Yeah, it's pretty dramatic 00:31:32.230 --> 00:31:34.670 over there sometimes. What exactly should worry 00:31:34.670 --> 00:31:37.710 every reader about the dramatic swings of 100 00:31:37.710 --> 00:31:41.410 points or more in a single evaluation? It sounds 00:31:41.410 --> 00:31:43.069 like playing a game of chance with your genetics. 00:31:43.630 --> 00:31:45.990 What should worry every breeder about Italy's 00:31:45.990 --> 00:31:49.210 genomic volatility is precisely that. The sheer 00:31:49.210 --> 00:31:51.390 unpredictability it introduces into breeding 00:31:51.390 --> 00:31:54.250 programs. Imagine you've invested in a genomic 00:31:54.250 --> 00:31:56.829 bull, a rising star, whose evaluation drops by 00:31:56.829 --> 00:32:00.490 100 points or more in a single cycle. That's 00:32:00.490 --> 00:32:02.990 not just a statistical anomaly, that's a direct 00:32:02.990 --> 00:32:05.630 and sudden devaluation of semen you've purchased, 00:32:05.849 --> 00:32:08.190 a significant change in the expected performance 00:32:08.190 --> 00:32:11.049 of offspring already on the ground, and a major 00:32:11.049 --> 00:32:12.890 disruption to your long -term breeding plan. 00:32:13.210 --> 00:32:15.710 It makes long -term planning incredibly difficult 00:32:15.710 --> 00:32:18.049 and highlights the substantial financial risk 00:32:18.049 --> 00:32:20.369 of relying too heavily on unproven genetics in 00:32:20.369 --> 00:32:22.250 such a volatile system. It undermines confidence. 00:32:22.529 --> 00:32:24.789 Completely. It's a loud warning about the potential 00:32:24.789 --> 00:32:27.269 pitfalls of over -reliance on predictions without 00:32:27.269 --> 00:32:29.849 sufficient real -world validation. And it can 00:32:29.849 --> 00:32:31.609 leave producers feeling like they've been left 00:32:31.609 --> 00:32:33.930 holding the bag. So on the flip side of that... 00:32:34.079 --> 00:32:37.099 Why does a proven bull like ZFZ Chrysalis RF 00:32:37.099 --> 00:32:42.220 at 5169 GPFT provide important stability in the 00:32:42.220 --> 00:32:44.319 Italian market, especially given that volatility? 00:32:44.660 --> 00:32:47.660 And GPFT, by the way, is Italy's genomic production 00:32:47.660 --> 00:32:50.279 and fitness total index. Chrysalis provides that 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:52.970 crucial stability. Precisely because he is proven. 00:32:53.309 --> 00:32:57.329 His GPFT of 5169 is based on the actual performance 00:32:57.329 --> 00:33:00.109 of his daughters already milking in real -world 00:33:00.109 --> 00:33:03.549 Italian dairy settings. It eliminates the guesswork 00:33:03.549 --> 00:33:05.450 and the potential for drastic, unpredictable 00:33:05.450 --> 00:33:08.730 re -ranking. For an Italian producer where profitability 00:33:08.730 --> 00:33:11.410 can be very tight due to specific market conditions 00:33:11.410 --> 00:33:14.390 and feed costs, having a bull like Chrysalis 00:33:14.390 --> 00:33:16.829 in their breeding program offers a reliable foundation. 00:33:17.269 --> 00:33:19.009 They know what they're getting, they know his 00:33:19.009 --> 00:33:21.019 daughters perform consistently, and And that 00:33:21.019 --> 00:33:23.680 consistency acts as a vital anchor against the 00:33:23.680 --> 00:33:26.160 unpredictable shifts seen in the genomic rankings. 00:33:26.299 --> 00:33:28.970 A safe bet. He's the safe, reliable choice that 00:33:28.970 --> 00:33:31.470 mitigates risk, allowing producers to build their 00:33:31.470 --> 00:33:33.710 herd's genetic base with confidence, which is 00:33:33.710 --> 00:33:36.009 invaluable in a high -risk environment. And peak 00:33:36.009 --> 00:33:39.109 spellbound ET is the new number one genomic at 00:33:39.109 --> 00:33:43.250 5458 GPFT, specifically highlighted for his exceptional 00:33:43.250 --> 00:33:47.569 component percentages, plus 1 .07 % fat and plus 00:33:47.569 --> 00:33:51.029 0 .54 % protein. Those are huge percentages. 00:33:51.369 --> 00:33:54.150 Why are these components so critical for Italy's... 00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:56.779 cheese -focused industry, and how does that tie 00:33:56.779 --> 00:34:00.460 into the ICSPR index, where Smarty PET leads 00:34:00.460 --> 00:34:05.359 at 1398 ICSPR -O? Italy's dairy industry is unique 00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:08.179 because of its incredibly strong focus on value 00:34:08.179 --> 00:34:11.039 -added products, particularly high -quality cheeses 00:34:11.039 --> 00:34:14.139 like Parmigiano -Reggiano and Grano Panano. Right, 00:34:14.199 --> 00:34:16.659 cheese is king there. Absolutely. For cheese 00:34:16.659 --> 00:34:18.519 production, while the volume of milk is important, 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:20.980 the percentage of fat and protein is absolutely 00:34:20.980 --> 00:34:23.789 paramount. These are the milk solids that directly 00:34:23.789 --> 00:34:27.190 translate into cheese yield. So spellbound ET's 00:34:27.190 --> 00:34:30.849 incredible component percentages plus 1 .07 % 00:34:30.849 --> 00:34:34.730 fat and plus 0 .54 % protein are not just impressive 00:34:34.730 --> 00:34:36.989 numbers. They directly address this crucial market 00:34:36.989 --> 00:34:39.469 need. More cheese per liter of milk. Exactly. 