Most Dairy Cows Are Kissing Cousins, and Scientists Are Worried [View all]

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Selective breeding of Holstein cows, which give more milk than any other dairy cow in the country, has led to so much inbreeding that virtually all of them descend from just two bulls. Why some geneticists think that’s a problem. https://wsj.com/articles/the-dwindling-diversity-of-americas-most-productive-dairy-cows-11622194200?reflink=desktopwebshare_twitter via
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U.S. THE NUMBERS

Most Dairy Cows Are Kissing Cousins, and Scientists Are Worried

Selective breeding helps Holsteins produce 94% of the nation’s milk, but can also lead to the proliferation of diseases

{snip photo}

Nearly all Holsteins in the U.S. and abroad descend from just two bulls.

PHOTO: CINDY SCHULTZ FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

By Jo Craven McGinty
May 28, 2021 5:30 am ET

Trick question: How many Holsteins—the black-and-white dairy cows prized for the quality and quantity of their milk—are in the U.S.?

a. Nine million

b. Fewer than 50

c. Both a and b

Holsteins give more milk than any other dairy cow in the country, with the average female producing around 23,000 pounds of milk over 305 days, according to the Holstein Association USA. The entire population provides 94% of the nation’s milk.

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