Breeding for better youngstock survival

Did you know that using a bull with high breeding values for the Youngstock survival index (YSS) is a great way to improve youngstock survival in your herd? Let’s break down the figures.

On average, 4% of Holstein heifers are lost in the late rearing period (1 to 15 months), and the cost per lost heifer is about 405 euros. For a herd with 100 heifers, this equals to a loss of 1,620 euros per year (4 calves).

For a herd with 300 heifers, this equals 4,860 euros (12 calves). One lost red calf costs about 415 euros, and one lost Jersey calf costs 241 euros. Values are based on NAV calculations in the Nordic countries. Improving your herd’s youngstock survival will save you plenty of money!

Breed for better youngstock survival

There are significant differences in youngstock survival between bulls. This means that it is possible to breed for better survival. A bull with 120 EBV would improve youngstock survival by 28%, relative to the average bull (EBV 100).

What does this 28% improvement mean in real life? Let’s consider two farms with 300 Holstein heifers in the herd, one using a bull with EBV 100 for YSS and the other using a bull with EBV 120 for YSS.

The farm using the bull with EBV 100 will lose 12 calves per year in the late rearing period, costing them 4,860 euros. The farm using a bull with EBV 120 for YSS will lose nine calves, costing them 3,645 euros.

The farm using the bull with a higher EBV for YSS is saving 1,215 euros per year.

Having a good survival rate in the herd makes your job easier and more cost-efficient. A high youngstock survival rate also eases herd planning, as there are fewer unexpected losses in the herd.

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