DairyTalk 435: Why an Elite German RZG Does Not Necessarily Lead to a Top US TPI - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode is based on a technical analysis of the
differences between German and US genetic evaluation systems and
explains why international breeding rankings are often
misunderstood. Using the heifer Diana as an example, the
discussion highlights why an exceptional German RZG score does
not automatically translate into an equally impressive US TPI
result, as both systems prioritize fundamentally different
breeding goals. German evaluations place stronger emphasis on
economic efficiency, milk components, and functional cows suited
for modern freestall systems, while the US system has
historically rewarded physical type and show-style traits more
heavily. The article also explains why milk production figures,
conformation scores, and total indexes cannot be directly
compared across systems. At the center of the debate is a broader
question: which genetic priorities truly fit a farm’s production
model and long-term business strategy?