TL;DR: Innovative tools now help beef producers select profitable bulls by predicting feed intake, growth, and efficiency, driving sustainability and profit in the industry through informed breeding choices and modern selection indexes.
In the world of beef production, increasing profits and sustainability is crucial. Feed costs, a significant variable expense during the finishing stage, are climbing. Hence, selecting for better feed efficiency is vital for breeders. The introduction of innovative tools now aids producers in choosing the most profitable bulls for their herds. These tools predict feed intake, growth rates, and feed efficiency, embodying a significant leap forward.
The Essence of Dry Matter Intake (DMI)
DMI, calculated from feed intake during confinement, is a predictor of the feed a progeny will consume daily. This measure, combined with growth data post-weaning, offers insights into feed requirements. Given its direct link to production costs, DMI is crucial for making informed breeding choices. However, focusing solely on DMI, without considering other traits, is not advised.
The Role of Average Daily Gain (ADG)
ADG has long been a marker for efficiency in beef cattle, signifying the amount gained daily after weaning. Better gainers dilute maintenance costs, allocating less energy to maintenance and more to growth. Selecting for ADG alone may lead to larger cattle, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to trait selection.
Introducing the Feed Efficiency (FE) Sub-index
The FE sub-index, crafted by International Genetic Solutions, contextualises DMI and ADG, shedding light on the input-output ratio. This economic index calculates the marginal profit by weighing the value of gain against feed costs. It serves as a crucial tool for understanding the financial implications of genetic potential changes in DMI and ADG.
The Terminal Index (TI)
A novel Terminal Index (TI) has been developed to identify sires with the highest profit potential. Incorporating a decade of USDA data, this index represents a milestone in selection technology, predicting profit per mating based on Limousin sires used on Angus-based cows. The TI exemplifies how modern selection indexes can drive improvement in feed efficiency and profitability.
The North American Limousin Foundation’s suite of genetic predictions and the new Terminal Index provide unparalleled opportunities. By leveraging these tools, producers can enhance feed efficiency, profitability, and sustainability in beef production, marking a new era in commercial cattle breeding.
