Breeding for feed efficiency in Holstein
Year | 2021 |
Cathegory | Others |
Internal link | 21063.pdf |
Abstract | Breeding of the local Holstein population is continuously and purposefully focused on improving the complex of production and functional traits. The aim of the study was to evaluate the current trend in feed efficiency in local Holstein cattle based on a comparison of production and economic indicators achieved in the last 5 years. The average milk production and content of milk components of Holstein cows increased while clalving interval was shortened. At the same time, however, input and output prices changed. The live weight of adult cows remained more or less the same during this period and thus the need for nutrients for breeding. The increase in nutrient requirements occurred in the production part of the feed ration. Total costs in Holstein cows increased by approximately 6 to 8 thousand CZK/year. Of these, approximately 15-20% were directly related to the change in the composition and price of the feed ration. As a result, the rising price of the feed ration was fully offset by an increase in milk yield and thus more efficient use of feed. Thanks to the comprehensive setting of the SIH index and the breeding goal of Holstein, the improvement of feed efficiency have been already indirectly achieved. |
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