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 --> 00:01:02.369 we're sparking Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, 00:01:02.789 --> 00:01:05.849 your go -to for no -nonsense, real talk about 00:01:05.849 --> 00:01:09.189 dairy farming. Today we're diving into a game 00:01:09.189 --> 00:01:12.090 -changer, how polled genetics are shaking up 00:01:12.090 --> 00:01:15.329 dairy herds across North America. If you've been 00:01:15.329 --> 00:01:17.450 wondering whether to stick with the old ways 00:01:17.450 --> 00:01:20.230 or jump into the polled future, we've got you 00:01:20.230 --> 00:01:22.629 covered with the facts and what it means for 00:01:22.629 --> 00:01:26.390 your bottom line. Grab a cup of coffee and let's 00:01:26.390 --> 00:01:28.810 get started. Welcome back to the Bullvine podcast, 00:01:29.069 --> 00:01:30.989 the show that digs deep into the topics that 00:01:30.989 --> 00:01:33.870 matter to dairy producers. And today we're diving 00:01:33.870 --> 00:01:37.209 headfirst into a really fascinating and frankly, 00:01:37.349 --> 00:01:40.569 groundbreaking feature article from the Bullvine. 00:01:40.859 --> 00:01:42.340 It's got everyone talking in the industry, I 00:01:42.340 --> 00:01:44.239 think. Yeah, it really does. It's about a shift 00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:47.180 so fundamental, it could really reshape how we 00:01:47.180 --> 00:01:49.579 think about herd management and profitability, 00:01:49.659 --> 00:01:51.760 too. Exactly. We're going to break it all down 00:01:51.760 --> 00:01:54.519 for you. Absolutely. Today, we're embarking on 00:01:54.519 --> 00:01:57.319 a deep dive into, well, a monumental shift in 00:01:57.319 --> 00:02:00.120 the dairy world, the unstoppable rise of pulled 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:03.359 genetics. For decades, it really felt like producers 00:02:03.359 --> 00:02:05.959 were stuck with this uncomfortable choice, you 00:02:05.959 --> 00:02:08.879 know, a perceived tradeoff between natural hornlessness, 00:02:09.060 --> 00:02:12.319 which we wanted for welfare, for safety and the 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:14.740 elite production or, you know, superior health 00:02:14.740 --> 00:02:16.960 traits you need for a competitive herd. Right. 00:02:17.020 --> 00:02:19.419 That was always the argument. But as our sources 00:02:19.419 --> 00:02:21.539 from the bullfine, specifically the articles, 00:02:21.580 --> 00:02:24.199 the end of the iron. Paul genetics take the lead 00:02:24.199 --> 00:02:27.599 and the polled revolution, a strategic analysis 00:02:27.599 --> 00:02:31.800 as they unequivocally show that era of compromise. 00:02:31.900 --> 00:02:34.939 It's definitively over. Yeah, the game has changed. 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:37.860 So our mission today is to unpack this paradigm 00:02:37.860 --> 00:02:41.479 shift, explore its true economic impact, which, 00:02:41.620 --> 00:02:44.699 spoiler alert, is far greater than many probably 00:02:44.699 --> 00:02:47.379 realize. Oh, much greater. Understand the powerful 00:02:47.379 --> 00:02:49.780 external pressures that are now driving rapid 00:02:49.780 --> 00:02:52.620 adoption, and most importantly, map out a practical 00:02:52.620 --> 00:02:55.340 sort of boots -on -the -ground strategy for producers 00:02:55.340 --> 00:02:57.860 like you to navigate this new landscape. Yeah, 00:02:57.879 --> 00:03:00.900 how to actually do it. Exactly. Get ready to 00:03:00.900 --> 00:03:02.740 rethink everything you thought you knew about 00:03:02.740 --> 00:03:05.199 dehorning. because the future of dairy, it seems 00:03:05.199 --> 00:03:08.919 to be hornless and it's here now. Okay, let's 00:03:08.919 --> 00:03:11.400 unpack this monumental news then. It's really 00:03:11.400 --> 00:03:13.659 reverberating through the industry. Our first 00:03:13.659 --> 00:03:16.530 source, the end of the iron. It practically shouts 00:03:16.530 --> 00:03:18.689 it from the headlines. Stanton's remover, PP, 00:03:18.930 --> 00:03:21.150 just claimed the number one spot on Canada's 00:03:21.150 --> 00:03:25.090 August 2025 proven Holstein LPI rankings. Number 00:03:25.090 --> 00:03:27.289 one. And this isn't just another high ranking 00:03:27.289 --> 00:03:29.689 bull. This is a homozygous pulled bull, meaning, 00:03:29.750 --> 00:03:31.729 you know, he guarantees every single one of his 00:03:31.729 --> 00:03:33.430 offspring will be born hornless. Every single 00:03:33.430 --> 00:03:36.289 one. Topping a major national index based on 00:03:36.289 --> 00:03:40.030 actual real world daughter performance. For a 00:03:40.030 --> 00:03:42.129 producer who's been in this industry for a while, 00:03:42.310 --> 00:03:45.449 how significant is this achievement? Look, it's 00:03:45.449 --> 00:03:48.289 fascinating. Yeah. Because this isn't just a 00:03:48.289 --> 00:03:51.009 new bull hitting the charts. This is the irrefutable, 00:03:51.129 --> 00:03:53.849 the undeniable proof producers have been patiently 00:03:53.849 --> 00:03:56.729 and maybe even a little skeptically waiting for. 00:03:56.849 --> 00:03:58.250 Right, waiting a long time. And for literally 00:03:58.250 --> 00:04:01.430 decades, the argument against pole genetics was 00:04:01.430 --> 00:04:03.889 simple. And to be fair, historically accurate. 00:04:04.110 --> 00:04:06.169 Yeah, it was. You had to give up something significant. 00:04:06.509 --> 00:04:09.530 Production? Health, overall genetic merit, whatever 00:04:09.530 --> 00:04:11.969 it was, if you wanted that hornless herd. And 00:04:11.969 --> 00:04:14.030 the numbers, for a long time, they backed that 00:04:14.030 --> 00:04:17.129 up. Elite genetics simply came with horns. Dehorning 00:04:17.129 --> 00:04:20.730 felt like a, well, a necessary evil for many. 00:04:20.829 --> 00:04:23.189 A cost of doing business. But Stanton's Rover 00:04:23.189 --> 00:04:27.589 PP, with an incredible 38897 LPI and LPI, the 00:04:27.589 --> 00:04:30.670 Lifetime Profit Index in Canada, it's comprehensive, 00:04:30.930 --> 00:04:33.829 right? It factors in everything. Milk, fat, durability, 00:04:34.170 --> 00:04:36.560 health, fertility. Basically, overall herd profitability. 00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:38.779 Right. The whole package. Remover's number one 00:04:38.779 --> 00:04:41.459 spot fundamentally changes that math. It just 00:04:41.459 --> 00:04:43.639 shatters it. This isn't just a feel -good animal 00:04:43.639 --> 00:04:47.139 welfare pick anymore. This is top -tier genetic 00:04:47.139 --> 00:04:50.240 performance without compromise. Wow. It's that 00:04:50.240 --> 00:04:53.160 moment where ethics and economics finally, truly 00:04:53.160 --> 00:04:57.430 align. And that clears the path for an industry 00:04:57.430 --> 00:05:00.009 -wide transformation driven by both sides of 00:05:00.009 --> 00:05:02.329 the equation. And it really is a monumental shift 00:05:02.329 --> 00:05:04.189 when you think about that historical context 00:05:04.189 --> 00:05:07.029 you just mentioned. For nearly 30 years, the 00:05:07.029 --> 00:05:09.529 conventional wisdom for, you know, keeping on 00:05:09.529 --> 00:05:12.470 with dehorning was rock solid. Producers had 00:05:12.470 --> 00:05:15.069 a legitimate excuse, as the Bullvine article 00:05:15.069 --> 00:05:17.509 puts it. They really did. Choosing pulled genetics 00:05:17.509 --> 00:05:20.569 meant sacrificing vital production, health, confirmation 00:05:20.569 --> 00:05:24.050 traits. The pulled gene pool was... Well, it 00:05:24.050 --> 00:05:27.069 was too limited, which led to legitimate concerns 00:05:27.069 --> 00:05:30.050 about lower genetic merit and, frankly, the practical 00:05:30.050 --> 00:05:32.129 challenge of potential inbreeding because of 00:05:32.129 --> 00:05:34.189 that restricted genetic diversity. Exactly. You 00:05:34.189 --> 00:05:37.110 didn't have many options. Historically, the polled 00:05:37.110 --> 00:05:39.870 allele frequency in, say, the U .S. Holstein 00:05:39.870 --> 00:05:42.949 population was less than 1%. Can you imagine 00:05:42.949 --> 00:05:45.689 trying to find a competitive polled sire back 00:05:45.689 --> 00:05:48.430 then, one that could truly stand shoulder to 00:05:48.430 --> 00:05:50.870 shoulder with the top horned bulls? Almost impossible. 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:53.839 Where you took a big hit somewhere else. Incredibly 00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:55.980 difficult. So for a long time, the dehorning 00:05:55.980 --> 00:05:58.439 iron, yeah, not ideal for the animals or the 00:05:58.439 --> 00:06:01.500 farm, but it felt like a necessary evil to maintain 00:06:01.500 --> 00:06:03.939 herd performance and stay competitive. It did. 00:06:04.100 --> 00:06:06.740 That excuse, as our source so powerfully states, 00:06:06.899 --> 00:06:09.939 it has just died. Yeah, it's gone. And what truly 00:06:09.939 --> 00:06:12.019 killed that excuse, what shattered that 30 -year 00:06:12.019 --> 00:06:14.480 -old barrier, was the genomic revolution. No 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:16.560 question. Ah, genomics. Okay. The introduction 00:06:16.560 --> 00:06:19.420 of genomic testing back in 2009. Absolute game 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:22.050 changer. fundamentally altered the pace, the 00:06:22.050 --> 00:06:24.290 direction of genetic progress, instead of waiting 00:06:24.290 --> 00:06:26.329 years for daughters to prove a bull's worth. 