Feed efficiency
Feed efficiency
10% more milk with the same amount of feed
- 10% more milk with the same amount of feed
- Supreme balance between healthy and efficient cows
- Average reliability between 85% – 90%
10% more milk with the same amount of feedFeed Efficiency
CRV introduced a unique breeding value for feed efficiency in December 2020. CRV is the only company in the world to base this breeding value on real feed intake data. We currently collect feed intake data from over 2,000 lactating cows on a daily basis. In combination with data collected from 8,000 Dutch and Flemish cows, this yields the most reliable breeding value in the sector.
- 10% more milk with the same amount of feed
- Supreme balance between healthy and efficient cows
- Average reliability between 85% – 90%.
Efficient and sustainable herds
Efficient and sustainable cows generate immediate benefits for both dairy farmers and society. Feed costs represent about 60% of all variable costs involved in milk production. Breeding for feed efficiency saves on average 10% on feed costs. In addition, efficient utilisation of feed also has a positive impact on the environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the use of scarce resources.
'Breeding for feed efficiency saves on average 10% on feed costs.'
CRV
CRV, leading in feed efficiency
In 2017, CRV became the first herd improvement organisation to start large-scale measurement of the feed intake of dairy cows on five working farms. The aim is to reduce the feed costs for milk production. We currently collect feed intake data from the five working farms and also from 5 research farms on a daily basis. This gives CRV a leading position in the collection of real feed intake data.
Greater profitability through higher revenues
Using the breeding value feed efficiency soon results in 10% higher milk production for the same feed costs (based on life time production of a cow).
Eficiencia alimentaria: la cantidad de leche que produce una vaca por kg de alimento
Una vaca promedio del programa de prueba CRV produce 1,46 kg de FPCM por kg de alimento. Esta cantidad varía mucho por vaca (1,1 – 1,9) y rebaño (1,2 – 1,6). El 25% de las vacas con mejor eficiencia alimentaria dentro del rebaño producen entre 0,4 y 0,5 kg más leche con la misma cantidad de alimento que el 25% con la eficiencia alimentaria más baja. Al mismo tiempo, el uso de vacas más eficientes también produce menos emisiones de estiércol y de metano.
Feed efficiency explained
Highly reliable breeding value
In our actual bull portfolio the reliability of the feed efficiency breeding value with CRV daughter proven bulls is 85 – 90%. That is the result of analysing the measurements on the farms in the programme. From December 2020, farmers can select bulls based on this new breeding value.
Top 10 (indexrun April 2021)
| Bull | Breeding value feed efficiency |
|---|---|
| Jacuzzi | 113 |
| Endless RF | 111 |
| Lawrence | 110 |
| Louis P | 109 |
| Nominator | 108 |
| Altitude | 108 |
| Fragrant | 108 |
| Recording PP | 108 |
| Amuse | 108 |
| Trevor | 108 |
*Daughter proven
'Maximising the performance of the cows in a healthy way'
Thijs van Gastel, dairy farmer, the Netherlands
Contact us
CRV has locations all over the world, divided into business units per region, and a global distribution network. CRV works with enthusiastic employees who know the customers and their desires.
Interested in feed efficiency or would you like more information? Find a distributor in your region or request more information via our contact form.