DairyTalk 226: Top Genomics, Weak Barn? Why Numbers Alone Aren’t Enough - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This article critically examines the current use of genomic
breeding values in bull selection. While lethal defects have been
successfully reduced, economically problematic traits such as
high somatic cell counts or unstable udders are increasingly
overlooked—often masked by management-based justifications. The
analysis shows that successful breeders and large-scale
operations consistently track their own performance data,
evaluate cow families across generations, and deliberately
safeguard genetic diversity. The article warns of rising
inbreeding levels and overly optimistic genomic values in young
bulls, making one point clear: sustainable breeding success is
not created in catalogs, but through strict exclusion criteria,
critical thinking, and genuine cow knowledge. With comments on a
"The Bullvine"-article (January 5th, 2026) by Andrew Hunt:
https://www.thebullvine.com