Derivation of economic values in cattle breeding: A model at farm level

Abstract

A deterministic static model for calculation of economic values in cattle breeding is developed and tested. The model describes quantitative relationships between levels of genetic merit for the considered traits and levels of inputs and outputs of the farm in relation to production circumstances. The model is restricted to calculation of economic values for milk and beef production traits and dry-matter intake capacity. Inputs and outputs of the herd are calculated from feed costs, other variable and fixed costs, and incomes from selling of milk and animals (beef). Intake of roughages and concentrates of lactating cows is based on the ratio between energy intake requirement and dry-matter intake capacity. Parameters of the model represent the Dutch Black and White population. However, parameters can easily be adapted in order to calculate economic values for different production circumstances or cattle populations. Moreover, the model can be used for calculation of parameters of biological efficiency of dairy cattle production systems.