Feedlot performance, feed efficiency reranking, carcass traits, body composition, energy requirements, meat quality and calpain system activity in Nellore steers with low and high residual feed intake

Data from 53 hybrid (mainly Large White × Landrace) pigs, comprising 18 males, 18 females and 17 castrates, were used to examine the relationships among growth and feed efficiency traits measured in the growing animal, and their relationships with body composition and carcass traits at two target liveweight (90 and 120 kg) endpoints. The data were from individually penned pigs involved in a longitudinal experiment that started when the pigs were 32.4 ± 3.2 kg liveweight and 70 ± 1 days of age (mean ± s.d.). Weekly feed intake and liveweight, and body components data measured at 60, 90 and 120 kg by computed tomography scanning were used. Growth traits studied were: start of test liveweight, average daily gain (ADG), Kleiber ratio and relative growth rate. The feed efficiency traits were daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake. Body components and carcass traits were the weight of the body components (lean, fat, bone and skin tissues) and their percentages relative to liveweight. Three models were used for residual feed intake. The standard model (RFIstd) had metabolic weight and ADG as explanatory variables for feed intake, RFIadg had only ADG as explanatory variable, and the other (RFIfat) had percentage fat at 60 kg target liveweight included in the standard model. The RFIadg model resulted in R2 values of 36.9, 72.1 and 19.1% for males, females and castrates, respectively. The corresponding R2 values for the RFIstd model were 63.7, 72.1 and 37.1%, and those for the RFIfat model were 86.1, 80.0 and 71.9%. These results indicate that RFIfat may be a better trait to use for efficiency of feed utilisation, especially in castrates. There were significant interrelationships among growth traits (r = –0.46 to 0.98), and also among feed efficiency traits (r = 0.44 to 0.76). Of the feed efficiency traits studied, only FCR was significantly correlated with all the growth traits (r = 0.33 to –0.61), and DFI was correlated with start liveweight (r = 0.43) and ADG (r = 0.57). Growth traits per se were not correlated with body composition and carcass traits at each of the weight-constant target endpoints; however, feed intake was. High DFI was associated with high percentage fat (r = 0.39 to 0.49) and low percentage lean (r = –0.40 to –0.52) at both 90 and 120 kg target liveweights. As with DFI, high FCR, RFIadg and RFIstd were associated with high percentage fat and low percentage lean at both 90 and 120 kg target liveweights. There were no significant correlations between RFIfat and the body components and carcass traits. These results will enable the development of programs aimed at reducing feed costs and improving the economic value of the pig carcass.

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Genetic parameters and breed differences for feed efficiency, growth, and body composition traits of young beef bulls

Canadian Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.4141/a03-085 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 84 (2) ◽

pp. 177-185 ◽

Cited By ~ 124

Author(s):

F. S. Schenkel ◽

S. P. Miller ◽

J. W. Wilton

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Genetic Correlation ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Backfat Thickness ◽

Daily Weight Gain ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Beef Bulls

Genetic associations between feed efficiency, growth, and live ultrasound measured body composition traits were studied in purebred beef bulls of six breeds in Ontario bull test stations from 1991 to 2000. Feed traits included average daily feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake [feed intake adjusted for production alone (RFIp) or production and backfat thickness (RFIb)]. Growth traits were average daily weight gain (ADG), mid-test metabolic weight (MW), hip height (HH), and scrotal circumference (SC). Body composition traits included ultrasound backfat thickness (BF), longissimus muscle area (LMA), and predicted percentage of intramuscular fat (IFAT). Bulls were measured every 28 d for weight and individual feed intake, and at the end of test for ultrasound body composition traits. Number of records per trait ranged from 2284 (FI) to 13 319 (ADG). Fixed effects of test group, breed and end of test age (within breed), and random effects of animal and herd of origin were modeled using REML bivariate analyses for all traits. Heritability estimates were moderate for all traits (0.30 to 0.55), except for IFAT (0.14). The genetic correlation between RFIp and RFIb was high (0.99) within breeds, but breeds ranked differently with respect to RFIp and RFIb. Genetic correlations of RFIb with ADG and backfat thickness were essentially zero, which indicate that selection on residual feed intake could be implemented to reduce feed intake and improve feed conversion without compromising growth or changing levels of subcutaneous fat. Key words: Central test, genetic correlation, heritability, residual feed intake

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Relationships between residual feed intake and feedlot performance, profitability, and carcass traits in Brahman cattle

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/1678-4162-9526 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 525-534 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R. Favero ◽

I.Y. Mizubuti ◽

R.C. Gomes ◽

E.L.A. Ribeiro ◽

E.S. Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Live Weight ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Feedlot Performance ◽

