The August 2026 genetic evaluations brought a whirlwind of new traits and updates. Despite these changes, the genetic options available from Alta are poised to help you create the highly productive, healthy, trouble-free cows that drive profit on your dairy. With new info at hand, here are the top three takeaways from Alta.
1. Female fertility traits are now more accurate
Following two years of deep-dive research into how to improve the calculations for the female fertility traits, the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) has released new fertility trait updates with August proofs. This includes improved calculations for DPR, CCR, HCR, and EFC, and the launch of a brand-new trait called First Service to Conception, or FSC. Read more about these trait updates HERE.
With the improved calculation for DPR and CCR, we saw a rise in the average value for both of these cow fertility traits across genomic bulls in the industry. DPR increased by an average of 1.4 points, and CCR went up by an average of 1.6 points. We now see 85% of Alta sires provide a positive value for Daughter Pregnancy Rate, and nearly all Alta sires offer a positive Cow Conception Rate value.
2. New traits add options for your customized genetic plan
Calf Health – CDCB also added two brand-new traits aimed at improving calf health: Diarrhea (DIA) and Respiratory Problems (RSP).
Research shows that health problems early in a calf’s life affect her overall profitability through her lifetime. With that in mind, these two new calf health traits are meant to identify the genetic component to the two most common causes of calf mortality. Find technical information on these new traits here: Calf Diarrhea | Calf Respiratory Problems
Conformation – At the same time, the Holstein Association USA also launched a brand-new composite index with the goal of creating moderate-sized, balanced, functional cows. This index is called Holstein Conformation Composite, or HCC, and can already be found on Alta Bull Search. For more information on the details and background of HCC, you can view a PDF overview from Holstein USA HERE.
3. New bulls join the Alta EDGE, G-STAR, and PROVEN STAR lineups
We’re proud to highlight several new additions to the Alta lineup. Full proof information on these bulls and others in the Alta lineup can be found on Alta Bull Search.
Alta EDGE: Joining an already impressive lineup of elite Alta EDGE sires are AltaBUZZCUT, AltaKIP-P, AltaSALIX, and AltaDESTINO. These sires offer a variety of trait specialties and are bred to fit a variety of custom genetic plans around the world. They join AltaGERARD, AltaGOLDENGATE, and AltaGLIMPSE as the sires available for the most progressive genetic goals.
Alta G-STAR: with 17 new Alta G-STAR sires added to the Alta lineup, the genetic average of this group soars. Regardless of genetic goals, this group provides an average of 1116 lbs Milk, 162 lbs Combined Fat & Protein, 3.4 PL, 1.2 REI, and 11.6 MUI, and half are A2A2.
PROVEN STAR: The top end of Alta’s daughter-proven list got even better with new proof updates. This group is led by AltaSAMSON, who added new milking daughters to his proof and jumped a whopping 101 TPI points and lands in the industry’s top 15 for daughter-proven TPI. In addition, AltaKAWAII, AltaSECONDLINE, and AltaJOLLYRANCHER added their first milking daughters to their proofs, and offer great value with added reliability.
For more information on how to interpret the fertility trait updates or include any new traits in your custom genetic plan, please work with your trusted Alta advisor.
