Evaluation of Post-weaning Efficiency in Nellore-Angus Crossbred Steers through Model Predicted Residual Consumption

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate efficiency traits of Nellore-Angus crossbred steers (n = 349) on feed. Steers were fed a grain-based diet beginning at approximately 12 months of age for an average of 140 days. Contemporary groups were born in the fall or spring of 2003 through 2007 in full-sibling embryo transfer families or half-sibling families all sired by the same bulls. Individual intake was measured and weights were recorded to permit calculation of average daily gain. Residual feed intake (RFI) was estimated as the residual of models employing regressions on metabolic mid-test weight and ADG. An additional efficiency metric was also constructed and evaluated: model predicted residual consumption (MPRC). Mixed linear models were used to analyze daily dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG), metabolic mid-test weight, RFI, and MPRC. Large positive associations of DMI with MPRC and RFI were identified along with low positive associations between metabolic mid-weight with ADG and MPRC. Genome wide association analysis revealed 5 regions associated with DMI, but none for the other traits analyzed. Residual feed intake values varied greatly between the contemporary group value and the overall value for the steers, showing the calculation’s dependency on the reference population. However, MPRC as based upon a standardized population, did not fluctuate. More selection phenotypes and strategies are needed for large-scale improvements in global beef cattle production sustainability. The stability of the MPRC metric could be beneficial for future feed efficiency research across multiple and diverse contemporary groups, and diverse production environments.