Holstein Herd Registry
Last reviewed: December 2025
The official Holstein breed registry in the United States, maintaining the Holstein Herd Book and providing comprehensive pedigree services for the world's...
Holstein Association USA is the world's largest dairy cattle breed organization, serving over 30,000 members across all 50 states and in 47 countries. Founded in 1885, the Association maintains the official Holstein Herd Book containing over 23 million registered cattle.
The registry provides essential services including animal identification, pedigree documentation, genetic evaluations, and performance programs that help breeders make informed genetic decisions. Their Type-Production Index (TPI) is one of the most widely used genetic selection tools in the dairy industry.
Beyond registration, the Association offers educational programs, youth development through Junior Holstein activities, and marketing support through national sales and shows that promote registered Holstein genetics.
Key Features
- Online Registration: Web-based animal registration system for efficient submission of pedigree data and registration applications
- Genetic Evaluations: Access to genomic and traditional genetic evaluations including TPI, production, health, and type traits
- Pedigree Services: Official pedigree certificates, extended pedigrees, and ancestry research for registered animals
- Performance Programs: Production testing, type classification, and health event recording to build comprehensive cow records
- Ownership Transfers: Official transfer of registered animals between owners with updated certificates and database records
Advanced Features
- Genomic Testing Integration: Seamless submission and recording of genomic test results from major laboratories
- International Pedigree Exchange: Recognition and integration of pedigrees from other countries through Interbull agreements
- Herd Inventory Reports: Comprehensive reports on registered animals including genetic summaries and production data
- Classification Program: Official type classification by trained evaluators to assess conformation traits
- Junior Program Management: Youth membership tracking, project registration, and scholarship eligibility
Ideal For
Farm Types: Purebred Holstein operations, Commercial dairies seeking registered genetics, Show cattle breeders, AI studs and bull development programs
Competitive Advantages
What sets Holstein Herd Registry apart from alternatives:
- Largest Holstein database in the world with over 23 million registered animals
- TPI is the industry standard for genetic selection in North America
- Extensive network of trained classifiers ensuring consistent type evaluation
- Strong youth program building next generation of dairy leaders
- Direct integration with all major genetic evaluation and genomic services
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for Holstein Herd Registry:
Registration fees based on age at registration with membership required. Various membership levels available.
Pricing Model: per-head
Volume discounts available for large registrations. Junior members receive reduced rates.
Pros & Considerations
- Largest dairy breed registry in the US
- Comprehensive genetic evaluation and genomics
- Strong industry partnerships and influence
- Extensive breed improvement programs
- Classification and show services
- Registration fees and membership costs
- Large organization may not address all individual needs
- Full services require active membership
- Focus primarily on purebred registered cattle
Implementation & Setup
How to implement Holstein Herd Registry on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Same-day online registration for standard applications; 2-3 weeks for complex pedigree research
Training & Support
Training and support options available for Holstein Herd Registry:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating Holstein Herd Registry:
- What percentage of your herd is currently registered or eligible for registration?
- Do you plan to sell breeding stock where registration adds value?
- Are you participating in or planning to show cattle at breed shows?
- How important is access to official genetic evaluations for your breeding program?
- Do you work with AI companies that require registered pedigrees?
- Are there young people in your operation who would benefit from Junior Holstein programs?
- Do you need type classification data for marketing or genetic decisions?