DairyTalk 329: When the Cow No Longer Fits the Stall: The Infrastructure Gap in Holstein Breeding - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode draws on a technical article analyzing the
growing mismatch between modern Holstein genetics and existing
dairy housing infrastructure. For decades, breeding programs have
increased body size and frame traits, while many barns still
reflect stall dimensions established in the 1990s. The analysis
shows that undersized stalls can reduce lying time, increase hoof
disorders, and lead to measurable milk production losses.
Practical examples illustrate how farms may respond either
through structural barn modifications or by selecting for more
moderate body size traits. The article ultimately highlights the
economic and welfare implications when genetic progress advances
faster than barn design. With comments on a "The
Bullvine"-articlel (March 13th, 2026) von Andrew Hunt:
https://www.thebullvine.com