DairyTalk 296: Polled Breeding at a Crossroads: A Dominant Gene Meets Genetic Diversity - by Helmut Demmelhuber

DairyTalk by Helmut Demmelhuber · Feb 19, 2026 · 15m

This episode draws on a technical article examining the genetic, strategic, and economic implications of breeding for polled dairy cattle. It explains the dominant inheritance of the hornless gene and the importance of managing homozygous (PP) and heterozygous (Pp) genotypes to achieve predictable outcomes. The analysis cautions against an excessive focus on a single trait, highlighting potential risks for genetic diversity, conformation, and overall functional performance. It also questions whether the premium prices often paid for polled genetics reflect true biological value or are…