Episode 352 - Somatic Cell Count Genetics and Heifer Feed Efficiency - UMN Extension's The Moos Rom
The Moos RoomHosted by members of the University of Minnesota Extension Beef and Dairy Teams, The Moos Room discusses relevant topics to help beef and dairy producers be more successful.
Brad shares two studies He presented at the American Dairy Science Association annual meeting. First, he examines records from more than 150,000 lactations to compare genetic predictions for somatic cell score and clinical mastitis. The results suggest that PTA for somatic cell score is more useful for predicting and ranking cows by observed somatic cell count than PTA for mastitis.
He also discusses a study comparing Holstein and crossbred heifers for feed intake, methane emissions, rumination, and feeding behavior. Although methane produced per kilogram of feed was similar across breed groups, smaller crossbred heifers consumed four to five pounds less dry matter per day. The findings highlight how genetics, breed, sensors, and precision feeding data could help producers improve herd health and heifer management.
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