December 04, 2003

Largest Dairy Breed Organization Holstein Association Approved Cattle Identification Database

Holstein Association USA, Inc., the world's largest dairy breed organization, has approved the Cattle Identification Database (CID) to identify any breed of cattle including crossbred animals.

The CID program, under development by Insinc USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Holstein Association USA, Inc., will record lineage and available performance data on crossbred animals. The program offers the convenience of recording every animal in a herd regardless of breed. In addition, it gives producers the ability to meet their identification needs from the leader in the industry.

"Holstein Association USA would like to obtain information on crossbred animals because most crosses today contain Holstein genetics," said Tom Lawlor, Ph. D., director of research and development, Holstein Association USA, Inc. "Holsteins produce more pounds of milk, fat, and protein than any other breed. We are interested in measuring how other breeds benefit from the Holstein cross because of genetic improvements such as increased production and decreased inbreeding."

The Holstein Association USA, Inc. board of directors approved CID at their November board meeting. CID will be ready for producers late in 2004. Currently, development is still under progress.