VikingGenetics has
developed a Cattle Feed Intake System (CFIT) where the feed intake
of individual cows can be monitored by cameras in barns. Until we have enough
data from CFIT research, our metabolic index will be based on available CFIT
data and feed intake data from research farms in the Nordic countries together
with data from around Europe and North America.
The breeding value for
maintenance efficiency is based on different measures of live weight and size
together with conformation breeding values. Sufficient data are available to
support the new breeding value. For maintenance efficiency, daughters of
two bulls having a difference of 20 index units will have a difference in dry
matter intake of 60-80 kg per lactation. According to research, 88% of the
variable costs on a dairy farm relate to feed costs. A Saved Feed Index is
necessary to cope with sustainable practices, which is at the core of our
philosophy of making everyday decisions easier and more efficient for dairy
farmers around the world.