00:06:26.430 --> 00:06:29.189 Yeah, the old progeny testing. Right. Genomics 00:06:29.189 --> 00:06:32.870 allows for early and incredibly accurate identification 00:06:32.870 --> 00:06:36.589 of genetically superior polled animals just by 00:06:36.589 --> 00:06:38.529 analyzing their DNA markers. It's like having 00:06:38.529 --> 00:06:41.069 a crystal ball for breeding, almost. It really 00:06:41.069 --> 00:06:43.769 is. And this dramatically accelerated genetic 00:06:43.769 --> 00:06:46.310 progress in a way that conventional breeding 00:06:46.310 --> 00:06:48.959 just couldn't touch. We're seeing this play out 00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:51.100 in the numbers. Look at the polled gene frequency 00:06:51.100 --> 00:06:54.019 among Canadian Holsteins. It surged from just 00:06:54.019 --> 00:06:58.600 1 .5 % in 2015. Tiny. To an estimated 12 .5 % 00:06:58.600 --> 00:07:01.600 by 2025. That's not just slow growth. That's 00:07:01.600 --> 00:07:04.459 exponential growth. Oh, huge jump. Fueled directly 00:07:04.459 --> 00:07:07.519 by the ability to find and use these high -ranking 00:07:07.519 --> 00:07:10.120 polled sires that were sort of hidden in those 00:07:10.120 --> 00:07:12.519 hornless bloodlines. One of our sources really 00:07:12.519 --> 00:07:14.300 highlights this. And the proof of purity is there 00:07:14.300 --> 00:07:16.000 too, right? It's not just potential anymore. 00:07:16.319 --> 00:07:19.759 It's undeniable. The April 2025 Holstein Canada 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:23.060 LPI evaluation had nine polled bulls in the top 00:07:23.060 --> 00:07:26.160 100 LPI. That solidifies their mainstream status 00:07:26.160 --> 00:07:28.240 right there. Nine in the top 100. Okay. And in 00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:31.680 the U .S., top mazagas polled PP sires now average 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:35.040 over 1 ,100 in net merit, NM. And net merit, 00:07:35.100 --> 00:07:37.459 that's a robust economic index, predicts lifetime 00:07:37.459 --> 00:07:39.399 profitability. Right. And the heterozygous, the 00:07:39.399 --> 00:07:42.339 PFIRs, genetically on par with their horned counterparts. 00:07:42.540 --> 00:07:44.680 This isn't just theory anymore. It's proven demonstrable 00:07:44.680 --> 00:07:47.220 parity. The numbers are there. So it's not just 00:07:47.220 --> 00:07:49.379 about catching up to horn genetics anymore, is 00:07:49.379 --> 00:07:52.120 it? The sources actually highlight an accelerated 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:54.720 rate of gain for polled. That's fascinating. 00:07:54.899 --> 00:07:58.240 It is. Between 2011 and 2015, for example, top 00:07:58.240 --> 00:08:02.139 polled bulls improved their LPI by 162 points 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:05.180 annually. Okay. While the top horn bulls, they 00:08:05.180 --> 00:08:07.939 improved by only 91 points per year in that same 00:08:07.939 --> 00:08:10.660 period. So polled gained faster. Much faster. 00:08:10.980 --> 00:08:15.199 Polled sires showed a 178 % higher rate of genetic 00:08:15.199 --> 00:08:18.430 gain. during that specific window. This isn't 00:08:18.430 --> 00:08:20.870 just parity. This data suggests a really compelling 00:08:20.870 --> 00:08:23.149 trajectory where polled genetics might very well 00:08:23.149 --> 00:08:25.810 soon lead the entire industry. Dude, not just 00:08:25.810 --> 00:08:27.910 match. Pushing the boundaries of what's possible 00:08:27.910 --> 00:08:30.769 in genetic improvement. So for a producer, investing 00:08:30.769 --> 00:08:33.029 in polled isn't just keeping pace anymore. It's 00:08:33.029 --> 00:08:34.850 potentially getting ahead of the curve. Okay. 00:08:34.909 --> 00:08:37.529 And Stanton's remover PP is the poster child 00:08:37.529 --> 00:08:40.549 for this then? Precisely. He's the poster child 00:08:40.549 --> 00:08:43.730 for this new, exciting era. His number one ranking 00:08:43.730 --> 00:08:48.409 at 388097 LPI is a landmark achievement, not 00:08:48.409 --> 00:08:50.529 just for him, but for the whole polled breeding 00:08:50.529 --> 00:08:52.970 movement. And the critical distinction here, 00:08:53.049 --> 00:08:56.350 Sarah, is that he is the first homozygous polled 00:08:56.350 --> 00:09:00.629 bull to top a major national index based on actual 00:09:00.629 --> 00:09:03.889 daughter performance. Not just genomics, real 00:09:03.889 --> 00:09:06.539 daughters. Exactly. This isn't just a prediction, 00:09:06.659 --> 00:09:08.600 which is powerful, don't get me wrong. This is 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:11.360 real -world proof, derived from hundreds of daughters 00:09:11.360 --> 00:09:14.139 across dozens of herds. That gives incredibly 00:09:14.139 --> 00:09:16.799 high reliability and consistency in his performance. 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:19.200 Right, confidence. So for producers, this means 00:09:19.200 --> 00:09:20.840 you're investing in a bull that doesn't just 00:09:20.840 --> 00:09:23.779 promise, but guarantees 100 % polled offspring. 00:09:24.080 --> 00:09:25.860 Guarantees it. This eliminates that last bit 00:09:25.860 --> 00:09:28.549 of the trade -off. It allows for a rapid, seamless 00:09:28.549 --> 00:09:31.230 polled transition without any compromise on top 00:09:31.230 --> 00:09:33.710 -tier genetics. It just fundamentally reshapes 00:09:33.710 --> 00:09:35.529 the risk -reward calculation, gives producers 00:09:35.529 --> 00:09:37.629 real confidence in that investment. And Remover 00:09:37.629 --> 00:09:39.809 isn't an anomaly, which is another really crucial 00:09:39.809 --> 00:09:42.309 point for listeners. The sources also point to 00:09:42.309 --> 00:09:44.789 other elite examples, right? Definitely not an 00:09:44.789 --> 00:09:51.049 anomaly. They mention FB8084, Adabao PET. He 00:09:51.049 --> 00:09:53.830 consistently ranks among elite proven peace hires 00:09:53.830 --> 00:09:57.090 on the US TPI lists. TPI, Total Performance Index, 00:09:57.389 --> 00:10:00.470 another big one. Right. Another major index balances 00:10:00.470 --> 00:10:03.590 production, health, type. These examples show 00:10:03.590 --> 00:10:06.570 there's a diverse growing pool of high ranking 00:10:06.570 --> 00:10:09.610 poll genetics available. It's not a one off miracle 00:10:09.610 --> 00:10:13.350 bull. It's a clear, sustained trend. The depth 00:10:13.350 --> 00:10:16.039 is there now. OK, so the trend is clear. For 00:10:16.039 --> 00:10:17.980 producers looking to embrace this, maybe we should 00:10:17.980 --> 00:10:19.580 quickly cover the basics of polled inheritance, 00:10:19.919 --> 00:10:21.600 just to be sure everyone's on the same page. 00:10:21.799 --> 00:10:23.659 Yeah, good idea. It's actually pretty straightforward. 00:10:23.759 --> 00:10:25.759 It's controlled by a single dominant gene. You 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:27.919 know, dominant. Meaning, if an animal inherits 00:10:27.919 --> 00:10:30.759 just one copy of the polled allele, they'll be 00:10:30.759 --> 00:10:33.120 born hornless. Just one copy does it. This simple 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:35.480 pattern gives us three main genotypes, each with 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:37.080 different implications for your breeding program. 00:10:37.779 --> 00:10:41.379 First, you have PP homozygous polled, two copies 00:10:41.379 --> 00:10:43.679 of the polled allele. Okay, PP, double polled. 00:10:43.820 --> 00:10:45.870 They are, of course, phenotypically hornless. 00:10:46.210 --> 00:10:49.149 But the strategic part is they will pass a polled 00:10:49.149 --> 00:10:52.789 allele to 100 % of their offspring. Every single 00:10:52.789 --> 00:10:55.669 calf is guaranteed hornless, no matter who the 00:10:55.669 --> 00:10:57.629 mate is. Doesn't matter what the cow is. Doesn't 00:10:57.629 --> 00:11:00.690 matter. This PP genotype is truly the cornerstone 00:11:00.690 --> 00:11:04.029 for an accelerated, really rapid herd transition. 00:11:04.480 --> 00:11:06.799 If you want to get there fast, PP is the tool. 00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:09.899 Right. So use a PP bowl. Every single calf is 00:11:09.899 --> 00:11:12.460 pulled. Simplifies things immensely. Then we 00:11:12.460 --> 00:11:15.700 have PP heterozygous pulled. Right. PP, one pulled 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:18.480 allele, one horned allele. So mixed genetically. 00:11:18.960 --> 00:11:21.759 Mixed genetically, but they're also phenotypically 00:11:21.759 --> 00:11:24.100 pulled. They won't have horns themselves. They 00:11:24.100 --> 00:11:26.480 look pulled. They look pulled. However, on average, 00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:29.440 they only transmit that pulled allele to 50 % 00:11:29.440 --> 00:11:31.809 of their progeny. Half get it, half don't. Okay. 00:11:31.870 --> 00:11:34.610 50 -50 chance. Exactly. So this genotype is central 00:11:34.610 --> 00:11:37.289 to more gradual, maybe more balanced transition 00:11:37.289 --> 00:11:39.610 strategies. Because you can still get horned 00:11:39.610 --> 00:11:41.490 calves, which has cost implications we'll talk 00:11:41.490 --> 00:11:43.649 about. It requires careful management. Okay. 00:11:43.669 --> 00:11:48.190 And the last one is PP. Simple. PP is homozygous 00:11:48.190 --> 00:11:52.600 horned. Two horned alleles. These animals will 00:11:52.600 --> 00:11:55.600 always be born with horns. Always horned. Understanding 00:11:55.600 --> 00:11:58.879 these distinctions, PP, PP and PP, is just crucial 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:01.240 for making smart, targeted breeding decisions 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:03.980 that align with your herd's transition goals, 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:06.919 whether you want to go fast or take a more measured 00:12:06.919 --> 00:12:10.169 approach. Got it. Okay, one common point of confusion 00:12:10.169 --> 00:12:12.029 our sources bring up, and I've heard this too, 00:12:12.169 --> 00:12:15.710 is the scurs anomaly. Ah, yes, scurs. Producers 00:12:15.710 --> 00:12:17.809 might see scurs, those little loose horn -like 00:12:17.809 --> 00:12:20.470 growths, and mistakenly think, oh, the polled 00:12:20.470 --> 00:12:22.710 breeding failed, or this animal isn't really 00:12:22.710 --> 00:12:25.090 polled, but that's not right, is it? Not at all. 00:12:25.169 --> 00:12:27.490 And it's really critical to clarify this. Scurs 00:12:27.490 --> 00:12:29.769 are definitely not a genetic failure of the polled 00:12:29.769 --> 00:12:31.889 trait itself. They are actually controlled by 00:12:31.889 --> 00:12:33.870 a completely separate gene. Different gene entirely. 