Breeding & Genetics

Boosting Genetics with Feed Efficiency and Methane Data

Data drives successful breeding programs. C-Lock's SmartLine and GreenFeed technology gives cattle and sheep producers powerful tools to improve genetics, reduce input costs, and meet growing demand for sustainable beef and lamb.

Identify the Most Efficient Sires

SmartLine products measure exactly how much each animal eats and how well they convert feed into weight gain. This delivers accurate Residual Feed Intake (RFI)—a key indicator of feed efficiency.

Why this matters:

• More efficient animals eat less feed but gain the same or more—less feed + equal or more gain = better profits
• Selecting low-RFI sires passes feed-efficient genetics to future generations for continued returns
• Feed efficiency is moderately heritable—you can make real genetic progress and maximize future returns

SmartFeed (Intake Monitoring) + SmartScale (Weight Monitoring) = Clear feed intake to weight gain data

Build Better EPDs with Real Intake Data

Breed associations and genetic evaluation systems increasingly rely on real-world intake data from tools like SmartFeed. By contributing your data, you improve:

• Feed Efficiency EPDs
• Multi-trait selection indexes that include gain, carcass, and cost traits

SmartFeed provides standardized, high-resolution data that strengthens genomic evaluations and adds credibility to sire marketing. Your bulls aren't just high performers—they're data-proven.

Select for Sustainability: Less Methane per Pound of Gain

Feed-efficient animals eat less and emit less methane per unit of gain. SmartFeed paired with GreenFeed allows producers to:

• Track feed intake and methane emissions together
• Identify sires that produce less greenhouse gas without sacrificing performance

Studies show low-RFI animals can produce 15–25% less methane, making them ideal for sustainability-focused programs and carbon market participation.

Make Your Program Stand Out

For seedstock producers:

• Sires with proven feed efficiency are more marketable
• Adds real-world value that commercial buyers demand

For commercial operations:

• Lower feed bills
• Improved gain and performance
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions per unit of meat

Whether you're selling bulls or improving your cow herd, SmartLine and GreenFeed help you build a more profitable and climate-smart operation.

Smarter Data for Better Dairy Cows

Every bite of feed affects your bottom line. C-Lock's SmartLine systems measure true feed efficiency—not just during peak production, but across an animal's full lifetime.

What is RFI and Why Does It Matter?

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) identifies cows that produce more milk with less feed. It shows whether an animal eats more or less than expected based on milk production, body size, and stage of lactation.

• Low RFI = More efficient. Cow eats less than expected for her output.
• High RFI = Less efficient. Cow eats more than expected.

SmartLine lets you track this data automatically—day after day—for every cow in your herd.

SmartFeed (Intake Monitoring) + Milk Production Stats = Clear feed intake to milk production conversion data.

Turn Daily Feed Intake into Lifetime Value

With SmartFeed and SmartScale, you can:

• Measure individual feed intake precisely—even in large herds.
• Match feed intake to milk yield, body weight, and days in milk.
• Compare cows not just during peak milk, but across full lactations.

This helps you:

• Reduce feed costs without compromising performance.
• Identify cows that stay efficient year after year.
• Select genetics for lifetime profitability, not just one lactation.

Better Data = Better Genetics

If you’re using genomic selection, C-Lock takes your program to the next level.

Why? Because good genomic predictions require real-world phenotypes—and feed intake is one of the hardest to get.

SmartLine solves that:

• Provides standardized feed intake data across your herd.
• Improves accuracy of RFI genomic predictions for young heifers.
• Speeds up genetic progress for feed efficiency.

In other words, you’re building a herd that’s not just high-producing—but efficient, profitable, and sustainable.

Efficiency, Profitability, and Sustainability—All in One

Feed is your biggest cost. Efficiency is your biggest opportunity.

C-Lock gives you the data to:

• Breed better cows
• Lower your inputs
• Cut your emissions per gallon of milk

Whether you’re focused on profitability, sustainability, or both—C-Lock helps you make every bite count.