scholarly journals Feed and production efficiency of young crossbred beef cattle stratified on a terminal total merit index1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
David N Kelly ◽  
Stephen B Conroy ◽  
Craig P Murphy ◽  
Roy D Sleator ◽  
Donagh P Berry
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Validation Population ◽  
Carcass Conformation

Abstract Few studies have attempted to quantify the association between a terminal total merit index with phenotypic feed and production efficiency in beef cattle, particularly when feed efficiency is itself explicitly absent as a goal trait in the index. The objective of the present study was to quantify the differences in phenotypic performance for feed intake, feed efficiency, and carcass traits of crossbred bulls, steers, and heifers differing in a terminal total merit index. A validation population of 614 bulls, steers, and heifers that were evaluated for feed intake and efficiency in the same feedlot and subsequently slaughtered at the end of their test period was constructed. The Irish national genetic evaluations for a terminal index of calving performance, docility, feed intake, and carcass traits were undertaken with the phenotypic records of animals present in the validation population masked. The validation population animals were subsequently stratified into four groups, within sex, according to their terminal index value. Mixed models were used to quantify the association between terminal genetic merit and phenotypic performance; whether the associations differed by sex were also investigated. The regression coefficient of phenotypic feed intake, carcass weight, carcass conformation, or carcass fat on its respective estimated breeding values was 0.86 kg dry matter 0.91 kg, 1.01 units, and 1.29 units, respectively, which are close to the expectation of one. On average, cattle in the very high terminal index stratum had a 0.63 kg DM/d lower feed intake, a 25.05 kg heavier carcass, a 1.82 unit better carcass conformation (scale 1 to 15), and a 1.24 unit less carcass fat score (scale 1 to 15), relative to cattle in the very low terminal index stratum. Cattle of superior total genetic merit were also more feed efficient (i.e., had a lower energy conversion ratio, lower residual feed intake, and greater residual gain), had a greater proportion of their live-weight as carcass weight (i.e., better dressing percentage) and were slaughtered at a younger age relative to their inferior total genetic merit counterparts. This study provides validation of an all-encompassing total merit index and demonstrates the benefits of selection on a total merit index for feed and production efficiency, which should impart confidence among stakeholders in the contribution of genetic selection to simultaneous improvements in individual animal performance and efficiency.

scholarly journals Feed efficiency and carcass metrics in growing cattle1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (11) ◽  
pp. 4405-4417 ◽  
Author(s):  
David N Kelly ◽  
Craig Murphy ◽  
Roy D Sleator ◽  
Michelle M Judge ◽  
Stephen B Conroy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Residual Energy ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Dressing Percentage

Abstract Some definitions of feed efficiency such as residual energy intake (REI) and residual gain (RG) may not truly reflect production efficiency. The energy sinks used in the derivation of the traits include metabolic live-weight; producers finishing cattle for slaughter are, however, paid on the basis of carcass weight, as opposed to live-weight. The objective of the present study was to explore alternative definitions of REI and RG which are more reflective of production efficiency, and quantify their relationship with performance, ultrasound, and carcass traits across multiple breeds and sexes of cattle. Feed intake and live-weight records were available on 5,172 growing animals, 2,187 of which also had information relating to carcass traits; all animals were fed a concentrate-based diet representative of a feedlot diet. Animal linear mixed models were used to estimate (co)variance components. Heritability estimates for all derived REI traits varied from 0.36 (REICWF; REI using carcass weight and carcass fat as energy sinks) to 0.50 (traditional REI derived with the energy sinks of both live-weight and ADG). The heritability for the RG traits varied from 0.24 to 0.34. Phenotypic correlations among all definitions of the REI traits ranged from 0.90 (REI with REICWF) to 0.99 (traditional REI with REI using metabolic preslaughter live-weight and ADG). All were different (P < 0.001) from one suggesting reranking of animals when using different definitions of REI to identify efficient cattle. The derived RG traits were either weakly or not correlated (P > 0.05) with the ultrasound and carcass traits. Genetic correlations between the REI traits with carcass weight, dressing difference (i.e., live-weight immediately preslaughter minus carcass weight) and dressing percentage (i.e., carcass weight divided by live-weight immediately preslaughter) implies that selection on any of the REI traits will increase carcass weight, lower the dressing difference and increase dressing percentage. Selection on REICW (REI using carcass weight as an energy sink), as opposed to traditional REI, should increase the carcass weight 2.2 times slower but reduce the dressing difference 4.3 times faster. While traditionally defined REI is informative from a research perspective, the ability to convert energy into live-weight gain does not necessarily equate to carcass gain, and as such, traits such as REICW and REICWF provide a better description of production efficiency for feedlot cattle.

scholarly journals EFISIENSI PRODUKSI SAPI POTONG PADA PETERNAKAN RAKYAT PADA MUSIM KEMARAU DI DAERAH PERTANIAN LAHAN KERING KABUPATEN GUNUNGKIDUL

