scholarly journals Effects of Incorporating Dry Matter Intake and Residual Feed Intake into a Selection Index for Dairy Cattle Using Deterministic Modeling

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1157
Author(s):  
Kerry Houlahan ◽  
Flavio S. Schenkel ◽  
Dagnachew Hailemariam ◽  
Jan Lassen ◽  
Morten Kargo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Selection Pressure ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Response To Selection ◽  
Selection For

The inclusion of feed efficiency in the breeding goal for dairy cattle has been discussed for many years. The effects of incorporating feed efficiency into a selection index were assessed by indirect selection (dry matter intake) and direct selection (residual feed intake) using deterministic modeling. Both traits were investigated in three ways: (1) restricting the trait genetic gain to zero, (2) applying negative selection pressure, and (3) applying positive selection pressure. Changes in response to selection from economic and genetic gain perspectives were used to evaluate the impact of including feed efficiency with direct or indirect selection in an index. Improving feed efficiency through direct selection on residual feed intake was the best scenario analyzed, with the highest overall economic response including favorable responses to selection for production and feed efficiency. Over time, the response to selection is cumulative, with the potential for animals to reduce consumption by 0.16 kg to 2.7 kg of dry matter per day while maintaining production. As the selection pressure increased on residual feed intake, the response to selection for production, health, and fertility traits and body condition score became increasingly less favorable. This work provides insight into the potential long-term effects of selecting for feed efficiency as residual feed intake.

scholarly journals Correlation of Particular Bacterial PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Patterns with Bovine Ruminal Fermentation Parameters and Feed Efficiency Traits

2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (19) ◽  
pp. 6338-6350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Hernandez-Sanabria ◽  
Le Luo Guan ◽  
Laksiri A. Goonewardene ◽  
Meiju Li ◽  
Denis F. Mujibi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Low Energy Diet

ABSTRACT The influence of rumen microbial structure and functions on host physiology remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between the ruminal microflora and the host by correlating bacterial diversity with fermentation measurements and feed efficiency traits, including dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and residual feed intake, using culture-independent methods. Universal bacterial partial 16S rRNA gene products were amplified from ruminal fluid collected from 58 steers raised under a low-energy diet and were subjected to PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to relate specific PCR-DGGE bands to various feed efficiency traits and metabolites. Analysis of volatile fatty acid profiles showed that butyrate was positively correlated with daily dry matter intake (P < 0.05) and tended to have higher concentration in inefficient animals (P = 0.10), while isovalerate was associated with residual feed intake (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that particular bacteria and their metabolism in the rumen may contribute to differences in host feed efficiency under a low-energy diet. This is the first study correlating PCR-DGGE bands representing specific bacteria to metabolites in the bovine rumen and to host feed efficiency traits.

scholarly journals PSI-36 Phenotypic Relationship of Feed Efficiency and Fertility in Angus and Red Angus Bulls

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 474-475
Author(s):  
Taylor Lacey ◽  
Stephen Doyle ◽  
Kasey DeAtley
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Red Angus

Abstract Recent advances in measuring feed intake improve selection for efficient beef bulls; however, such selection must not decrease bull fertility. Objectives herein were to determine the phenotypic relationship between feed efficiency and fertility traits in growing Angus (n = 14) and Red Angus (n = 14) bulls. Two feeding trials were conducted at the CSU, Chico University Farm in 2017 (87 d) and 2018 (84 d). Each year, bulls were randomly assigned to 7 x 18 m pens equipped with GrowSafe feed intake units and allowed ad libitum access to water and feed (CP: 15.6%, TDN: 56.22%, NDF: 52%, DM basis). Performance traits included: feed conversion ratio (FCR) and residual feed intake [RFI; measured as the difference between predicted dry matter intake (PDMI) and actual dry matter intake (DMI)], start weight (SWT), end weight (EWT), metabolic mid-weight (MMWT), residual gain and average daily gain (ADG). Breeding soundness exams (BSE) were conducted at 18 mo of age and included traits: scrotal circumference (SC), motility (MT), and morphology (MP). Residual feed intake was calculated by regressing DMI on ADG and MMWT. The RFI group was categorized as low (0.5 SD above the RFI mean), marginal (± 0.5 SD about the RFI mean), and high (0.5 SD above the RFI mean) by year. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, blocking on year-pen and fitting breed and RFI group as independent factors. Tukey pairwise contrasts were run. Motility among breeds and RFI group were analyzed using chi-square. Pearson correlations were calculated between growth, feed efficiency, and BSE measures of SC and MP. There were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) among breeds nor RFI groups for SWT, EWT, MMWT, residual gain, SC, and MT. No interaction was detected between breed and RFI group with exception of MP (P = 0.049); specifically, low RFI Red Angus bulls had poor MP compared to marginal and high RFI groups (66.94 ± 6.87 vs. 87.43 ± 3.77 and 93.74 ± 5.48 %, respectively). Angus bulls were superior to Red Angus bulls in ADG (1.23 ± 0.04 vs. 1.06 ± 0.05 kg/d; P = 0.01), FCR (7.98 ± 0.31 vs. 9.18 ± 0.38; P = 0.04), and RFI (-0.24 ± 0.09 vs. 0.09 ± 0.11 kg DMI/d; P = 0.04). High and marginal RFI groups had greater DMI compared to low RFI group (10.40 ± 0.26 and 9.64 ± 0.18 kg/d vs. 8.31 ± 0.32 kg/d; P &lt; 0.001). There were no significant phenotypic correlations between growth and efficiency measures with SC and MP (P &gt; 0.05). Cumulatively, results indicate that SC and MT were not affected in efficient bulls.

