Implementation of Feed Efficiency in Iranian Holstein Breeding Program

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Including feed efficiency in breeding objectives for dairy cattle is desirable due to the potential benefit for increased sustainability and herd profitability. An investigation of selection indices that included the direct and indirect selection of feed efficiency traits showed that the best total response was observed when residual feed intake was directly included as a selection criterion. Using indicator traits (e.g., type) could be a useful proxy in the absence of direct genetic evaluations for feed efficiency. Breeding objectives of the current Iranian selection index, which currently focuses on future production and marketing environment, could include feed efficiency in future evaluations. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the economic impact of improving feed efficiency on breeding objectives for Iranian Holsteins. Production and economic data from seven dairy herds were used to estimate the economic values of different traits, and a meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the genetic relationships between feed efficiency and other traits. Economic weights were calculated for various traits, with mean values per cow and per year across herds estimated at USD 0.34/kg for milk yield, USD 6.93/kg for fat yield, USD 5.53/kg for protein yield, USD −1.68/kg for dry matter intake, USD −1.70/kg for residual feed intake, USD 0.47/month for productive life, and USD −2.71/day for days open. The Iranian selection index was revised to improve feed efficiency, and the feed efficiency sub-index (FE$) introduced by the Holstein Association of the United States of America was adopted to reflect Iran’s economic and production systems. However, there were discrepancies between Iranian and US genetic coefficients in the sub-index, which could be attributed to differences in genetic and phenotypic parameters, as well as the economic value of each trait. More accurate estimates of economic values for each trait in FE$ could be obtained by collecting dry matter intake from Iranian herds and conducting genetic evaluations for residual feed intake.