University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Egger-Danner, C; Kock, A; Furst, C; Ledinek, M; Gruber, L; Steininger, F; Zottl, K; Furst-Waltl, B.
(2018):
Indirect traits for feed efficiency
ZUCHTUNGSKUNDE. 2018; 90(6): 467-475.
- Abstract:
- Feed efficiency traits are of interest in breeding, as feed costs are a significant economic factor and emissions of greenhouse gases and nutrient losses to the environment should be reduced. The objective of the Austrian Efficient Cow project was to evaluate indirect efficiency traits that can be recorded under field conditions. Various efficiency traits (energy-corrected milk, body weight, dry matter intake, total energy intake, body weight efficiency, feed efficiency and energy efficiency) were analysed as well as their relationship with mobilization were examined. Analyses have shown that feed efficiency could be estimated with relatively high accuracy with information on energy-corrected milk and body weight. As weighing cows is difficult on-farm and body weight is an interesting trait for management and breeding, body weight prediction models were developed. The two models including heart girth, belly girth (and hip width) were most accurate. The results also show a negative genetic relationship between feed efficiency and mobilization and that it is important to consider information on mobilization. In the future, it is expected that with the use of sensors, feeding robots and other automated systems, more information on feed intake, rumination activity and also mobilization will be available and used for breeding purposes to improve feed efficiency.
- Authors BOKU Wien:
- Fürst-Waltl Birgit
- Ledinek Maria
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- feed efficiency
- body weight
- Efficient Cow