scholarly journals Influence of Residual Feed Intake and Cow Age on Dry Matter Intake Post-Weaning and Peak Lactation of Black Angus Cows

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1822
Author(s):  
Cory T. Parsons ◽  
Julia M. Dafoe ◽  
Samuel A. Wyffels ◽  
Timothy DelCurto ◽  
Darrin L. Boss
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Free Choice ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Age Effect ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Two Stages

We evaluated heifer post-weaning residual feed intake (RFI) classification and cow age on dry matter intake (DMI) at two stages of production. Fifty-nine non-lactating, pregnant, (Study 1) and fifty-four lactating, non-pregnant (Study 2) commercial black Angus beef cows were grouped by age and RFI. Free-choice, hay pellets were fed in a GrowSafe feeding system. In Study 1, cow DMI (kg/d) and intake rate (g/min) displayed a cow age effect (p < 0.01) with an increase in DMI and intake rate with increasing cow age. In Study 2, cow DMI (kg/d) and intake rate (g/min) displayed a cow age effect (p < 0.02) with an increase in DMI and intake rate with increasing cow age. Milk production displayed a cow age × RFI interaction (p < 0.01) where both 5–6-year-old and 8–9-year-old low RFI cows produced more milk than high RFI cows. For both studies, intake and intake behavior were not influenced by RFI (p ≥ 0.16) or cow age × RFI interaction (p ≥ 0.21). In summary, heifer’s post-weaning RFI had minimal effects on beef cattle DMI or intake behavior, however, some differences were observed in milk production.

Daily methane emissions and emission intensity of grazing beef cattle genetically divergent for residual feed intake

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 627 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. I. Velazco ◽  
R. M. Herd ◽  
D. J. Cottle ◽  
R. S. Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Emission Intensity ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Breeding Value ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feed Conversion

As daily methane production (DMP; g CH4/day) is strongly correlated with dry matter intake (DMI), the breeding of cattle that require less feed to achieve a desired rate of average daily gain (ADG) by selection for a low residual feed intake (RFI) can be expected to reduce DMP and also emission intensity (EI; g CH4/kg ADG). An experiment was conducted to compare DMP and EI of Angus cattle genetically divergent for RFI and 400-day weight (400dWT). In a 6-week grazing study, 64 yearling-age cattle (30 steers, 34 heifers) were grazed on temperate pastures, with heifers and steers grazing separate paddocks. Liveweight (LW) was monitored weekly and DMP of individual cattle was measured by a GreenFeed emission monitoring unit in each paddock. Thirty-nine of the possible 64 animals had emission data recorded for 15 or more days, and only data for these animals were analysed. For these cattle, regression against their mid-parent estimated breeding value (EBV) for post-weaning RFI (RFI-EBV) showed that a lower RFI-EBV was associated with higher LW at the start of experiment. Predicted dry matter intake (pDMI), predicted DMP (pDMP) and measured DMP (mDMP) were all negatively correlated with RFI-EBV (P < 0.05), whereas ADG, EI, predicted CH4 yield (pMY; g CH4/kg DMI) were not correlated with RFI-EBV (P > 0.1). Daily CH4 production was positively correlated with animal LW and ADG (P < 0.05). The associations between ADG and its dependent traits EI and pMY and predicted feed conversion ratio (kg pDMI/kg ADG) were strongly negative (r = –0.82, –0.57 and –0.85, P < 0.001) implying that faster daily growth by cattle was accompanied by lower EI, MY and feed conversion ratio. These results show that cattle genetically divergent for RFI do not necessarily differ in ADG, EI or pMY on pasture and that, if heavier, cattle with lower RFI-EBV can actually have higher DMP while grazing moderate quality pastures.

scholarly journals Claw health and feed efficiency as new selection criteria in the Czech Holstein cattle Krupová Z., Wolfová M., Krupa E., Přibyl J., Zavadilová L.

