摘要
This research explored feed efficiency in beef heifers through three interconnected studies, focusing on enhancing U.S. beef production's profitability and sustainability. The first study examined 109 yearling heifers transitioning from a forage diet (HAY) to a mixed diet (TMR). Efficient heifers demonstrated superior feed efficiency by consuming significantly less feed while maintaining comparable growth rates. The second study assessed 164 yearling heifers on a 100% forage diet, revealing that low residual feed intake (RFI) heifers consumed up to 23.1% less forage compared to inefficient counterparts, without negatively impacting growth performance. The third study utilized GreenFeed technology to measure gas emissions, aiming to establish a predictive relationship between feed intake and gas flux in grazing cattle. The results suggest that forage intake can be effectively estimated using gas emissions data alongside performance metrics. These studies collectively underscore the importance of selecting for efficient cattle and highlight the need for further research to refine feed efficiency evaluation methods across diverse dietary conditions, ultimately enhancing beef production's economic and environmental sustainability.
摘要译文
This research explored feed efficiency in beef heifers through three interconnected studies, focusing on enhancing U.S. beef production's profitability and sustainability. The first study examined 109 yearling heifers transitioning from a forage diet (HAY) to a mixed diet (TMR). Efficient heifers demonstrated superior feed efficiency by consuming significantly less feed while maintaining comparable growth rates. The second study assessed 164 yearling heifers on a 100% forage diet, revealing that low residual feed intake (RFI) heifers consumed up to 23.1% less forage compared to inefficient counterparts, without negatively impacting growth performance. The third study utilized GreenFeed technology to measure gas emissions, aiming to establish a predictive relationship between feed intake and gas flux in grazing cattle. The results suggest that forage intake can be effectively estimated using gas emissions data alongside performance metrics. These studies collectively underscore the importance of selecting for efficient cattle and highlight the need for further research to refine feed efficiency evaluation methods across diverse dietary conditions, ultimately enhancing beef production's economic and environmental sustainability.
Briggs, Emma Aileen. Feed Intake, Feed Efficiency, and Gas Flux in Beef Heifers[D]. US: Oklahoma State University, 2024