Breeding Question!

[matchbottle]

So I've been trying to expand my Holstein herd but it's been hard since my current Holsteins can be tracked back to my one 1st generation mare. I've been trying to breed more first gens with my NTxCB mares, but so far no luck beyond that first mare. The stallions available for covering are slim pickings, with only one of the available high HGP ones having energy for the coverings (the other has been at 1% every time I've looked).

So I guess my question is: how do I keep growing my Holstein herd without inbreeding and without lowering the HGP of the foals produced?

[Qim]

So I guess my question is: how do I keep growing my Holstein herd without inbreeding and without lowering the HGP of the foals produced?

It's a legit question, and there's really no right or wrong way to go about it, but focusing on low COI (while it has no effect on horses currently) in a breed with a small population, and that's unpopular among other players, you're soon going to run into the inevitable space issue, resulting in a stagnating herd.

Horses with high GP and good breeder's reports/conformation are more attractive to the majority of players, as opposed to horses with low COI -- making sure your horses are attractive on the market will free up space on your farm, let other players create their own lines, and hopefully increase the genetic variation as a result.

It's just my take on it, but I've been in your shoes, and realized it wasn't worth trading my sanity for low COI

[matchbottle]

Horses with high GP and good breeder's reports/conformation are more attractive to the majority of players, as opposed to horses with low COI -- making sure your horses are attractive on the market will free up space on your farm, let other players create their own lines, and hopefully increase the genetic variation as a result.

It's just my take on it, but I've been in your shoes, and realized it wasn't worth trading my sanity for low COI

I've been trying so hard to avoid an increasing COI number, but you're right. If I can at least get some of mine to other players, and get more variation out there, the COI% should be a low priority right now. But man it goes against morals, hahaha. Thank you for your answer, it was very helpful!

[Qim]

But man it goes against morals, hahaha.

Indeed I was just looking through the various breeding communities quickly, and couldn't find a thread for Holstein; maybe something you could do if you want to bring more attention to the breed at any point. And of course, good luck with your project(s)

[matchbottle]

I was just looking through the various breeding communities quickly, and couldn't find a thread for Holstein; maybe something you could do if you want to bring more attention to the breed at any point. And of course, good luck with your project(s)

Oh, I didn't even think to look for a thread! That's a good idea, I think I'll do that in the morning
Thank you so much! <3

[Zebracat1234]

So I've been trying to expand my Holstein herd but it's been hard since my current Holsteins can be tracked back to my one 1st generation mare. I've been trying to breed more first gens with my NTxCB mares, but so far no luck beyond that first mare. The stallions available for covering are slim pickings, with only one of the available high HGP ones having energy for the coverings (the other has been at 1% every time I've looked).

So I guess my question is: how do I keep growing my Holstein herd without inbreeding and without lowering the HGP of the foals produced?

I actually have started to breed Holsteins in my spare time to keep the population comfortable, I have a couple colts and fillies every now and again, if you ever want to purchase one!

[matchbottle]

I actually have started to breed Holsteins in my spare time to keep the population comfortable, I have a couple colts and fillies every now and again, if you ever want to purchase one!

Oh, thank you so much!! How much do you usually sell fillies for?