Robotic Milking Genetics - built from robotic milking performance
Robotic Cow Index (RCI) developed by STgenetics® is the exclusive and only Robotic Milking Genetics built from Robotic Milking performance validated by Robotic Milking data for Robotic Milking systems.
Genetics role in Robotic Milking
One of the largest contributors to the success of Robotic Milking systems in a dairy is the genetics of the milking cows, from proper conformation of teat length and placement to proper behavior standing calmly so that the milking attachments do not come off, and efficiently milking so that more cows can be milked throughout the day. STgenetics® now has data from actual Robotic Milking machines that can provide us with more comprehensive insights into the genetic ability of cows to perform well in a Robotic Milking system.
Genetics built from Robotic to Robotic
STgenetics® has been collecting data from our Ohio Heifer Center Robotic Milking facility as well our partner farms since 2019 which has included over 5,600 cows and over one million daily milking records. We were able to combine the precise data from actual milking robots as well as the genomic data for the females in our facilities to identify genetic markers that predict cow performance for Milking Speed (MS), Effective Milking Speed (EMS) and Box Time (BT).
Milking Speed, Box Time and Effective Milking Speed for Robotic Milking
Our research showed that these traits have high heritability of 53%, 42% and 36% respectively. This means that by selecting for females with lower Box Time and optimum Milking Speed and Effective Milking Speed, producers utilizing a Robotic Milking system can make dynamic genetic progress for future generations of Robotic Milking cows, which will be more economically efficient and serve as many cows as possible per milking robot.
Robotic Cow Index (RCI)
STgenetics® has established a new index, the Robotic Cow Index (RCI), that includes essential
genetic traits for Robotic Milking genomic selection, combining CDCB data with the highly heritable and most important genetic markers for Milking Speed and Box Time. Box Time (BT) and Milking Speed (MS) by STgenetics® are the most important genetic traits for Robotic Milking selection and are part of the Robotic Cow Index (RCI).
To view full information in PDF format, please click blue button "Open File" below.