00:12:34.190 --> 00:12:36.830 Different gene. And its expression is sex -influenced. 00:12:37.450 --> 00:12:39.850 It acts dominant in males but recessive in females. 00:12:39.990 --> 00:12:42.409 Oh, interesting. So more common in bulls. You'll 00:12:42.409 --> 00:12:45.009 see them more often in bulls, yes. But here's 00:12:45.009 --> 00:12:48.289 the key point. Scurs only appear on heterozygous 00:12:48.289 --> 00:12:50.750 polled animals. Only on the poop ones. Only on 00:12:50.750 --> 00:12:54.309 the pee -pee. You will never see scurs on a homozygous 00:12:54.309 --> 00:12:57.250 polled pee -pee or a homozygous horned pee -pee 00:12:57.250 --> 00:13:01.549 animal. So in a way, their presence is actually 00:13:01.549 --> 00:13:04.769 a useful visual indicator that an animal is a 00:13:04.769 --> 00:13:06.710 pee -pee carrier. Like a little flag saying, 00:13:06.789 --> 00:13:10.370 I'm PP. Exactly. Which highlights the critical 00:13:10.370 --> 00:13:12.830 importance of staff training for accurate identification 00:13:12.830 --> 00:13:15.690 and recording. You absolutely do not want to 00:13:15.690 --> 00:13:17.950 accidentally dehorn a calf with scurs thinking 00:13:17.950 --> 00:13:20.190 it's fully horned when it's actually carrying 00:13:20.190 --> 00:13:22.610 that valuable pole gene. Oh, yeah. That would 00:13:22.610 --> 00:13:25.110 be a very costly mistake, genetically and financially. 00:13:25.370 --> 00:13:27.889 Huge mistake. Wipes out the benefit right there. 00:13:28.009 --> 00:13:29.990 So what does this all mean for you, the dairy 00:13:29.990 --> 00:13:32.590 producer listening today? Big picture on the 00:13:32.590 --> 00:13:36.259 genetics. Big picture. The genetic quality is 00:13:36.259 --> 00:13:38.860 no longer a barrier. Full stop. You can have 00:13:38.860 --> 00:13:41.019 elite, high -performing cows and be hornless. 00:13:41.200 --> 00:13:43.259 You no longer have to choose between optimal 00:13:43.259 --> 00:13:45.980 performance and enhanced animal welfare or improved 00:13:45.980 --> 00:13:49.299 farm safety. That choice, it's now obsolete. 00:13:49.360 --> 00:13:52.159 The genetics are there. Okay, so the genetic 00:13:52.159 --> 00:13:55.080 barrier is clearly gone. Incredible possibilities 00:13:55.080 --> 00:13:58.740 for breeding there. But in farming, breakthroughs 00:13:58.740 --> 00:14:01.000 only really matter if they make economic sense, 00:14:01.179 --> 00:14:03.419 right? The bottom line. Always comes back to 00:14:03.419 --> 00:14:05.539 the bottom line. So let's peel back the layers 00:14:05.539 --> 00:14:08.179 of what you think dehorning costs. Because our 00:14:08.179 --> 00:14:10.840 sources reveal a financial brain that's far deeper 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:12.899 than most producers probably realize. Oh, yeah. 00:14:13.320 --> 00:14:16.200 Much deeper. When we talk about the comprehensive 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:19.679 economic calculus of dehorning, what does this 00:14:19.679 --> 00:14:21.940 actually uncover for our listeners? Well, it 00:14:21.940 --> 00:14:23.820 raises a really important question, doesn't it? 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:27.000 Are producers truly calculating the full financial 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:30.080 drain of keeping a horned herd? Probably not 00:14:30.080 --> 00:14:32.620 everything. Exactly. Maybe just look at the obvious, 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:36.019 the direct costs, which, frankly, are just the 00:14:36.019 --> 00:14:39.340 tip of a very large and eroding iceberg. The 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:42.139 iceberg. OK. The indirect costs, the ones that 00:14:42.139 --> 00:14:45.120 are often unquantified, maybe ignored. They are 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:48.240 continuous silent drag on profitability. And 00:14:48.240 --> 00:14:50.659 for a typical 500 cow operation, we're not talking 00:14:50.659 --> 00:14:53.039 minor expenses here. These figures can quickly 00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:56.360 hit six digits over time, accumulating silently 00:14:56.360 --> 00:15:00.230 in the background. Six digits. Wow. It's a significant, 00:15:00.409 --> 00:15:03.269 often overlooked burden on your bottom line. 00:15:03.370 --> 00:15:05.190 Okay, let's break those costs down then, starting 00:15:05.190 --> 00:15:07.230 with the direct expenses, because even they've 00:15:07.230 --> 00:15:09.110 become more complex lately, haven't they? They 00:15:09.110 --> 00:15:11.750 absolutely have. Industry analyses traditionally 00:15:11.750 --> 00:15:14.950 put the procedure and labor for dehorning somewhere 00:15:14.950 --> 00:15:18.769 between, say, $6 to $25 per head. Wide range. 00:15:18.870 --> 00:15:21.429 Wide range, yeah. But a widely accepted average 00:15:21.429 --> 00:15:25.169 was... often in the $12 to $13 range. But like 00:15:25.169 --> 00:15:26.769 you said, that's not even the full direct cost 00:15:26.769 --> 00:15:29.230 anymore. Right. What changed? Mandatory pain 00:15:29.230 --> 00:15:32.129 mitigation. This is now, frankly, non -negotiable 00:15:32.129 --> 00:15:34.549 across most of North America. Okay. The regulations. 00:15:34.970 --> 00:15:38.039 Exactly. New regulations. like the NFACC Code 00:15:38.039 --> 00:15:41.059 of Practice in Canada, updated in 2023, and the 00:15:41.059 --> 00:15:43.940 U .S. National Dairy Farm Program 5 .0, which 00:15:43.940 --> 00:15:46.940 covers, what, over 98 % of the U .S. milk supply? 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:48.960 Pretty much everyone, yeah. Both now mandate 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:51.179 documented pain control for any horn removal 00:15:51.179 --> 00:15:53.399 procedure? Yeah. Disbutting, dehorning, doesn't 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:55.340 matter? Mandate, not optional. Not optional. 00:15:55.379 --> 00:15:57.860 It's a strict compliance requirement. And this 00:15:57.860 --> 00:16:02.059 adds, at a minimum, about $3 .25 per calf just 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:05.120 for the local anesthetic and the systemic NSAI, 00:16:05.159 --> 00:16:08.309 the anti -inflammatories. Okay, so $3 .25 just 00:16:08.309 --> 00:16:10.970 for pain meds. Just for the required pain meds. 00:16:10.970 --> 00:16:13.529 To manage both the immediate pain and the post 00:16:13.529 --> 00:16:16.750 -procedural discomfort. So you combine the procedure, 00:16:16.950 --> 00:16:19.210 the labor, and the mandatory pain medication. 00:16:19.649 --> 00:16:22.429 The minimum direct cost of dehorning a single 00:16:22.429 --> 00:16:26.090 calf now sits somewhere around $15 to $18. $15 00:16:26.090 --> 00:16:29.529 to $18 minimum direct cost. Okay, and that's 00:16:29.529 --> 00:16:32.149 before we even touch the indirect costs, which 00:16:32.149 --> 00:16:34.279 are often much larger. And those hidden costs, 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:36.340 that's where the economic argument for polled 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:38.840 really gets strong, isn't it? Undeniable. Let's 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:40.799 start with what our sources call growth performance 00:16:40.799 --> 00:16:43.940 loss. Okay. Growth loss. They highlight that 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:46.659 the physiological stress and the pain from dehorning 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:49.600 cause a well -documented setback in calf performance. 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:53.419 It's proven science. How so? We're talking reduced 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:57.200 feed intake, slower average daily gain. ADG, 00:16:57.259 --> 00:17:00.039 for weeks following the procedure. Weeks, not 00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:02.159 just days. Weeks. And this isn't just about a 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:04.460 few pounds here or there. There's a strong scientifically 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:07.880 proven link between pre -weaning ADG and a heifer's 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:10.119 subsequent first lactation milk production. Oh, 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:11.960 yeah. So it affects them long term. Exactly. 00:17:12.440 --> 00:17:14.920 This early life stressor isn't just temporary. 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:18.019 It has lasting negative economic consequences 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:21.240 on that animal's lifetime productivity. The estimated 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:23.920 economic value of just this production drag, 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:29.049 around $4 .50 per calf. $4 .50 just from slower 00:17:29.049 --> 00:17:31.289 growth. And it compounds across your entire calf 00:17:31.289 --> 00:17:34.230 crop year after year after year. Wow. Okay, what 00:17:34.230 --> 00:17:36.849 else? Health complications. Absolutely. Very 00:17:36.849 --> 00:17:39.750 real health complications. Dehorning, by its 00:17:39.750 --> 00:17:42.829 nature, creates an open wound. Any open wound 00:17:42.829 --> 00:17:45.349 significantly elevates the risk of infection, 00:17:45.609 --> 00:17:48.369 other complications, things that need extra treatments, 00:17:48.589 --> 00:17:51.069 vet care. Makes sense. Our sources indicate the 00:17:51.069 --> 00:17:52.730 probability of needing treatment is somewhere 00:17:52.730 --> 00:17:55.650 between 3 % and 8 % for dehorned calves. Okay. 00:17:55.750 --> 00:17:58.369 Compare that to only 1 % to 3 % for their polled 00:17:58.369 --> 00:18:00.470 counterparts. Much lower risk. Big difference. 