DairyTalk 515: Breeding without courage stays average: why elite cows must be created deliberately - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode draws on a technical article by Helmut
Demmelhuber, exploring the tension between risk control and
genetic progress in Holstein breeding. It highlights how
increasing uniformity in herds can limit the emergence of
exceptional animals. The analysis introduces a two-speed
strategy, combining a stable commercial herd with a focused
breeding nucleus aimed at genetic advancement. Modern genomic
tools allow breeders to apply more extreme breeding approaches
with greater control and reduced risk. Ultimately, long-term
progress depends on deliberate differentiation and
well-structured breeding strategies.