Product counterfeiting represents a large, growing risk to many global firms, albeit one whose dimensions are not easily measured. While firms increasingly recognize the need to address the threat of counterfeiting, there has been little research, typically highly specific case studies, on how they do so. To advance analysis of how firms respond to product-counterfeiting issues, we interviewed representatives of 10 large global firms providing goods and services in a wide variety of industries. Our interviews covered organization for brand protection, measurement of counterfeiting and its effects, practices the organization uses for brand protection, success of brand-protection efforts and other issues related to brand-protection efforts. All these firms report a multifaceted approach to counterfeit risks. Most report multiple measures to assess prevalence and impact of counterfeit products. Programs claiming success attribute management support and adequate funding and understanding of counterfeiting problems. Respondents also agree that constant communication is a key determinant of success. Though having the shortcomings of any study with a limited sample, this work finds several common themes in brand-protection efforts, identifies several lessons for firms and identifies issues for further exploration.

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Feed conversion efficiency is an important factor affecting profitability for cow-calf production systems. One method of characterising feed conversion efficiency is by calculating residual feed intake (RFI), the difference between measured and expected feed intakes. A high RFI value indicates low feed efficiency while a low RFI value indicates high feed efficiency. The present experiment used 49 Angus heifers sired by Angus bulls selected for high or low RFI. The progeny were bred on commercial farms and then transferred to Massey University at weaning at ~200 days of age. The heifers were weighed at ~30-day intervals and were mated at 15 months, calved at 2 years old and reared their calf to ~160 days of age. Each heifer had recorded its own liveweight gain (from its weaning to weaning of its first calf), herbage intake at 350 and 450 days of age using the n-alkane technique and maternal performance (calf production). These records were analysed to estimate the RFI of each heifer, and to determine differences in RFI between selection lines. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in liveweight or dry matter requirements between selection lines at Day 350, but differences were significant (P < 0.05) at Day 450 such that the high feed efficiency line were 24.6 kg heavier and required an extra 0.32 kg/head.day of herbage. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the two lines in herbage intake or RFI measured at either Days 350 or 450. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in pregnancy rates, calf birth dates or birthweights, estimated 24-h milk production or calf weaning weights between the two lines. This experiment shows that beef cattle selected for low RFI have higher growth rates and heavier liveweights than cattle selected for high RFI; both lines had similar calf production at first breeding.

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