00:18:00.750 --> 00:18:02.410 Big difference. When you average this across 00:18:02.410 --> 00:18:05.150 a herd, factor in the cost of antibiotics, anti 00:18:05.150 --> 00:18:08.190 -inflammatories, maybe vet call -outs. This risk 00:18:08.190 --> 00:18:10.650 translates to an additional cost of roughly $2 00:18:10.650 --> 00:18:14.690 .75 per head. Another $2 .75 for health issues. 00:18:14.769 --> 00:18:16.710 Money directly out of your pocket that you just 00:18:16.710 --> 00:18:18.509 wouldn't be spending on a pulled animal. Okay. 00:18:19.089 --> 00:18:22.349 Another cost the sources mention is carcass bruising 00:18:22.349 --> 00:18:24.990 penalties. How does that fit in? Yeah, this one's 00:18:24.990 --> 00:18:27.230 often overlooked, especially maybe on dairies 00:18:27.230 --> 00:18:30.329 not focused on beef crosses. But horns are a 00:18:30.329 --> 00:18:32.700 leading cause of carcass bruising. During transport 00:18:32.700 --> 00:18:35.059 and handling? Exactly. Not just bruising the 00:18:35.059 --> 00:18:37.079 horned animal itself, but also its herd mates. 00:18:37.460 --> 00:18:39.539 Packers hate it. Because they have to trim it 00:18:39.539 --> 00:18:42.119 off. Right. It resulted in financial penalties 00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:44.319 from packers due to trim loss at the processing 00:18:44.319 --> 00:18:47.519 plant. Our sources estimate this cost at about 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:51.289 $1 .25 to $1 .90 per head. Doesn't sound like 00:18:51.289 --> 00:18:53.890 much per head, but. But it adds up, especially 00:18:53.890 --> 00:18:56.150 relevant if you're running dairy beef cross programs 00:18:56.150 --> 00:18:58.910 or even just marketing your cull cows. Every 00:18:58.910 --> 00:19:01.349 penny adds up quickly in volume, directly hits 00:19:01.349 --> 00:19:03.430 the final value of those animals. Right. And 00:19:03.430 --> 00:19:06.529 what about just handling them day to day, worker 00:19:06.529 --> 00:19:09.569 safety? Huge factor. We certainly can't forget 00:19:09.569 --> 00:19:12.109 handling inefficiencies and the critical aspect 00:19:12.109 --> 00:19:14.490 of worker safety. It's harder to put an exact 00:19:14.490 --> 00:19:17.250 dollar figure on every single instance, maybe. 00:19:17.509 --> 00:19:20.450 But horns undoubtedly cost producers an estimated 00:19:20.450 --> 00:19:24.109 $1 to $3 per head. Increased time spent sorting, 00:19:24.250 --> 00:19:26.930 moving, treating horned animals. They slow down 00:19:26.930 --> 00:19:29.789 routines in parlors and headlocks. Reduces overall 00:19:29.789 --> 00:19:32.390 labor efficiency. More hassle. More hassle. But 00:19:32.390 --> 00:19:34.650 more importantly, they pose a constant risk of 00:19:34.650 --> 00:19:37.079 injury. to the animals themselves bruising, stress, 00:19:37.319 --> 00:19:40.079 and crucially a significant safety risk for your 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:42.240 staff. Yeah, that's a big one. During daily chores, 00:19:42.559 --> 00:19:44.880 treatments, moving animals through facilities, 00:19:45.119 --> 00:19:47.819 it's an ongoing drag on labor and a potential 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:50.420 liability for your operation. Huge liability. 00:19:50.700 --> 00:19:53.539 So when you add all that up, direct costs, growth 00:19:53.539 --> 00:19:57.140 loss, health, bruising, handling, what's the 00:19:57.140 --> 00:19:59.880 total hit per calf? When all those factors are 00:19:59.880 --> 00:20:01.400 combined, the direct procedure, the mandatory 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:03.799 pain meds, the growth setbacks, increased health 00:20:03.799 --> 00:20:06.319 issues, carcass bruising, handling inefficiencies, 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:09.160 the total cost ranges from $22 to $35 per head. 00:20:09.319 --> 00:20:12.480 $22 to $35 per calf. That's not small change. 00:20:12.759 --> 00:20:14.839 Not at all. Our sources illustrate this. For 00:20:14.839 --> 00:20:18.279 a typical 500 cow operation, this totals a staggering 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:21.299 $6 ,000 to $8 ,000 annually, just to keep dehorning. 00:20:21.460 --> 00:20:24.750 $6 ,000 to $8 ,000 a year, just gone. and the 00:20:24.750 --> 00:20:27.150 University Extension analyses, they suggest these 00:20:27.150 --> 00:20:30.190 cumulative costs could easily exceed $100 ,000 00:20:30.190 --> 00:20:33.390 over 15 to 20 years. Wow. In fact, one of our 00:20:33.390 --> 00:20:36.049 sources gets really specific. A cumulative financial 00:20:36.049 --> 00:20:41.390 drain of over $116 ,400 over a 20 -year period 00:20:41.390 --> 00:20:45.670 for that 500 -cow dairy. Over $116 ,000. That's 00:20:45.670 --> 00:20:48.349 a tractor. That's a significant down payment 00:20:48.349 --> 00:20:51.329 on something major. It's a huge amount. That 00:20:51.329 --> 00:20:54.170 unquantified cumulative drain over a decade. 00:20:54.609 --> 00:20:57.490 It can absolutely eclipse the cost of major equipment 00:20:57.490 --> 00:20:59.849 or expansion capital. It's not a minor expense. 00:21:00.009 --> 00:21:02.630 It's a significant silent capital drain that 00:21:02.630 --> 00:21:04.750 is now entirely avoidable. Entirely avoidable. 00:21:04.829 --> 00:21:07.609 Okay. And what about this trap of partial adoption 00:21:07.609 --> 00:21:10.569 the sources mention? That sounds bad. It is bad. 00:21:10.609 --> 00:21:12.309 It's a critical point often overlooked. This 00:21:12.309 --> 00:21:14.130 is a particularly damaging financial scenario 00:21:14.130 --> 00:21:16.509 where a producer starts paying premiums for pulled 00:21:16.509 --> 00:21:19.319 semen. Which, like we said, can be 15 -25 % more 00:21:19.319 --> 00:21:22.140 expensive. Right. The PPE or good PPE semen costs 00:21:22.140 --> 00:21:24.819 more. Costs more. But because they're maybe primarily 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:27.180 using heterozygous PPE lapires to manage cost, 00:21:27.420 --> 00:21:30.539 they still get maybe 50 % horned calves. So they 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:33.099 still incur roughly half the traditional dehorning 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:35.470 costs. for those horned calves born from those 00:21:35.470 --> 00:21:38.190 matings. Ah, so you're paying extra for semen 00:21:38.190 --> 00:21:40.609 A and D still paying to dehorn half the calves. 00:21:41.009 --> 00:21:44.029 Exactly. It's like buying a hybrid car but only 00:21:44.029 --> 00:21:46.170 using electric mode half the time while still 00:21:46.170 --> 00:21:48.190 paying for premium gas the rest of the time. 00:21:48.490 --> 00:21:51.009 You're paying a premium for only partial savings. 00:21:51.250 --> 00:21:53.730 The worst of both worlds, kind of. Pretty much. 00:21:53.869 --> 00:21:56.589 Higher input cost for the genetics without fully 00:21:56.589 --> 00:21:59.470 realizing the operational savings of having a 00:21:59.470 --> 00:22:02.869 truly hornless herd. It's a cash flow drain without 00:22:02.869 --> 00:22:05.690 the full benefit. Really inefficient. That's 00:22:05.690 --> 00:22:07.869 a really important distinction. Highlights the 00:22:07.869 --> 00:22:10.230 need for a clear strategy, not just dabbling. 00:22:10.369 --> 00:22:12.490 And it's not just about what you save, right? 00:22:12.609 --> 00:22:14.650 It's also about what you might gain in market 00:22:14.650 --> 00:22:17.710 value. Good point. Our sources highlight that 00:22:17.710 --> 00:22:20.509 the 100 % poll designation is rapidly becoming 00:22:20.509 --> 00:22:23.279 a recognized premium for breeding stock. For 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:25.759 heifers, bulls. Especially high -value replacement 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:27.960 heifers, service bulls, particularly in private 00:22:27.960 --> 00:22:30.559 sales. Maybe not always tracked consistently 00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:32.420 in public auctions here yet. Not yet, maybe. 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:35.140 But data from places like Australia, it shows 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:39.940 tangible premiums. $15 to $30 AUD per head for 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:42.200 polled breeding animals. That shows an emerging 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:44.599 market preference. A value signal. Definitely. 00:22:44.799 --> 00:22:47.539 And beyond direct sales, polled status also acts 00:22:47.539 --> 00:22:50.420 as a crucial risk management tool. Insurers continue 00:22:50.420 --> 00:22:52.259 to access to high value markets, which I think 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:54.859 leads nicely into our next theme. OK, but first, 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:57.000 the bottom line on economics for the listener. 00:22:57.059 --> 00:23:00.339 Bottom line, you are quite literally hemorrhaging 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:04.440 money every single year through dehorning. And 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:06.380 these costs are only going up with new regulations, 00:23:06.640 --> 00:23:09.160 mandatory pain mitigation. The cost is increasing, 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:11.779 not decreasing. Exactly. Eliminating dehorning 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:14.019 isn't just a feel good measure or just responding 00:23:14.019 --> 00:23:16.920 to pressure. It's a direct, measurable return 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:19.079 on investment that will significantly impact 00:23:19.079 --> 00:23:21.640 your bottom line, not just next year, but for 00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:24.200 decades to come. It's a smart business decision 00:23:24.200 --> 00:23:27.569 now. OK, so we've clearly established the genetics 00:23:27.569 --> 00:23:30.569 are here. They're elite. The economics demand 00:23:30.569 --> 00:23:32.589 going polled when you look at the whole picture. 