This paper examines the inclusion of new traits in the breeding goals for the Simmental breed in Slovenia in order to improve productivity, fertility, longevity, animal health and welfare. Modern breeding goals for the Simmental breed in other advanced breeding countries include new traits such as hoof health, feed conversion, calf survival, teat placement suitable for robotic milking and health traits, especially udder health and the absence of metabolic disorders. More and more breeding organizations are considering the inclusion of traits that would contribute to the long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane, by improving feed conversion efficiency. As more dairy farms adopt robotic milking and use various sensors to monitor animal activity and welfare, breeding organizations, along with professional services, are looking to make greater use of data from robotic milking and sensors to predict breeding values for traits such as milk quantity and quality, milk flow, udder health, hoof health, fertility and longevity. The use of these technologies in practice can significantly contribute to more efficient herd management and reduce the negative impact on the environment. A study conducted among Slovenian Simmental breeders showed that Slovenian breeders are increasingly emphasizing animal health and welfare traits.
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