Tool No. 1
Select Sires provides the FeedPRO® designation as a quick reference tool for producers to identify sires whose daughters excel at delivering improved IOFC. This sire selection tool, in place since 2008 and routinely updated to reflect industry advancements, uses the best available information to identify top feed efficiency transmitters. From the beginning it included a balance of production, body size and cow fertility. More recently, RFI has been added to the FeedPRO criteria. Below are the average RFI of progeny proven FeedPRO sires compared to NM$ and TPI® leaders. FeedPRO is the best identifier of genetics that effectively convert feed into high component milk.
Tool No. 2
PTA Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected feed intake estimated from production level, body size and growth. PTA values are pounds of feed per lactation. Lower RFI values indicate animals that more effectively convert feed into meat and milk.
Tool No. 3
Body Weight Composite (BWC) is an index of type traits combined in a way to indicate mature body size. Every point of BWC correlates to a difference of 35 pounds of body weight.
BWC = (.23 x Stature) + (.72 x Strength) + (.08 x Body Depth) + (.17 X Rump Width) - (.47 x Dairy Form)
The NM$ index puts extreme emphasis on negative BWC. In contrast, Select Sires’
Herd Health Profit Dollars® (HHP$®) index promotes a more balanced approach—prioritizing moderate body size while rewarding cows with the strength, durability, and capacity to produce high milk volumes and thrive through multiple lactations.
Tool No. 4
PTA Feed Saved combines BWC and PTA RFI to indicate the reduction in feed consumed each lactation. PTA values are pounds of feed per lactation. Higher values are preferred and indicate animals that need less feed to support production and body maintenance.
