DairyTalk 667: Two Calves, Double the Risk: Why Twins Are Not an Economic Bonus in Dairy Cattle - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Sep 17, 2026 · 21m

This podcast episode is based on two technical articles examining twinning in German Holsteins from both a management and genetic perspective. Population data challenge the assumption that producing two calves represents an economic advantage, as twin pregnancies are associated with greater health risks for both cow and offspring and can negatively affect subsequent productive life. Because genetic predisposition explains only part of the variation, physiological factors and herd management remain central to understanding and controlling the problem. Early ultrasound diagnosis and reliable…