Holstein Association USA announced that it recently updated Official Holstein Pedigrees to include designation for animals carrying the Slick gene, when genetic test results are on file in the Holstein herdbook database. On a pedigree, it will be displayed in the row above an animal’s name.

“We are excited to make this enhancement to our Official Holstein Pedigrees,” said Lindsey Worden, chief operating officer of the association. “Breeders interested in these genetics have been asking for this for some time now.”

Slick cattle have a natural genetic mutation of the prolactin receptor gene that results in a shorter hair coat. The mutation is dominant, so an animal with one copy of the gene will have improved ability to regulate body temperature during periods of heat stress when compared to non-Slick cattle. This is a natural mutation originating in the Senepol, Carora and Criollo cattle breeds from the Caribbean.

The Slick mutation was introduced to the Holstein breed in the 1980s, the announcement noted. Research from Florida and Puerto Rico has demonstrated that cows carrying the Slick gene may produce more milk and conceive sooner during heat stress periods than non-Slick cattle of similar genetic merit. The degree of potential benefits will vary depending on the length and magnitude of heat stress periods in an area. The impact of the Slick gene on cold stress has not been quantified.

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The following codes will be used to designate animals with official gene test results on file:

SLH = Homozygous for Slick

SLC = Heterozygous for Slick

Breeders who have previously tested animals and would like to have results added to pedigrees can forward lab reports to [email protected].

Holstein Association USA provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability, including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services and Holstein semen. It maintains records for all ancestry, identity, ownership and performance information on more than 22 million registered Holstein cattle contained in association files.

With headquarters located in Brattleboro, Vt., Holstein Association USA has more than 20,000 members with an interest in breeding, raising and milking registered Holstein cattle and processes over 370,000 registrations and 70,000 transfers each year.