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 408-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Krupová ◽  
M. Wolfová ◽  
E. Krupa ◽  
J. Přibyl ◽  
L. Zavadilová
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Selection Response ◽  
Holstein Cattle ◽  
Breeding Objective ◽  
Economic Weights ◽  
The Impact

The objective of this study was to calculate economic weights for ten current breeding objective traits and for four new traits characterising claw health and feed efficiency in Czech Holstein cattle and to investigate the impact of different selection indices on the genetic responses for these traits. Economic weights were estimated using a bio-economic model, while applying actual (2017) and predicted (2025) production and economic circumstances. For the actual situation, the economic weights of claw disease incidence were –100.1 € per case, and those of daily residual feed intake in cows, breeding heifers, and fattened animals were –79.37, –37.16, and –6.33 €/kg dry matter intake per day, respectively. In the predicted situation, the marginal economic weights for claw disease and feed efficiency traits increased on average by 38% and 20%, respectively. The new traits, claw disease incidence and daily residual feed intake, were gradually added to the 17 current Holstein selection index traits to improve the new traits. Constructing a comprehensive index with 21 traits and applying the general principles of the selection index theory, a favourable annual genetic selection response was obtained for the new traits (–0.008 cases of claw disease incidence and –0.006 kg of daily residual feed intake across all cattle categories), keeping the annual selection response of the most important current breeding objective traits at a satisfactory level (e.g., 73 kg of milk yield per lactation, 0.016% of milk fat). Claw health and feed efficiency should be defined as new breeding objectives and new selection index traits of local dairy population.

Comparative analyses of enteric methane emissions, dry matter intake and milk somatic cell count in different residual feed intake categories of dairy cows

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dagnachew Hailemariam ◽  
Ghader Manafiazar ◽  
John A. Basarab ◽  
Paul Stothard ◽  
Filippo Miglior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Somatic Cell Count ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Milk Traits

This study compared the different residual feed intake (RFI) categories of lactating Holsteins with respect to methane emission, dry matter intake (kg), milk somatic cell count (SCC, 103/mL) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB, mmol/L). RFI was calculated in 131 lactating Holstein cows that were then categorized into –RFI (RFI<0) vs. +RFI (RFI>0) and low (RFI<-0.5 SD) vs. high RFI (RFI>0.5 SD) groups. Milk traits were recorded in 131 cows while CH4 and CO2 were measured in 83. Comparisons of –RFI vs. +RFI and low vs. high RFI showed 7.8% (22.3±0.40 vs. 24.2±0.39) and 12.9% (21.1±0.40 vs. 24.2±0.45) decrease (P<0.05) in DMI of –RFI and low RFI groups, respectively. Similarly, –RFI and low RFI cows had lower (P<0.05) CH4 (g/d) by 9.7% (343.5±11.1 vs. 380.4±10.9) and 15.5% (332.5±12.9 vs. 393.5±12.6) respectively. Milk yield was not different (P>0.05) in –RFI vs. +RFI and low vs. high comparisons. The –RFI and low RFI cows had lower (P<0.05) SCC in –RFI vs. +RFI and low RFI vs. high RFI comparisons. BHB was lower (P<0.05) in low RFI compared to the high RFI group. Low RFI dairy cows consumed less feed, emitted less methane (g/d), and had lower milk SCC and BHB without differing in milk yield.

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 Performance, carcass traits, and non-carcass components of feedlot finished lambs from different residual feed intake classes

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 2645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raizza Fátima Abadia Tulux Rocha ◽  
Andréa Roberto Duarte Lopes Souza ◽  
Maria Da Graça Morais ◽  
Mayara Mitiko Yoshihara Carneiro ◽  
Henrique Jorge Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Residual Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Mineral Mixture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Daily Gain

This study aimed to assess the performance, carcass traits, and non-carcass components of feedlot finished Texel crossbred lambs from different residual feed intake classes (RFI). Forty-seven uncastrated male Texel crossbred lambs (¾ Texel + ¼ Pantaneira) tested here were 4-month-old with an initial weight of 29.9 ± 5.5 kg. The lambs were confined for 70 days for individual dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) assessment. The diet containing corn silage was provided as roughage, while the concentrate consisted of corn grain, soybean meal, urea, and mineral mixture with a 40:60 roughage to concentrate ratio and 76.34% total digestible nutrients (TDN). After confinement for 70 days, the lambs were slaughtered to assess carcass traits and non-carcass components. Based on the RFI, lambs were divided into three classes according to the standard deviation (sd): Positive RFI (inefficient, 0.5 above the mean), Negative RFI (efficient, 0.5 below the mean), and Medium RFI (intermediate). Classes with Negative (efficient) and Positive RFI (inefficient) showed no differences in ADG (0.321 vs 0.306 kg; P > 0.05). Dry matter intake (g d-1), and percentage of body weight (BW) differed significantly between the RFI classes (P < 0.05). Compared to lambs in the inefficient class, those in the efficient class (Negative RFI) showed a 9% reduction in DMI and had the same ADG. The lambs in either Positive or Negative RFI classes showed no weight differences between non-carcass components (P > 0.05). The RFI classes showed no differences in shrunk body weight, hot carcass weight, hot dressing, and weight of commercial cuts (P > 0.05). They showed no differences in neck, shoulder + shank, loin, rack, flank steak, rack cap off, and leg weights (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that improvement in feed efficiency, as a function of the RFI index, does not compromise performance and carcass traits of Texel crossbred lambs.

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.

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