What if your best bull is actually your herd’s biggest weakness? The surprising truth about balanced breeding.
Do you know what strikes me about walking through barns lately? The conversations have shifted. It used to be all about chasing the next high TPI or LPI bull or bragging about NM$ or Pro$ numbers. But now… now I’m hearing producers talk about balance. About building herds that actually work day-to-day instead of just looking good on paper.
And honestly? Lactanet’s modernized LPI system, including its six subindexes, which was launched this past April, has finally given us the tools to do this right. What I’m calling “no-holes-sire” selection isn’t just some fancy theory anymore—it’s becoming the new reality for producers who want to stay competitive.
What’s Really Going on Out There
The thing about single-trait or one total merit index selection is that … look, it worked for a while. Research analyzing dairy breeding programs consistently shows that multi-trait selection indices outperform single-trait approaches for overall genetic progress, but old habits die hard, right? Especially when you’ve got a #1 bull that looks like he could rewrite the record books. Yet a one total merit number does not tell you a bull’s strengths and weaknesses.
But here’s where it gets interesting—and a bit concerning. We’ve been inadvertently concentrating on harmful recessive and profit-limiting genes that mess with fertility, health, and overall cow functionality when we used only a total merit index. It’s one of those unintended consequences that makes you shake your head and wonder how we missed it for so long.
What’s really driving this shift, though? Margins are tight – labor is unavailable, and feed costs are absolutely brutal right now. I’m hearing numbers ranging from $450 to $500 per tonne for quality dairy rations across most of Ontario and Quebec (variations by region are expected). When you’re dealing with margins that tight, you can’t afford genetic holes that turn routine management into daily firefighting.
The University Crowd is Getting Excited About This
Dr. Christine Baes, from the University of Guelph and leader of the Resilient Dairy Genomics Project, has been advocating for this balanced approach for years, and the genetic data emerging from her lab is quite compelling. The fact is, when you optimize across multiple traits and indexes simultaneously, you’re basically hedging your genetic investment portfolio. It’s like diversifying your feed suppliers, rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.
What’s particularly fascinating is how this relates to feed efficiency. Dr. Baes’s work, along with other industry analyses, suggests that cattle from more balanced genetic programs tend to be 8-12% more efficient in feed conversion. At current feed costs, we’re talking potential savings that could add up to $200-250 per cow annually—which, let’s be honest, adds up fast when you’re running 300 or 500 head.
The strategy that’s gaining real traction centers on what I call the “five-of-six rule“—selecting sires with at least five of Lactanet’s six LPI subindexes above the 50th percentile rank. Simple concept, but it ensures your bulls perform above average across multiple categories instead of being superstars in one area while creating weaknesses elsewhere.
The table below reports the LPl and subindex details for the twenty Holstein sires with the most Canadian registered daughters in 2024. Definitely, more balance in sire usage is needed, as fifteen of the twenty are below 50% RK for their reproduction and environmental impact subindexes, while health & welfare, and milkability fare only slightly better. It is clear that in the past, the LPI formula was focused on production, type, and longevity.
| April ’25 Indexes for Twenty 2024 Sires with Most Registered Daughters | ||||
| Category | Avg Index | Index%RK | Range in %RK | % Sires Below 50RK |
| Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) | 3531 | 98%RK | 81 – 99 %RK | 0% |
| Production Subindex (PI) | 659 | 93%RK | 70 – 99 %RK | 0% |
| Longevity & Type Subindex (LTI) | 678 | 98%RK | 57 – 99 %RK | 0% |
| Health & Welfare Subindex (HWI) | 500 | 50%RK | 02 – 93 %RK | 60% |
| Reproduction Subindex (RI) | 450 | 29%RK | 01 – 65 %RK | 75% |
| Milkability Subindex (MI) | 516 | 52%RK | 10 – 92 %RK | 45% |
| Environmental Impact Subindex (EII) | 475 | 40%RK | 02 – 96 %RK | 75% |
Real Talk from the Barn Floor
I’ve been speaking with producers across Ontario and Quebec—from the Ottawa Valley to the Eastern Townships—and the stories are remarkably consistent. The common thread? Producers who have shifted to more balanced approaches are seeing improvements in herd health metrics and reproductive performance over 2-to 3-year periods.
