The FeedPRO index optimizes the selection for increased production. • J.P. Gibson compared digestible energy intake between high- and low-milk producing genetic lines for Friesians and Jerseys and proved that high-milk genetics were more efficient than low milk genetic lines in both breeds.1 FeedPRO maximizes profitability by moderating body size and promoting a balance of milk, fat and protein that can allow your herd to produce more milk from less feed. FeedPRO® optimizes the selection for increased production and moderate body size while maintaining body condition score and daughter fertility.
• R.F. Veerkamp’s research pointed out similar findings. His data showed that if two cows are of equal body weight, the cow with 25 percent greater milk production will have a 10 to 15 percent higher feed efficiency value. Any time body weight drops, maintenance requirements also shrink, and feed efficiency should improve. A 25 percent loss in body weight at the same level of milk production boosts feed efficiency by 10 to 12 percent.2 The FeedPRO index also identifies bulls whose daughters maintain body condition, improving the herd’s ability to maintain a positive energy balance. • Maintaining body condition has a strong correlation with dairy form. Retaining this body condition under high production has a positive relationship with less days open, improving Productive Life (PL) and reducing other metabolic disorders as shown by research from the University of Guelph.3
FeedPRO is a registered trademark of Select Sires Inc.
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Prominent Dairy Scientists Endorse FeedPRO: “Feed efficiency is a critical issue to dairy farm profitability, and we are currently researching methods of selecting for more efficient cows,” says Chad Dechow, Ph.D., dairy genetics research scientist. “Though we have much to learn, I find Select’s application of this science to be sound and useful for today’s dairy producers. In my review of FeedPRO, I found that daughters of FeedPRO sires have an advantage, on average, of 13 to 18 cents per day in income over feed cost when compared to the active A.I. average. I salute Select Sires for their efforts in helping producers put more emphasis on moderate-sized cows while maintaining production.” Maurice Eastridge, Ph.D. of The Ohio State University had this to say, “I have reviewed the science behind FeedPRO and find its application and philosophy to be very much in line with the message of overall economic efficiency that The Ohio State University relays in Extension programming. I support Select Sires in this endeavor and believe the philosophy of FeedPRO is sound in improving income over feed cost.”
J. P. Gibson (1986). Efficiency and performance of genetically high and low milk-producing British Friesian and Jersey cattle. Animal Production, 42, pp 161-182 doi:10.1017/S0003356100017888 http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7375328 2 R.F. Veerkamp 1998 J Dairy Sci 81:1109-1119. Selection for Economic Efficiency of Dairy Cattle Using Information on Live Weight and Feed Intake: A Review 3 S. Loker, F. Miglior, A. Koeck, T.F.-O. Neuenschwander, C. Bastin, J. Jamrozik, L.R. Schaeffer, D. Kelton 2012 J Dairy Sci 95: 6770-6780. Relationship between body condition score and health traits in first-lactation Canadian Holsteins 1