Genetic factors controlling feed efficiency in dairy cows

Abstract

The direct control of feed efficiency is feasible only in test stations and experimental farms. Here coefficients of heritability were found below those for milk yield. Between milk yield and feed efficiency there exist strong genetic correlations, while the correlations between feed intake and feed efficiency are smaller. In spite of these favourable correlations, breeding for higher milk yield entails a serious energy deficit during the first part of lactation. The feed intake reaches its maximum not earlier than 10 to 12 weeks post partum, but peak daily milk yield has already been reached by two to four weeks post partum. Due to energy deficiency the feed efficiency during the first part of lactation seems to be very high, but in fact the feed intake at this time does not cover the energy demand of the high yielding dairy cow. In future more research on genetic factors controlling the feed intake during the first 10 weeks of lactation is required. As potential single factors the capacity of the digestive tract, the production of saliva, the ruminal fermentation, the rate of passage and the overall physiological status of the animal should be investigated. To estimate the real feed efficiency one should observe not only the direct production in milk, milk fat, protein and lactose but also the metabolism of depot fat, growth, nutrition of the foetus, maintenance requirements and a genetically affected resistance against metabolic disorders. Higher feed intake at beginning of lactation can reduce the feed costs, increase the protein content in milk and improve the conception rate in dairy cows. For breeding purposes we need indirect parameters for feed intake under field conditions, e.g. changes in body measurements, urea content in milk, oleic acid proportion in milk fat or content of ketone bodies.