Brahman Cattle ◽

Fat Thickness

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to evaluate the feedlot performance, profitability and carcass traits of Brahman bulls classified according to the residual feed intake (RFI). Twenty-four bulls (19-month old, 370±34kg live weight) were housed in individual pens for 54 days and had the daily feed intake (observed dry matter intake, DMIobs; DMI % live weight, LW) and average daily gain (ADG) measured. Ultrasound carcass evaluations were performed at the initial and final weighings, when measurements were taken of Longissimus dorsi area, ratio, Longissimus and Biceps femoris fat thickness. The animals were ranked and divided into high (>+0.5 standard deviation; SD), medium (between ±0.5 SD from the mean), and low (<-0.5 SD) RFI groups. Low-RFI animals had lower DMIobs (P<0.10) and DMI % LW (P<0.05). No significant differences in initial and final weight or ADG were noticed (P>0.05). Low-RFI animals showed lower weight gain cost and higher daily profit (P<0.05). Carcass traits were similar between groups, regardless of evaluation date (P>0.05). Selection for RFI lead to animals with lower feed intake without affecting weight gain or carcass traits, thereby providing increased profitability for beef cattle farming.

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Residual feed intake, carcass traits and meat quality in Nellore cattle

Meat Science ◽

10.1016/j.meatsci.2017.02.004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 128 ◽

pp. 34-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

H.A. Fidelis ◽

S.F.M. Bonilha ◽

L.O. Tedeschi ◽

R.H. Branco ◽

J.N.S.G. Cyrillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Nellore Cattle

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Feed efficiency and meat quality of crossbred beef heifers classified according to residual feed intake

Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal ◽

10.1590/s1519-99402015000300014 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 632-642 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Simone Frotas dos REIS ◽

Daiane Aparecida FAUSTO ◽

Sergio Raposo de MEDEIROS ◽

Pedro Veiga Rodrigues PAULINO ◽

Sebastião de Campos VALADARES FILHO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Beef Heifers ◽

System A ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Ad Libitum ◽

Sorghum Silage

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate feed efficiency and meat quality of 31 three-crossbred beef heifers during 84 days in a feedlot system. A 60:40 concentrate and sorghum silage ration on DM basis (ME = 2.73Mcal/kg of DM, CP = 11.90% DM) was fed ad libitum. Based on residual feed intake (RFI) calculations, the heifers were ranked in three groups of feed efficiency: High RFI (average mean = 0.776; n = 9), medium RFI (average mean = -0.010; n = 11), and low RFI (average mean = - 0.624; n = 11). High RFI heifers consumed 4.56% more DM per day than low RFI heifers (P <0.05). The ADG did not differ (P> 0.05) among RFI groups (1.40kg/day). No differences (P>0.05) were detected for digestibility of the nutrients: DM (64.00%), CP (60.01%), crude fat (72.90%), NDF (54.80%) and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) (78.91%). There were no differences between low and high RFI groups for slaughter weight (475.00 vs. 479.55kg), hot carcass weight (259.09 vs. 261.44kg), Longissimus dorsi (LD) area (69.02 vs. 68.11 cm2), back-fat thickness (5.74 vs. 6.26 cm), shear force (5.45 vs. 5.19kg), sensorial traits of LD muscle, LD color (intensities L=40.47 a*=24.74 and b*=16.13) or commercial cuts yield. Low RFI heifers presented similar meat quality and carcass traits as high RFI heifers, however low RFI heifers consumed less DM (kg/d).

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Genetic divergence in residual feed intake affects growth, feed efficiency, carcass and meat quality characteristics of Angus steers in a large commercial feedlot

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an13065 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 164 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

R. M. Herd ◽

P. F. Arthur ◽

C. D. K. Bottema ◽

A. R. Egarr ◽

G. H. Geesink ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Animal Feed ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Quality Characteristics ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