00:23:32.730 --> 00:23:35.450 But beyond the farm gate, there are these powerful 00:23:35.450 --> 00:23:38.349 external forces at play. It really seems like 00:23:38.349 --> 00:23:40.569 regulators and the market are making this transition 00:23:40.569 --> 00:23:43.890 less of an option, more of an imperative. That's 00:23:43.890 --> 00:23:45.869 absolutely right. It's not just about what's 00:23:45.869 --> 00:23:47.950 happening on your farm anymore. Right. If we 00:23:47.950 --> 00:23:50.690 connect this to the bigger picture, these external 00:23:50.690 --> 00:23:53.710 pressures are fundamentally reshaping the business 00:23:53.710 --> 00:23:56.670 environment for dairy. They're creating a scenario 00:23:56.670 --> 00:24:00.450 where polled status is rapidly becoming the expected 00:24:00.450 --> 00:24:03.170 standard, not just a nice -to -have. The expectation. 00:24:03.630 --> 00:24:06.930 The expectation. And critically, failing to adapt 00:24:06.930 --> 00:24:10.069 poses a significant market access risk. This 00:24:10.069 --> 00:24:11.789 isn't just about keeping up. It's about future 00:24:11.789 --> 00:24:14.009 -proofing your entire operation, securing your 00:24:14.009 --> 00:24:16.109 place in the supply chain going forward. Okay, 00:24:16.170 --> 00:24:18.230 let's dig into this new regulatory landscape 00:24:18.230 --> 00:24:20.609 first. Because it's already here. It's impacting 00:24:20.609 --> 00:24:23.109 producers right now. It is. Both Canada's NFACC 00:24:23.109 --> 00:24:25.849 Code of Practice, the 2023 update, and the U 00:24:25.849 --> 00:24:28.630 .S. National Dairy Farm Program 5 .0. They've 00:24:28.630 --> 00:24:30.710 introduced significant changes. Tell us about 00:24:30.710 --> 00:24:34.309 the Canadian Code first. The Canadian Code, NFACC. 00:24:34.710 --> 00:24:38.029 It unequivocally requires both local anesthesia 00:24:38.029 --> 00:24:42.190 and a systemic NSAID for any horn removal. No 00:24:42.190 --> 00:24:46.049 ambiguity. Both. Local and systemic. Both. It's 00:24:46.049 --> 00:24:48.910 not a recommendation. It's a clear, auditable 00:24:48.910 --> 00:24:52.769 standard. And critically, the NFACC code also 00:24:52.769 --> 00:24:56.289 strongly encourages using pole genetics as the 00:24:56.289 --> 00:24:58.329 preferred method. Preferred method, okay. That's 00:24:58.329 --> 00:25:01.069 a clear regulatory endorsement for a genetic 00:25:01.069 --> 00:25:03.329 solution over just a management practice. And 00:25:03.329 --> 00:25:05.230 that's strong encouragement. It becomes more 00:25:05.230 --> 00:25:06.789 forceful when you think about audits, right? 00:25:06.849 --> 00:25:08.890 It quickly becomes a de facto mandate when you 00:25:08.890 --> 00:25:11.069 consider the audit trail. And in the U .S., the 00:25:11.069 --> 00:25:13.990 Farm Program 5 .0 also now mandates documented 00:25:13.990 --> 00:25:16.250 pain management for disbudding. So same pressure 00:25:16.250 --> 00:25:18.630 in the U .S.? Same pressure. It universalizes 00:25:18.630 --> 00:25:20.950 the increased cost and, crucially, the increased 00:25:20.950 --> 00:25:23.029 administrative complexity for American producers. 00:25:23.390 --> 00:25:26.269 So Canada or the U .S., these rules mean more 00:25:26.269 --> 00:25:28.809 than just changing practice. They require an 00:25:28.809 --> 00:25:31.289 extensive, meticulous audit trail. The paperwork. 00:25:31.509 --> 00:25:34.980 The paperwork. Compliance is not optional. Programs 00:25:34.980 --> 00:25:37.579 like Canada's ProAction, for example, require 00:25:37.579 --> 00:25:41.160 rigorous audits. Records, protocols, maybe even 00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:44.440 video evidence, detailed vet logs. Right. Proof. 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:47.279 Proof. Failure to provide documented proof of 00:25:47.279 --> 00:25:49.559 pain control. It can lead to corrective action 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:52.940 plans, maybe financial penalties, and most critically, 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:55.700 it can jeopardize your access to processors and 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:58.539 co -ops that require that certification. Losing 00:25:58.539 --> 00:26:01.599 your market. Exactly. The beauty of polled genetics 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:04.259 here, it eliminates this paperwork headache entirely. 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:08.099 One genomic test gives you permanent, irrefutable 00:26:08.099 --> 00:26:10.740 verification of hornless status at birth. Done. 00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:13.180 Beats years of logging pain meds. Beats years 00:26:13.180 --> 00:26:16.160 of ongoing documentation and audits. It's a permanent 00:26:16.160 --> 00:26:18.039 solution to a recurring compliance headache. 00:26:18.339 --> 00:26:20.839 Huge operational advantage. Okay, huge advantage 00:26:20.839 --> 00:26:23.259 for compliance, peace of mind. But it's not just 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:25.079 regulators setting these standards. The market 00:26:25.079 --> 00:26:27.299 is speaking too, right? The supply chain. Absolutely. 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:30.319 The voice of the market, particularly the powerful 00:26:30.319 --> 00:26:33.200 supply chain, is another major driver. Major 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:36.299 food companies, big retailers, they are actively 00:26:36.299 --> 00:26:39.480 translating evolving consumer sentiment into 00:26:39.480 --> 00:26:42.640 formal sourcing policies. Policies that explicitly 00:26:42.640 --> 00:26:45.700 favor polled genetics. Favoring polled. Why? 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:48.599 They're positioning it as a key animal welfare 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:50.680 credential. This is where it gets really interesting 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:52.779 for your long -term market security. Okay. These 00:26:52.779 --> 00:26:54.859 are global brands, and they are listening very 00:26:54.859 --> 00:26:57.319 carefully to their consumers. Let's look at some 00:26:57.319 --> 00:26:59.579 of these corporate policies. Like who? Nestle, 00:26:59.619 --> 00:27:02.680 for example. Yeah. Global food giant. They identify 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:05.920 dehorning as a key focus in their global commitment 00:27:05.920 --> 00:27:09.519 to animal welfare. They target phasing out dehorning 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:12.200 without anesthesia and analgesia from their entire 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:14.599 supply chain. Okay. That's a clear signal. Huge 00:27:14.599 --> 00:27:16.960 signal. General Mills, another household name. 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:20.140 They directly support responsible polled breeding 00:27:20.140 --> 00:27:22.960 practices as a primary means to eliminate dehorning. 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:25.539 They even cite the success this approach has 00:27:25.539 --> 00:27:28.039 already had in the beef industry. So they see 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:31.460 it works elsewhere. They see it works. And Dunkin' 00:27:31.460 --> 00:27:34.079 brands, even more explicit in their public statements, 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:37.420 they say they support the use of polled genetics 00:27:37.420 --> 00:27:40.680 to promote polled or naturally hornless cattle 00:27:40.680 --> 00:27:44.299 to eliminate the need for dehorning. And they 00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:47.640 directly call on all their suppliers to embrace 00:27:47.640 --> 00:27:50.539 this effort. Calling on suppliers. That's direct 00:27:50.539 --> 00:27:52.619 pressure. It is. These aren't just suggestions. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:55.579 These are clear public directives. And they will 00:27:55.579 --> 00:27:58.220 increasingly impact where and how these companies 00:27:58.220 --> 00:28:00.500 source their dairy products. It affects your 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:02.700 contracts. And it makes sense why polled is so 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:04.880 strongly preferred by these big brands, doesn't 00:28:04.880 --> 00:28:06.859 it? Perfect sense. For them, polled genetics 00:28:06.859 --> 00:28:09.240 offer a superior, permanent, and fundamentally 00:28:09.240 --> 00:28:12.200 audit -proof animal welfare credential. Audit 00:28:12.200 --> 00:28:14.480 -proof. That's the... key. That's the key. It's 00:28:14.480 --> 00:28:16.440 a biological fact. You verify it once with a 00:28:16.440 --> 00:28:19.559 simple genomic test at birth. Done. No ongoing 00:28:19.559 --> 00:28:22.299 auditing, no complex management protocols to 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:24.220 prove compliance for the lifetime of that animal. 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:26.980 Right. Unlike pain management protocols. Exactly. 