00:34:39.710 --> 00:34:42.110 His daughters will produce milk that is far more 00:34:42.110 --> 00:34:44.050 valuable for cheesemaking, meaning producers 00:34:44.050 --> 00:34:46.170 are paid significantly more per hundred weight 00:34:46.170 --> 00:34:49.610 of milk. The ICSPR index, which Smarty PET leads, 00:34:49.889 --> 00:34:53.010 explicitly reflects this economic reality. It's 00:34:53.010 --> 00:34:55.269 an index heavily weighted to prioritize profitability 00:34:55.269 --> 00:34:57.789 based on the value of components over sheer volume. 00:34:57.989 --> 00:35:00.030 So it reflects the market perfectly. What this 00:35:00.030 --> 00:35:02.090 means for Italian producers is that breeding 00:35:02.090 --> 00:35:04.630 for high component percentages directly translates 00:35:04.630 --> 00:35:08.090 into substantially higher milk checks because 00:35:08.090 --> 00:35:10.190 they are paid more for the quality and yield 00:35:10.190 --> 00:35:12.840 of their milk for cheese production. It's a perfect 00:35:12.840 --> 00:35:15.039 example of market -specific selection driving 00:35:15.039 --> 00:35:17.920 genetic priorities, making these bulls exceptionally 00:35:17.920 --> 00:35:20.519 profitable within their specific industry context. 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:22.860 So for our listeners, even if you're not in Europe, 00:35:23.000 --> 00:35:25.619 how can understanding these diverse market priorities 00:35:25.619 --> 00:35:28.119 and outcomes inform your own breeding program? 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:30.920 What universal lessons can be learned about balancing 00:35:30.920 --> 00:35:34.070 production and functional traits? The core lesson 00:35:34.070 --> 00:35:36.429 here, no matter where you are geographically, 00:35:36.530 --> 00:35:39.150 is that you must intimately understand your own 00:35:39.150 --> 00:35:41.829 market's payment system and your own farm's specific 00:35:41.829 --> 00:35:44.849 challenges. The Italian focus on high components 00:35:44.849 --> 00:35:47.969 for cheese, the UK's emphasis on longevity due 00:35:47.969 --> 00:35:50.989 to high replacement costs, or Germany's balanced 00:35:50.989 --> 00:35:53.289 functional traits for overall commercial viability, 00:35:53.510 --> 00:35:55.730 these aren't just European quirks. They're examples. 00:35:56.050 --> 00:35:58.449 They are brilliant examples of how genetic selection 00:35:58.449 --> 00:36:01.389 must align with economic realities on your farm. 00:36:01.860 --> 00:36:04.579 You need to ask yourself, how am I actually paid 00:36:04.579 --> 00:36:07.099 for my milk? What are my biggest costs? Is it 00:36:07.099 --> 00:36:09.860 feed, replacements, vet bills? What management 00:36:09.860 --> 00:36:12.860 challenges do I face? Daily heat stress, lameness, 00:36:12.940 --> 00:36:16.190 repro issues? Do your homework. Exactly. Once 00:36:16.190 --> 00:36:18.130 you answer those questions honestly, you can 00:36:18.130 --> 00:36:20.630 then identify precisely which functional traits, 00:36:20.809 --> 00:36:23.250 beyond just raw milk volume, are going to drive 00:36:23.250 --> 00:36:25.050 your profitability and make your life easier. 00:36:25.250 --> 00:36:27.570 It's about tailoring your genetic strategy to 00:36:27.570 --> 00:36:29.710 your unique circumstances and financial goals, 00:36:29.829 --> 00:36:32.070 not just chasing a global top list that might 00:36:32.070 --> 00:36:34.309 not apply to your farm. That brings us to our 00:36:34.309 --> 00:36:37.110 next major point, broadening the discussion to 00:36:37.110 --> 00:36:39.469 the overarching trends impacting dairy genetics 00:36:39.469 --> 00:36:42.219 globally. It's clear these are heavily driven 00:36:42.219 --> 00:36:44.860 by economic pressures and a shifting understanding 00:36:44.860 --> 00:36:47.400 of what truly defines a profitable, sustainable 00:36:47.400 --> 00:36:50.039 cow. Absolutely. What we're seeing across all 00:36:50.039 --> 00:36:51.920 these markets isn't just a series of isolated 00:36:51.920 --> 00:36:54.820 events. It's a collective industry response to 00:36:54.820 --> 00:36:57.340 rising costs, tighter margins, and increased 00:36:57.340 --> 00:36:59.619 consumer and societal demands. They're all connected. 