Research Results in Continued Progress for Registered Holsteins The Holstein breed has been some setting exciting records when it comes to milk production and components. In 2021, Registered Holsteins averaged 28,047 pounds of milk, 1,121 pounds of fat, 4%, and 877 pounds of protein, 3.1%, on a mature equivalent (ME) basis. This achievement marks the first time the Holstein breed has reached a 4% fat level and the ME average for milk has surpassed 28,000 pounds. U.S. Registered Holsteins have achieved these impressive records because of dedicated breeders like you. The progress would not be possible without the care and work you put into constantly improving the genetics and performance of your own herds. Your Association is helping pave the way for continued genetic progress in the Holstein breed. One of the ways Holstein USA is doing so is by supporting research projects designed to benefit the Holstein breed. Research Grant Program Holstein USA’s Research Grant Program was launched in 2017 to support University and non-profit research projects with predicted outcomes expected to benefit the Holstein breed. While there is a special focus
New York Holstein News July/August 2022
on improving the health and profitability of Holsteins through genetics, research proposals can address a variety of areas including nutrition, reproduction, dairy foods, and economics. Five different research projects have been funded since the program began. Topics of funded projects include inbreeding, twinning, dairy-beef, the slick hair gene to improve heat tolerance, and genomic evaluation of diet digestibility in Holsteins. All are aimed at continued to build upon Holstein’s impressive genetic advancement. “Holsteins are profitable dairy cows, but the Research Grant Program is looking for innovative research that can enhance the success of the Holstein cow,” says Dr. Roger Shanks, Dairy Genetic Consultant, responsible for managing Holstein Association USA’s Research Grant Program. The program also helps to increase the amount of Holstein specific research being done on a broader scale. Although not every research proposal that gets submitted is able to be funded, the submitted proposals continued on page 16
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