I just read "Genomic bulls still have inflated grades" in the March 24 Hoard's Dairyman Intel. The industry's genetic improvement programs are delivering cows that produce higher percentages of components.
Below is a pair of charts showing the recent genetic progress the Holstein breed has made for fat percent (F%) and protein percent (P%). These trends are based on data from the CDCB/USDA genetic evaluations and the genetic trends provided on the CDCB (Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding) website. About one-third of the improvement in percents noted in this article can be accounted for by the genetic improvement we've made in Holsteins.
We don't talk much about whether or not there is value in raising F% and P%. However, when thinking about what happens to milk after it leaves the farm, raising the F% and P% of milk certainly must be a good thing for the overall efficiency of the dairy industry. It's good to see that the genetic trends of Holsteins are in synch with this.
– Charles Sattler, Select Sires, Ohio
