How to use feed more efficiently
Studies show that up to 88% of the variable costs on a dairy farm relates to feed costs. From an economic point of view, breeding for improved feed efficiency is an important area to focus on. The decision to invest in genetics that you make today will have an impact on your bottom line in the years to come.
Reduce feed costs in your herd
It is a fact that heavy cows eat more to maintain themselves than lighter cows. This also means that, from a feed efficiency point of view, lighter cows use less feed for maintenance. For maintenance efficiency, daughters of two bulls having a difference of 20 index units will have a difference in dry matter intake (DMI) of 70-100 kg per lactation.
Long-term improvement
The genetic improvement that you achieve is a permanent and desired improvement accumulated through generations and will increase your profit margins.