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DairyTalk 228: Why Good Cows Look Worse Over Time: The RZG Illusion - by Helmut Demmelhuber
Many breeders observe RZG values declining over time and mistakenly question genomic reliability. This article explains why that conclusion is misleading. A cow’s genetic potential does not change; what changes is the reference population due to annual base shifts. Older animals are continuously compared to genetically stronger younger generations, causing a statistical decline of four to five RZG points per year. The piece puts this effect into context, introduces a simple rule of thumb for realistic interpretation, and argues for focusing on true performance, longevity, and breeding logic…
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