ARTICLE 62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE May 2025 lar are the site of intense nutrient absorption and increasing the capacity of absorption is a way to improve feed efficiency (Figure 2). Some feed additives help with increasing the villi size and crypt depth within the small intestine such as essential oils, prebiotics, enzymes, etc. MONITORING PERFORMANCES Many factors can contribute to improvements in feed efficiency, but without good monitoring practices then how can the herd's improvements be known and future goals be achieved? To meet this need, EASY MAP, a decision making tool, collects the herd's milk data, processes it and provides a detailed analysis of the herd's performance. The aim is to provide a cutting-edge zootechnical interpretation, by creating various indicators that link feed and zootechnical performance: Milk production, rumen safety, energy coverage and protein efficiency. Data management tools like EASY MAP allow an insight into what the farm is achieving so that changes can be implemented and future goals to be set. GOOD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES It is based on several important levers: ● A good preparation for breeding will improve the efficiency of the feed diet and thus positively improve the reproduction, health, production of the herd, and age at first calving (Figure 3). A calving age between 22-25 months can lead to higher lifetime milk production, improved reproductive health, and reduced rearing costs, ● Ensuring adequate feeding space to prevent bullying, injuries, and stress, which can reduce feed intake, ● Providing adequate lighting in cubicle and roaming areas to stimulate feeding, ● Cows should always have access to clean water, which is extremely important for the production, health and welfare of the cow. GENETICS Feed efficiency is one of the most economically important traits and is sufficiently heritable to respond to genetic selection. Currently, selecting for feed efficient traits is done through research and industry settings with special facilities designed for this purpose. This is costly and limits the number of animals measured in the research projects and by cattle breeders. Therefore, progress has been slow. However, as the size of dairy herds increase, automated milking is becoming more and more widespread. Milking robots can help interpret ration efEarly calving improves lifetime milk production and cow longevity Lifetime milk production (kg) 24.431 26.898 1.037 1.140 2.6 Source: Pays de la Loire Chamber of Agriculture - Idele Trinottiéres trial 2011-2012 2.8 Productive life (days) Late calving (33 months) Early calving (24 months) Lactation rank at culling Figure 3. Impact of early calving on the dairy cow's career Epithelial cell Small vein Small artery Vein Lymphatic vessel Arteria Intestinal crypt Intestinal villus Epithelial cell Figure 2. Diagram of an intestinal villi
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