Netherlands: More emphasis on health characteristics of dairy cows and less on milk in NVI

Posted: 29/09/2021 Save as favorite In the new NVI breeding index, which will be adjusted in April 2022, more emphasis will be placed on health characteristics of dairy cows and less on increasing milk production. This is the outcome after extensive consultation with Dutch and Flemish cattle farmers, interest groups and parties in the dairy chain. Once every five years, the CRV cooperative asks all member livestock farmers in the Netherlands and Flanders to contribute ideas about the breeding goal. In December 2020 and January 2021, more than 2,000 dairy farmers completed a survey. They indicated that less weight should be weighed in NVI production. Instead, more weight should be given to fertility, hoof health and udder health. The results of the survey were presented to the members and discussed with the Breeding Values Advisory Council, bull owners and importers. Prior to the survey, parties in the chain such as dairy companies, advisors from sustainable agriculture and animal ...