Meat Samples

Growth, feed intake, feed efficiency, and carcass and meat quality characteristics of 136 Angus steers differing in genetic merit for post-weaning residual feed intake (RFIp) were measured over 251 days in a large commercial feedlot. The steers were evaluated in two groups, low (Low-RFI) and high (High-RFI) genetic RFIp, measured by estimated breeding values for RFIp (RFIp-EBV). The difference in RFIp-EBV between the Low- and High-RFI groups was 1.05 kg/day (–0.44 vs 0.61 kg/day; P < 0.05). The Low- and High-RFI steers were similar (P > 0.05) in age (445 vs 444 days) and weight (435 vs 429 kg) at induction, and at the end of the feeding period (705 vs 691 kg). Average daily gain (ADG) over 251 days had a small negative association with variation in RFIp-EBV (P < 0.05), reflecting a 3.6% greater ADG accompanying a difference of 1 kg/day in RFIp-EBV. Pen feed intake and feed conversion by the Low-RFI group were 10.4 kg/day and 9.3 kg/kg, and for the High-RFI group were 11.1 kg/day and 10.4 kg/kg, but without availability of individual animal feed-intake data it was not possible to test for significant differences. Carcass weight and dressing-percentage was similar for the Low- and High-RFI steers. High-RFI steers had a significantly (P < 0.05) greater depth of subcutaneous rib fat at induction and finished with 5 mm more (P < 0.05) fat at the 10/11th ribs on the carcass than the Low-RFI steers. Cross-sectional area of the eye-muscle and three measures of intramuscular or marbling fat did not differ (P > 0.05) between the Low- and High-RFI steers. Shear force was higher (P < 0.05) in meat samples aged for 1 day from the Low-RFI steers, but there was no difference (P > 0.05) from the High-RFI steers after 7 days of ageing. Compression values for meat samples aged for 1 day did not differ between the RFI groups but were higher in meat samples aged for 7 days from the Low-RFI steers. For these Angus steers, genetic superiority in RFI was associated phenotypically with superior weight gain, decreased rib fat depth, slightly less tender meat, and no compromise in marbling fat or other carcass and meat quality traits.

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Effects of early weaning on growth, feed efficiency and carcass traits in Shorthorn cattle

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an09153 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 315 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

M. L. Wolcott ◽

H.-U. Graser ◽

D. J. Johnston

Keyword(s):

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Carcass Composition ◽

Early Weaning ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Eye Muscle ◽

The Impact

This study aimed to examine the impact of early weaning on residual feed intake, and other production and carcass traits, in a group of cattle subjected to early or conventional weaning treatments, but otherwise managed as contemporaries. Shorthorn (n = 140) calves were randomly allocated by sex and sire to early and conventional weaning treatments. Early weaned animals (n = 69) were weaned at an average of 123 days of age and 145 kg liveweight, while conventionally weaned steers and heifers (n = 71) were 259 days old at weaning and 273 kg. Following conventional weaning, animals were managed as contemporaries through backgrounding, and entered feedlot finishing at a mean age of 353 and 408 days for heifers and steers, respectively, for finishing and feed intake testing. At the conclusion of feed intake testing hip height was measured, and animals were ultrasound scanned to assess fat depth, eye muscle area and percent intramuscular fat. Early weaned animals were significantly lighter (P < 0.001) than their conventionally weaned contemporaries, when weighed at conventional weaning. The weight difference observed at conventional weaning of 19.4 kg between treatment groups persisted throughout the experiment, with significant (P < 0.05) differences of 17.1, 15.6 and 15.8 kg at feedlot entry, and the start and end of the feed intake test period, respectively. Weaning treatment also approached significance for daily feed intake (P = 0.06), with early weaned animals tending to eat less than their conventionally weaned contemporaries (daily feed intake = 11.6 and 12.0 kg, respectively). Weaning treat\ment did not significantly affect feed efficiency whether measured as residual feed intake (P = 0.64) or feed conversion ratio (P = 0.27). None of the other traits measured were significantly affected by weaning treatment. These data showed that early weaning, as implemented for this experiment, resulted in animals that were lighter than their conventionally weaned contemporaries through backgrounding and finishing. Weaning treatment did not, however, influence feed efficiency or the post-weaning growth and carcass composition traits measured for this experiment.

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Genetic analysis of residual feed intake adjusted for fat and carcass and performance traits in a Nellore herd

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20151505 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Giovanna Faria de Moraes ◽

Luiza Rodrigues Alves Abreu ◽

Isabel Cristina Ferreira ◽

Idalmo Garcia Pereira

Keyword(s):

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Genetic Evaluation ◽

Phenotypic Correlation ◽

Performance Traits ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Selection For ◽

And Performance

ABSTRACT: The study of the genetic evaluation of residual feed intake adjusted for fat (RFIFat) is important for the appropriate use of feed efficiency in selection programs. The objective was to analyze the influence of selection for RFIF at on carcass and performance traits by estimating various genetic parameters. Data were analyzed from five tests of feed efficiency, which were conducted with 677 Nellore males. Genetic evaluation was performed by Bayesian inference using an animal model via single- and two-trait analyses. Variables analyzed were dry matter intake, average daily gain, RFIFat, rib eye area, back fat thickness, rump fat thickness, marbling score, and subcutaneous fat thickness. The posterior mean distributions estimated at each analysis were used to estimate heritability of the traits and to perform various correlations. The studied traits showed high heritability estimates, and they should respond well to selection. The RFIFat presented a phenotypic correlation with carcass traits (which was next to zero), and there was also a negative genetic correlation. Additive genetic variability for RFIFat showed that selection for this trait can promote genetic gains in future generations, resulting in animals that are efficient in terms of nutrient use, and according to the genetic and phenotypic correlations, with no significant negative changes to carcass traits.

