Abstract
The inclusion of feed efficiency in the breeding goal for dairy cattle has been discussed for many years. The effects of incorporating feed efficiency into a selection index were assessed by indirect selection (dry matter intake) and direct selection (residual feed intake) using deterministic modeling. Both traits were investigated in three ways: (1) restricting the trait genetic gain to zero, (2) applying negative selection pressure, and (3) applying positive selection pressure. Changes in response to selection from economic and genetic gain perspectives were used to evaluate the impact of including feed efficiency with direct or indirect selection in an index. Improving feed efficiency through direct selection on residual feed intake was the best scenario analyzed, with the highest overall economic response including favorable responses to selection for production and feed efficiency. Over time, the response to selection is cumulative, with the potential for animals to reduce consumption by 0.16 kg to 2.7 kg of dry matter per day while maintaining production. As the selection pressure increased on residual feed intake, the response to selection for production, health, and fertility traits and body condition score became increasingly less favorable. This work provides insight into the potential long-term effects of selecting for feed efficiency as residual feed intake.
Highlights
With the global population rising rapidly, sustainable dairy production is a major research topic due to the demand for high-quality and sustainably produced dairy products [1]
The core traits were from first-lactation animals and included two production traits: fat yield (FY) and protein yield (PY); two fertility traits: age at first service for heifers (AFS) and interval from first service to conception for first parity cows (FSTC); two type traits: body condition score (BCS) and stature (STAT); and two health traits: clinical ketosis (CK) and displaced abomasum (DA)
The novel traits selected for inclusion were dry matter intake (DMI) and, as a measure of FE, residual feed intake (RFI)
Summary
With the global population rising rapidly, sustainable dairy production is a major research topic due to the demand for high-quality and sustainably produced dairy products [1]. Methods to increase the sustainability of the dairy industry are under continuous investigation. One potential way to improve on-farm efficiency is to breed for animals that are more feed efficient. Feed is a major expense for the dairy industry, accounting for over. The efficiency with which cows convert feed to milk directly impacts farm costs and efficiency [4,5]. An efficient cow is the one that consumes less feed for the same amount of milk production while maintaining health and fertility; allowing for a reduction of costs without reduced production [6]
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