Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 5. Cow genotype affects feed efficiency and maternal productivity

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Hebart ◽  
J. M. Accioly ◽  
K. J. Copping ◽  
M. P. B. Deland ◽  
R. M. Herd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Bodyweight Gain ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Low Fat ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Selection For

Cow bodyweight gain, calf weaning weight, feed intake and maternal productivity of 500 Angus cows, in 64 replicate groups, were measured over three parities at two locations (Struan and Vasse) as part of the Beef CRC Maternal Productivity Project. The cows were sourced as heifers from the top and bottom 10% of BREEDPLAN Rib Fat EBV (High-Fat and Low-Fat), and from High and Low residual feed intake (RFI) selection lines (High-RFI and Low-RFI). Each of the four genotypes were run under High- and Low-Nutrition (measured as feed on offer) at both sites. The High-Fat cows were 7% more efficient at producing weaner calves under Low-Nutrition than were the Low-Fat cows. This was driven primarily by the 4% difference between the lines in weaning rate. When weaning rate differences were accounted for (as covariate), there was no difference between the Fat lines in the efficiency of weaner weight production. When the weight gain of the cow was included as an output in addition to calf weaning weight, there was also no difference between the Fat lines in efficiency. Low-RFI cows were always more efficient at producing weaner calves than were the High-RFI cows. This was primarily driven through a 7% reduction in annual feed intake (across both nutrition treatments). However, the Low-RFI cows were leaner, had 6.3% lower weaning rate and calved on average 5.4 days later than did the High-RFI cows. Furthermore, the largest differences in feed intake were in spring when feed availability is greatest. In the context of the results herein, a balanced breeding program should include selection for improved reproduction and low RFI.

Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 4. Fat EBVs’ influence on fatness fluctuation and supplementary feeding requirements

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
J. M. Accioly ◽  
K. J. Copping ◽  
M. P. B. Deland ◽  
M. L. Hebart ◽  
R. M. Herd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Genetic Line ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Low Fat ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Supplementary Feed

The productivity of 500 Angus cows, divergently selected for either rib fat or residual feed intake (RFI) based on BREEDPLAN estimated breeding values (EBVs) and managed under two levels of nutrition (stocking rates), was evaluated. The study examined the effects of genetic line, nutrition and weaning history on profiles for weight, rib fat depth, fatness (rib fat depth adjusted for weight) and supplementary feed requirements from just before the first joining as heifers through to the weaning of their third calf. Cows gained both weight and fat as they grew older. Observed fluctuations in weight and rib fat depth, within each year, were associated with pasture availability and physiological demands. Cows that did not wean a calf in a given year became heavier and fatter than cows that did; and they remained so when they calved the following year. High-fat and High-RFI were always fatter and lighter than Low-fat and Low-RFI cows, respectively. The difference in rib fat and fatness between High- and Low-RFI lines (P < 0.001) was similar to, although slightly greater than, the difference between High- and Low-fat lines (P = 0.048) reflecting differences in rib fat EBVs between High-RFI (3.2 ± 1.47) and Low-RFI (–0.7 ± 1.3) compared with High-fat (1.1 ± 0.78) and Low-fat (–1.4 ± 0.67). Cows on High-Nutrition were heavier and fatter than those on Low-Nutrition (P < 0.001) but there were no significant interactions between genetic line and nutrition (P > 0.05). Supplementary feeding threshold was reached earlier by Low-fat and Low-RFI cows than their counterparts. Calculations based on the data in the present paper estimate that if cows lose condition at a rapid rate (1 condition score/month), then a cow with an extra 1 mm rib fat EBV would take 7.5 days longer to reach the same supplementary feeding threshold. Fat EBVs can, therefore, be a useful tool in assisting beef producers to match genotype to their production system.

