Journal article
Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 5. Cow genotype affects feed efficiency and maternal productivity
Animal Production Science, Vol.58(1), pp.80-93
2016
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 5. Cow genotype affects feed efficiency and maternal productivity
- Authors/Creators
- M.L. Hebart (Author/Creator) - The University of AdelaideJ.M. Accioly (Author/Creator) - Agriculture and FoodK.J. Copping (Author/Creator) - South Australian Research and Development InstituteM.P.B. Deland (Author/Creator) - South Australian Research and Development InstituteR M. Herd (Author/Creator) - New South Wales Department of Primary IndustriesF.M. Jones (Author/Creator) - Agriculture and FoodM. Laurence (Author/Creator) - Murdoch UniversityS.J. Lee (Author/Creator) - The University of AdelaideD.S. Lines (Author/Creator) - Australian Pork (Australia)J. Speijers (Author/Creator)B.J. Walmsley (Author/Creator) - New South Wales Department of Primary IndustriesW.S. Pitchford (Author/Creator) - The University of Adelaide
- Publication Details
- Animal Production Science, Vol.58(1), pp.80-93
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Identifiers
- 991005541225507891
- Copyright
- © 2018 CSIRO
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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Source: InCites
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
- 3.51 Dairy & Animal Sciences
- 3.51.115 Livestock Reproduction
- Web Of Science research areas
- Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
- ESI research areas
- Agricultural Sciences