INNOVATIVE BREEDING Breeding for feed efficiency takes a major step forward The Board of Directors of VikingGenetics will increase investment in the Cattle Feed Intake System (CFIT) 3D cameras where the feed intake of individual cows can be monitored. " The Nordic farmers will benefit from the CFIT 3D camera system by requiring less feed to produce the same amount of milk. We will see further genetic progress for feed efficiency that contributes to more climate-friendly cows,” says Lars Inge Gunnarsson, Chairman of the Board at VikingGenetics. The CFIT technology uses deep learning and the world’s most cutting- edge 3D cameras to measure dairy cow feed intakes on a larger scale than ever before. The information is being collected to complement the Saved Feed Index , which was launched last year. The amount of data c ollected for the trial that began in 2015 will increase to involve 7,000 cows and more than 20 commercial farms during 2021. The trials include information from commercial milking herds using genetics from VikingHolstein, VikingJersey and VikingRed breeding programs. Reliable information Søren Borchersen, Chief Research and Development Officer (CRDO) for VikingGenetics says: “Having individual feed intake records on commercial dairy farms can be a game-changer in modern dairy cattle management. It is something we have always dreamed about.” WHAT´S IN IT FOR YOU Feed represents 70% of variable costs on farm . The difference between the most and least efficient animals is around one ton of dry matter intake per 305-day lactation. This means there is a lot of benefits for you as a farmer. • The cameras will be able to provide a lot of new data on cow behavior , feeding and health. • You can be able to transform dairy cow management as well as cattle breeding. • The effects of using the index will generate both environmental benefits and financial savings. " Previous assessments have been possible on experimental farms, with limited animal numbers. Jan Lassen senior research manager at VikingGenetics. The Saved Feed Index provides a genetic measure of each bull’s ability to transmit ‘metabolic efficiency’ to his progeny, and other efficiency traits related to his daughters’ size. 11
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