One producer I know from the Kemptville area told me straight up: “My conception rates were garbage for three years running. Kept chasing high milk bulls, thinking more production would solve everything. Finally, I said screw it and started looking at the whole package. Three breeding seasons later, my fresh first lactation cows are settling like they should, and I’m not calling the vet every other day.”
This isn’t some overnight miracle—that’s important to understand. But the trend is clear, and it’s happening across different herd sizes and management styles.
Here’s what’s really interesting, though… it’s not just about avoiding problems. The producers embracing balanced selection are actually positioning themselves better for whatever comes next. Climate challenges, labor shortages (don’t get me started on finding good help), feed price volatility—these cattle seem to handle it all with less drama.
The Money Talk (Because That’s What Actually Matters)
Now, transitioning to balanced selection isn’t exactly a minor adjustment. Agricultural economist Dr. Alfons Weersink from the University of Guelph has noted that implementation costs for systems can be significant, especially for mid-sized operations. We’re talking genetic testing requirements, restructuring breeding programs, and likely upgrading of data management systems.
For 100-200 cow operations, you’re probably looking at $8,000-15,000 to get this thing rolling properly. 300-500 cow herds may see costs in the $15,000-$ 25,000 range. Larger operations… well, they have more resources, but also more complexity.
But here’s where it gets interesting—the payback timeline varies wildly depending on where you’re starting from. Operations with solid existing genetics might see positive returns within 18-24 months. Herds with more genetic imbalances may require 3-4 years to realize the benefits fully.
The trade-off is real, though. You’re accepting potentially slower progress in any single trait to achieve more balanced genetic improvement across all the economically important areas. However, based on industry observations, that strategy proves to be way more profitable in the long term.
The Tech Side is Getting Pretty Slick
What’s really accelerating adoption is the evolution of genomic tools. Semex’s genomic platform processes over 50,000 genetic markers per animal, providing precision breeding decisions with significantly higher accuracy for young genomic bulls compared to traditional pedigree methods. The reliability jump is impressive—we’re talking 70-75% accuracy versus the old 30-35% with pedigree alone.
The real-time monitoring systems now available can correlate genetic potential with actual production metrics. This means you can identify underperforming genetics before they start hitting your bottom line—which is exactly the kind of early warning system we need in this business.
What Actually Matters: The Numbers
When you analyze lifetime value, Data from leading analytics firms like AgriProfit backs this up. It suggests that balanced genetics can increase average productive lifespan by nearly a full lactation in some herds. Replacement costs become lower when you’re breeding for balance rather than extremes.
The noteworthy part? With interest rates expected to continue declining through 2025, financing conditions are likely to support the adoption of operations ready to invest in genetics and management systems. That’s creating a window of opportunity for producers who want to fast forward this trend.
Regional Patterns and What’s Working
From what I’m seeing across the country, trend setting operations are leading the charge.
Progressive Ontario and Quebec producers are implementing some form of balanced selection protocol—around 30-35% of the forward-thinking operations that I am aware of.
Western Canada producers are quickly transitioning, especially the larger operations dealing with labor shortages, who need cattle that basically manage themselves. Dr. Dan Weary from UBC’s Animal Welfare Program has identified some common patterns among producers who succeed with this approach. They maintain detailed production records, invest in staff training, and—this is key—resist the temptation to chase short-term genetic trends.
The Maritime provinces are being more cautious, which makes sense given their different cost structures and market conditions. But even there, I’m starting to hear conversations about balanced breeding approaches.
Getting Started Without Breaking the Bank
Success really comes down to systematic execution, and honestly, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what’s working for producers who are making this transition:
Start with your baseline. You need to establish genomic profiles using Lactanet’s evaluation services. Testing will run you roughly at $45-65 per animal, but that’s your foundation for everything that follows. No shortcuts here—you need to know where you are before you can figure out where you’re going.
Define your genetic criteria based on your specific situation. This is where operation size may matter. Smaller herds (under 200 head) can probably focus on 3-4 key areas where they’re struggling most. Mid-sized operations (200-500 employees) require more comprehensive approaches. Larger herds can get more sophisticated with their selection strategies, but also need advanced data management systems.
High somatic cell count operations should lean into health indexes (HWI subindex). Herds struggling with fertility might weight reproduction factors (RI subindex) more heavily. But—and this is crucial—you still maintain that five-of-six threshold for balanced improvement.