00:37:00.119 --> 00:37:02.619 Very much so. These traits we're about to discuss, 00:37:02.820 --> 00:37:05.760 health, longevity, component production, feed 00:37:05.760 --> 00:37:08.820 efficiency, and even pole genetics, they are 00:37:08.820 --> 00:37:11.559 no longer nice to have fissures. They're becoming 00:37:11.559 --> 00:37:14.000 absolutely essential for profitability and even 00:37:14.000 --> 00:37:16.960 for survival in today's dairy climate. The economic 00:37:16.960 --> 00:37:20.099 realities of 2025 are forcing producers to be 00:37:20.099 --> 00:37:22.800 incredibly strategic and holistic with their 00:37:22.800 --> 00:37:25.639 breeding decisions, looking for every edge to 00:37:25.639 --> 00:37:28.760 optimize their operations. Let's dive into health 00:37:28.760 --> 00:37:31.599 and longevity first. The article mentions Progenesis 00:37:31.599 --> 00:37:35.440 Watchman's Elite 8 .6 Health Index as defensive 00:37:35.440 --> 00:37:38.320 genetics. What exactly does that mean and how 00:37:38.320 --> 00:37:40.920 do values like the UK's Healthy Cow or Germany's 00:37:40.920 --> 00:37:44.139 RZG scores link directly to rising veterinary 00:37:44.139 --> 00:37:46.559 costs and ultimately economic survival for a 00:37:46.559 --> 00:37:48.849 producer? Defensive genetics is a perfect term 00:37:48.849 --> 00:37:51.949 for Watchman's elite 8 .6 health index. It means 00:37:51.949 --> 00:37:53.889 breeding animals that are inherently more robust 00:37:53.889 --> 00:37:56.269 and resistant to common diseases and health issues. 00:37:56.489 --> 00:37:58.730 Think of it as building a stronger immune system 00:37:58.730 --> 00:38:01.090 and a more resilient body through genetics. Building 00:38:01.090 --> 00:38:03.869 resilience. Exactly. In today's environment where 00:38:03.869 --> 00:38:06.849 vet costs are escalating and every sick cow means 00:38:06.849 --> 00:38:10.170 lost production, extra labor. drug expenses, 00:38:10.329 --> 00:38:13.650 and often a higher likelihood of being cold prematurely. 00:38:13.650 --> 00:38:16.570 It all adds up fast. It does. Selecting for robust 00:38:16.570 --> 00:38:18.969 health traits is like building a financial fortress 00:38:18.969 --> 00:38:21.650 around your herd. The UK's Healthy Cow values 00:38:21.650 --> 00:38:25.369 and Germany's RZG scores are comprehensive indices 00:38:25.369 --> 00:38:27.610 that combine multiple health -related traits, 00:38:27.949 --> 00:38:31.150 mastitis resistance, metabolic health, calving 00:38:31.150 --> 00:38:33.809 ease, calf survival. When you breed for these, 00:38:33.929 --> 00:38:35.710 you're not just improving animal welfare, which 00:38:35.710 --> 00:38:37.690 is incredibly important. Very important. But 00:38:37.690 --> 00:38:39.809 you're directly impacting your bottom line by 00:38:39.809 --> 00:38:42.349 significantly reducing the incidence of costly 00:38:42.349 --> 00:38:44.690 health problems. Imagine cutting your vet bill 00:38:44.690 --> 00:38:46.969 by 10 % or more just by having healthier cows. 00:38:47.250 --> 00:38:49.630 In essence, healthy cows equal more profitable 00:38:49.630 --> 00:38:52.710 cows. And in tight economic times, prioritizing 00:38:52.710 --> 00:38:55.230 health traits truly is a matter of economic survival. 00:38:55.570 --> 00:38:57.909 Less time treating, more time managing. Precisely. 00:38:58.170 --> 00:39:00.929 It directly translates to less time spent treating 00:39:00.929 --> 00:39:03.050 sick animals and more time managing a productive, 00:39:03.190 --> 00:39:05.570 efficient herd. It's a complete paradigm shift, 00:39:05.750 --> 00:39:08.269 moving from just volume to focusing on the cow's 00:39:08.269 --> 00:39:10.570 entire contribution. And speaking of economic 00:39:10.570 --> 00:39:12.829 shifts, the article highlights component production 00:39:12.829 --> 00:39:16.449 as the new economic reality moving away from 00:39:16.449 --> 00:39:19.690 volume alone. A huge shift. Contrast Ginger's 00:39:19.690 --> 00:39:22.690 high volume with Peak Spellbound ET's exceptional 00:39:22.690 --> 00:39:25.769 fat percentage and explain why component premiums 00:39:25.769 --> 00:39:28.449 are becoming more significant. leading to better 00:39:28.449 --> 00:39:30.449 returns for producers. This is a fundamental 00:39:30.449 --> 00:39:32.329 change in how many producers are getting paid 00:39:32.329 --> 00:39:34.710 across the globe. For decades, the focus was 00:39:34.710 --> 00:39:37.590 primarily on sheer volume. How many kilograms 00:39:37.590 --> 00:39:40.710 or pounds of milk could a cow produce? Ginger, 00:39:40.769 --> 00:39:44.030 with over 2 ,600 kilograms of milk, still excels 00:39:44.030 --> 00:39:46.030 in that traditional volume metric, producing 00:39:46.030 --> 00:39:48.820 a lot of liquid. The old way. Right. However, 00:39:49.019 --> 00:39:51.000 for a growing number of markets, particularly 00:39:51.000 --> 00:39:53.039 those involved in value -added products like 00:39:53.039 --> 00:39:55.760 cheese, yogurt, or butter, it's the fat and protein 00:39:55.760 --> 00:39:58.099 percentages and total yields that truly drive 00:39:58.099 --> 00:40:01.579 the milk check. Peak spellbound ETs plus 1 .07 00:40:01.579 --> 00:40:06.119 % fat and plus 0 .54 % protein are astronomically 00:40:06.119 --> 00:40:08.199 high. Really high. Meaning his daughters will 00:40:08.199 --> 00:40:10.360 produce milk with a much higher concentration 00:40:10.360 --> 00:40:13.079 of solids, the good stuff that processors actually 00:40:13.079 --> 00:40:16.280 want. As processors increasingly pay more for 00:40:16.280 --> 00:40:18.139 these valuable components rather than just the 00:40:18.139 --> 00:40:20.679 water in the milk, producers with component -rich 00:40:20.679 --> 00:40:23.380 milk receive significantly higher premiums. So 00:40:23.380 --> 00:40:26.000 quality pays more than quantity now in many cases. 00:40:26.199 --> 00:40:28.400 That's exactly it. This means that even if a 00:40:28.400 --> 00:40:31.559 cow produces slightly less volume, if her components 00:40:31.559 --> 00:40:34.380 are significantly higher, she can be far more 00:40:34.380 --> 00:40:37.159 profitable than a high -volume, low -component 00:40:37.159 --> 00:40:40.500 cow. Imagine two cows producing the same volume, 00:40:40.619 --> 00:40:43.760 but one brings in an extra 20 -30 cents per hundredweight 00:40:43.760 --> 00:40:46.579 due to components. Over a herd, that adds up 00:40:46.579 --> 00:40:49.019 to thousands of dollars annually. It's about 00:40:49.019 --> 00:40:51.239 quality over quantity, and it's becoming the 00:40:51.239 --> 00:40:54.099 dominant payment model for a reason. It rewards 00:40:54.099 --> 00:40:57.059 efficiency and value. Another fascinating trend 00:40:57.059 --> 00:40:59.500 highlighted is polled integration, which is finally 00:40:59.500 --> 00:41:01.900 happening seamlessly. We're seeing top -ranking 00:41:01.900 --> 00:41:04.219 polled genetics like Germany's CreateP achieving 00:41:04.219 --> 00:41:08.780 RZG161 and Canada's Vogue A2P2PP maintaining 00:41:08.780 --> 00:41:12.059 plus 15 CONF without any apparent performance 00:41:12.059 --> 00:41:13.980 compromises. Yeah, that's a big development. 00:41:14.300 --> 00:41:17.420 Why is this significant beyond just a preference 00:41:17.420 --> 00:41:20.320 for naturally hornless animals? What are the 00:41:20.320 --> 00:41:23.010 real -world benefits for a farmer? This is a 00:41:23.010 --> 00:41:25.690 win -win situation for both animal welfare and 00:41:25.690 --> 00:41:28.869 farm management, and it's a sign of real progress 00:41:28.869 --> 00:41:32.269 in genetic selection. Historically, polled genetics 00:41:32.269 --> 00:41:34.230 sometimes came with a performance penalty, right? 00:41:34.289 --> 00:41:35.829 Yeah, there was often a trade -off. You might 00:41:35.829 --> 00:41:37.730 have had to compromise on production or other 00:41:37.730 --> 00:41:39.909 desirable traits to get a naturally hornless 00:41:39.909 --> 00:41:42.550 animal. But now, as the article highlights with 00:41:42.550 --> 00:41:45.929 CreateP and Vogue A2P2PP, we're seeing elite 00:41:45.929 --> 00:41:48.440 genetics that also happen to be polled. This 00:41:48.440 --> 00:41:50.800 is incredibly significant because it allows producers 00:41:50.800 --> 00:41:53.480 to meet growing consumer demands and welfare 00:41:53.480 --> 00:41:55.920 concerns around dehorning without sacrificing 00:41:55.920 --> 00:41:58.880 any genetic progress. So no more dehorning hassle. 00:41:59.019 --> 00:42:01.820 Exactly. For the farmer, it completely removes 00:42:01.820 --> 00:42:04.559 a major management headache. Dehorning takes 00:42:04.559 --> 00:42:07.320 time, labor, equipment, and can be stressful 00:42:07.320 --> 00:42:09.539 for the animals, potentially leading to setbacks. 00:42:10.010 --> 00:42:12.889 Having naturally pulled calves is a huge efficiency 00:42:12.889 --> 00:42:15.849 gain, reduces labor costs, eliminates the need 00:42:15.849 --> 00:42:18.030 for specialized equipment, and aligns with growing 00:42:18.030 --> 00:42:21.170 public expectations for animal care. It's a great 00:42:21.170 --> 00:42:23.110 example of how responsible breeding can address 00:42:23.110 --> 00:42:25.969 multiple needs simultaneously, making the farm 00:42:25.969 --> 00:42:28.349 operation smoother and more aligned with modern 00:42:28.349 --> 00:42:30.969 expectations. But with all this incredible progress, 00:42:31.309 --> 00:42:34.429 the article also raises a critical concern, the 00:42:34.429 --> 00:42:37.449 bloodline concentration problem. The dominance 00:42:37.449 --> 00:42:40.429 of specific sire lines, like overdrive sons or 00:42:40.429 --> 00:42:43.230 genosaurus genetics, is highlighted. Yeah, that's 00:42:43.230 --> 00:42:44.710 definitely something we need to keep an eye on. 00:42:44.789 --> 00:42:47.090 What are the long -term risks to breed adaptability 00:42:47.090 --> 00:42:49.110 when you have this kind of concentration? And 00:42:49.110 --> 00:42:51.010 why should we be wary of repeating historical 00:42:51.010 --> 00:42:53.820 mistakes in animal breeding? This is a serious 00:42:53.820 --> 00:42:56.119 long -term concern that can easily be overlooked 00:42:56.119 --> 00:42:58.679 in the excitement of short -term genetic gains. 