Feed Efficiency Gains Greater Importance in Dairy Breeding

Feed is one of the biggest cost drivers in dairy production, accounting for up to 88% of variable costs. Not all cows convert feed equally efficiently. Some turn feed into milk effectively, while others use too much feed for maintenance and are less efficient in production.

By using feed‑efficient genetics, you can improve herd profitability while reducing emissions. The feed efficiency index helps you identify bulls that pass on better feed utilisation to their daughters. Because genetic progress is cumulative and permanent, your herd becomes more efficient generation after generation.

VikingGenetics is the only company in the world offering highly reliable feed efficiency data for Holstein, Jersey, and Red Dairy Cattle (RDC).

Saved Feed plays a bigger role

Saved Feed index has become significantly more important in the Nordic Total Merit (NTM). With the latest update after May proofrun 2026, the weighting of Saved Feed in the total merit index has increased substantially, reflecting the growing economic and environmental impact of feed efficiency in modern dairy production.

Breeding values for the Saved Feed Index, along with all other traits in the Nordic Total Merit Index (NTM), are calculated by the Nordic Cattle Genetic Evaluation (NAV), an independent organization that ensures objective, reliable, and scientifically based evaluations. NAV’s mission is to carry out joint breeding value evaluations for both dairy and beef cattle across Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, supporting a unified Nordic approach to genetic improvement.

Established in 2002, NAV has continuously developed and refined its joint evaluation system to provide breeders and farmers with accurate tools for sustainable and profitable breeding decisions. NAV is owned by the member organizations Landbrug & Fødevarer, Faba, and Växa Sverige. As an independent evaluation body, NAV guarantees a high level of objectivity and reliability in Nordic cattle genetic evaluations and indices.

The weight assigned to Saved Feed in NTM has increased substantially: for Holstein from 0.18 to 0.35, for RDC from 0.13 to 0.35, and for Jersey from 0.18 to 0.38 — representing roughly a doubling for Holstein and Jersey and more than a threefold increase for RDC.

This change means that differences in Saved Feed now have a clearer effect on a bull’s total merit index. In practice, bulls with strong Saved Feed figures contribute more to overall genetic progress than before, making feed efficiency a key driver in breeding decisions.

VikingHolstein cows in the barn with CFIT cameras

Why Saved Feed matters more

Feed efficiency has gained greater importance in modern breeding goals — not by chance, but because both economics and data quality have changed.

The increased weighting of Saved Feed is driven by three main factors:

Feed costs
Feed remains the largest single cost on dairy farms, and rising input prices have increased the economic impact of even small differences in how efficiently cows convert feed into milk. As a result, feed efficiency has a direct effect on profitability, increasing the economic value of Saved Feed in the breeding goal.
Better data and a new index model
The latest version of the Saved Feed index is built on large volumes of reliable data from actual cow feed intake, milk production and weight change collected continuously in commercial herds. These direct measurements provide a more accurate picture of how cows use energy in real world conditions. The improved genetic model provides higher reliability and a more accurate picture of how efficiently cows use feed, making Saved Feed a stronger and more trusted trait in the breeding goal.
Climate and sustainability requirements
Feed efficiency is closely linked to lower emissions per kilo of milk. Cows that need less feed produce less methane and require fewer resources, which increases the importance of Saved Feed in a breeding system designed to support long‑term sustainability.

What it means in practice

Selecting bulls with strong Saved Feed performance now has a greater impact on both short‑term costs and long‑term herd efficiency — supporting profitability, lower resource use, and more sustainable dairy production.

Together, these developments ensure that feed efficiency plays a larger role in driving genetic progress, delivering cumulative and permanent benefits generation after generation.

VikingJersey cows at the feeding table in the barn

Feed efficiency as a driver of genetic progress

The weighting of different traits in the Nordic Total Merit index (NTM) for Holstein, Red Dairy Cattle (RDC), and Jersey has been updated, with new values introduced in the May 2026 proof run.

