Holstein Genetic Evaluation Release Delayed

Official U.S. dairy genetic evaluations will be arriving a week later than anticipated. After the April 5 release of genetic data, producers learned Holstein breed data specifically will take longer than expected. The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) board of directors made the decision to re-issue the Holstein evaluations to allow time for a series of cross-checks to ensure accuracy while aligning with the next weekly genomic files.

The reason? Data from the December 2021 genetic evaluations for confirmation traits on females were mistakenly loaded onto the Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) database and sent to the CDCB – an error that significantly affects the Predicted Transmitting Abilities of recently classified cows. Traits impacted by the error include: PTA type, linear type traits, type composites such as udder, feet and legs and body size, feed saved, net merit $, cheese merit $, fluid merit $, grazing merit $ and Total Performance Index.

Dairy producers can read the entire release here and read more from Hoard’s Dairyman on the adjustment of their publishing schedule to accommodate the delay here.