00:42:59.039 --> 00:43:02.619 When a few dominant sire lines like the Overdrive 00:43:02.619 --> 00:43:05.340 Sons or the Genisaurus family become ubiquitous 00:43:05.340 --> 00:43:08.460 across the industry, you're effectively narrowing 00:43:08.460 --> 00:43:11.420 the genetic pool of the entire breed. Like putting 00:43:11.420 --> 00:43:13.900 all your eggs in one basket. Pretty much. While 00:43:13.900 --> 00:43:16.139 these specific genetics are undoubtedly high 00:43:16.139 --> 00:43:19.139 -performing today, excessive concentration creates 00:43:19.139 --> 00:43:22.329 what's essentially a genetic monoculture. This 00:43:22.329 --> 00:43:24.849 means the breed becomes less adaptable to future 00:43:24.849 --> 00:43:27.869 unforeseen challenges, whether it's a new aggressive 00:43:27.869 --> 00:43:30.429 disease that a concentrated bloodline might be 00:43:30.429 --> 00:43:33.010 particularly susceptible to, a dramatic shift 00:43:33.010 --> 00:43:35.289 in climate that requires different adaptive traits, 00:43:35.469 --> 00:43:37.869 or an unforeseen change in feed availability 00:43:37.869 --> 00:43:40.230 or market demands. We've seen this before, right? 00:43:40.460 --> 00:43:42.199 We've seen this movie before in other animal 00:43:42.199 --> 00:43:45.519 breeds, where a narrow genetic base led to significant 00:43:45.519 --> 00:43:48.500 vulnerabilities or the emergence of undesirable 00:43:48.500 --> 00:43:51.179 genetic defects that spread rapidly because everyone 00:43:51.179 --> 00:43:54.860 was using the same few sires. If a specific bloodline 00:43:54.860 --> 00:43:57.440 carries a hidden genetic flaw that only emerges 00:43:57.440 --> 00:44:00.380 later in life, or simply isn't suited to an emerging 00:44:00.380 --> 00:44:04.360 challenge, the entire breed can be at risk. Maintaining 00:44:04.360 --> 00:44:06.780 genetic diversity is crucial for the long -term 00:44:06.780 --> 00:44:09.480 health, resilience, and adaptability of the Holstein 00:44:09.480 --> 00:44:11.599 breed. So it's about future -proofing the breed. 00:44:11.760 --> 00:44:14.559 It's like having all your eggs in one very successful 00:44:14.559 --> 00:44:17.800 but ultimately fragile basket. It's about ensuring 00:44:17.800 --> 00:44:20.739 the breed can evolve, not just excel in today's 00:44:20.739 --> 00:44:23.260 environment. And with elevated feed costs being 00:44:23.260 --> 00:44:26.239 a consistent pain point in 2025, feed efficiency 00:44:26.239 --> 00:44:29.119 is called the make -or -break trait. How do indices 00:44:29.119 --> 00:44:32.019 like the UK's Maintenance Index or Italy's ICS 00:44:32.019 --> 00:44:34.739 PR rankings and a bull like Genesaurus Captain 00:44:34.739 --> 00:44:38.219 with his impressive plus 255 feed advantage underscore 00:44:38.219 --> 00:44:40.539 why feed efficiency often determines profitability 00:44:40.539 --> 00:44:43.329 more than raw production numbers? This is truly 00:44:43.329 --> 00:44:45.610 foundational and it hits directly at the largest 00:44:45.610 --> 00:44:48.809 line item on most dairy farm budgets. Feed is 00:44:48.809 --> 00:44:51.869 by far the largest input cost for any dairy operation. 00:44:52.170 --> 00:44:55.230 No question. When feed costs are elevated, as 00:44:55.230 --> 00:44:59.150 they are in 2025, any inefficiency in feed conversion 00:44:59.150 --> 00:45:02.090 directly eats into your margins day in and day 00:45:02.090 --> 00:45:05.030 out. The UK's maintenance index helps identify 00:45:05.030 --> 00:45:07.269 cows that are more efficient at maintaining their 00:45:07.269 --> 00:45:09.429 body weight, meaning they require less feed just 00:45:09.429 --> 00:45:11.969 to exist, leaving more of that expensive feed 00:45:11.969 --> 00:45:15.969 for milk production. Italy's ICS PRO, which factors 00:45:15.969 --> 00:45:18.309 in components, implicitly rewards efficiency 00:45:18.309 --> 00:45:20.710 because you're getting more valuable output for 00:45:20.710 --> 00:45:23.610 your feed input. And a bull like Genesaur's captain 00:45:23.610 --> 00:45:26.590 with a plus 255 feed advantage implies his daughters 00:45:26.590 --> 00:45:28.670 are significantly more efficient at converting 00:45:28.670 --> 00:45:30.690 feed into milk or components. Like more milk 00:45:30.690 --> 00:45:33.889 per pound of feed. In simple terms, yes. For 00:45:33.889 --> 00:45:36.289 every pound of feed they consume, they produce 00:45:36.289 --> 00:45:38.670 more profitable milk or produce it more efficiently. 