scholarly journals Opportunities to Harness High-Throughput and Novel Sensing Phenotypes to Improve Feed Efficiency in Dairy Cattle

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 15
Author(s):  
Cori J. Siberski-Cooper ◽  
James E. Koltes
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
High Throughput Phenotyping ◽  
Indicator Traits

Feed for dairy cattle has a major impact on profitability and the environmental impact of farms. Sustainable dairy production relies on continued improvement in feed efficiency as a way to reduce costs and nutrient loss from feed. Advances in breeding, feeding and management have led to the dilution of maintenance energy and thus more efficient dairy cattle. Still, many additional opportunities are available to improve individual animal feed efficiency. Sensing technologies such as wearable sensors, image-based and high-throughput phenotyping technologies (e.g., milk testing) are becoming more available on commercial farm. The application of these technologies as indicator traits for feed intake and efficiency related traits would be advantageous to provide additional information to predict and manage feed efficiency. This review focuses on precision livestock technologies and high-throughput phenotyping in use today as well as those that could be developed in the future as possible indicators of feed intake. Several technologies such as milk spectral data, activity, rumen measures, and image-based phenotypes have been associated with feed intake. Future applications will depend on the ability to repeatably measure and calibrate these data across locations, so that they can be integrated for use in predicting and managing feed intake and efficiency on farm.

scholarly journals Reliability of breeding values for feed intake and feed efficiency traits in dairy cattle: When dry matter intake recordings are sparse under different scenarios

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (8) ◽  
pp. 7248-7262 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Negussie ◽  
T. Mehtiö ◽  
P. Mäntysaari ◽  
P. Løvendahl ◽  
E.A. Mäntysaari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Breeding Values

scholarly journals 227 Leveraging on high-throughput phenotyping technologies to optimize livestock genetic improvement and husbandry

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 55-55
Author(s):  
Guilherme J M Rosa ◽  
João R R Dorea ◽  
Arthur Francisco Araujo Fernandes ◽  
Tiago L Passafaro
Keyword(s):  
Computer Vision ◽  
Image Analysis ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Efficient Data ◽  
High Throughput Phenotyping ◽  
Complex Relationships

Abstract The advent of fully automated data recording technologies and high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) systems has opened up a myriad of opportunities to advance breeding programs and livestock husbandry. Such technologies allow scoring large number of animals for novel phenotypes and indicator traits to boost genetic improvement, as well as for real-time monitoring of animal behavior and development for optimized management decisions. HTP tools include, for example, image analysis and computer vision, sensor technology for motion, sound and chemical composition, and spectroscopy. Applications span from health surveillance, precision nutrition, and control of meat and milk composition and quality. However, the application of HTP requires sophisticated statistical and computational approaches for efficient data management and appropriate data mining, as it involves large datasets with many covariates and complex relationships. In this talk we will discuss some of the challenges and potentials of HTP in livestock. Some examples to be presented include the utilization of automated feeders to record feed intake and to monitor feeding behavior in broilers, milk-spectra information to predict dairy cattle feed intake, and image analysis and computer vision to monitor growth and body condition in pigs and cattle. HTP and big data will become an essential component of modern livestock operations in the context of precision animal agriculture, boosting animal welfare, environmental footprint, and overall sustainability of animal production.

scholarly journals Genetic mechanisms underlying feed utilization and implementation of genomic selection for improved feed efficiency in dairy cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz F. Brito ◽  
Hinayah R. Oliveira ◽  
Kerry Houlahan ◽  
Pablo A.S. Fonseca ◽  
Stephanie Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Genomic Selection ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Complex Trait ◽  
Feed Utilization ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Genetic Progress ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Indicator Traits

The economic importance of genetically improving feed efficiency has been recognized by cattle producers worldwide. It has the potential to considerably reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, optimize land and resource use efficiency, and improve the overall cattle industry’s profitability. Feed efficiency is a genetically complex trait that can be described as units of product output (e.g., milk yield) per unit of feed input. The main objective of this review paper is to present an overview of the main genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying feed utilization in ruminants and the process towards implementation of genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle. In summary, feed efficiency can be improved via numerous metabolic pathways and biological mechanisms through genetic selection. Various studies have indicated that feed efficiency is heritable, and genomic selection can be successfully implemented in dairy cattle with a large enough training population. In this context, some organizations have worked collaboratively to do research and develop training populations for successful implementation of joint international genomic evaluations. The integration of “-omics” technologies, further investments in high-throughput phenotyping, and identification of novel indicator traits will also be paramount in maximizing the rates of genetic progress for feed efficiency in dairy cattle worldwide.

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

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 164 ◽  
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.

