Why should we care about feed efficiency?
For dairy farmers, it’s about two things: sustainability and profitability. Feed is one of the largest costs on a farm, and at the same time, consumers and policymakers expect us to use resources responsibly. That’s why the concept of feed efficiency is gaining more attention across the dairy industry.

What is feed efficiency?

In simple terms, feed efficiency measures how well cows convert the feed they eat into milk. On most farms, this is calculated as energy-corrected milk (ECM) divided by dry matter intake (DMI). Typical values range between 1.3 and 1.8, depending on factors such as lactation stage, health, and ration quality.

A low score may suggest that a cow isn’t digesting or utilizing her feed effectively, while an extremely high score can indicate she is mobilizing too much body fat — which isn’t sustainable for her long-term health.

Why it matters – and its limits

Feed efficiency is a useful tool, but not a perfect one. It provides just a snapshot and can be influenced by many factors: from feed quality and ration formulation to cow comfort and stress levels. It also doesn’t directly show economic returns. Two cows with the same feed efficiency can generate very different profits depending on milk yield, feed costs, and components.

From “nice to know” to “need to know”

For some, feed efficiency is just a number. For others, it becomes a management tool: guiding ration adjustments, forage strategies, and herd management decisions. When combined with other key performance indicators, it can support smarter decisions and long-term improvements.

The takeaway

Feed efficiency won’t tell you everything about your herd, but it is a valuable starting point. By tracking and interpreting it alongside other data, dairy farmers can take meaningful steps toward both higher profitability and improved sustainability.

Question for you: Do you currently measure feed efficiency on your farm, and if so, how do you use it in your daily decision-making?