00:45:39.110 --> 00:45:41.449 If you're spending thousands of dollars a day 00:45:41.449 --> 00:45:44.050 on feed, even a small percentage improvement 00:45:44.050 --> 00:45:47.010 in efficiency can translate into enormous savings 00:45:47.010 --> 00:45:50.559 over a year. When margins are tight, this efficiency 00:45:50.559 --> 00:45:52.900 can literally be the difference between a profitable 00:45:52.900 --> 00:45:54.960 year and one where you're struggling to break 00:45:54.960 --> 00:45:57.699 even. It's basic economics. It's basic economics 00:45:57.699 --> 00:46:00.380 on the farm. Reducing your biggest variable cost 00:46:00.380 --> 00:46:02.780 is often the fastest way to boost your bottom 00:46:02.780 --> 00:46:05.639 line, even more so than just chasing higher and 00:46:05.639 --> 00:46:07.559 higher production numbers. Finally, let's talk 00:46:07.559 --> 00:46:09.860 about replacement costs and why longevity pays. 00:46:10.079 --> 00:46:12.639 The article states that rapidly rising replacement 00:46:12.639 --> 00:46:16.260 heifer costs often over $2 ,000 per animal to 00:46:16.260 --> 00:46:18.900 raise or purchase, are elevating longevity traits 00:46:18.900 --> 00:46:21.300 to critical importance. Hugely important now. 00:46:21.519 --> 00:46:24.639 Revisit OCD Trooper Sheepster with his plus 113 00:46:24.639 --> 00:46:27.039 days lifespan improvement and Peak Alta Value 00:46:27.039 --> 00:46:30.780 Pack with plus 122 days and explain how every 00:46:30.780 --> 00:46:33.840 additional lactation from a cow represents thousands 00:46:33.840 --> 00:46:36.460 of dollars in value and ignoring longevity is 00:46:36.460 --> 00:46:39.909 choosing to hemorrhage money. This really brings 00:46:39.909 --> 00:46:41.610 it all back to the producer's wallet. This is 00:46:41.610 --> 00:46:43.530 arguably one of the most critical and impactful 00:46:43.530 --> 00:46:45.849 points from the entire article for any producer 00:46:45.849 --> 00:46:48.170 because the math is undeniable and affects every 00:46:48.170 --> 00:46:50.969 single word. If a replacement heifer costs you 00:46:50.969 --> 00:46:53.489 over $2 ,000 to raise or purchase, which is a 00:46:53.489 --> 00:46:55.849 very conservative estimate in many regions. Easily. 00:46:56.219 --> 00:46:59.119 Every cow that leaves your herd prematurely forces 00:46:59.119 --> 00:47:01.340 you to incur that substantial cost again. Think 00:47:01.340 --> 00:47:03.940 about it. That's $2 ,000 in sunk costs that you're 00:47:03.940 --> 00:47:06.159 constantly trying to recover. When you have a 00:47:06.159 --> 00:47:08.780 bull like OCT Trooper Chicster adding 113 days 00:47:08.780 --> 00:47:11.179 or Peak Alta Value Pack adding an incredible 00:47:11.179 --> 00:47:13.960 122 days to the productive life of their daughters, 00:47:14.099 --> 00:47:16.940 it's not just a statistic. It's a direct economic 00:47:16.940 --> 00:47:20.199 injection into your operation. Real money. Real 00:47:20.199 --> 00:47:23.019 money. an additional lactation from a healthy 00:47:23.019 --> 00:47:25.800 productive cow can easily represent thousands 00:47:25.800 --> 00:47:28.420 of dollars in milk revenue spread over reduced 00:47:28.420 --> 00:47:30.800 fixed costs and avoided replacement expenses 00:47:30.800 --> 00:47:33.820 if a cow produces 80 pounds of milk a day and 00:47:33.820 --> 00:47:36.539 she stays in the herd an extra four months that's 00:47:36.539 --> 00:47:39.059 the dozens of pounds of milk translating to significant 00:47:39.059 --> 00:47:41.800 income without the cost of a new heifer so ignoring 00:47:41.800 --> 00:47:45.469 longevity is just costly. So when the article 00:47:45.469 --> 00:47:47.610 says ignoring longevity is choosing to hemorrhage 00:47:47.610 --> 00:47:50.670 money, it's not hyperbole. It means you are consciously 00:47:50.670 --> 00:47:53.449 signing up for higher costs, reduced efficiency, 00:47:53.809 --> 00:47:56.590 and a constant drain on your capital as you replace 00:47:56.590 --> 00:47:59.289 cows that should still be in their prime. It's 00:47:59.289 --> 00:48:01.309 an open financial wound if you're not actively 00:48:01.309 --> 00:48:03.369 breeding for cows that stay in the herd longer, 00:48:03.630 --> 00:48:06.289 healthier, and more productive. It's simply smart 00:48:06.289 --> 00:48:08.570 business to prioritize it. That's a powerful 00:48:08.570 --> 00:48:12.000 statement to end on. So for our listeners, Which 00:48:12.000 --> 00:48:14.340 of these trends, health and longevity, component 00:48:14.340 --> 00:48:17.099 production, polled integration, genetic diversity, 00:48:17.460 --> 00:48:19.719 feed efficiency, or managing replacement costs, 00:48:19.880 --> 00:48:23.199 is most impactful to your operation? And how 00:48:23.199 --> 00:48:25.360 are you adapting your breeding program to address 00:48:25.360 --> 00:48:27.780 these critical economic and industry shifts? 