scholarly journals Growth and carcas characteristics of broilers fed alkali processed soybeans

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44
Author(s):  
B. A. Ayanwale
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Sodium Chloride ◽  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Effect Of Feeding

An eight-week feeding tial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding alkali processed soyabeans to broilers.  Soyabeans were processed in aqueous solutions of sodium chloride, sodium sesquicarvonate (trona) and alum respectively. The concentration of each of the salts was 3%. The soyabeans, after drying, were used in compounding 3 diffefrent diets. The control (T1) contained roasted soyabeans while diets T2 , T3 and T4 contained NaCl, trona and alum respectively. Broiler feeding lasted for 8 weeks starting from day - old. The results indicated that feeding NaCl processed soyabeans to broilerss significantly (P<0.05) depressed growth rate, feed consumption and body gain. NaCl treated soyabeans produced feed/gain ratio, protein efficiency ratio (PER), carcass and organ proportion  comparable to thr control. The growth rate, feed intake and weight gain of NaCl to sufficiently inactive trypsin inhibitors and remove a substsntisl proportion of polyphenols and oligosaccharides in soyabeans. It was concluded that since alkaline salts are cheap and readily available all the year round their use in processing soyabeans should be encourage.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary Black pepper (Piper nigrum) on the performance of broiler

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
EK Ndelekwute ◽  
KD Afolabi ◽  
HO Uzegbu ◽  
UL Unah ◽  
KU Amaefule
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Piper Nigrum ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Dietary Treatments

An experiment was conducted to determine the dietary effect of different levels of ground black pepper (Piper nigrum) on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. There were five dietary treatments each containing 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 % black pepper (BP) fed at both starter and finisher phases. One hundred and fifty (150) day old chicks of Arbor-acre strain were divided into five dietary groups having three replication with 10 in each. The five dietary treatments were randomly assigned into five groups. The birds were fed and watered ad libitum. At the starter phase 0.25 and 0.5 % BP improved live weight significantly (p<0.05). Feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) reduced at 1.00% BP. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in daily gain, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio. At the finisher phase, final live weight was improved by 0.25% (p<0.05). Final live weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio were negatively affected by 0.75 and 1.0%BP. Fecal moisture was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by 0.25% while dry matter, protein and ether extract digestibility were improved by all the levels of BP. None of the BP levels improved crude fibre digestibility (p>0.05) over the control. NFE and energy utilization were improved by 0.25 and 0.5%, but significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 1.00% BP.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2015. 44(2): 120-127

scholarly journals Response of broiler chickens fed diets containing loofah gourd Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) seed meal

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
M. A. Onigemo ◽  
K. Agbalaya ◽  
L. A. Tijani
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Blood Cell Count

The scarcity and increasing cost of conventional plant protein sources prompted researches into potential feed resources that are relatively of less importance to man. Loofah gourd (Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) is a plant that is widely available in most tropical, subtropical and temperate region. In Nigeria it grows luxuriantly uncultivated and the sponge is often used for domestic cleaning while the seeds are discarded. The seeds were de-hulled, milled and fed at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% dietary levels of inclusion as partial total replacement for groundnut cake. One hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler chicks were divided into five (5) groups and each was fed the experimental diets for fifty six (56) days in a completely randomised design (CRD) arrangement. Data collected included the average feed intake (AFI), average weight gain (AWG), live weight (LW) feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), haematology indices such as pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb), serological variables such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and carcass characteristics. Loofah gourd seed meal (LGSM) significantly (P<0.05) depressed the feed intake, weight gain, live weight, and protein efficiency ratio of the birds as the dietary inclusion of LGSM increased in a similar trend. AFI, AWG, and PER were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (125.88 g/day, 51.37 g/day, and 1.81 respectively) and lowest in those on 20% LGSM (62.88 g/day, 19.35 and 1.39 respectively). PCV and Hb were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (10.46 g/dl and 34% respectively) and lowest in those on 15% LGSM (21%) and 10%LGSM (6.98g/dl) respectively. Birds fed with the control diet had the lowest (P<0.05) AST (86.13 U/I), ALT (5.67 U/I) and ALP (112,338.90) and those on 20% LGSM had the highest AST (104.18 U/), ALT (10.98 U/D while the highest ALP (201,762.90) was in birds fed 10% LGSM. Weight of liver and spleen expressed as percentage of live weight were significantly lowest in birds on the control group (1.38 and 0.18 respectively) and highest in those on 15% LGSM (4.08 and 1.50 respectively). The increase in liver and spleen weight coupled with increased serum enzymes activities suggest the presence of anti-nutrient in LGSM. Hence, the use of LGSM beyond 5% level of inclusion is not beneficial in the production of broiler.

