Feed Efficiency: converting feed to milk

Margins in dairy farming these days are very narrow. Feeding costs realizes a large part of the total cost price in a milking herd. In 2014 the Feed Efficiency (FE) index has been added to the Total Performance Index (TPI) formula. Feed efficiency is the net profit a farmer receives from an increase in production. It is calculated from the extra Dollar value of milk minus feed costs minus costs for maintenance.

AI Total’s top five bulls in Feed Efficiency:

HERO is new in the line-up of AI Total and scores a GTPI of +2692. 515HO00329 HERO (Superhero x Montross x Supersire) breeds a high production of +1610 lbs Milk with positive components (+0.10% Fat & +0.07% Protein). Rump Angle is a sloped +0,73 and Teath Length slightly positive.

Breeding for Feed Efficiency is related to breeding for production. We know that breeding for production often counteracts breeding for fertility. HERO however shows a positive Fertility Index of +2.6 (FI) and a Daughter Pregnancy Rate of +2.7 (DPR).  

Do you wish to improve Feed Efficiency in your herd? Contact us here: contact