DairyTalk 338: The Genetic Bottleneck in Holstein Breeding: When a Few Sires Dominate the Population - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode is based on an industry article examining
the emerging genetic bottlenecks in modern Holstein breeding. The
analysis describes how the heavy concentration on a small number
of elite sires, combined with genomic selection, has narrowed the
genetic base of the population. As a result, both desirable
traits and harmful mutations can spread globally at unprecedented
speed. New conditions such as genetically linked muscle weakness
illustrate the risks associated with highly focused performance
selection. The article places these developments in context and
stresses the importance of maintaining genetic diversity for the
long-term resilience of the breed.