scholarly journals THE SUBSTITUTION OF PIGEON PEA SEED (CAJANUS CAJAN) FOR GROUNDNUT CAKE AND MAIZE IN BROILER FINISHER RATION

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. U. AMAEFULE ◽  
F. C. OBIOHA
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Pigeon Pea ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Groundnut Cake ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Pea Seed

One   hundred  and   twenty  4  -   week  old broilers were used to study the effect of substituting pigeon pea seed meal (PPSM) for groundnut cake and maize in broiler finisher rations.  The 4 diet groups contained 0, 30, 40, and  50% PPSM  and  measurements  taken  in the 3 week study  were weight gain,  feed  intake feed conversion ration and   protein  efficiency ratio. Results  showed  that   body weight gain of the  birds  increased as  the  proportion  of PPSM in the diets increased. The final body weights  were  1.47,  1.64,  1.71  and   1.73kg  for 0.30,  40,  and   50%  respectively. Feed   and protein   intake   significantly   increased  as   a result of replacing groundnut cake  and  maize with   PPSM   up   to  40%,  but  did   not   show significant  difference   between   40  and   50%. I Feed  intake   figures  were  96.80, 129.90, 144.30 and  142.60g and  corresponding protein intake figures  were  20.67, 27.64, 30.72 and  30.57g  for 0,   30,   40   and    50%    inclusion    of   PPSM respectively. Feed conversion ratio  and protein efficiency ratio did not significantly differ among the diets.

Performance of Growing Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) Fruit Pulp Meal

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-31
Author(s):  
J.N Ingweye
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Water Intake ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Fruit Pulp ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Initial Weight ◽  
Water Feed ◽  
Forage Intake

The study involved the recycling of gmelina fruit pulp to animal feed to reduce environmental pollution by evaluating the feed intake and body weight changes of rabbits fed diets incorporated with Ripe Gmelina Fruit Pulp (RGFP) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in replacement of maize as groups I, II, III, IV and V, respectively. Sixty (60) rabbits in five groups of 12 animals each were used for the eight-week study in completely randomized design experiment. Initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and forage intake ranged from 575–575.02g, 1605–1900g, 1029.98–1324.99g, 8130–7569.85g, 5711.33–1177.11g, 6392.74–2418.67g, respectively. All these parameters were significantly affected (p<0.05) by inclusion of RGFP except initial weight. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), water intake (ml), water–feed ratio and protein efficiency ratio ranged from 7.35–6.14, 278.34–203.36, 0.034–0.027 and 0.8–0.53, respectively. These parameters were also significantly affected (p<0.05) by inclusion of RGFP in diets except water–feed ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Weight gain, total feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and water intake of rabbits fed 0% RGFP were the highest (p<0.05) while the 100% RGFP group recorded the least (p<0.05). Weight gain and total feed intake of 0% RGFP group was similar to those of groups 25%, and 50%. The 100% RGFP fed rabbits had the highest (p<0.05) forage intake but least (p<0.05) FCR while 0% RGFP fed group had the least (p<0.05) forage intake and highest (p<0.05) FCR. Weight gain, total feed intake (concentrate + forage), concentrate intake and water intake significantly (p<0.05) decreased as RGFP increased while FCR and forage intake increased significantly (p<0.05) as RGFP increased. This study suggests that RGFP could replace up to 50% of maize, beyond which the animals start losing weight. Keywords: Hindgut fermenter, Gmelina fruit waste, rabbit nutrition, recycling

scholarly journals Effect of African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in aflatoxin-infected diets on growth performance of broilers

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-186
Author(s):  
D. N. Onunkwo ◽  
O. A. Ukoha
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Monodora Myristica

