U.S. Holsteins are still the No. 1 genetic source worldwide for top milk production despite increasing foreign competition. Because of extensive exports of American Holstein semen and embryos, the top bulls in other countries consist of half, three-quarters or even full "U.S. genetics." Researchers evaluated the genetics of bulls from the United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom by comparing the milk, fat and protein yields from the bulls' daughters. Results showed at least 90 sires of the top 100 bulls for each trait were from the United States. But continued genetic improvements are vital in maintaining American breeders' competitiveness.
Animal Improvements Program, Beltsville, MD
Rex L. Powell, (301) 504-8334

Last Updated: December 13, 1996
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