Genetics
Quality Genetics
Genetic backlash is breeding some concern in dairy barns about the fertility and stamina of the world’s Holsteins. Leslie B. Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Animal Science at the University of Minnesota has been at the forefront of genetic research related to Holsteins. He says selective breeding practices over the last 20 years focused on developing a highly productive cow and ignored some fertility and health characteristics that are now affecting resilience and fertility in dairy herds.
Genetics For Improving Dairy Cow Longevity
As genetic research develops over the next 10 years, dairy producers will find more definitive data about sires that will allow them to select their cows based on longevity, udder health, calving performance and a variety of other important genetic data. That information, combined with the growing body of research about enhanced dairy environments, should allow dairies to obtain high production rates and improved dairy cow health.
University of Wisconsin Associate Professor, Kent Weigel, says the AI use of proven sires has led to rapid genetic change within the dairy cow population.