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eka Handayanta ◽  
Lutojo Lutojo ◽  
Kurniasih Nurdiati
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmer ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Daily Gain

<p><em>This research was conducted to know the production efficiency of beef cattle in smallholder farmer in a dry farming area at dry season. Research has been started on June and finished on September (dry season) at smallholder farmer in the village Kemejing, Semin subdistrict, district Gunungkidul, DIY. The research materials are 28 heads of beef cattle from 17 farmers, which consist of 10 heads of PO breed, 10 heads of a Simpo breed, and 8 heads of Limpo breed with 292.25 kg of initial body weight. This research was using Participatory Rural Appraisal method which is a collecting data process that an active teamwork between data collector and farmer. Collected parameter are feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, feed cost per gain (FC/G), and income over feed cost (IOFC). Data resulting from this research are 8.42 kg/head/day of feed intake, 0.19 kg/head/day of ADG, 0.021 of feed efficiency, Rp 46.166,62 of feed cost per gain, and Rp 3.985,55 of income over feed cost. It can be concluded that the efficient production of beef cattle in smallholder farmer at the dry area is low because average daily gain, feed cost per gain and income over feed cost produced are extremely small so if the calculated economic result is less favorable.</em></p>

scholarly journals Influence of Crossbreeding of Ghezel Ram With Grey Shirazi Ewe on Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency and Carcass Traits of Fattening Lambs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdolhamid Karimi ◽  
Mohammad Javad Abarghuei ◽  
Alidad Boostani
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Group 12

Abstract In this investigation, performance, feed efficiency and carcass traits of 48 weaned crossbred Grey Shirazi × Ghezel and purbred Grey Shirazi fattening lambs (mean live weight, 28.5 ± 0.5 kg and age, 115 ± 5 days) were evaluated. Lambs were divided into 4 groups contain the GM group (12 purebred male lambs of Grey Shirazi ewe × Grey Shirazi ram), the GF group (12 purebred female lambs of Grey Shirazi ewe × Grey Shirazi ram), the CM group (12 crossbred male lambs of Grey Shirazi ewe × Ghezel ram) and the CF group (12 crossbred female lambs of Grey Shirazi ewe × Ghezel ram). The dry matter intakes (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and carcass traits in the lambs were determined. The DMI was greater in CF lambs compared to GF lambs (P < 0.001). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher in male lambs comparing to female lambs (P = 0.001). The final body weight, ADG, live weight at the slaughtering and hot carcass weight (HCW) were lower in GF lambs compared to another lambs (P < 0.001, P = 0.003). Cold carcass weight (CCW) in CM lambs was higher than in other groups. The Longissimus dorsi (LD) area was higher in crossbreed male lambs (P = 0.001). Crossbreeding improved grow performance (final body weight and ADG) in male and female lambs. Carcass trait was improved by crossbreeding especially in male lambs. Sex effect on growth performance and carcass traits was noticeable and male lambs had superior growth.

scholarly journals Genetic Parameters for Growth, Ultrasound and Carcass Traits in New Zealand Beef Cattle and Their Correlations with Maternal Performance

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Franziska Weik ◽  
Rebecca E. Hickson ◽  
Stephen T. Morris ◽  
Dorian J. Garrick ◽  
Jason A. Archer
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Live Animal ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Maternal Performance

Research has shown that enhancing finishing performance in beef cows is feasible; however, any adverse impact of selection strategies for finishing performance on the performance of the maternal herd should be taken into account. The aim of this research was to examine the inheritance of growth, ultrasound and carcass traits in finishing beef cattle and to evaluate their correlations with maternal performance traits. Data were collected from a nationwide progeny test on commercial New Zealand hill country farms comprising a total of 4473 beef cows and their progeny. Most finishing traits were moderately to highly heritable (0.28–0.58) with the exception of meat or fat colour and ossification (0.00–0.12). Ultrasound scan traits had high genetic correlations with corresponding traits measured at slaughter (rg = 0.53–0.95) and may be used as a selection tool for improved genetic merit of the beef carcass. Fat content determined via ultrasound scanning in the live animal or at slaughter in finishing cattle is positively genetically correlated with rebreeding performance (rg = 0.22–0.39) in female herd replacements and negatively correlated with mature cow live weight (rg = −0.40 to −0.19). Low-magnitude associations were observed between the genetic merit for carcass fat traits with body condition in mature cows.

scholarly journals RAPID COMMUNICATION: Residual feed intake in beef cattle is associated with differences in protein turnover and nutrient transporters in ruminal epithelium

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (5) ◽  
pp. 2181-2187
Author(s):  
Ahmed A Elolimy ◽  
Emad Abdel-Hamied ◽  
Liangyu Hu ◽  
Joshua C McCann ◽  
Daniel W Shike ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Protein Degradation ◽  
Insulin Signaling ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Protein Turnover ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Ubiquitin Proteasome ◽  
Ruminal Epithelium