00:48:28.199 --> 00:48:30.579 It truly requires a holistic view, doesn't it? 00:48:30.639 --> 00:48:32.840 It absolutely does. And the answer will be different 00:48:32.840 --> 00:48:35.460 for everyone because every farm is unique. It 00:48:35.460 --> 00:48:38.019 comes down to meticulously analyzing your own 00:48:38.019 --> 00:48:40.219 profit and loss statement, understanding your 00:48:40.219 --> 00:48:42.920 local milk market's payment system, and identifying 00:48:42.920 --> 00:48:45.300 where your biggest opportunities for improvement 00:48:45.300 --> 00:48:47.619 or cost savings lie. Know your numbers. Know 00:48:47.619 --> 00:48:50.000 your numbers. If you're paying huge vet bills, 00:48:50.239 --> 00:48:53.099 then health indices become paramount. If your 00:48:53.099 --> 00:48:55.119 milk check is primarily based on components, 00:48:55.460 --> 00:48:57.679 that's where your genetic focus absolutely should 00:48:57.679 --> 00:48:59.690 be. If you're struggling with high turnover, 00:48:59.929 --> 00:49:02.170 longevity is your answer. It's about leveraging 00:49:02.170 --> 00:49:04.230 these insights, understanding what the genetic 00:49:04.230 --> 00:49:06.630 evaluations actually mean for your farm, and 00:49:06.630 --> 00:49:09.050 making informed, strategic decisions tailored 00:49:09.050 --> 00:49:11.409 to your unique circumstances and long -term goals. 00:49:11.650 --> 00:49:14.190 So after all that incredible detail and analysis, 00:49:14.469 --> 00:49:17.269 what's the absolute key takeaway for a farmer 00:49:17.269 --> 00:49:20.309 listening today? Summing up how to navigate this 00:49:20.309 --> 00:49:24.130 evolving genetic landscape. Okay, yeah. The primary 00:49:24.130 --> 00:49:26.849 takeaway, and one I can't stress enough, is to 00:49:26.849 --> 00:49:29.289 adopt a portfolio approach to your genetic selection. 00:49:30.219 --> 00:49:32.460 The volatility we've seen, particularly in some 00:49:32.460 --> 00:49:34.860 genomic evaluations, underscores the need for 00:49:34.860 --> 00:49:37.539 genetic diversification. Don't put all your eggs 00:49:37.539 --> 00:49:39.519 in one basket, whether that basket is purely 00:49:39.519 --> 00:49:42.099 genomic or purely proven. Balance it out. Balance 00:49:42.099 --> 00:49:44.480 it out. My recommendation and what successful 00:49:44.480 --> 00:49:46.519 forward -thinking operations are doing is to 00:49:46.519 --> 00:49:49.320 build a balanced genetic portfolio. Aim for something 00:49:49.320 --> 00:49:53.559 like, say, 60 -70 % proven sires to provide that 00:49:53.559 --> 00:49:56.119 reliable foundation and stability, the rock -solid 00:49:56.119 --> 00:49:58.699 performers you can count on. Then strategically 00:49:58.699 --> 00:50:02.219 use 30 -40 % genomic young sires to capture rapid 00:50:02.219 --> 00:50:04.059 genetic advancement and push your herd forward 00:50:04.059 --> 00:50:06.320 faster in specific traits. But just based on 00:50:06.320 --> 00:50:09.440 risk tolerance. Exactly. You can adjust those 00:50:09.440 --> 00:50:11.760 percentages based on your specific risk tolerance 00:50:11.760 --> 00:50:13.760 and how aggressively you want to push genetic 00:50:13.760 --> 00:50:16.699 progress. The principle of diversification remains 00:50:16.699 --> 00:50:19.880 key to maintaining reliability while still moving 00:50:19.880 --> 00:50:22.699 your herd forward. Secondly, remember the absolute 00:50:22.699 --> 00:50:25.360 importance of market specific selection. One 00:50:25.360 --> 00:50:28.159 size absolutely does not fit all in dairy genetics. 00:50:28.420 --> 00:50:30.860 You cannot follow global rankings blindly and 00:50:30.860 --> 00:50:33.000 expect optimal results for your farm. Tailor 00:50:33.000 --> 00:50:35.340 it. You need to intimately understand your specific 00:50:35.340 --> 00:50:38.280 market's payment systems and your own farm's 00:50:38.280 --> 00:50:41.679 unique management conditions. For example, as 00:50:41.679 --> 00:50:44.320 we discussed, if you're an Italian producer focused 00:50:44.320 --> 00:50:46.739 on cheese production, your priorities for high 00:50:46.739 --> 00:50:48.599 component percentages will be very different 00:50:48.599 --> 00:50:50.820 from a Canadian operation selling fluid milk, 00:50:50.960 --> 00:50:53.119 where perhaps durability and feed efficiency 00:50:53.119 --> 00:50:55.340 are paramount due to high replacement costs and 00:50:55.340 --> 00:50:58.199 diverse climates. Tailor your strategy to the 00:50:58.199 --> 00:51:00.360 traits that genuinely drive profitability in 00:51:00.360 --> 00:51:02.960 your unique situation, rather than just chasing 00:51:02.960 --> 00:51:06.000 the highest TPI or PLI score. It's about making 00:51:06.000 --> 00:51:08.119 sure your genetics directly align with your financial 00:51:08.119 --> 00:51:11.599 goals. And finally, regarding timing genomic 00:51:11.599 --> 00:51:13.559 adoption, be progressive without being reckless. 