Feed Efficiency: What To Know

Previously, genetic improvement has been aimed mainly at output traits such as fertility and live weight.

- Izaan du Plooy

Yet little direct emphasis has been placed on reducing inputs to improve the efficiency of production. Selection for livestock that is more efficient when it comes to feeding intake and production is not a new concept; this has long been recognized in the pig and poultry industries, in which feed cost is easily quantified. These industries have made significant strides in improving both genetic and non-genetic factors affecting feed efficiency.

Profitability depends on keeping costs to a minimum, without sacrificing production or quality. Producers have little to no control over the market price of their products and should therefore focus on producing their products more efficiently.

Various factors contribute to the increasing importance of feed efficiency in the beef cattle industry. These include factors such as frequent droughts, rising feed costs, decreasing weaner prices, etc. Feed is a major expense for cattle producers, second only to fixed costs.

Numerous studies have shown that the cost of feed accounts for 60 to 65% of the total cost of production, while breeding cow maintenance accounts for 75% of total feed cost. Improved feed efficiency can therefore have a major economic effect on a farming enterprise. In other words, improving feed efficiency in a beef cow herd can lead to substantial savings for producers.

Slow uptake despite benefits

The adoption of this technology in the beef cattle industry has been slow despite its known economic value. This is due to various factors, including:

• It is costly to test animals for net feed intake (NFI).

• The long investment period from the implementation of the technology until economic returns are realized.