AbstractThe objectives of this study were to investigate genetic variation for traits that are part of the food utilization complex and to investigate the scope for future genetic improvement of traits possibly linked to metabolic stress: live weight (change), condition score (change) and energy balance. Many aspects of the food utilization complex appear to be heritable and are affected by genetic selection for yield. In general, genetic selection for yield increases intake and body tissue mobilization and energy balance is expected to decrease. However, unfavourable effects of genetic selection can be compensated for by measuring additional traits to be included in breeding programmes. Food intake, live weight (change) and condition score (change) are all potential options. Which traits should be measured, at what lactation stages and in which (nutritional) environment will merely depend on the coheritability with health and fertility, the genetic correlation with milk yield and the cost of measuring the trait effectively in a breeding programme.