Table 1: Relative weights of the traits in the Nordic Total Merit index (NTM)

Traits	Holstein		Red Dairy Cattle		Jersey
Traits	Previous	New	Previous	New	Previous	New
Production index	31.1%	29.4%	34.3%	32.0%	32.2%	29.9%
Growth	2.8%	2.6%	3.4%	3.1%	0.0%	0.0%
Saved feed	6.2%	11.4%	4.4%	11.0%	7.0%	13.7%
Daughter fertility	12.5%	11.8%	12.1%	11.3%	10.1%	9.4%
Calving direct	4.8%	4.6%	3.7%	3.4%	1.6%	1.4%
Calving maternal	4.8%	4.6%	3.4%	3.1%	2.7%	2.5%
Udder health	10.4%	9.8%	8.8%	8.2%	17.1%	15.8%
General health	4.8%	4.6%	3.7%	3.4%	5.4%	5.0%
Hoof health	3.5%	3.3%	2.4%	2.2%	3.5%	3.2%
Longevity	2.1%	2.0%	2.0%	1.9%	3.5%	3.2%
Young stock survival	4.5%	4.2%	6.4%	6.0%	3.9%	3.6%
Frame	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Feet & legs	1.7%	1.6%	2.0%	1.9%	2.7%	2.5%
Udder	6.2%	5.9%	8.8%	8.2%	5.8%	5.4%
Milkability	3.1%	2.9%	3.7%	3.4%	3.5%	3.2%
Temperament	1.4%	1.3%	1.0%	0.9%	1.2%	1.1%

Relative weights of the traits in the Nordic Total Merit index, May 2026

Feed efficiency data you can rely on

The Nordic Saved Feed Index is built on solid research and real‑world data from commercial herds, giving you a reliable tool to cut feed costs, reduce emissions, and strengthen long‑term profitability.

At the core of the index is VikingGenetics’ Cattle Feed Intake System (CFIT). This advanced, AI‑driven system uses 3D cameras to measure individual cows’ feed intake continuously across the entire lactation — without disrupting daily farm routines or the cows’ natural behaviour. Data is collected in the cow’s own environment, 24/7, all year round.

CFIT does not provide snapshots. It follows each cow throughout her lifetime, from first to last lactation, capturing how she eats, produces, develops body weight, and remains productive in the herd. This full‑lifetime perspective creates a complete and accurate picture of feed efficiency at cow level.

What truly sets this data apart is its relevance. The feed efficiency records are based on cows that are genetically close to today’s reference animals — not historic performance data. Combined with more than 12 years of research and development and the world’s most comprehensive cattle database, this delivers unmatched depth, precision, and reliability.

The result is a Saved Feed Index that allows you to breed cows that are more feed‑efficient and climate‑friendly — without compromising milk production, health, or reproduction.

Discover Saved feed index

Feed efficiency that pays off

The Nordic Saved Feed Index is a reliable tool for producing more milk and meat with less feed. By focusing on feed efficiency through breeding, you create changes that are permanent and passed on to the next generations — directly supporting long‑term profitability.

Management and environmental improvements can deliver quick gains, but genetics is what secures lasting progress in feed efficiency and overall herd performance.

More efficient cows require fewer resources and produce lower emissions, helping reduce costs while supporting sustainability goals. Over time, this approach strengthens your bottom line and delivers benefits that continue to build generation after generation.

With the Saved feed index in your genetic arsenal, you will improve your bottom line by continuously breeding high-yielding, trouble-free, and efficient cows.

One index unit of the Saved Feed reduces dry matter intake (DMI) by 17.6 kg for VikingHolstein, 20 kg for VikingRed, and 15 kg for VikingJersey per lactation. Using a bull with an EBV of 110 (one standard deviation above the breed average) on an average cow (EBV 100) saves 88 kg DMI for VikingHolstein, 100 kg for VikingRed, and 75 kg for VikingJersey per lactation.

Rely on genetics for long‑term results.

Discover our top Saved Feed bulls