Abstract Residual feed intake (RFI) is a widely used measure of feed efficiency in cattle. Although the precise biologic mechanisms associated with improved feed efficiency are not well-known, most-efficient steers (i.e., with low RFI coefficient) downregulate abundance of proteins controlling protein degradation in skeletal muscle. Whether cellular mechanisms controlling protein turnover in ruminal tissue differ by RFI classification is unknown. The aim was to investigate associations between RFI and signaling through the mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways in ruminal epithelium. One hundred and forty-nine Red Angus cattle were allocated to 3 contemporary groups according to sex and herd origin. Animals were offered a finishing diet for 70 d to calculate the RFI coefficient for each. Within each group, the 2 most-efficient (n = 6) and least-efficient animals (n = 6) were selected. Compared with least-efficient animals, the most-efficient animals consumed less feed (P &lt; 0.05; 18.36 vs. 23.39 kg/d DMI). At day 70, plasma samples were collected for insulin concentration analysis. Ruminal epithelium was collected immediately after slaughter to determine abundance and phosphorylation status of 29 proteins associated with MTOR, ubiquitin-proteasome, insulin signaling, and glucose and amino acid transport. Among the proteins involved in cellular protein synthesis, most-efficient animals had lower (P ≤ 0.05) abundance of MTOR, p-MTOR, RPS6KB1, EIF2A, EEF2K, AKT1, and RPS6KB1, whereas MAPK3 tended (P = 0.07) to be lower. In contrast, abundance of p-EEF2K, p-EEF2K:EEF2K, and p-EIF2A:EIF2A in most-efficient animals was greater (P ≤ 0.05). Among proteins catalyzing steps required for protein degradation, the abundance of UBA1, NEDD4, and STUB1 was lower (P ≤ 0.05) and MDM2 tended (P = 0.06) to be lower in most-efficient cattle. Plasma insulin and ruminal epithelium insulin signaling proteins did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between RFI groups. However, abundance of the insulin-responsive glucose transporter SLC2A4 and the amino acid transporters SLC1A3 and SLC1A5 also was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in most-efficient cattle. Overall, the data indicate that differences in signaling mechanisms controlling protein turnover and nutrient transport in ruminal epithelium are components of feed efficiency in beef cattle.

scholarly journals Effect of l-carnitine supplementation and sugar beet pulp inclusion in gilt gestation diets on gilt live weight, lactation feed intake, and offspring growth from birth to slaughter1

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (10) ◽  
pp. 4208-4218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazel B Rooney ◽  
Keelin O’Driscoll ◽  
John V O’Doherty ◽  
Peadar G Lawlor
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Sugar Beet Pulp ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Beet Pulp ◽  
Blood Glucose Concentrations

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of l-carnitine (CAR) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) inclusion in gilt gestation diets on gilt live weight, cortisol concentration, lactation feed intake, and lifetime growth of progeny. Eighty-four pregnant gilts (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to a treatment at day 38 of gestation until parturition; Control (0% SBP, 0 g CAR), CAR (0.125 g/d CAR), SBP (40% SBP), and SBP plus CAR (40% SBP, 0.125 g/d CAR). Gilts were weighed and back-fat depth was recorded on day 38, day 90, and day 108 of gestation and at weaning. Gilt saliva samples were collected pre-farrowing and fecal consistency was scored from entry to the farrowing room until day 5 post-partum. The number of piglets born (total, live, and stillborn) and individual birth weight was recorded. Piglet blood glucose concentration was measured 24 h post-partum and pigs were weighed on day 1, day 6, day 14, day 26, day 76, day 110, and day 147 of life. Carcass data were collected at slaughter. There was no interaction between CAR and SBP for any variable measured. The SBP-fed gilts were heavier on day 90 and day 108 of gestation (P < 0.05) and lost more weight during lactation (P < 0.05) than control gilts. They also had a greater fecal consistency score (P < 0.01). Total farrowing duration, piglet birth interval, and lactation feed intakes were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The number of piglets born (total, live, and stillborn) and piglet birth weight was likewise similar between treatments (P > 0.05). Piglets from CAR-fed gilts had lower blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.01), while piglets from SBP-fed gilts had greater blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.01). Piglets from CAR gilts had a lower average daily gain between day 1 and day 6 (P < 0.05) and day 14 and day 26 post-partum (P < 0.05) compared to piglets from control gilts. However, CAR gilts weaned a greater number of pigs (P = 0.07). Live weight and carcass weight at slaughter were heavier for pigs from CAR gilts (P < 0.05) and from SBP gilts (P < 0.05). Pigs from CAR gilts (P < 0.01) and SBP gilts (P < 0.05) had increased carcass muscle depth. In conclusion, no benefit was found from the combined feeding of CAR and SBP. Fed separately, CAR increased the live weight, carcass weight, and muscle depth of progeny at slaughter. Feeding a high SBP diet increased fecal consistency in gilts pre-farrowing and increased live weight and carcass muscle depth of progeny.

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 525-534 ◽  
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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