Fungal infected feedstuffs are denatured in nutrients and cause them to develop off flavors that often dampen the appetite of livestock and poultry. In this study, the effect of toasted African nutmeg (Monodora myristica) spice in Aspergillus flavus-infested diets on growth performance of broilers was investigated in a 2 x 3 factorial experimentthat lasted for 42 days. Three out of 6 dietary treatments were infected with 1mg of pure culture of Aspergillus flavus and toasted Monodora myristica spice included at 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% while the other 3 diets were infection-free with 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% Monodora myristica inclusion respectively. Each treatment was replicated three times at 30 chickens per replicate. Infection status was significant (P<0.05) for daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were 134.19g/bird/day, 39.23g/bird/day, 3.59g/bird/day and 1.10g/bird/day, respectively for the non-infected diets. The aflatoxin infection from Aspergillus flavus was observed to reduce (P<0.05) feed intake to 130.51g/bird/day and weight gain (33.67g/bird/day). FCR and PER were also reduced (P<0.05) by the presence of aflatoxin from Aspergillus flavus in the diet. Effect of Monodora myristica supplementation on feed intake, average daily weight gain, FCR and Protein efficiency ratio was significant (P<0.05) for all the measured parameters. The Feed intake, average daily weight gain, FCR and protein efficiency increased (P<0.05) as Monodora myristica inclusion level increased. Feed intake (119.8g/b/d), daily weight gain (28.90g/b/d), FCR (4.28) and PER (0.94) were observed in the Monodora-free (0%) diet. 0.5% and 1.0% levels of Monodora inclusion produced similar (P>0.05) effects on all the growth parameters but were higher than the control. The interaction of aflatoxin infection and Monodora inclusion level were significant for all the growth parameters. The interaction of aflatoxin infection x Monodora inclusion levels recorded feed intake of 107.97g/b/d, 137.36 and 146.19g/b/d respectively for 0, 0.5 and 1.0% Monodora; 22.27g/b/d, 37.87g/b/d and 40.83g/b/d daily weight gain and 4.85%, 3.63% and 3.58% FCR. The interaction effect of Monodora inclusion level in infection-free diets on the birds feed intake were 131.65g/b/d, 147.24g/b/d and 123.67g/b/d respectively for 0%, 0.5% and 1.0%. The interaction effect at 0.5% inclusion level x non-infected diet was significantly higher (41.31g/b/d) than that at 0% inclusion level on daily gain. However, the daily weight gain of 40.83g/b/d observed in the interaction of 1.0% Monodora level x aflatoxin -free diet similar (P<0.05) to that observed in the 0.5% inclusion level. The feed conversion ratio produced by the interactions at the three different levels (0, 0.5 and 1.0%) in the Aspergillus-free diets were (P>0.05) 3.71, 3.57 and 3.49 respectively while PER were (P<0.05) 1.05, 1.13 and 1.11 respectively. The Monodorafree diet recorded 9.26% drumstick, 2.26% liver 0.65% kidney and 2.43% gizzard, while the diet that had 0.5% Monodora myristica yielded 2.12% liver and 2.29% gizzard. Inclusion of Monodora up to 1.0% recorded 1.63% liver weight. Aspergillus flavus alone caused a reduction in live weight, dressed weight, thigh, kidney, breast meat, gizzard and an enlargement in the liver. Monodora myristica inclusion level also affected (p<0.05) all the parameters except dressed weight, thigh and back cut. Kidney and liver were observed to decrease as the level of inclusion of Monodora myristica increased. The interaction of Monodora myristica and Aspergillus flavus on the parameters were significant (p<0.05). From the results, Monodora myristica may be beneficial to poultry farmers, since about 90% of the poultry feed ingredients especially grains are constantly exposed to aflatoxin infection from Aspergillus flavus and other mycotoxin infections which hinder maximum nutrient utilization and affect the rate of conversion of feed.

