DairyTalk 366: Breeding at Risk - How Much One-Sidedness Can Modern Genetics Tolerate? - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This episode draws on a technical article examining the rising
emphasis on polled genetics in Holstein breeding and the
associated trade-offs. It explores how prioritizing a single
trait can influence breeding strategies and potentially constrain
genetic diversity. The analysis highlights the limited pool of
polled sires and the resulting implications for inbreeding
levels. At the same time, it considers how animal welfare goals
and management efficiency may shift attention away from key
functional traits such as fertility and longevity. The discussion
underscores the need for balanced breeding approaches that
preserve the integrity of the herd as a biological system.