00:51:13.880 --> 00:51:16.400 The UK's strong validation of genomic predictions 00:51:16.400 --> 00:51:18.460 through proven daughters offers a good model 00:51:18.460 --> 00:51:20.679 for where genomic accuracy can give you confidence 00:51:20.679 --> 00:51:23.539 for early adoption of superior young sires. Where 00:51:23.539 --> 00:51:26.579 it's proven to work. Right. If a system is consistently 00:51:26.579 --> 00:51:29.179 proving its genomic predictions, you can lean 00:51:29.179 --> 00:51:31.780 into them more. However, the Italian experience 00:51:31.780 --> 00:51:34.880 with a bull like cookie cutter Hadley ET, where 00:51:34.880 --> 00:51:37.659 we saw such dramatic re -rankings, serves as 00:51:37.659 --> 00:51:40.519 a very stark cautionary tale against extensive 00:51:40.519 --> 00:51:43.440 use of unproven genetics, especially in systems 00:51:43.440 --> 00:51:45.780 that show such high volatility. Be cautious. 00:51:46.079 --> 00:51:48.579 Successful breeders are adopting measured approaches, 00:51:49.000 --> 00:51:51.460 using genomic bulls selectively to accelerate 00:51:51.460 --> 00:51:53.940 progress in specific areas, while maintaining 00:51:53.940 --> 00:51:56.320 a strong core breeding program built on the rock 00:51:56.320 --> 00:51:58.929 -solid foundation of proven genetics. It's about 00:51:58.929 --> 00:52:02.010 being smart and strategic, not just jumping on 00:52:02.010 --> 00:52:04.070 every new high genomic number without understanding 00:52:04.070 --> 00:52:06.289 the underlying reliability and risk. It's about 00:52:06.289 --> 00:52:08.889 being a savvy genetic investor. Those are incredibly 00:52:08.889 --> 00:52:11.289 clear, actionable insights. And I think that's 00:52:11.289 --> 00:52:13.530 the precise roadmap producers need right now. 00:52:13.769 --> 00:52:15.849 Thank you for walking us through that. And for 00:52:15.849 --> 00:52:18.519 our listeners, here's a final thought. The future 00:52:18.519 --> 00:52:21.300 isn't about choosing between proven and genomic 00:52:21.300 --> 00:52:23.599 selection. It's about leveraging both approaches 00:52:23.599 --> 00:52:26.519 strategically and intelligently to create cattle 00:52:26.519 --> 00:52:29.059 that thrive in an increasingly challenging environment, 00:52:29.400 --> 00:52:31.300 ultimately showing up in your milk checks and 00:52:31.300 --> 00:52:34.139 boosting your bottom line. Great points. And 00:52:34.139 --> 00:52:35.760 that's all the time we have for today's Deep 00:52:35.760 --> 00:52:38.059 Dive. For more articles and insights on the dairy 00:52:38.059 --> 00:52:42.539 industry, be sure to visit www .thebullvine .com. 00:52:42.679 --> 00:52:44.599 Don't forget to subscribe wherever you get your 00:52:44.599 --> 00:52:46.590 deep dives. Thanks for listening. That wraps 00:52:46.590 --> 00:52:49.809 up today's deep dive into the August 2025 genetic 00:52:49.809 --> 00:52:52.670 evaluations. If there's one thing you take away 00:52:52.670 --> 00:52:55.590 from this episode, it's this. The gap between 00:52:55.590 --> 00:52:57.849 genomic predictions and proven performance is 00:52:57.849 --> 00:53:00.130 widening, and the winners are building balanced 00:53:00.130 --> 00:53:02.969 portfolios rather than gambling everything on 00:53:02.969 --> 00:53:05.769 unproven genetics. For all the charts, data, 00:53:05.869 --> 00:53:10.980 and detailed analysis we covered today, That's 00:53:10.980 --> 00:53:14.880 T -H -E -B -U -L -V -I -N -E dot com. You'll 00:53:14.880 --> 00:53:17.079 find the complete breakdown of every ranking 00:53:17.079 --> 00:53:20.360 change, the economic analysis behind our recommendations, 00:53:20.820 --> 00:53:23.179 and the strategic frameworks that progressive 00:53:23.179 --> 00:53:26.699 operations are already implementing. And if you 00:53:26.699 --> 00:53:29.440 found value in today's episode, make sure to 00:53:29.440 --> 00:53:32.340 subscribe to the Bullvine Podcast wherever you 00:53:32.340 --> 00:53:35.179 listen to podcasts. We bring you the genetic 00:53:35.179 --> 00:53:37.980 intelligence and market insights that influence 00:53:37.980 --> 00:53:40.789 real breeding decisions. not just the latest 00:53:40.789 --> 00:53:44.170 industry hype. Until next time, keep building 00:53:44.170 --> 00:53:47.150 herds that actually pay the bills. This has been 00:53:47.150 --> 00:53:48.170 the Bullvine Podcast.