E169 The Four Nations Cup of Holstein Genetics: A Global Dairy Showdown

In this episode of The Bullvine Podcast, hosts Bella and Douglas dive into the exciting world of international dairy genetics, comparing it to the Four Nations Cup in ice hockey. Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. The Holstein Four Nations Cup concept:

• Teams: Canada, USA, Europe, and World

• Three “periods”: Offense (Showring Performance), Defense (Genetic Indexes), and Goaltending (Milk Production)

2. Offense (Showring Performance):

• Key traits: udder quality, feet and legs, dairy strength, overall appearance

• Standout sires mentioned: FARNEAR DELTA-LAMBDA, VAL-BISSON DOORMAN, BRAEDALE GOLDWYN

• Judging criteria in the showring

3. Defense (Genetic Indexes):

• Important indexes: Net Merit, Lifetime Profit Index, European Total Merit Index

• Key traits: productive life, fertility, ...