Finnish researchers have honed genomic selection of dairy cows for feed efficiency, meaning that producers stand to gain from smarter breeding approaches that can improve economic and environmental performance.
As part of A++COW, a 4-year study looking at red dairy cattle, Holstein and Jersey breeds, multidisciplinary researchers incorporated new data into models used for genomic prediction of breeding values for the animals, as well as developing a single-step approach for this prediction, which should simplify the process for breeders.
By using simulated breeding programmes to look at economic and environmental performance, they also developed a new model for metabolic efficiency of the cows.
“A more accurate metabolic efficiency evaluation developed in this study allows more accurate selection of top bulls and cows with better feed efficiency than the average of the population,” the team explained in the final report from the study.
Improved economics and green credentials
The team found that if they included two feed efficiency traits into a genomic selection index along with production traits and fertility, cattle farmers could make economic gains of 30%.
They also found positive correlations between feed efficiency and methane production, meaning that selection for feed efficiency is valid as part of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the dairy industry.
When the project’s findings were applied to production practises using data from 700 Finnish dairy farms, they simulated that eutrophication of watercourses adjacent to dairy production facilities could be reduced by 10% compared to business as usual, with an 8% reduction in climate impact. Additionally, the improved performance of individual cows which could potentially be achieved using the new breeding metrics could result in a 5% reduction in land demand.
“Breeding can be considered as powerful tool in mitigating environmental impacts of dairy production,” they added.
