As food producers, processors, marketers, distributors, and consumers look to effectively manage their environmental footprint and social impact, the sustainability of the entire dairy industry is under examination.
Recognizing the state of dairy a decade ago is significant when we consider the genetic progress and enhancements achieved since the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) began providing genetic services fueled by precompetitive collaboration.
Cari Wolfe has announced her retirement from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) effective June 1, 2022. Wolfe completed 40 years of service with the USJersey organizations across,Industry Buzz
Feed Saved trait can vary 1,600 pounds
Dairy producers are now able to breed for more feed-efficient cows. The trait Feed Saved debuted with the genetic evaluations published on December 1 by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB). This new tool can help reduce dairy’s environmental footprint and enable producers to save on feed costs, the largest expense item on most U.S. dairies.
Cows vary in the ability to convert feed to milk, and the Feed Saved trait documents those differences. It is the first national evaluation in the U.S. to help dairy producers leverage genetic variation to develop a more feed-efficient herd.