00:28:27.200 --> 00:28:29.799 Pain management protocols, they're subject to 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:32.569 human error. Difficult to verify consistently 00:28:32.569 --> 00:28:35.089 across thousands of different farms. They require 00:28:35.089 --> 00:28:38.029 continuous, meticulous documentation. A lot more 00:28:38.029 --> 00:28:40.609 variables. A lot more variables. Polled status 00:28:40.609 --> 00:28:43.529 provides a level of market security, brand protection, 00:28:43.789 --> 00:28:46.630 and simplified compliance that even the best 00:28:46.630 --> 00:28:48.950 management protocols just can't match. It's a 00:28:48.950 --> 00:28:51.750 verifiable, permanent solution. It removes future 00:28:51.750 --> 00:28:54.430 questions, future risks for them. Okay. And this 00:28:54.430 --> 00:28:56.759 global momentum. It's not just North America, 00:28:56.819 --> 00:28:58.900 you mentioned. Not at all. We can look internationally, 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:02.039 especially Germany, for a really predictive model 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:04.339 of how quickly things can change once these drivers 00:29:04.339 --> 00:29:06.900 align. Germany. What happened there? Germany 00:29:06.900 --> 00:29:08.740 provides a compelling case study in exponential 00:29:08.740 --> 00:29:11.059 adoption. They implemented a stricter Animal 00:29:11.059 --> 00:29:14.279 Welfare Act in 2019, similar impact to NFACC, 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:16.680 raised the bar, raised the cost for dehorning 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:19.279 practices. And the use of polled genetics just 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:23.400 exploded. In 2023, 21 % of all genomically tested 00:29:23.400 --> 00:29:26.079 Holstein females in Germany were polled. 21 % 00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:28.539 up from what? Up from very low single digits 00:29:28.539 --> 00:29:31.420 just a few years prior. And the projections for 00:29:31.420 --> 00:29:36.390 2025. They indicate a staggering 72 % of all 00:29:36.390 --> 00:29:38.690 Holstein matings in Germany will be to polled 00:29:38.690 --> 00:29:42.990 sires. 72%. Wow. That's 40 % of PP, 32 % of PP. 00:29:43.190 --> 00:29:45.950 It demonstrates an incredibly rapid industry 00:29:45.950 --> 00:29:48.930 -wide pivot once you have genetic parity and 00:29:48.930 --> 00:29:52.049 that regulatory and market pressure aligns. Things 00:29:52.049 --> 00:29:55.569 move fast. Very fast. Any other examples? Australia 00:29:55.569 --> 00:29:57.529 is another country showing strong and growing 00:29:57.529 --> 00:29:59.549 interest as well. So the implication for North 00:29:59.549 --> 00:30:02.279 America? It's clear. The transition here will 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:05.039 very likely follow a similar exponential curve, 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:08.059 not linear, exponential. Okay. Early adopters. 00:30:08.119 --> 00:30:10.799 They'll capture significant advantages, not just 00:30:10.799 --> 00:30:13.059 cost savings, but market positioning, reputation, 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:16.130 those who delay adoption. They'll eventually 00:30:16.130 --> 00:30:18.089 be forced to adapt under increasing pressure. 00:30:18.390 --> 00:30:20.170 And they might find themselves significantly 00:30:20.170 --> 00:30:22.609 behind the industry standard very quickly, struggling 00:30:22.609 --> 00:30:24.630 to meet market demands, facing higher compliance 00:30:24.630 --> 00:30:28.109 costs. Playing catch -up is expensive. It's not 00:30:28.109 --> 00:30:30.150 a gradual shift, then. It's a rapid acceleration, 00:30:30.430 --> 00:30:32.609 potentially. Rapid acceleration is the key takeaway 00:30:32.609 --> 00:30:35.369 there. So what does this all mean for you, the 00:30:35.369 --> 00:30:38.349 dairy producer listening? It means this is more 00:30:38.349 --> 00:30:40.549 than just compliance. It's insurance for your 00:30:40.549 --> 00:30:43.650 business. Insurance. How so? Leading companies 00:30:43.650 --> 00:30:46.869 prefer biological proof -pulled status over management 00:30:46.869 --> 00:30:49.849 protocols because it's audit -proof, verifiable, 00:30:50.109 --> 00:30:53.190 permanent. This means market access, securing 00:30:53.190 --> 00:30:55.730 those contracts with major processors and retailers, 00:30:55.970 --> 00:30:58.910 avoiding potential penalties. It's increasingly 00:30:58.910 --> 00:31:01.609 tied to polled status. It's not just about being 00:31:01.609 --> 00:31:03.809 compliant anymore. It's about being preferred, 00:31:04.049 --> 00:31:07.009 securing your long -term viability in a changing 00:31:07.009 --> 00:31:09.809 marketplace. OK, so we've firmly established 00:31:09.809 --> 00:31:12.410 it. The genetics are here, elite performance. 00:31:12.809 --> 00:31:15.109 The economics demand it, looking at the full 00:31:15.109 --> 00:31:17.529 picture. And these external pressures are rapidly 00:31:17.529 --> 00:31:20.250 accelerating the whole transition. Now, the million 00:31:20.250 --> 00:31:22.250 -dollar question for our listeners, how do you 00:31:22.250 --> 00:31:24.490 actually make this transition on your farm? What 00:31:24.490 --> 00:31:26.809 does a realistic, boots -on -the -ground roadmap 00:31:26.809 --> 00:31:29.140 look like? Right. This is where the rubber meets 00:31:29.140 --> 00:31:31.579 the road. And it raises an important question. 00:31:31.880 --> 00:31:34.880 For producers today, the risk isn't really genetic 00:31:34.880 --> 00:31:37.440 lag anymore. That barrier's fallen. We covered 00:31:37.440 --> 00:31:40.480 that. Genetics are good. Genetics are good. The 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:43.880 biggest risk now, it's operational failure, like 00:31:43.880 --> 00:31:46.339 accidentally dehorning a genetically pulled calf. 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:49.400 Oh, right. You mentioned that. A successful transition 00:31:49.400 --> 00:31:52.220 is a highly strategic process. It's not just 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:55.079 about buying different semen. It absolutely requires 00:31:55.079 --> 00:31:57.920 careful planning. tailored to your specific operation. 00:31:58.660 --> 00:32:00.900 And the biggest threat to your investment in 00:32:00.900 --> 00:32:04.720 poll genetics is, surprisingly, human error undermining 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:07.259 those genetic games. Okay. Critical point for 00:32:07.259 --> 00:32:09.980 risk mitigation. So let's start with phase one, 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:12.599 establishing a genetic baseline. What does that 00:32:12.599 --> 00:32:14.700 involve? Why is it the essential first step? 00:32:15.039 --> 00:32:16.859 Central first step. Typically over the first, 00:32:16.900 --> 00:32:19.019 say, one to two months or maybe throughout your 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:21.119 first year, comprehensive genomic testing on 00:32:21.119 --> 00:32:23.259 all your replacement heifers. All of them. Non 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:25.339 -negotiable. Non -negotiable. The great news 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:28.160 is standard genomic testing packages now include 00:32:28.160 --> 00:32:31.160 polled status. It's simple, highly cost effective, 00:32:31.420 --> 00:32:34.759 often around 50, 60 healers per animal. Okay. 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:37.940 Reasonable cost. Benefits. Benefits are immense. 00:32:38.680 --> 00:32:40.900 immediate. It gives you an invaluable, precise 00:32:40.900 --> 00:32:43.019 inventory of your existing genetic resources. 00:32:43.480 --> 00:32:46.859 Right away, you identify any current heterozygous 00:32:46.859 --> 00:32:49.000 pee -pee -pulled carriers in your herd. Find 00:32:49.000 --> 00:32:51.420 those hidden teepees. Find the hidden peepees. 00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:53.420 Animals that look pulled but could still pass 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:56.740 on the horned gene. This baseline data is crucial 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:59.160 because it enables incredibly precise sire selection. 00:32:59.819 --> 00:33:02.279 Optimize your matings. It accelerates overall 00:33:02.279 --> 00:33:04.359 genetic progress by helping you find your most 00:33:04.359 --> 00:33:07.019 valuable polled genetics. And critically, it 00:33:07.019 --> 00:33:09.420 prevents inefficient and costly matings. Like 00:33:09.420 --> 00:33:12.079 breeding two peepees together. Exactly. By knowing 00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:14.900 who is peep, you avoid breeding two peepee carriers 00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:17.640 together. Which... on average, gives you that 00:33:17.640 --> 00:33:19.839 costly 25 % chance of producing horned calves 00:33:19.839 --> 00:33:22.319 you still have to dehorn. Waste of money and 00:33:22.319 --> 00:33:24.319 effort. Makes sense. So initial steps in phase 00:33:24.319 --> 00:33:27.339 one. Initial steps. Immediately begin using those 00:33:27.339 --> 00:33:29.839 homozygous polled PP sires on your top genetic 00:33:29.839 --> 00:33:32.299 females to maximize polled offspring right away. 00:33:32.460 --> 00:33:34.160 And concurrently, start training your staff. 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:37.480 Accurate polled calf identification. That training 00:33:37.480 --> 00:33:40.500 needs to start day one. Okay. What about the 00:33:40.500 --> 00:33:43.619 financial expectations for that first year? Is 00:33:43.619 --> 00:33:46.400 it immediate savings? No. Absolutely not. And 00:33:46.400 --> 00:33:49.740 this is a crucial reality check our sources really 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:52.579 emphasize. Producers should fully expect cash 00:33:52.579 --> 00:33:56.200 flow to be negative in year one. Okay. And potentially 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:59.420 into year two. Why? You're paying premiums for 00:33:59.420 --> 00:34:02.200 that polled semen 15, 25 % more expensive, remember? 