No Compromising with Today’s Polled Genetics

Publish date: 3.21.25 

The dairy industry has made great strides in creating the world’s perfect cow. The Holstein cow excels when compared to other breeds for production, health and fitness, and conformation because of the relentless dedication of dairy producers around the world to genetic progress. Conversely, there has been one convenience trait overlooked for some time, and the trait is polled.  

Polled genetics are gaining attention globally because the future is polled. Why? Most dairy producers dread dehorning and its additional cost, see more naturally polled cattle than before due to beef on dairy, and are looking for ways to improve sustainability and animal welfare as the supply chain stakeholders begin to expect it.

The polled gene is dominant, meaning animals with one copy of the polled gene and one copy of the horned gene will not have horns. For example, depending on the mating, a breeding plan using a single P sire will result in 50% of the calves being polled. The use of a double P sire in a breeding plan will result in all offspring born without horns.  

Nevertheless, many have chosen not to take the step to polled because the genetic value of polled sires has never rivaled that of horned animals. That’s the difference today. Dairy producers can now enjoy the benefits of polled genetics without sacrificing genetic progress.  

The Benefits of Polled Genetics 

1. Allows for immediate change: A polled animal can be created immediately because the polled gene is dominant, and it only takes one copy of the gene. This makes polled one of the only selection decisions that is seen in the next generation. 
2. Eliminates dehorning: No one wants to dehorn because it’s time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the cost ranges from $6 to $25 per head, according to the American Dairy Science Association. With polled genetics, dairy producers can eliminate dehorning, enhance calf welfare, minimize management practices, and increase safety.  
3. Minimizes long-term costs and improves operational efficiency: Polled genetics offer an economic solution from a labor and calf growth and management standpoint. The stress of dehorning can result in a slowdown of growth in calves as they recover, which can impact them long term. To ensure its health, an animal might need additional treatments and calf care. These costs affect your business’s bottom line and efficiency. Also, it is possible to have a dehorning miss, meaning cows with horns not completely removed, which equals a loss of time and money. Polled genetics remove the likelihood of a miss. 
4. Promotes sustainability: Polled cattle logically fit in the industry’s sustainability conversation because the polled gene improves the safety, efficiency, and overall management of a dairy farm, directly impacting sustainability and profitability. 

The Improvement in Quality and Quantity of Polled Genetics 

The quality and quantity of polled genetics have improved significantly in recent years with the aid of genomic testing. Before, it was tough to select genetically elite polled sires because less than 1% of the Holstein population was polled. That has changed as genetic companies have increased their focus on creating elite polled genetics to allow dairy producers to take advantage of its benefits.  

The genetic gap between horned and polled cattle is closing because the genetic value of polled Holsteins has never been higher, even rivaling their horned counterparts in some capacities. Let’s take the average net merit of currently marketed double P sires as an example. Of the homozygous polled bulls being marketed today, the top 20 double P sires average $1,108 net merit. Heterozygous animals in the current sire population are as good genetically as horned animals.  

We say all this to inform you that incorporating polled genetics on your dairy has very been easier. Enjoying the benefits of polled no longer feel out of reach because of the fear of genetic sacrifice. The future is polled. Don’t wait until the industry shifts. Learn more about polled genetics by reading our article originally published in Progressive Dairy.  

To start using polled genetics in your genetic plan, consult with your Genetic Advisor or complete the form below.