DairyTalk 583: Too many cows, too little insight: why breeding fails without systems at scale - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Aug 29, 2026 · 22m

This podcast episode draws on a technical article by Helmut Demmelhuber, examining how breeding management must evolve in large-scale dairy operations. As herd sizes grow, individual animal knowledge becomes insufficient, requiring structured and data-driven approaches. The analysis highlights the integration of genomic data, phenotypic evaluation, and cow family insights. A key focus is a multi-stage selection system that organizes the herd into targeted breeding groups with clear objectives. Ultimately, effective large-scale breeding depends on a shift toward system-based management, where…