Holstein Association USA is currently accepting research proposals for the next round of funding. The applications must include expected outcomes to benefit the profitability of Holstein cattle. Submit applications for research grant funds to researchgrants@holstein.com by August 15, 2019.

Supporting research is a top priority for Holstein Association USA, the world’s largest dairy breed association. Roger Shanks, the organization’s genetics consultant, explains.

“I’m excited about the research program that Holstein Association USA has ongoing,” Shanks says. “We are getting into our third year, our third request for proposals this year. The overall objective of the whole program is really to try to increase the amount of research that’s done on Holstein cows, so we can then help Holstein members be able to implement and take advantage of those research results as they come along.”

Holstein Association USA is currently funding two projects. One at North Carolina State University that’s looking at how genomic information can be used to manage inbreeding; and a second project at the University of California-Davis exploring the opportunity to breed Holstein cows for heat tolerance using the slick hair gene. Both hold great potential for future progress with U.S. Registered Holsteins.

More details about the Research Grant Program guidelines and process can be found on the Holstein Association USA website, www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/research_grant.html.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — ranging from registry processing to identification programs to consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins® and represents approximately 30,000 members throughout the United States.