Instant Insights: Metabolic disorders in dairy cattle

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Cereal Grains ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Cereal Grain ◽  
Rumen Acidosis

This specially curated collection features four reviews of current and key research on metabolic disorders in dairy cattle. The first chapter reviews the prevalence, etiology and effects of ruminal acidosis, as well as ways to counteract it through regulation of ruminal pH. The chapter includes a case study on subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) in the post-partum phase of the transition period. The second chapter assesses the main pathways for rumen fermentation which is a major factor in efficient transformation of nutrients. It discusses factors influencing the efficiency of microbial growth as well as the interactions between rumen energy and nitrogen metabolism in ensuring efficient digestion and avoiding metabolic disorders. The third chapter investigates the genetics of improving feed intake efficiency which has significant potential in reducing metabolic disorders. The chapter reviews key challenges in developing genomic selection indices for feed intake, including recording feed intake, pooling genetic data and establishing genomic breeding values for feed efficiency. The fourth chapter discusses how cereal grains impact feed efficiency in cattle. It reviews how cereal grains can be used to improve feed efficiency and the microbiology of cereal grain fermentation. The chapter also discusses ways of avoiding acidosis and other negative feed effects.

scholarly journals 179 Breeding for enhancing feed efficiency in dairy cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 183-184
Author(s):  
Flavio Schenkel ◽  
Luiz Brito ◽  
Hinayah Oliveira ◽  
Tatiane Chud ◽  
David Seymour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Selection For

Abstract Genetically selecting for improved feed efficiency has been recognized by the dairy cattle industry as an important economic and environmental goal. Improved feed efficiency has the potential to significantly reduce costs, improving dairy farmers’ profitability and, at the same time, minimize environmental impact, for example by reducing nutrient loss in manure and methane emissions. Feed efficiency is recognized as a complex trait that may be define in different ways, but it generally describes units of product output per unit of feed required. An overview of genetic selection for improved feed efficiency and international initiatives to implement genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle is presented. In general, studies have indicated that feed efficiency, defined and assessed in alternative ways, is moderately heritable and genetic selection could be successfully implemented. Various initiatives around the world have worked collaboratively to carried out research and create reference datasets for joint genomic evaluations. An example is the large international Efficient Dairy Genome Project (EDGP) led by Canada. The EDGP database was developed in 2017 to allow data sharing among the international collaborators. Currently, the database contains genotypes and records on feed intake of 5,289 cows and on methane emissions of 1,337 cows from eight research herds in six countries (Australia, Canada, Denmark, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States). Genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlations) were estimated for dry matter intake, metabolic body weight and energy corrected milk at two time-periods: a) 5–60 DIM and b) 60–150 DIM. These parameters provide a basis for development of breeding value estimation procedures and subsequent selection index for feed efficiency, which will incorporate genomic information.

scholarly journals Short communication: Applicability of feeding behaviour traits as high-throughput phenotyping methods for identifying protein-efficient pigs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Ewaoluwagbemiga ◽  
Giuseppe Bee ◽  
Claudia Kasper
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Large White ◽  
Automatic Feeder ◽  
High Throughput Phenotyping ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Feeding Behaviours ◽  
Selection Of

AbstractThe objective of this study was to explore the potential of using automatically recorded feeding behaviour as a proxy for protein efficiency (PE) by investigating the relationship between feeding behaviour and PE. A total of 402 Swiss Large White pigs were used in this experiment (204 females and 198 castrated males). Pigs were fed ad libitum on a reduced protein diet (80% of standard) from 20kg to 100kg BW. Individual daily feed intake was monitored and carcass composition at slaughter was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The PE was calculated as the ratio of protein in the carcass (estimated by DXA) to the total protein consumed. Feeding behaviour traits monitored were daily feed intake (DFI; g/day), feed intake per visit (FIV; g/visit), number of daily visits (NDV; visits/day), duration of visits (DUV; min/visit), feeding rate (FR; g/min), and feeder occupation (FO; min/day). Regression analysis was used to estimate the relationship between PE and feeding behaviour, while correcting for the effects of sex, experimental series and age. Weak Pearson’s correlations (−0.25 to 0.12) were found between PE and feeding behaviour traits. Beta (β) estimates from this analysis for feeding behaviours were also very low (0.0093% to 0.087%). An increase in FR (g/min) will increase PE by 0.087% and an increase in DFI (g/day) will decrease PE by 0.0093%. In conclusion, feeding behaviours are not suitable for the identification of protein-efficient pigs, as estimates are negligible.ImplicationsThis study suggests that feeding behaviour traits recorded via automatic feeder are not reliable predictors of protein efficiency in Swiss Large White pigs receiving a protein-reduced diet. Despite the large differences in protein efficiency, only negligible changes in a range of feeding behaviours were observed. Hence, feeding behaviours are not suitable proxies for the high-throughput phenotyping of protein efficiency and the selection of live animals for use in nutrition experiments or for breeding.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document