Hi all,

I came across this article, and i wondered. 

Which genetic traits do you focus on, to improve your grazing herd? And why do you choose specifically for these traits?

The ideal pasture-based cow

No single ideal pasture-based cow exists. Dairies that use grazing do so differently; therefore, the ideal cow will not be the same for all dairies. Dairy producers who call themselves graziers operate systems ranging from low-input seasonal operations that use grazed forage as the primary feedstuff to conventional operations that use pasture only seasonally or to a lesser degree. The ideal cow for these different systems is probably not the same animal.

extension.missouri.edu/.../m176

source: Ted Probert
Regional Dairy Specialist

University of Minnesota