A Quicker Way to Assess Efficiency

K-State researcher investigates better ways to select for feed efficiency.

by Nicole Lane, Angus Journal® intern

BILOXI, Miss. (June 10, 2015) — A genetic trait that can help cattle producers increase efficiency and improve the bottom line is worth selecting for, according to Kelli Retallick of Kansas State University. Retallick presented her research on methods to better select for feed efficiency at the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Annual Convention in Biloxi, Miss., June 10.

She reported that if a producer could increase feed efficiency by 10%, they could grow profits by as much as 43%.

Kelli Retallick evaluated 5,606 total animals, including 3,212 steers and 2,394 heifers, using data from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Neb., and breed associations. Using ADG, ADFI and postweaning gain data, the calves were evaluated using the 35-day test and the traditional 70-day test.

Currently, BIF standards for testing for feed efficiency take 91 days to collect data. Retallick investigated a method that would cut the testing time to 56 days, increasing testing ability and cutting costs on selecting for feed efficiency.

Two parameters were used to derive genetic expression of feed efficiency — average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). By using these two parameters as guidelines, a moderately heritable feed efficiency trait was determined.

Research supports the idea that a shorter 35-day intake test (56 days with prep time) could be more economical than the current 70-day test (91 days with prep time). However, there has been concern that it would lower the accuracy of the test. Retallick increased selection intensity to compensate for the estimated loss in accuracy. Her work showed that this shorter test could be a cost-efficient and precise way to select for feed efficiency.

Retallick evaluated 5,606 total animals, including 3,212 steers and 2,394 heifers, using data from the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Neb., and breed associations. Using ADG, ADFI and postweaning gain data, the calves were evaluated using the 35-day test and the traditional 70-day test.

Using ADG, ADFI and postweaning gain as parameters to create an unrestricted selection index, she found that cost was lower in the shorter test, and the index resulted in a higher heritability for both gain and intake.

“Using our unrestricted linear index with our postweaning gain also allows for maximum genetic progress to be made for feed efficiency,” said Retallick.

She concluded that a 35-day intake test is long enough to test ADFI without losing accuracy, and the test can be combined with postweaning gain data to test for feed efficiency. Also, her research showed that the shorter test can save a producer $27 per head per week when testing for feed efficiency. If this test became the new industry standard, it would cut the current time used to test animals for feed efficiency in half, freeing up space for more animals to be tested per year and helping producers more accurately select for feed-efficient animals.

Retallick spoke during a technical breakout session for the Selection Decisions Committee June 10.

The 2015 BIF Annual Convention was hosted by Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Extension Service June 9-12 at the Beau Rivage Casino and Hotel in Biloxi. The Angus Journal and LiveAuctions.tv provide comprehensive online coverage of the event at www.BIFconference.com. Visit the Newsroom for summaries, proceedings, PowerPoints and audio of the sessions; the Awards page for announcements of award winners; and the Photos page for photo galleries of the tour stops.

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