July 26, 2013
Canada makes headway in determining most feed efficient bulls
Research by the Maritime Beef Test Station in Canada is trying to combat escalating feed costs which are one of the most limiting factors to profitability in many sectors of the farming industry in Canada.
Feed efficiency in both suckler cows and growing cattle is key to running an efficient livestock operation and technology in Canada is making headway in trying to determine the most feed efficient bulls.
GrowSafe, a system operating at the Maritime Beef Station in Nova Scotia, is trying to produce a crop of tested bulls with numbers indicating where they stand in terms of feedefficiency.
Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measurement of how well an animal uses its feed, which can vary from 20 plus to 20 minus, which is its base rate. Heritability traits for efficiency are similar to those of growth and carcase traits; ''moderate heritability'' therefore plenty of genetic progress can be made through selection.
As animals enter the system, birth and weaning weights are recorded so animals can be grouped together according to age, with no bulls over 460 days entering the unit. All of the animals are then fed a particular high energy diet with diet calculated on a dry matter basis.
Feed intake measurements are then taken over a 70-day period to establish bulls which convert feed better than others. Very similar to estimated breeding values (EBVs) in the UK, the RFI scores measure how good a specific animal is which should translate to its progeny.
With a 40% range between top and bottom bulls, comparing the top third most efficient can reduce feed costs by 20%, the organisation says. According to statistics from GrowSafe, on average it costs ￡32 (US$50) less over 112 days to feed an efficient bull compared to an inefficient one. Similarly, these genetics for efficiency will be passed on to its progeny therefore creating more savings in both growing cattle and replacement heifers.
While this may not seem relevant to the suckler producer, producing a strong calf will prove its worth in the market with store producers looking for fast-growing calves with lean growth. Following the first year of testing, data has just been compiled from Aberdeen-Angus, Charolais, Limousin and Simmental bulls. The lower the number the better, as a base number indicates what the animal is expected to eat, based on the average feed intake of the group, and what it actually eats. This takes into account body size and body weight gain.
But it is not just a benefit for farmers though, with the figures having a positive impact on the environment. According to GrowSafe, cattle with a lower RFI can reduce methane production by 25-30% and reduce manure nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) production by 15-17%.
While it has green credentials, RFI scoring adopted in the UK has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce costs. It can also lead to environmental benefits in the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and improving what has typically been a poor carbon footprint in the beef sector. Breeding more efficient bulls could have a significant influence on bottom lines providing breeding, store and finishers collaborate.