Divergent genotypes for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 3. Performance of mature cows

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Copping ◽  
J. M. Accioly ◽  
M. P. B. Deland ◽  
N. J. Edwards ◽  
J. F. Graham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values

This experiment evaluated the productivity of 500 Angus cows that differed in genetic merit for either subcutaneous rib fat depth (Fat) or residual feed intake (RFI) based on estimated breeding values (EBVs) and managed under two levels of nutrition. Reproductive rate over four calving opportunities in mature cows and growth performance of progeny to weaning was assessed. Level of nutrition significantly affected all body composition traits for both Fat and RFI line cows. Cows on High-Nutrition were 14–16% heavier (P < 0.001) than those on Low-Nutrition. Differences in EBVs for fatness were reflected in phenotypic fatness at maturity. High-RFI line cows were fatter for both scanned rump (P8) and rib (RIB) fat depth relative to their Low-RFI contemporaries. Of those cows that were lactating, there was no significant effect of line or nutrition on pregnancy rate or days to calving (DC). There was, however, a trend (P < 0.1) in the Low-Fat line cows towards longer DC compared with the High-Fat line cows. There was no significant effect of either line or nutrition on calf birthweight. Calves with mothers on High-Nutrition were 8% heavier at weaning (P < 0.001) than those on Low-Nutrition. Lower EBVs for RFI was associated with higher 200-day growth EBV and heavier calves at weaning. Current carcass BREEDPLAN EBVs can be used to select for changes in cow body composition if desired. In this experiment, Angus cows selected for lower RFI or with below-average fatness EBV and had raised a calf at every previous opportunity were not compromised in pregnancy rate or DC at maturity under varying nutrition such as can be experienced during normal seasonal conditions in southern Australia. However, selection for lower RFI was associated with lower weaning rate (P < 0.05), which warrants further investigation to confidently predict the implications for commercial cattle production.

Selection for feed efficiency traits and correlated genetic responses in feed intake and weight gain of Nellore cattle1

2014 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 955-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Grion ◽  
M. E. Z. Mercadante ◽  
J. N. S. G. Cyrillo ◽  
S. F. M. Bonilha ◽  
E. Magnani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Genetic Responses

Divergent genotypes for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 7. Low-fat and low-RFI cows produce more liveweight and better gross margins than do high-fat and high-RFI cows when managed under the same conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
L. Anderton ◽  
J. M. Accioly ◽  
K. J. Copping ◽  
M. P. B. Deland ◽  
M. L. Hebart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Low Fat ◽  
Gross Margin ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Angus Cattle ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values ◽  
Supplementary Feed ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
Stocking Rates

The present paper focuses on the economic evaluation of the observed differences in maternal productivity of different genetic lines in Angus cattle that were managed under contrasting nutritional regimes typical of southern Australia. Five hundred Angus cows were managed concurrently at two locations in southern Australia. On each site, the cows were managed under the following two different nutritional treatments: High and Low, to simulate different stocking rates. Cows selected for a divergence in either carcass rib-fat depth or residual feed intake based on mid-parent estimated breeding values for those traits, were allocated in replicate groups to either High- or Low-nutrition treatments. By design, the supplementary feeding regime was the same for the High and Low genetic lines to ensure genetic differences were not confounded with management differences. Animal productivity results from the experiment were used as input data to evaluate the economic performance of the four genetic lines under the two nutritional treatments. Two methods were used; the first was a gross-margin calculation of income minus variable costs as AU$ per breeding cow for a 1000-cow herd; the second was a whole-farm linear programming model maximising the gross margin. Stocking rates were optimised by matching the energy requirements for the whole herd with the energy available from pasture and supplementary feed on a representative 700-ha farm. Using the two methods of calculating gross margin (per cow and optimised per hectare), including examination of sensitivity to changes in prices of cattle and supplementary feed, the present study demonstrated that genetically leaner cows due to selection of low fat or low residual feed intake, had gross margins superior to those of genetically fatter cows. They generated more income by selling more liveweight due to heavier weights and higher stocking rates. The results are affected by the management system utilised and some confounding with growth (leaner genetic lines had higher growth estimated breeding values), but will assist producers to make more informed decisions about how to manage animal breeding and nutritional interactions.

Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 6. Dam-line impacts on steer carcass compliance

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
M. P. B. Deland ◽  
J. M. Accioly ◽  
K. J. Copping ◽  
J. F. Graham ◽  
S. J. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
High Fat ◽  
The South ◽  
Low Fat ◽  
Breeding Values ◽  
Estimated Breeding Values

The present study determined the impact of maternal genetics for estimated breeding values for rib fat (High-Fat, Low-Fat) or residual feed intake (RFI; High-RFI, Low-RFI) on the carcass compliance of Angus steer progeny when reared pre-weaning under High or Low-Nutrition and post-weaning under various finishing system (grazing versus short-term feedlot). The dams were joined to sires of similar genetic background (close to average estimated breeding values) and sires were rotated among all dam genotypes, with herds located at either Struan Research Centre, near Naracoorte in the south-east of South Australia, or Vasse Research Station, in the south-west of Western Australia. The breeding herd was part of the Beef CRC maternal productivity project and cows were managed under either High or Low-Nutrition, achieved by adjustments to stocking rate in rotational grazing systems and supplementary feeding, so as to maintain ~20% difference in cow liveweight. The steer progeny were weaned at ~7 months of age, with individuals from both pre-weaning nutritional treatments being treated the same from then on at each site. Steers from Struan Research Centre in South Australia born in 2008 and 2009 were sold and grown out on pasture on a local commercial property. Steer calves born in 2010 at Vasse remained on the station where they were backgrounded on hay, followed by a short period (111 days) total mixed ration containing 40% grain. In the first year, steers from Struan (n = 58) were slaughtered together at ~2 years of age, and in the second year (n = 85), consigned to six slaughter groups as their ultrasound-scanned subcutaneous P8 (rump) fat reached 7 mm and their liveweight exceeded 550 kg. Steers from Vasse (n = 101) were slaughtered at ~12 months of age, all on the same day. High-Fat-line dams produced steers with carcasses with greater P8 fat than did Low-Fat-line dams at both sites. At Struan, when the 2008-born steers were slaughtered together, more steers from Low-Fat dams failed to meet minimum fat specifications, than steers from High-Fat dams (28% vs 9% respectively). The steers born in 2009 at Struan all met processor fat specifications but steers from the Low-Fat dams took longer to reach the fat threshold, and so had greater carcass weight, but attracted more price penalties because of increased dentition. All steers from Vasse met minimum requirements for fat, with none penalised for dentition. Vasse steers from High- or Low-RFI dams performed in a manner similar to that from High- and Low-Fat dams, respectively, in that the High-RFI group produced fatter carcasses than did the Low-RFI group. Steers reared under low pre-weaning nutrition weighed less at weaning than did those on High-Nutrition, but had higher weight gains after weaning, although insufficient to result in the same carcass weight. The results showed that commercial cattle producers need to be aware of the balance and trade-off among fat breeding value, effect of pre-weaning nutrition and post-weaning growth required to ensure their cattle meet market specifications and to avoid price penalties.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Exploring Biological Impacts of Prenatal Nutrition and Selection for Residual Feed Intake on Beef Cattle Using Omics Technologies: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidin Foroutan ◽  
David S. Wishart ◽  
Carolyn Fitzsimmons
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Prenatal Nutrition ◽  
Selection For

Approximately 70% of the cost of beef production is impacted by dietary intake. Maximizing production efficiency of beef cattle requires not only genetic selection to maximize feed efficiency (i.e., residual feed intake (RFI)), but also adequate nutrition throughout all stages of growth and development to maximize efficiency of growth and reproductive capacity, even during gestation. RFI as a measure of feed efficiency in cattle has been recently accepted and used in the beef industry, but the effect of selection for RFI upon the dynamics of gestation has not been extensively studied, especially in the context of fluctuating energy supply to the dam and fetus. Nutrient restriction during gestation has been shown to negatively affect postnatal growth and development as well as fertility of beef cattle offspring. This, when combined with the genetic potential for RFI, may significantly affect energy partitioning in the offspring and subsequently important performance traits. In this review, we discuss: 1) the importance of RFI as a measure of feed efficiency and how it can affect other economic traits in beef cattle; 2) the influence of prenatal nutrition on physiological phenotypes in calves; 3) the benefits of investigating the interaction of genetic selection for RFI and prenatal nutrition; 4) how metabolomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics have been employed to investigate the underlying biology associated with prenatal nutrition, RFI, or their interactions in beef cattle; and 5) how the integration of omics information is adding a level of deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of phenotypic traits in cattle.