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF DIETS CONTAINING RAW, BOILED OR DEHULLED PIGEONPEA SEED MEALS (Cajanusc cajan) FED TO BROILER FINISHERS

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-142
Author(s):  
K. U. AMAEFULE ◽  
F. C. OBIOHA
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Efficiency Ratio

One hundred and eighty, 4-week old broilers were used to study the performance of broiler finishers fed diets containing raw, boiled or dehulled pigeonpea seed meals included at levels of 30 and 40% of the diets in a 33 x2 factorially designed experiment. Performance criteria were daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), nutrient utilization and final liveweight of the broilers at the end of 8" week. Results showed that dehulled seed meal diet produced broilers with the highest daily weight gain, final liveweight and protein efficiency ratio, lowest feed intake, FCR and daily protein intake. Broilers fed boiled seed meal diet performed significantly better than those fed raw seed meal diet in all measurements. Broilers fed on 30% inclusion level of PPSM gave better results than those on 40% which significantly depressed growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, protein efficiency and increased protein intake. The interaction between processing methods and inclusion levels were not significant. There was a higher nutrient utilization of dehulled and boiled PPSM diets by broilers than the raw seed meal. Increase in the level of inclusion generally decreased protein retention except for the dehulled PPSM diet. It is concluded that a better option is to dehull boiled pigeonpea seeds and include the meal at not more than 30% of the whole ration for broiler finishers.    

Response of broiler chickens fed diets containing loofah gourd Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) seed meal

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
M. A. Onigemo ◽  
K. Agbalaya ◽  
L. A. Tijani
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Blood Cell Count

The scarcity and increasing cost of conventional plant protein sources prompted researches into potential feed resources that are relatively of less importance to man. Loofah gourd (Luffa cylindrical (M.J. Roem) is a plant that is widely available in most tropical, subtropical and temperate region. In Nigeria it grows luxuriantly uncultivated and the sponge is often used for domestic cleaning while the seeds are discarded. The seeds were de-hulled, milled and fed at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% dietary levels of inclusion as partial total replacement for groundnut cake. One hundred and fifty (150) day-old broiler chicks were divided into five (5) groups and each was fed the experimental diets for fifty six (56) days in a completely randomised design (CRD) arrangement. Data collected included the average feed intake (AFI), average weight gain (AWG), live weight (LW) feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), haematology indices such as pack cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb), serological variables such as Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartic aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and carcass characteristics. Loofah gourd seed meal (LGSM) significantly (P<0.05) depressed the feed intake, weight gain, live weight, and protein efficiency ratio of the birds as the dietary inclusion of LGSM increased in a similar trend. AFI, AWG, and PER were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (125.88 g/day, 51.37 g/day, and 1.81 respectively) and lowest in those on 20% LGSM (62.88 g/day, 19.35 and 1.39 respectively). PCV and Hb were significantly highest (P<0.05) in birds on the control group (10.46 g/dl and 34% respectively) and lowest in those on 15% LGSM (21%) and 10%LGSM (6.98g/dl) respectively. Birds fed with the control diet had the lowest (P<0.05) AST (86.13 U/I), ALT (5.67 U/I) and ALP (112,338.90) and those on 20% LGSM had the highest AST (104.18 U/), ALT (10.98 U/D while the highest ALP (201,762.90) was in birds fed 10% LGSM. Weight of liver and spleen expressed as percentage of live weight were significantly lowest in birds on the control group (1.38 and 0.18 respectively) and highest in those on 15% LGSM (4.08 and 1.50 respectively). The increased in liver and spleen weight coupled with increased serum enzymes activities suggest the presence of anti-nutrient in LGSM. Hence, the use of LGSM beyond 5% level of inclusion is not beneficial in the production of broiler.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF UNEXTRACTED AND EXTRACTED DEHULLED CANOLA RAPESEED FOR BROILER CHICKENS

1981 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 989-998 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. SHIRES ◽  
J. M. BELL ◽  
R. BLAIR ◽  
J. A. BLAKE ◽  
P. FEDEC ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
No Reduction ◽  
Progressive Decrease ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Sulphur Amino Acids