00:34:02.400 --> 00:34:05.059 Right. While you're still dehorning calves born 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:07.579 from previous breeding cycles before you shifted 00:34:07.579 --> 00:34:11.019 to polled, you're effectively managing two different 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:13.559 systems for a period. incurring costs on both 00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:16.260 ends. Okay, so plan for that initial investment 00:34:16.260 --> 00:34:18.739 period. Plan for it. It's important to plan for 00:34:18.739 --> 00:34:21.960 maybe 18, 24 months before you start seeing real, 00:34:21.960 --> 00:34:24.980 tangible operational savings kick in. A dairy 00:34:24.980 --> 00:34:27.460 financial consultant quoted in our sources, they 00:34:27.460 --> 00:34:29.659 advise planning for a five -year payback on the 00:34:29.659 --> 00:34:32.119 total investment. Five years, not 15 or 20. Not 00:34:32.119 --> 00:34:34.639 the longer projections. Why? The dairy business 00:34:34.639 --> 00:34:36.719 changes too fast. You need to see that return 00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:39.199 within a manageable period to justify the investment 00:34:39.199 --> 00:34:41.239 in such a dynamic industry. Five years is a more 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:43.579 realistic business planning horizon. Okay, good 00:34:43.579 --> 00:34:45.539 practical advice. So it sounds like the specific 00:34:45.539 --> 00:34:48.599 transition strategy really needs tailoring to 00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:51.219 the operation size goals. What do the sources 00:34:51.219 --> 00:34:53.880 recommend there? That's right. No one -size -fits 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:56.219 -all approach. For small operations, typically 00:34:56.219 --> 00:34:59.800 100, 300 cows, a more gradual approach is usually 00:34:59.800 --> 00:35:02.800 recommended. Gradual, meaning? Primarily using 00:35:02.800 --> 00:35:05.300 heterozygous PP sires over a longer period, maybe 00:35:05.300 --> 00:35:07.840 six, eight years. The focus here is careful cash 00:35:07.840 --> 00:35:11.079 flow management. Absorb those initial semen premiums 00:35:11.079 --> 00:35:13.659 without too much financial strain. Slowly build 00:35:13.659 --> 00:35:16.480 up the pulled gene frequency. Okay. Makes sense 00:35:16.480 --> 00:35:18.480 for smaller herds. What about medium size? For 00:35:18.480 --> 00:35:22.079 medium operations, say 300, 800 cows, the suggestion 00:35:22.079 --> 00:35:25.670 is a balanced mix. both heterozygous PP and homozygous 00:35:25.670 --> 00:35:28.530 PP sires. Mix and match. Mix and match. This 00:35:28.530 --> 00:35:30.789 strategy targets achieving about 90 % pulled 00:35:30.789 --> 00:35:33.550 calves in a more accelerated 5 -6 years. It allows 00:35:33.550 --> 00:35:36.030 a good pace of transition without totally overburdening 00:35:36.030 --> 00:35:38.130 the finances. Strikes a balance between speed 00:35:38.130 --> 00:35:41.309 and cost. Okay. And the big herds, 800 plus cows. 00:35:41.590 --> 00:35:44.750 For large operations, 800 plus cows, an accelerated 00:35:44.750 --> 00:35:47.510 program is strongly advised, emphasizing the 00:35:47.510 --> 00:35:50.070 predominant use of homozygous PP sires. Go hard 00:35:50.070 --> 00:35:53.960 with PP. Go hard with PP. This approach aims 00:35:53.960 --> 00:35:57.260 to achieve 90 % polled status in a faster timeframe, 00:35:57.500 --> 00:36:00.119 maybe four to five years. Through aggressive 00:36:00.119 --> 00:36:02.800 strategic genetic management, they can capitalize 00:36:02.800 --> 00:36:06.539 on economies of scale, larger genetic base, faster 00:36:06.539 --> 00:36:08.869 turnover. Can you elaborate a bit more on that 00:36:08.869 --> 00:36:11.210 strategic genetic management, especially with 00:36:11.210 --> 00:36:13.650 P .P. sires? You mentioned it's more than just 00:36:13.650 --> 00:36:16.309 one generation. The sources talked about genetic 00:36:16.309 --> 00:36:18.550 multipliers. Absolutely. That's a brilliant distinction. 00:36:19.250 --> 00:36:21.510 Sophisticated use of P .P. sires is more than 00:36:21.510 --> 00:36:24.150 just making one generation of pulled cows. It's 00:36:24.150 --> 00:36:26.110 an investment in creating what our sources call 00:36:26.110 --> 00:36:29.610 genetic multipliers. Really accelerate your herd's 00:36:29.610 --> 00:36:31.530 pulled status. How does that work, practically? 00:36:31.849 --> 00:36:34.989 Visualize this. Your initial breeding plan, you 00:36:34.989 --> 00:36:38.469 breed an elite PP bull, guarantees 100 % pulled 00:36:38.469 --> 00:36:41.489 offspring, right, to your best horned cows. Okay. 00:36:41.590 --> 00:36:43.929 PP bull and PP cows. All the resulting heifer 00:36:43.929 --> 00:36:46.550 calves from that mating. They will be heterozygous 00:36:46.550 --> 00:36:48.909 pulled, females. They'll be pulled themselves. 00:36:48.989 --> 00:36:51.289 But now, critically, they carry that valuable 00:36:51.289 --> 00:36:53.690 pull gene from the elite sire. Right. They're 00:36:53.690 --> 00:36:56.650 all P now. Now, here's the leverage. The next 00:36:56.650 --> 00:37:01.590 step. You breed these PP females. Back to another 00:37:01.590 --> 00:37:04.190 elite pee -pee bowl. Pee -pee females, back to 00:37:04.190 --> 00:37:06.789 a pee -pee bowl. Now, 50 % of their offspring 00:37:06.789 --> 00:37:09.289 will be homozygous -pulled pee -pee, and the 00:37:09.289 --> 00:37:12.489 other 50 % will be heterozygous -pulled. Ah, 00:37:12.750 --> 00:37:15.630 so you're creating PP females now. Exactly. This 00:37:15.630 --> 00:37:17.550 isn't just linear progress one pole generation 00:37:17.550 --> 00:37:20.130 after another. It's an exponential acceleration. 00:37:20.630 --> 00:37:23.210 You're effectively multiplying the pole gene 00:37:23.210 --> 00:37:26.090 throughout your herd much faster than just breeding 00:37:26.090 --> 00:37:28.510 PP to horned cows generation after generation. 00:37:28.670 --> 00:37:31.130 Multiplies the gene frequency. It creates a rapid 00:37:31.130 --> 00:37:33.650 buildup of PP animals in your herd. Gets you 00:37:33.650 --> 00:37:36.469 to a fully hornless herd much, much faster. That's 00:37:36.469 --> 00:37:38.650 the strategic play with PP. That's a really powerful 00:37:38.650 --> 00:37:40.730 way to think about herd improvement. So how does 00:37:40.730 --> 00:37:42.829 this all unfold over a practical timeline? That 00:37:42.829 --> 00:37:44.829 consultant's view you mentioned. Yeah, that three 00:37:44.829 --> 00:37:47.190 -year timeline is a solid practical framework 00:37:47.190 --> 00:37:51.130 to keep in mind. Year one, assessment and setup. 00:37:51.469 --> 00:37:53.829 This means completing that comprehensive genomic 00:37:53.829 --> 00:37:56.750 testing on your replacement heifers, starting 00:37:56.750 --> 00:37:59.130 to use those PP sires on your top genetic females, 00:37:59.389 --> 00:38:02.849 and, crucially, initiating thorough staff training 00:38:02.849 --> 00:38:06.030 on identifying pole calves at birth. And expect 00:38:06.030 --> 00:38:08.369 negative cash flow. Expect negative cash flow 00:38:08.369 --> 00:38:11.230 due to semen premiums and still dehorning existing 00:38:11.230 --> 00:38:15.000 horned calves. That's year one. Year two. Transition 00:38:15.000 --> 00:38:17.199 phase. You'll start seeing the first significant 00:38:17.199 --> 00:38:19.880 wave of polled calves hit the ground. Your reduced 00:38:19.880 --> 00:38:22.219 dehorning costs will begin to materialize. You'll 00:38:22.219 --> 00:38:24.800 continue with your genetic transition plan. Cash 00:38:24.800 --> 00:38:26.559 flows should start moving towards break -even, 00:38:26.659 --> 00:38:28.579 maybe slight positive. Starting to see the benefits. 00:38:28.880 --> 00:38:31.900 Starting to see it. Finally, year three. payoff 00:38:31.900 --> 00:38:34.219 territory. You'll have a significant percentage, 00:38:34.360 --> 00:38:36.739 maybe 50 % or more, of polled calves in your 00:38:36.739 --> 00:38:39.159 crop. Major cost savings from reduced dehorning 00:38:39.159 --> 00:38:41.500 will be firmly established. You'll likely start 00:38:41.500 --> 00:38:43.199 to see those market premiums for your polled 00:38:43.199 --> 00:38:45.239 breeding stock become available. This is where 00:38:45.239 --> 00:38:47.820 you demonstrate a clear positive return on your 00:38:47.820 --> 00:38:50.940 investment. Year three is the payoff. Yeah. And 00:38:50.940 --> 00:38:53.179 as you mentioned earlier, the biggest risk isn't 00:38:53.179 --> 00:38:56.590 genetic lag, it's operational. So operational 00:38:56.590 --> 00:38:59.710 integration, staff training, how do producers 00:38:59.710 --> 00:39:02.489 protect that investment on the ground? This is 00:39:02.489 --> 00:39:04.849 absolutely critical. Represents the single largest 00:39:04.849 --> 00:39:07.349 risk mitigation factor. The biggest operational 00:39:07.349 --> 00:39:09.510 blunder a dairy can make during this transition. 00:39:09.989 --> 00:39:12.730 Accidentally dehorning a calf that is, in fact, 00:39:12.809 --> 00:39:15.690 genetically pulled. That mistake wipes out the 00:39:15.690 --> 00:39:17.530 investment. Completely wipes out your entire 00:39:17.530 --> 00:39:20.030 genetic and financial investment in one swing. 00:39:20.230 --> 00:39:22.869 You paid the premium for the pulled semen, and 00:39:22.869 --> 00:39:25.449 then you incurred the dehorning costs unnecessarily, 00:39:25.449 --> 00:39:28.150 and you lost the welfare advantage. Just a total 00:39:28.150 --> 00:39:31.710 loss. So training is paramount. Rigorous, consistent 00:39:31.710 --> 00:39:34.429 training protocols are essential. Your maternity 00:39:34.429 --> 00:39:37.289 staff, your calf care staff. They must be meticulously 00:39:37.289 --> 00:39:40.809 trained to accurately identify and record polled 00:39:40.809 --> 00:39:43.250 calves at birth. Not just a quick glance. Not 00:39:43.250 --> 00:39:45.329 just a glance. Understanding the subtle differences, 00:39:45.510 --> 00:39:48.030 knowing what scurs look like versus horn buds, 00:39:48.289 --> 00:39:51.789 having a clear procedure. You need clear, unambiguous 00:39:51.789 --> 00:39:54.170 protocols to prevent any accidental dehorning. 