SLICK GENE

 

BREEDING FOR HEAT TOLERANCE

🔴 Red fur color and the Slick gene are the answers to adapt to climate change and heat stress worldwide

In the United States heat stress reduces the annual milk production by $ 1.2 billion 📉

Adding to that, global warming predictions indicate that American dairies will experience an annual temperature rise of  between 0.8 ° C and 1.3 ° C through 2030 🥵

In the tropics, the Holstein cow does not have favorable conditions to express its genetic potential.

Energy needed for milk production is instead directed to heat dissipation.

To ensure the sustainability of the dairy industry, the type of animal must be in tune with the type of management and food availability.

Slick cows have short and glossy hair coats which makes appear their wrinkles and veins. 

In the slick cows the hair coat is short and glossy which makes wrinkles and veins appear

Milk production in Slick cows (Kg):

Study in Puerto Rico:

Slick gene cattle produces 681 (L) more per year than their Wild type herd mates

Slick cows were willing to graze additional hours during the day due to their increased heat tolerance and, therefore were able to produce more milk.

Their sweat glands are larger

Slick haired cows breed back faster

First positive NM$ Red Holstein & Slick bull in the world: Mambo SL-Red