Research from the Institute for Animal Science and Health in the Netherlands indicates that selecting for high production genetics doesn’t bring with it the automatic assumption of SCS increases. A study involving 36 cows whose udders had been infected with E.coli bacteria, divided into low and high production groups indicated that disease progression was the same in both groups. The conclusion drawn was that high production does not infer a reduced resistance to mastitis.

Alta’s high production lineup would backup these findings. Among Alta’s group of 6 sires that achieve a proof of +2000 lbs Milk with at least +1.00 for Udder Composite, all are rated as improvers of resistance to mastitis, demonstrated by low SCS scores. Improved udder health is increasingly becoming part of the sire selection process for modern dairy producers. Still, it is encouraging that adding weight to SCS doesn’t eliminate the vast majority of high production bulls from participating.

Rock-Gap No. 941
Sired by Ricecrest Laurier