00:39:54.289 --> 00:39:56.110 Like what kind of protocols? Could be distinct 00:39:56.110 --> 00:39:59.329 tagging systems, maybe specific colored ear tags 00:39:59.329 --> 00:40:02.030 for polled, maybe a dedicated, clearly marked 00:40:02.030 --> 00:40:05.349 horn -free pen for all polled calves until they're 00:40:05.360 --> 00:40:08.579 past dehorning age. Whatever works reliably on 00:40:08.579 --> 00:40:11.260 your farm. Okay. And finally, integrate polled 00:40:11.260 --> 00:40:14.820 status PP, PP, or PP into all your breeding and 00:40:14.820 --> 00:40:16.880 herd management software. Make sure it's tracked 00:40:16.880 --> 00:40:19.340 consistently, visible to everyone making breeding 00:40:19.340 --> 00:40:21.980 and calf care decisions. Data management is key. 00:40:22.179 --> 00:40:24.820 Okay. Beyond just avoiding costs and risks, what 00:40:24.820 --> 00:40:26.699 about some of the other on -farm benefits, the 00:40:26.699 --> 00:40:28.780 ancillary stuff from having a polled herd? Oh, 00:40:28.800 --> 00:40:31.000 there are many. And they contribute significantly 00:40:31.000 --> 00:40:32.980 to the overall farm environment and ultimately 00:40:32.980 --> 00:40:36.360 profitability. First and foremost, enhanced safety. 00:40:36.980 --> 00:40:39.820 Obvious one, but huge. For workers. For workers. 00:40:39.980 --> 00:40:42.239 A hornless herd dramatically reduces the risk 00:40:42.239 --> 00:40:44.599 of injury to employees during handling, treatment, 00:40:44.860 --> 00:40:47.639 daily chores. No horns mean fewer accidental 00:40:47.639 --> 00:40:50.280 jabs, less frantic movements from animals trying 00:40:50.280 --> 00:40:53.059 to use horns, generally safer interactions. Can 00:40:53.059 --> 00:40:55.400 reduce workers' comp claims, improve staff morale. 00:40:55.699 --> 00:40:59.869 Thank you. Definitely. What else? Second. Improved 00:40:59.869 --> 00:41:02.010 animal welfare and behavior across the board. 00:41:02.230 --> 00:41:04.969 Pulled cattle are consistently documented to 00:41:04.969 --> 00:41:08.030 be less aggressive. Less fighting. Less fighting, 00:41:08.130 --> 00:41:10.570 especially in competitive situations like at 00:41:10.570 --> 00:41:13.630 the feed bunk or jostling in free stalls. This 00:41:13.630 --> 00:41:15.969 leads to significantly fewer injuries among herd 00:41:15.969 --> 00:41:18.849 mates. Reduction in stress hormones generally 00:41:18.849 --> 00:41:21.449 creates a calmer, lower stress environment for 00:41:21.449 --> 00:41:23.739 the entire herd. And lower stress usually means 00:41:23.739 --> 00:41:26.519 better health, better production. Exactly. It 00:41:26.519 --> 00:41:28.920 can translate to better health outcomes and productivity. 00:41:29.659 --> 00:41:32.039 And finally, there are significant labor and 00:41:32.039 --> 00:41:34.840 handling efficiencies. How so? Pornless animals 00:41:34.840 --> 00:41:37.420 simply move more easily and safely through all 00:41:37.420 --> 00:41:40.079 your facilities, handling chutes, parlors, headlocks. 00:41:40.320 --> 00:41:43.179 They don't get caught, cause damage, or create 00:41:43.179 --> 00:41:45.639 bottlenecks nearly as often. Smoother flow. Smoother 00:41:45.639 --> 00:41:48.199 flow saves valuable time, reduces stress for 00:41:48.199 --> 00:41:50.599 both the animals and your staff, lowers overall 00:41:50.599 --> 00:41:52.480 labor requirements throughout the operation. 00:41:52.719 --> 00:41:55.599 It's a cascading benefit. Touches almost every 00:41:55.599 --> 00:41:58.679 aspect of daily farm life. So, to reiterate for 00:41:58.679 --> 00:42:00.440 our listeners, this isn't just theory. It's a 00:42:00.440 --> 00:42:02.840 practical, phased approach with clear steps. 00:42:03.079 --> 00:42:05.360 But success hinges not just on picking the right 00:42:05.360 --> 00:42:08.659 bulls. Not just genetics. It hinges equally on 00:42:08.659 --> 00:42:11.500 meticulous operational management, robust protocols, 00:42:11.739 --> 00:42:14.480 and most importantly, thorough staff training 00:42:14.480 --> 00:42:17.320 to prevent those costly errors and fully capitalize 00:42:17.320 --> 00:42:20.280 on the transition. Operation is key. Okay, so 00:42:20.280 --> 00:42:23.079 after all that discussion, what's the key takeaway 00:42:23.079 --> 00:42:25.840 for a farmer listening today? What are the absolute... 00:42:26.170 --> 00:42:28.889 top actions they should be considering starting 00:42:28.889 --> 00:42:32.070 like right now. Right. Let's boil it down. From 00:42:32.070 --> 00:42:33.849 everything we've discussed, here are the crucial 00:42:33.849 --> 00:42:36.269 immediate steps producers really need to take 00:42:36.269 --> 00:42:38.849 to embrace this pulled revolution and secure 00:42:38.849 --> 00:42:41.409 their future. First, stop hemorrhaging money 00:42:41.409 --> 00:42:44.909 unnecessarily. That $22 to $35 per calf you're 00:42:44.909 --> 00:42:47.489 spending on dehorning. It adds up. Potentially 00:42:47.489 --> 00:42:50.789 over $116 ,000 for a 500 -cow dairy over two 00:42:50.789 --> 00:42:53.369 decades. It's a significant avoidable financial 00:42:53.369 --> 00:42:55.630 drain. That's the action. Start genomic testing 00:42:55.630 --> 00:42:58.329 your replacement heifers today. Map your unique 00:42:58.329 --> 00:43:00.949 herd's genetic landscape. Immediately identify 00:43:00.949 --> 00:43:03.710 current polled carriers. It's a low -cost, high 00:43:03.710 --> 00:43:05.690 -return first step to launch your transition 00:43:05.690 --> 00:43:08.769 strategy. Know what you have. Okay. Number one. 00:43:09.260 --> 00:43:11.820 Test your heifers. What second? Second, embrace 00:43:11.820 --> 00:43:15.559 regulatory compliance made easy. New NFACC farm 00:43:15.559 --> 00:43:18.380 program mandates. They require documented pain 00:43:18.380 --> 00:43:20.639 control for dehorning. That means more paperwork, 00:43:20.840 --> 00:43:23.159 more auditing, more operational cost and hassle. 00:43:23.360 --> 00:43:25.719 Pold fixes that. Pold genetics eliminates this 00:43:25.719 --> 00:43:28.510 headache entirely. One simple genomic test provides 00:43:28.510 --> 00:43:31.110 permanent, irrefutable, audit -proof verification 00:43:31.110 --> 00:43:34.469 of hornless status. Beads years of ongoing documentation 00:43:34.469 --> 00:43:37.190 and compliance audits. Simplify your life. Got 00:43:37.190 --> 00:43:39.829 it. Third point. Third, cash in on market premiums 00:43:39.829 --> 00:43:42.110 and secure your future. Major food companies, 00:43:42.230 --> 00:43:45.010 Nestle, General Mills, Dunkin' and Blexel, they 00:43:45.010 --> 00:43:46.949 are actively seeking suppliers who prioritize 00:43:46.949 --> 00:43:50.250 animal welfare. Verifiable polled status is quickly 00:43:50.250 --> 00:43:52.469 becoming a key credential. So position yourself 00:43:52.469 --> 00:43:55.230 now. Position yourself now before this becomes 00:43:55.230 --> 00:43:58.130 just table stakes, a basic requirement for market 00:43:58.130 --> 00:44:00.750 access. Secure your supply chain, enhance your 00:44:00.750 --> 00:44:03.230 reputation, maybe even earn a premium for your 00:44:03.230 --> 00:44:05.309 pulled breeding stock. Get ahead of the demand 00:44:05.309 --> 00:44:08.650 curve. Okay, fourth action item. Fourth, plan 00:44:08.650 --> 00:44:11.260 your breeding smartly and strategically. Use 00:44:11.260 --> 00:44:14.019 those homozygous PP sires on your elite females 00:44:14.019 --> 00:44:17.360 for 100 % pulled calves. If you want to aggressively 00:44:17.360 --> 00:44:19.340 accelerate your transition, create those genetic 00:44:19.340 --> 00:44:22.920 multipliers. Or mix with heterozygous PP sires 00:44:22.920 --> 00:44:25.119 to manage cash flow while still making steady 00:44:25.119 --> 00:44:28.400 progress. But critically, never breed two PP 00:44:28.400 --> 00:44:31.599 carriers together. Avoid that 25 % chance of 00:44:31.599 --> 00:44:34.380 horned calves that still need dehorning. Use 00:44:34.380 --> 00:44:36.599 your genomic testing data to guide every mating. 00:44:36.780 --> 00:44:39.320 Smart breeding. Okay, and the last one. And finally, 00:44:39.340 --> 00:44:41.820 number five. Train your team or pay the price. 00:44:42.000 --> 00:44:44.460 The single biggest risk in a modern pulled transition 00:44:44.460 --> 00:44:47.579 isn't genetic lag. It's accidentally dehorning 00:44:47.579 --> 00:44:50.380 a genetically pulled calf. That mistake wipes 00:44:50.380 --> 00:44:52.539 out your entire genetic and financial investment 00:44:52.539 --> 00:44:56.219 in one costly swing. So invest in training. Invest 00:44:56.219 --> 00:44:59.480 in clear staff training, robust, unambiguous 00:44:59.480 --> 00:45:02.420 protocols. Ensure pulled calves are correctly 00:45:02.420 --> 00:45:05.780 identified and managed. Every single time. Protect 00:45:05.780 --> 00:45:08.079 your long -term vision. Protect your investment. 00:45:08.239 --> 00:45:10.840 It's absolutely essential. Those are truly great 00:45:10.840 --> 00:45:12.820 and actionable points. Really practical stuff. 00:45:13.139 --> 00:45:16.019 Yeah. Hopefully helpful. And that's about all 00:45:16.019 --> 00:45:17.920 the time we have for today's deep dive into the 00:45:17.920 --> 00:45:20.559 polled revolution. For more articles and insights 00:45:20.559 --> 00:45:24.059 like this, be sure to visit our home at www .thebullvine 00:45:24.059 --> 00:45:26.380 .com. And don't forget to subscribe wherever 00:45:26.380 --> 00:45:28.300 you get your shows so you don't miss our next 00:45:28.300 --> 00:45:30.920 deep dive. Thanks for listening. Thanks for hanging 00:45:30.920 --> 00:45:33.909 out with us on The Bullvine Podcast. If you learned 00:45:33.909 --> 00:45:36.309 something today, hit subscribe and share this 00:45:36.309 --> 00:45:39.929 episode with your farm buddies. The dairy world 00:45:39.929 --> 00:45:43.210 is changing fast. From genetics to animal care 00:45:43.210 --> 00:45:46.369 to profitability, staying ahead means staying 00:45:46.369 --> 00:45:49.730 informed. This is the Bullvine, wishing you smooth 00:45:49.730 --> 00:45:52.230 milking and fat checks. Catch you next time.