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Animals selected for postweaning weight gain rate have similar maintenance energy requirements regardless of their residual feed intake classification

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab067 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Camila Delveaux Araujo Batalha ◽

Luís Orlindo Tedeschi ◽

Fabiana Lana de Araújo ◽

Renata Helena Branco ◽

Joslaine Noely dos Santos Gonçalves Cyrillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Body Weight Gain ◽

Energy Requirement ◽

Residual Feed Intake ◽

Breeding Program ◽

Energy Requirements ◽

Net Energy

Abstract Data of comparative slaughter were used to determine Nellore bulls' net energy requirements classified as efficient or inefficient according to residual feed intake (RFI) and selection lines (SL). Sixty-seven Nellore bulls from the selected (SE) and control (CO) lines of the selection program for postweaning weight gain were used. The animals underwent digestibility trials before being submitted to the finishing trial. Sixteen bulls were slaughtered at the beginning of the finishing trial, and their body composition were used as the baseline for the remaining animals. For body composition determinations, whole empty body components were weighed, ground, and subsampled for chemical analyses. Initial body composition was determined with equations developed from the baseline group using shrunk body weight, fat, and protein. The low RFI (LRFI) and CO animals had a lower dry matter (DMI) and nutrient intake (P < 0.05) than high RFI (HRFI) and SE animals, without alterations in digestibility coefficients (P > 0.05). During the finishing trial, DMI remained lower for LRFI and CO animals. Growth performance was similar between RFI classes, except for empty body weight gain that tended to be higher for LRFI than HRFI (P = 0.091). The SE animals had less fat content on the empty body (P = 0.005) than CO. Carcasses tended to be leaner for LRFI than HRFI (P = 0.080) and for SE than CO (P = 0.066) animals. LRFI animals retained more energy (P = 0.049) and had lower heat production (HP; P = 0.033) than the HRFI ones. Retained energy was not influenced by SL (P = 0.165), but HP tended to be higher for SE when compared to CO (P = 0.075) animals. Net energy requirement for maintenance (NEm) was lower for LRFI than HRFI (P = 0.009), and higher for SE than CO (P = 0.046) animals. There was an interaction tendency between RFI and SL (P = 0.063), suggesting that NEm was lower for LRFI+CO than HRFI+CO (P = 0.006), with no differences for SE (P = 0.527) animals. The efficiency of ME utilization for maintenance (km) of LRFI and HRFI animals were 62.6 and 58.4%, respectively, and for SE and CO were 59.0 and 62.1%, respectively. The breeding program for postweaning weight has not improved feed efficiency over the years, with RFI classification not being a promising selection tool for SE animals. Classification based on RFI seems to be useful in animals that have not undergone the breeding program, with LRFI animals having lower energy requirements than the HRFI ones.

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Association of residual feed intake with growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables in native chickens

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa121 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (7) ◽

Author(s):

Lei Yang ◽

Xiaolong Wang ◽

Tingting He ◽

Fengliang Xiong ◽

Xianzhen Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Abdominal Fat ◽

Native Chickens ◽

Blood Variables

Abstract Improving feed efficiency is a primary goal in poultry breeding strategies. Residual feed intake (RFI) in chickens typically calculated during the growing period is a measure of feed efficiency that is independent of the level of production. The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypic correlations of growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables with RFI in growing native chickens. A total of 1,008 chickens were selected for the experiment to derive RFI. After the RFI measurement period of 42 d, 25 chickens with low RFI values, 25 chickens with medium RFI values, and 25 chickens with high RFI values were selected. The RFI was significantly positively correlated with feed conversion ratio and average daily feed intake, while it was not significantly correlated with initial body weight (BW), final BW, average daily body weight gain, and metabolic BW0.75. The abdominal fat weight and yield of high RFI group were significantly greater than those of medium and low RFI groups, and the abdominal fat yield was significantly positively correlated with RFI. Moreover, the plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) content of low RFI group was significantly greater than those of high and medium RFI groups. The plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone, triiodothyronine (T3), and cortisol of high RFI birds were significantly greater than that of low RFI birds. RFI was significantly positively correlated with plasma concentrations of T3 and cortisol, while it was significantly negatively correlated with plasma concentration of IGF-1. In addition, the serum levels of glucose and triglyceride of high RFI birds were significantly lower than that of low RFI birds. The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content of high RFI group was significantly greater than that of medium and low RFI groups, and it was significantly positively correlated with RFI. Our data suggested that selection of chickens with low RFI values may be beneficial to reduce fat deposition in native chickens without affecting the meat quality. Circulating IGF-1, T3, cortisol, and LDL-C concentrations can be used as indirect selection indicators of feed efficiency in native chickens. The effect of IGF-1, T3, cortisol, and LDL-C on feed efficiency of native chickens should be carefully examined and validated in future breeding programs.

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