The Proof
November 2025

December Proof Release & Celebrating Leadership in Dairy Genetics

This issue is packed with updates you won’t want to miss, including changes coming with the December proof release, the latest trends in casein genotypes, a save-the-date for the upcoming Open Industry Session, and a special tribute honoring Brian Van Doormaal as he embarks on retirement. Dive in to stay informed and ahead in Canadian dairy genetics!

Featured Article

December 2025 Cow Evaluations

In October 2025, Lactanet implemented monthly evaluations for Canadian females. Phase 2 of this initiative will take effect on the December 2nd, 2025, proof release, providing all females with one genetic evaluation regardless of their milk recording supervision status.

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New Evaluations

Subclinical Ketosis

Brown Swiss, Canadienne, Guernsey, and Milking Shorthorn breeders will have access to genetic evaluations for Metabolic Disease Resistance this December! The MDR index for these breeds will be 100% Subclinical Ketosis with equal weight for first and later lactations

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Trend Update

The Lactanet database has received significantly more Beta Casein and Kappa Casein gene test results. The A2A2 genotype is most prevalent in Guernsey, Brown Swiss and Jersey breeds. Jersey and Brown Swiss also lead the BB frequencies.

View genotype frequencies

Important Dates

December 2nd
Official Genetic Evaluation Release
February 25th
Open Industry Session – Save the Date!
March 5th
Ayrshire Canda AGM
March 28th
Jersey Canada AGM

2025-2026 GE Calendar

Happy Retirement Brian!

After a career of nearly 40 years, including 30 years leading the genetic evaluation services for dairy cattle in Canada, Brian Van Doormaal will be retiring this December. Please join us in celebrating his greatest achievements below!

Successfully transitioned the delivery of dairy cattle genetic evaluations from the federal government to industry
Led the introduction of 10 new genetic evaluation trait systems as well as Canada’s Test Day Model, Pro$ and the Modernized LPI  
Implemented genomic evaluations starting August 2009
100 Official Proof Releases this December 2025!
Canadian representative on the Interbull Steering Committee for 27 years
Chairman of the DNA Working Group of the International Committee of Animal Recording (ICAR) for 8 years
Development, implementation and delivery of Canada's dairy cattle traceability program, DairyTrace
And many more!

Congratulations Brian, we wish you all the best in this new chapter!

Tools Tips

Identify Angus sires that will result in desirable offspring for the beef market with Lactanet’s Beef-on-Dairy Query:

Search by Name
View bulls actively marketed in Canada
Display evaluations in either “Estimated EBV’s” or “GE-EPD’s”

Check it out

Ask an Expert

Q: Are bull evaluations affected with the transition to monthly evaluations for Canadian females?

A: Official bull evaluations will not change between official tri-annual releases, except when moving from a PA to GPA and/or if there are pedigree changes.

Click here to submit your question and get involved!