The April 2025 German Holstein evaluations reveal significant developments across both proven and genomic sire rankings, with the implementation of the Single-Step method marking a revolutionary change in breeding value estimation.
Genomic Leaders Show Remarkable Progress
Picard son Pennywise is topping the B&W RZG Interbull Genomic ranking, who raised his score by an impressive +4 points to reach +165 RZG. He is followed closely by Real Syn’ son Rise Up at +164 RZG. The third position is shared by several outstanding bulls: Pirelli, Argentum, Pick Up, Alaska, Vino P *RC, and Topchamp, all scoring +162 RZG.
Red & White Genomic Rankings Dominated by Polled Genetics
The R&W RZG Interbull Genomic ranking showcases the growing influence of polled genetics, with Cardiff P leading the chart at +162 RZG. The second position is shared by three outstanding sires: Maksim P, Schach, and Malaga Red, all scoring +161 RZG.
Proven Sires Show Stability with Modest Gains
In the proven sire rankings, Ginger continues to lead with an impressive RZG of 148, showing a 3-point improvement from December 2024. The top five proven sires all demonstrated positive movement:
- Ginger (RZG 148, +3) – Excelling in production traits with strong maternal qualities
- Safari Red (RZG 142, +2) – Balanced performance across production and health traits
- Ghost Red (RZG 140, +2) – Strong health profile with solid production values
- Sandro P (RZG 140, +1) – Polled carrier with exceptional maternal traits
- Symbol Red (RZG 139, +2) – Well-rounded performer with a balanced trait profile
Single-Step Method Revolutionizes Genetic Evaluations
The transition to the Single-Step method represents a fundamental change in how breeding values are calculated. Unlike the previous multi-step approach, this new method simultaneously processes all available information—pedigree, phenotypes, and genotypes—in one comprehensive calculation.
Dr. Christin Schmidtmann from Vit explains: “The switch to Single-Step is a significant step forward for German Holstein breeding and enables even better breeding for high-production and healthy dairy cows.”
Enhanced Reliability Driving Greater Progress
The Single-Step method delivers substantial improvements in reliability, particularly for functional traits where increases of up to 14% are expected. Young genomic sires will benefit most significantly from this reliability boost, though genotyped females will also see gains.
This enhanced reliability translates to:
- More stable breeding values
- More accurate predictions for health, fertility, and production
- More significant potential for breeding progress at both herd and population levels
The April 2025 evaluations demonstrate the German Holstein population’s continued genetic advancement, with proven and genomic sires showing impressive gains across economically essential traits.
- GERMANY – B&W – Interbull Genomics – 04/25
- GERMANY – B&W – Interbull Dtr Proven – 04/25
- GERMANY – B&W – Domestic Genomics – 04/25
- GERMANY – B&W – Dtr Proven – 04/25
- GERMANY – B&W – Domestic 99% R Bulls – 04/25
- GERMANY – R&W – Interbull Genomics – 04/25
- GERMANY – R&W – Interbull Dtr Proven – 04/25
- GERMANY – R&W – Domestic Genomics – 04/25
- GERMANY – R&W – Dtr Proven – 04/25
- GERMANY – R&W – Domestic 99% R Bulls – 04/25
