DairyTalk 242: Stop Breeding by Color: Why Genomics Drives Dairy Profitability - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This article challenges one of dairy breeding’s oldest habits:
judging cattle by appearance rather than data. Modern genomic
science clearly shows that coat color has no genetic link to milk
yield, fertility, or longevity. Producers who still select by
looks risk investing heavily in low-potential heifers while
leaving real profit on the table. The text explains how genomic
testing enables early economic sorting, supports smarter
beef-on-dairy strategies, and aligns breeding decisions with
long-term financial performance. It also warns about rising
inbreeding levels and heat stress vulnerabilities. The conclusion
is unmistakable: sustainable breeding success starts with
numbers, not colors. With comments on a "The Bullvine"-article
(January 19th, 2026) by Andrew Hunt: https://www.thebullvine.com