Holsteins

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 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

continued from page 15 are often used to apply for other grants.

The Research Grant Program was featured during the 2022 National Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A panel featuring three scientists with funded projects was held during the Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 30.

To learn more about the Research Grant Program or the projects that have been supported, visit https://www. holsteinusa.com/programs_services/research_grant. html.

WKU SmartHolstein Lab

Launched last summer, the WKU SmartHolstein Lab is designed to be a research, development, and demonstration center for the dairy industry. It’s an exciting and strategic partnership between Holstein USA and Western Kentucky University. Located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the dairy also gives students there unique, hands-on learning experiences.

Several different technologies have been installed and are being used at the SmartHolstein Lab. They range from automated footbaths and feed pushers to activity monitors and milk-based sensors. The technologies are in various stages of development, and the SmartHolstein Lab is the perfect place to test their strengths and weaknesses.

“Support from across the dairy industry for the WKU SmartHolstein Lab has been overwhelming and inspiring. We are thankful for the support from breeders who have donated animals and technology providers who have made this the most technologically advanced dairy in the world. Data is the future of our industry, and we are leading the industry forward,” reports Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Holstein Association USA Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist.

The long-term goal for the project is to develop a 100% A2, polled herd of cows in the top 20% of the breed for TPI with additional emphasis on health, reproduction, and fitness traits. To help achieve this goal, many Holstein USA members have donated a Registered Holstein animal through the “Send a Holstein to College” program. Thank you to our many generous donors who have already contributed with the donation of an animal.

If you are interested in learning more about the WKU SmartHolstein Lab or donating an animal, visit www. smartholstein.com. We look forward to sharing more insights and findings from the WKU SmartHolstein Lab with our members in the future.

A commitment to continuous improvement through research will ensure U.S. Registered Holsteins remain the cow loved round the world. More importantly, it will help you, our members, continue to be relevant and profitable in the constantly changing world today.