New Holstein Conformation Composite to be Released with August 2026 Genetic Evaluations

Holstein Association USA will release the new Holstein Conformation Composite (HCC) as part of the genetic evaluations published on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. HCC values will appear on Official Holstein Pedigrees™, on animal lists on the Holstein Association USA website, and in sire selection tools such as Red Book Plus Online™.

The Holstein Conformation Composite is a new selection tool designed to help breeders identify animals with the combination of conformation traits most closely associated with balance, functionality, and longevity. HCC will be published alongside PTA Type (PTAT), Udder Composite (UDC), Foot & Leg Composite (FLC), and Body Weight Composite (BWC), providing breeders with another tool to support genetic selection decisions.

“The overarching goal of the HCC is breeding a moderate-sized cow with balanced udders and sound feet and legs,” said Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Executive Director of Genetic Programs and Innovation. “It’s aimed toward that balanced cow and the type of animal breeders want to see in their herds.”

“Everybody involved in the creation of HCC has so much passion for what we’re trying to do here, and we’re really trying to breed that more profitable, balanced cow,” said Dwight Rokey, Holstein Association USA President. “I have the confidence to look at this composite and say, ‘Okay, this is what I want to use to breed the kind of cow I want to breed.'”

The Holstein Conformation Composite was created under the guidance of Holstein Association USA’s Conformation Advisory and Genetic Advancement Committees and developed by balancing breeder experience with a comprehensive analysis of trait impact on lifetime performance. It accounts for the underlying correlations among all linear traits and aims toward intermediate optimums of many traits.

“HCC makes it easier to identify those cows that are going to perform and be profitable in our herds,” said Jeff King, Holstein Association USA Director and chair of the Conformation Advisory Committee.

Breeders can learn more about the Holstein Conformation Composite, including its development, mission statement, and calculation methodology, by viewing the detailed HCC overview available on the Holstein Association USA website.

Additional insights on the development of HCC are also available on the Holstein Connections podcast featuring discussion from committee leaders and genetic experts involved in its creation.

For more information, visit www.holsteinusa.com.