Feed Efficiency study, 2018

+ 0 %
Feed Efficient

The 2018 study was the second to compare performance between ProCROSS cows and pure Holsteins. Conducted at the University of Minnesota by Professor Les Hansen, this study involved cows which calved for the first time between September 2014 and April 2017.

The objective was to compare Holstein and ProCROSS in terms of feed efficiency. To do so, all the cows were fed the same total mixed ratio (TMR) on a daily basis.

The most important results are as follows:

Holstein

  • 1st lact = 0.113kg*
  • 2nd & 3rd lact = 0.124kg

ProCROSS

  • 1st lact = 0.119kg
  • 2nd & 3rd lact = 0.134kg

*Kg of solids produced per kg dry matter intake (DMI)

This table shows that ProCROSS cows convert feed into milk solids more efficiently than the Holstein.

Holstein ProCROSS
Fat + Protein Production (kg)
441
445
+0,9%
Dry Matter Intake (kg)
3.592
3.360*
-6,5%
Fat+Protein/DMI
0,12
0,13*
+8% Feed Efficient
Energy Corrected Milk/DMI
1,89
2,01*
ECM/Net Energy of lact. Intake
2,56
2,70*
Protein/Crude Protein Intake
0,32
0,35*
DMI/Body Weight
5,57
5,31*
Income Over Feed Cost ($)
$1.208
$1.296*
+60¢/cow/day
Residual Feed Intake (kg)
75
-64,5*
Body Weight (kg)
644
636
Wither Height (cm)
143,7
140,2*
-3,5 cm
Body Condition Score
3,06
3,25*
+0,19
Milk (kg)
6.636
6.264*