Two experiments were conducted with broiler chickens from 1 day old to 4 wk of age to determine the nutritional value of unextracted and extracted dehulled canola rapeseed (DCS). In exp. 1, raw or autoclaved DCS at levels of 10 and 20% of the diet were compared with extracted DCS at levels of 5 and 10%. The inclusion of extracted DCS in the diet had no adverse effects on the performance of chicks. Dietary levels of 10 and 20% raw DCS resulted in a decrease in feed intake (P > 0.05) and weight gain (P < 0.05) and an increase in feed/gain ratio (P < 0.05). The performance of birds fed autocalved DCS was intermediate between that of birds fed raw or extracted DCS. Experiment 2 involved a comparison of extracted DCS at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30% of the diet with variable or constant levels of dietary lysine and sulphur amino acids. Dietary levels of 20 and 30% extracted DCS resulted in a progressive decrease (P < 0.001) in feed intake and weight gain, and an increase (P < 0.001) in feed/gain ratio. Lysine supplementation improved the nutritional value of extracted DCS. It was concluded that canola rapeseed should be heated before feeding to broiler chickens. Autoclaved or extracted DCS may be included in the diet of broiler chickens at levels of 10% with no reduction in growth rate.

scholarly journals PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN TEPUNG Lemna sp. TERFERMENTASI PADA PAKAN BUATAN TERHADAP TINGKAT PEMANFAATAN PAKAN, PERTUMBUHAN DAN KELULUSHIDUPAN BENIH IKAN LELE DUMBO (Clarias gariepinus)

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 783
Author(s):  
Ika Nurul Asriyanti ◽  
Johannes Hutabarat ◽  
Vivi Endar Herawati
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Relative Growth Rate ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Feed Utilization ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Optimum Dose ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Relative Growth

The cost of feed is one of the production costs that account for 65%, so the need for alternative feed ingredients that can reduce feed costs. Lemna plant has good enough nutrition as alternative food such as protein 32,13%, nitrogen extract (BETN) 15,96%, and fat 5,13%, crude fiber 28,58% and ash 18, 20% that can be used as fish feed ingredients.The aim of this study is to determine the effect and the best dose level of fermented lemna flour to the level of feed utilization, growth and survival of dumbo catfish (C. gariepinus).The experimental fish used was juvenile of catfishwith an average individual body weight of 3,43±0,06 g and the density of 1 fish/2 l for 42 days. This experimental applied completely randomized design (CRD), which consisted of 5 treatments and 3 replicates. The treatments were treatment each by an addition of flour lemna fermented 0% (A), 5% (B), 10% (C), 15% (D) and 20% (E) respectively. The results showed that the flour lemna fermented provided significantly effect (P<0,05) on total feed comsumption, feed utilization effeciency), protein efficiency ratio and relative growth rate. However, no significant effects (P>0,05) wereoccured on the values of survival rate. The highest dose of 20% dose of fermented lemon flour resulted in total feed intake of 170.01 ± 9.25 g, feed efficiency of 78.82 ± 4.75%, protein efficiency ratio of 2.49 ± 0.15% and the relative growth rate (of 4.60 ± 0.31% / day, while the optimum dose of fermented lemon flour to total feed consumption, the efficiency of feed utilization protein efficiency ratio and relative growth rate have not found the optimum point because based on orthogonal polynomial test still patterned linear.

Genetic variation in net feed efficiency in Hereford cattle and its association with other production traits

1999 ◽  
Vol 1999 ◽  
pp. 47-47
Author(s):  
R.M. Herd ◽  
S.C. Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Performance Measurements ◽  
Hereford Cattle ◽  
Rate Selection

Net feed efficiency refers to variation in feed consumption between animals net of requirements for maintenance and production, and may be measured as residual feed intake (RFI). Because RFI is independent of liveweight (LW) and growth rate, selection for improved net feed efficiency is likely to reduce feed intake with little change in growth. The purpose of this study was to establish whether there exists genetic variation in RFI in young British Hereford bulls, and to determine the phenotypic and genetic correlations of RFI with key production traits.The data consisted of performance measurements on 540 bull progeny of 154 British Hereford sires, collected over ten 200-day postweaning performance tests conducted between 1979 and 1988. The traits analysed were food intake (FI), 200 to 400-day daily gain (ADG), 400-day weight (W400), predicted carcass lean content (LEAN), lean growth rate (LGR), food conversion ratio (FI/ADG) and lean FCR (LFCR; FI/(ADG x LEAN), described by Bishop (1992).

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