Genomic Selection be the Key to Improving Feed Efficiency in Dairy Cattle ?
نویسنده
چکیده
The efficiency of feed utilization on dairy farms can be influenced by a variety of practices that are beyond the scope of this paper, including many aspects of the harvesting, storage, mixing, and delivery of feed components, as well as the grouping of animals according to nutritional needs. Two practices that will be addressed are: 1) improvement of the biological efficiency of lactating cows through genetic or genomic selection for enhanced feed efficiency, and 2) reduction of feed costs through genome-guided management of the replacement heifer inventory. Both approaches have potential for improving the production efficiency of modern dairy farms, which will improve the economic viability of dairy farmers, the affordability of dairy products for consumers, and the environmental footprint of dairy operations.
منابع مشابه
Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Improving biological and economic aspects of production efficiency through genetic selection and genome - guided replacement management
Improving feed efficiency in dairy cattle is a costly and complex challenge, due to the difficulty in measuring individual animal feed intakes and the need to consider energy demands for growth, lactation, maintenance, health, and fertility. Research projects are underway in several countries to provide genomic breeding values for dry matter intake or residual feed intake of dairy bulls based o...
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