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DairyTalk 231: Two Indices, Two Markets: Understanding NM$ and RZ€ - by Helmut Demmelhuber
This article compares the economic breeding indices NM$ (Net Merit Dollar) and RZ€ (Relative Breeding Value Euro), explaining why the same animal can rank very differently depending on the system used. Although both indices aim to predict lifetime profitability, they are calibrated to distinct market realities. NM$ reflects the structure of high-intensity US dairy production, while RZ€ places greater emphasis on longevity, health traits, and labor costs relevant to Central European farms. The text highlights why RZ€ is the most practical tool for German producers, while NM$ remains the global…
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