Stay disciplined. This is the hardest part. When some hot new LPI bull, with less than four subindexes over 50%RK, shows up and everyone’s talking about him, it’s tempting to jump. Don’t. Stick to your balanced strategy and trust the process.
Where This is All Heading
The key insight that keeps coming up in my conversations?
Will we lose type and milk yield? The facts are you’re not sacrificing genetic progress—you’re optimizing it for the real world. Instead of creating cattle with spectacular strengths and devastating weaknesses, you’re building consistently profitable animals that actually work in today’s and tomorrow’s environment.
As industry consolidation continues—Canadian dairy farm numbers have declined from 12,007 in 2014 to 9,256 in 2024—operational efficiency is no longer just a nice-to-have. It’s become a survival requirement.
The producers who are embracing balanced genetic foundations right now are not just avoiding future problems—they’re positioning themselves to thrive as the industry continues to evolve. Those still chasing single-trait or single-index rankings… well, they’ll be dealing with the expensive consequences of genetic imbalance, while their neighbors quietly build more resilient and profitable operations.
This shift toward total balanced breeding isn’t just another fad—it’s the industry growing up. And honestly – it’s about time. We have the tools, we have the data, and we have producers who are ready to make it work.
The question isn’t whether balanced breeding is the future—it’s whether you’re going to be part of that future or get left behind dealing with yesterday’s genetic limitations.
What’s your take on this whole balanced selection thing? Are you seeing similar patterns in your neck of the woods?
Key Takeaways:
- Balanced genetic selection—using multiple subindexes rather than chasing a single high-ranking trait—helps build herds that are resilient, efficient, and profitable in today’s challenging dairy environment.
- New tools like Lactanet’s modernized LPI system (with six subindexes) empower producers to practice “no-holes-sire” breeding, focusing on consistently above-average bulls rather than single-trait superstars.
- While shifting to balanced selection requires investment in testing, management, and discipline, producers report real improvements in fertility, health, and long-term profitability within a few years.
- Genomic technology enables much greater accuracy in breeding decisions, helping to avoid costly genetic weaknesses and identify underperforming animals sooner.
- Farms adopting balanced breeding are better positioned to adapt to industry disruptions—like labor shortages, volatile feed prices, and climate stress—compared to those sticking with outdated genetic strategies.
Executive Summary:
Balanced breeding is quickly becoming the new standard in dairy genetics, as producers move away from chasing single-trait or high-total merit sires toward building herds that thrive in real-world conditions. The launch of Lactanet’s modernized LPI system, with its six subindexes, now makes it possible to practice true “no-holes-sire” selection—targeting bulls that perform above average in multiple areas rather than excelling at just one. Research and on-farm experience alike confirm that this approach improves overall herd health, fertility, and resilience, while helping producers navigate rising feed costs and labor shortages. Although initial investments in genomic testing and record-keeping can be significant, payback is seen within a few years through improved performance and longevity. Genomic platforms and real-time monitoring are making breeding decisions vastly more accurate and actionable. Herds embracing this strategy are positioned to handle ongoing industry changes and future challenges, setting themselves up for lasting profitability. Ultimately, balanced breeding marks a shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and future-ready dairy operations.
Complete references and supporting documentation are available upon request by contacting the editorial team at editor@thebullvine.com.
Learn More:
- Slick Genetics Revolution: How One Gene Could Save Dairy Farmers $5,000 Per Cow Lifetime – This article provides a compelling look into a specific, single-trait solution—the “slick” gene for heat tolerance. It reveals how strategic genetic selection can deliver massive, quantifiable economic benefits by solving a key environmental challenge, offering a complementary, tactical perspective to the main article’s broader discussion on balanced breeding.
- The $50 Billion Truth: Why Canada’s Supply Management System is Quietly Outperforming Every ‘Free Market’ Dairy System – This piece offers a strategic, market-focused view of the dairy industry’s economic stability. It contrasts the Canadian supply management model with “free market” systems, revealing how a predictable financial environment can enable long-term genetic investments and strategic planning that are impossible in more volatile markets.
- From Milk Machines to Component Champions: How Genomics and Sexed Semen Are Remaking the Dairy Cow – This article delves into the core technologies that make balanced breeding possible. It demonstrates how genomic testing and sexed semen empower producers to precisely select for profitable traits, such as butterfat and protein, providing a technological and operational foundation for the balanced selection principles discussed in the main article.
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