Optimization of the feed intake test period in sheep production

Olufemi Osonowo; Yaogeng Lei; Susan Markus; Younes Miar; Sean Thompson; Andrew Thompson; Beth Paganoni; Gus Rose; Hamza Jawad; Desiree Gellatly; Ghader Manafiazar

doi:10.1139/cjas-2025-0025

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Optimization of the feed intake test period in sheep production

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Optimization of the feed intake test period in sheep production

Olufemi Osonowo, Yaogeng Lei, Susan Markus, Younes Miar, Sean Thompson, Andrew Thompson, Beth Paganoni, Gus Rose, Hamza Jawad, Desiree Gellatly, …

Canadian journal of animal science, Vol.105, pp.1-8

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjas-2025-0025

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Abstract

Animals

Correlation coefficient

Correlation coefficients

Data integrity

Dry matter

Feed conversion

Feed efficiency

Gender

Regression coefficients

Sheep

Measuring feed efficiency (FE) in sheep is costly. Reducing the duration of dry matter intake (DMI) tests as a component of FE may lower expenses, while allowing for more animals to be assessed annually. This study analyzed a dataset of 46 016 DMI values from 1064 animals (796 ewes and 268 rams) in nine contemporary groups to explore the feasibility of shortening the DMI measurement periods from the 38-day standard DMI test period to accurately predict FE. We assessed the accuracy and precision of shortened test periods using Pearson and Spearman correlations, standardized regression coefficients (β), coefficient of determination (R2), and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Results indicated that DMI test period can be reduced from the 38 days standard test days to 22, 24, and 25 days in ewes, rams and across gender, respectively, while maintaining Pearson and Spearman correlations of 95%. Other statistics revealed that the DMI test period in ewes could be reduced from 38 to 22 days with a β of 0.89, R2 of 0.94, and CCC at 95%, to 24 days for rams with β of 0.96, R2 of 0.94, and CCC at 0.95, and to 25 days across gender with β of 0.97, R2 of 0.96, and CCC at 0.97. In conclusion, DMI test periods can be shortened without compromising data integrity, enhancing phenotypic evaluations in sheep.

Details

Title: Optimization of the feed intake test period in sheep production
Authors/Creators: Olufemi Osonowo - Dalhousie University
Yaogeng Lei - Olds College
Susan Markus - Lakeland College
Younes Miar - Dalhousie University
Sean Thompson - Olds College
Andrew Thompson - Murdoch University, Centre for Animal Production and Health
Beth Paganoni
Gus Rose - University of New England
Hamza Jawad - Dalhousie University
Desiree Gellatly - Olds College
Ghader Manafiazar - Dalhousie University
Publication Details: Canadian journal of animal science, Vol.105, pp.1-8
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press
Number of pages: 8
Identifiers: 991005821345907891
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University; Centre for Animal Production and Health
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#12 Responsible Consumption & Production

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International 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: Plant & Animal Science