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DairyTalk 551: The End of Extreme Size? New Classification Rules Shift Holstein Breeding Priorities - by Helmut Demmelhuber
This podcast episode is based on a technical article examining the 2026 classification changes introduced by Holstein Association USA. At the center of the discussion is why the breed is moving away from rewarding extreme stature and toward cows that combine functionality, longevity, and economic efficiency. The article explains the new penalties for excessive height and the introduction of the Holstein Conformation Composite (HCC), a classification tool designed to place greater emphasis on structural balance and practical performance. It also explores how these changes may influence mating…
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