What can be a benefit of selecting dairy cattle based on milk composition traits?

Selecting dairy cattle based on milk composition traits can lead to higher profitability through market alignment because consumers and processors often place a premium on specific components in milk, such as fat and protein content. By focusing on these traits, farmers can produce milk that meets specific market demands, which can result in better pricing for their product. Moreover, cows bred for optimal milk composition may yield higher quantities of these valuable components, thus enhancing profitability.

In contrast, while improved herd health and reduced workload are important aspects of dairy management, they are not directly tied to the selection of cattle based on milk composition traits. Similarly, increased fertilizer efficiency pertains more to environmental and agricultural practices rather than the direct benefits of selecting cattle for specific milk attributes. Therefore, the focus on milk composition leads directly to a financial advantage, making market alignment a key benefit of this selection criterion.