Episode Details

This episode previews new U.S. dairy genetic evaluations scheduled for release by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding on August 11, 2026.

Two new calf-health traits will measure genetic resistance to diarrhea and respiratory disease in Holsteins and Jerseys. Positive predicted transmitting abilities indicate greater resistance. Although these traits have relatively low heritability, they may help producers gradually improve calf health, reduce treatment costs, and avoid the long-term productivity losses associated with early-life illness. Continued, accurate recording of calf health events will be essential for strengthening these evaluations
.

The episode also explains revisions to several fertility traits, including daughter pregnancy rate, cow conception rate, heifer conception rate, and early first calving. The updated models better account for modern reproductive management, including longer and variable voluntary waiting periods, synchronization programs, sexed and beef semen, and automated monitoring systems.

A new trait, first service to conception, measures the number of days between a cow’s first breeding and conception. Unlike daughter pregnancy rate, it is independent of a herd’s voluntary waiting period and may be particularly useful on farms that establish breeding eligibility for individual cows.

The host remains skeptical about how dramatically the revised models change historical fertility trends—especially daughter pregnancy rate, which now appears to have improved rather than declined over the past 25 years. Producers are encouraged to examine how the August evaluations affect bulls they currently use, while considering calf-health and fertility traits as additional selection tools rather than replacements for sound management.

Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!

Linkedin -> The Moos Room
Twitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafety
Facebook -> @UMNDairy
YouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and Health
Instagram -> @UMNWCROCDairy
Extension Website
AgriAmerica Podcast Directory