scholarly journals 148 Residual feed intake and body weight gain relate to feeding behavior in Nellore bulls: Implications for performance and maintenance requirements

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 149-150
Author(s):  
Ana Clara B Menezes ◽  
Sebastião Valadares Filho ◽  
Pedro Benedetti ◽  
Marcos Pacheco ◽  
Pauliane Pucetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Methane Emissions ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Maintenance Requirements

Abstract This study determined feed intake behavior, performance, feed efficiency, and maintenance requirements of bulls with high and low residual feed intake and body weight gain. Data were collected from 42 weaned Nellore bulls (initial BW 260 ± 8.1 kg; age 7 ± 1.0 mo) housed in a feedlot in a group pen that contained electronic feeders. Individual dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily and body weight (BW) was measured every 28 d over a 140-day period. Indexes of average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, and residual feed intake (RFI) were calculated. Residual feed intake and gain (RFIG) was calculated according to previously published equations. Frequency of meals, duration per visit, and time spent feeding per day were recorded as feeding behavior measures. Maintenance requirements were calculated according to the BR-CORTE system. High RFIG bulls had lower DMI (P &lt; 0.01), lower final BW (P &lt; 0.01), and were more feed efficient (P &lt; 0.01) than low RFIG bulls, but both groups had similar ADG (P = 0.55). No differences in feeding behavior were observed between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). The net energy requirements for maintenance, metabolizable energy for maintenance, and efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization were 76.5, 122.68 kcal/EBW0.75 daily, and 62.4%, respectively for high RFIG bulls, and 89.2, 143.76 kcal/EBW0.75 daily, and 62.0% for low RFIG bulls. This study reveals that low RFIG bulls are less feed efficient and have greater maintenance requirements than high RFIG bulls (0.16 ± 0.006 and 0.18 ± 0.006, respectively). As low RFIG eat more, and in beef cattle, feeding behavior is associated with methane emissions, we suggest further research evaluating this relationship be conducted. In addition, selection for high RFIG cattle would improve feed efficiency, reduce production costs, and could potentially reduce methane emissions.

Relationship between residual feed intake classification as a heifer and lifetime productivity of beef cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Callum ◽  
K.H. Ominski ◽  
G. Crow ◽  
F. Zvomuya ◽  
J.A. Basarab
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Age At First Calving ◽  
Event Frequency ◽  
Productivity Measure ◽  
Selection For

The effect of residual feed intake adjusted for backfat thickness (RFIfat) on heifer pregnancy rate and subsequent lifetime productivity was examined in 867 beef females that were ranked as low, medium, or high RFIfat. Age at first calving, weaning weight of first calf, and most probable producing ability for birth weight (MPPAbw) and weaning weight (MPPAww) were calculated to assess first parity heifer productivity. The effect of heifer RFI adjusted for backfat (RFIfat; n = 532) on subsequent lifetime cow productivity (n = 415) was calculated based on kg of calf weaned per cow bred per year. A total lifetime productivity measure (n = 218) were also calculated as total calf weaning weight (kg) output per cow culled. RFI rank had no significant effect on pregnancy rate, when adjusted for season and site differences (P = 0.33). No significant correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between MPPAww and RFI, RFIfat, RFI adjusted for backfat and feeding event frequency (RFIfat & activity), or age at first calving. A negative trend (P < 0.10) between RFI, RFIfat, and MPPAbw calculated from first parity pregnancy rate and production traits was no longer apparent when adjusted for RFIfat & activity. These results suggest that selection for low RFI replacement heifers has no impact on their first parity pregnancy rate and productivity or on subsequent cow productivity.

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