April Proof Release: What you need to know This issue focuses on the key updates coming with the April 7th, 2026 proof release, including changes to the Production and Health & Welfare subindexes of LPI, the annual Pro$ update and more. Enjoy the read, and we wish you all a great proof day! | | Feature Article Genetics to Improve Protein With growing demands for protein and evolving milk pricing, adjustments are being made to the relative emphasis on Fat Yield and Protein Yield within the Production subindex of the Lifetime Performance Index (LPI). - Holstein: 40F:60P
- Jersey: 33F:67P
- Ayrshire: 50F:50P
Learn more | | LPI Formula LPI Health & Welfare Subindex In addition to the modifications to the Production subindex, April 2026 will also mark the introduction of Calf Health within the Health & Welfare subindex (HWI) of LPI for Holsteins. Metabolic Disease Resistance (MDR) will also be included in the HWI for Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn, and Canadienne. View trait weightings | | Genetic Evaluation Board The first 2026 meeting of the Genetic Evaluation Board took place on March 10th. The GEB is made up of 7 breeders, 5 technical experts, and 5 industry experts with a goal to make recommendations related to the delivery of dairy cattle genetic evaluations in Canada. Main discussions from the March GEB included LPI and Pro$ changes, genomic validation of traits, Crampy and within-herd R-values. | | Annual Updates Pro$ Update For April 2026, Pro$ will incorporate updated revenue assumptions based on upcoming average 2026 milk payments. Expense assumptions will continue to be based on a rolling average of economic values for the past five years. See the update Base Change Each year, the genetic base used to express genetic evaluations is updated. View base change | | Important Dates Save the Date! 2026 Dairy Cattle Industry Forum - September 22nd & 23rd, 2026
- Sheraton Gateway Hotel | Toronto Airport
- Registration and agenda coming soon!
Did you miss the February OIS? View presentation PDFs | | Tool Tips Inbreeding Calculator The Inbreeding Calculator available on LactanetGen.ca is a great tool to help fine tune your mating decisions. After inputting various matings, inbreeding levels and Parent Averages are provided for the potential progeny. A mating risk calculation is also presented to reflect the probability that the resulting pregnancy or calf will be affected by an undesirable genetic condition or haplotype. See more Tips & Tricks | | Ask an Expert Q: What is the heritability difference between Fat Yield and Protein Yield for the Holstein breed? A: Both Fat Yield and Protein Yield have a moderate heritability of 26%. This means they are both influenced similarly by genetic selection. The difference between the two lies in the genetic variation, with Protein Yield having less genetic variation than Fat Yield.
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