The Next Generation of Holstein Genetics: Sires, Breeding Strategy, and What’s Coming Next
The Holstein breed is evolving fast and this episode of the Select Sires Podcast makes one thing clear: the future belongs to balanced, high‑index cattle that work in real dairies.
Seven years into the NxGEN®
program, the results are undeniable. Graduates of the program are now dominating genomic lists for TPI®, HHP$®
and wellness traits, proving that strategic genetic planning pays off over time.
The Rise of 14HO17486 COBOT and NxGEN Dominance
Few sires illustrate this better than COBOT, one of the fastest‑rising sires in the industry. With elite numbers across TPI, DWP$®, HHP$ and Lifetime Cheese Merit $—and a 7HO16276 SHEEPSTER‑free pedigree—COBOT daughters are setting the pace. In fact, all of Select Sires’ top 10 young TPI bulls are now sired by COBOT, a testament to his influence.
Alongside him, early‑release sires like 7HO18078 BENTHEHM and 7HO18108 LANECHANGE are offering reliable outcross options with strong fertility, calf livability, mastitis resistance traits and balanced linear profiles, making them easy to use across a wide variety of herds.
Proven Power Behind the Progress
While genomics drive momentum, daughter-proven sires still form the backbone of genetic advancement. 7HO16644 RIMBOT stands out, with impressive early daughter performance, strong milk and protein transmission, and deviations that signal reliability. Sires like 7HO17330 CLAVICLE, 507HO18401 MVP-P, and 7HO18373 HOAKLY further reinforce the value of proven cow families, especially when it comes to fitness traits and udder quality.
Calf Wellness Takes Center Stage
A recurring theme throughout the episode is the growing importance of calf wellness traits—livability, scours and respiratory disease resistance. With beef on dairy more prevalent than ever, every live, healthy calf now carries added value.
Polled Genetics Without Compromise
Perhaps the most striking shift is in polled genetics. Once viewed as a trade‑off, today’s polled and homozygous polled sires—like 250HO18259 HOSTENS-P, 250HO17298 HABULOUS-P, 250HO18358 CRYPTO PP RC and MVP-P—combine elite production, Type, and HHP$ values. The conversation makes it clear: breeders no longer have to sacrifice performance to eliminate horns.
Showcase™ and Red & White Genetics Add Depth and Diversity
The episode closes with a strong look at Red & White genetics and Showcase sires, emphasizing diversity beyond dominant bloodlines. Standouts like 250HO18217 ATHENS-RED, 7HO18237 RECOVER-RED, 7HO17661 REED-RED and 7HO18235 READY-RED demonstrate that the Red & White population is advancing rapidly in TPI, balance and fitness. Meanwhile, Showcase sires such as 7HO18192 RALLY and CRYPTO PP RC bring new cow families, polled traits and high Type into focus.
Looking Ahead
With more NxGEN releases expected before the August sire summaries, the message is clear: the genetic pipeline is full—and accelerating. Select Sires continues to “skate to where the puck is going,” prioritizing a balance of components, longevity and creating cows that thrive in modern production systems.