  We analyse whether hierarchical formation models based on Lambda cold dark
matter cosmology can produce enough massive red galaxies to match observations.
For this purpose, we compare with observations the predictions from two
published models for the abundance and redshift distribution of Extremely Red
Objects (EROs), which are red, massive galaxies observed at z >= 1. One of the
models invokes a "superwind" to regulate star formation in massive haloes and
the other suppresses cooling through "radio-mode" AGN feedback. The first one
underestimates the number counts of EROs by an order of magnitude, whereas the
radio-mode AGN feedback model gives excellent agreement with the number counts
of EROs and redshift distribution of K-selected galaxies. This study highlights
the need to consider AGN feedback in order to understand the formation and
evolution of massive galaxies at z >= 1.
