Implementation of Feed Efficiency in Iranian Holstein Breeding Program
Author:
Nadri Sara1, Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi Ali12ORCID, Zamani Pouya3, Ghorbani Gholam Reza1ORCID, Toghiani Sajjad4ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 83111-84156, Iran 2. Department of Animal Science, University of Tehran, Karaj P.O. Box 3158711167-4111, Iran 3. Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan 65176-58978, Iran 4. Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350, USA
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the economic impact of improving feed efficiency on breeding objectives for Iranian Holsteins. Production and economic data from seven dairy herds were used to estimate the economic values of different traits, and a meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the genetic relationships between feed efficiency and other traits. Economic weights were calculated for various traits, with mean values per cow and per year across herds estimated at USD 0.34/kg for milk yield, USD 6.93/kg for fat yield, USD 5.53/kg for protein yield, USD −1.68/kg for dry matter intake, USD −1.70/kg for residual feed intake, USD 0.47/month for productive life, and USD −2.71/day for days open. The Iranian selection index was revised to improve feed efficiency, and the feed efficiency sub-index (FE$) introduced by the Holstein Association of the United States of America was adopted to reflect Iran’s economic and production systems. However, there were discrepancies between Iranian and US genetic coefficients in the sub-index, which could be attributed to differences in genetic and phenotypic parameters, as well as the economic value of each trait. More accurate estimates of economic values for each trait in FE$ could be obtained by collecting dry matter intake from Iranian herds and conducting genetic evaluations for residual feed intake.
Subject
General Veterinary,Animal Science and Zoology
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