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Zhang Y, Li F, Chen Y, Guan LL. The Effects of Breed and Residual Feed Intake Divergence on the Abundance and Active Population of Rumen Microbiota in Beef Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151966. [PMID: 35953955 PMCID: PMC9367312 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the effects of residual feed intake (RFI) and breed on rumen microbiota, the abundance (DNA) and active population (RNA) of the total bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and fungi in the rumen of 96 beef steers from three different breeds (Angus (AN), Charolais (CH), and Kinsella Composite (KC)), and divergent RFIs (High vs Low), were estimated by measuring their respective maker gene copies using qRT-PCR. All experimental animals were kept under the same feedlot condition and fed with the same high-energy finishing diet. Rumen content samples were collected at slaughter and used for the extraction of genetic material (DNA and RNA) and further analysis. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) between the marker gene copies detected for abundance and active populations for all four microbial groups. AN steers had a higher abundance of bacteria (p < 0.05) and a lower abundance of eukaryotes (protozoa and fungi, p < 0.05) compared to KC steers, while the abundance of protozoa (p < 0.05) in the AN cattle and fungi (p < 0.05) in the KC cattle were lower and higher, respectively, than those in the CH steers. Meanwhile, the active populations of bacteria, archaea, and protozoa in the KC steers were significantly lower than those in the AN and CH animals (p < 0.01). This work demonstrates that cattle breed can affect rumen microbiota at both the abundance and activity level. The revealed highly active protozoal populations indicate their important role in rumen microbial fermentation under a feedlot diet, which warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taiyuan 030031, China;
| | - Fuyong Li
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (F.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yanhong Chen
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (F.L.); (Y.C.)
| | - Le-Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (F.L.); (Y.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Cunningham-Hollinger HC, Gray ZT, Christensen KW, Means WJ, Lake S, Paisley SI, Cammack KM, Meyer AM. The effect of feed efficiency classification on visceral organ mass in finishing steers. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2022-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Individual feed intake of crossbred beef steers (one contemporary group/year, 2 yr) was recorded during finishing to investigate visceral organ mass in steers divergent for feed efficiency. Based on residual feed intake (RFI), the 20% most efficient (HE, n = 8/year) and 20% least efficient (LE; n = 8/year) steers with 12th rib fat ≥1.02 cm were slaughtered. High efficiency steers had less DM intake (P < 0.001), greater G:F (P < 0.001), and similar ADG and hot carcass weight (HCW). High efficiency steers tended to have less (P ≤ 0.10) small intestinal mass (actual and relative to BW and HCW) in year 1. In year 2, HE steers tended to have greater (P ≤ 0.10) large intestinal actual and relative masses. Low efficiency steers tended to have greater (P = 0.06) actual omasum mass and had greater (P ≤ 0.03) relative omasum masses compared with HE. Stomach complex, total gastrointestinal tract, liver, and kidney masses tended to be greater (P ≤ 0.10) relative to BW, and were greater (P ≤ 0.05) relative to HCW, in LE. Data suggest that visceral organ mass, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, plays a role in overall metabolic efficiency of finishing steers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zebadiah T.L. Gray
- University of Wyoming, 4416, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, Wyoming, United States
| | - Kelcey W Christensen
- University of Wyoming, 4416, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, Wyoming, United States
| | - Warrie J Means
- University of Wyoming, 4416, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, Wyoming, United States
| | - Scott Lake
- University of Wyoming, 4416, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, Wyoming, United States
| | - Steve I Paisley
- University of Wyoming, 4416, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, Wyoming, United States
| | - Kristi M. Cammack
- University of Wyoming, 4416, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, Wyoming, United States
| | - Allison M. Meyer
- University of Missouri, 14716, Division of Animal Sciences, Columbia, Missouri, United States
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Davoudi P, Do DN, Colombo SM, Rathgeber B, Hu G, Sargolzaei M, Wang Z, Plastow G, Miar Y. Genetic and phenotypic parameters for feed efficiency and component traits in American mink. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6633851. [PMID: 35801647 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed cost is the largest expense of mink production systems, and therefore, improvement of feed efficiency (FE) through selection for high feed efficient mink is a practical way to increase the mink industry's sustainability. In this study, we estimated the heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations for different FE measures and component traits, including harvest weight (HW), harvest length (HL), final body length (FBL), final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG), residual intake and gain (RIG), and Kleiber ratio (KR), using data from 2,288 American mink (for HW and HL), and 1,038-1,906 American mink (for other traits). Significance (P < 0.05) of fixed effects (farm, sex, and color-type), a covariate (age of animal), and random effects (additive genetic, maternal, and common litter) were evaluated through univariate models implemented in ASReml-R version 4. Genetic parameters were estimated via fitting a set of bivariate models using ASReml-R version 4. Estimates of heritabilities (±SE) were 0.28±0.06, 0.23±0.06, 0.28±0.10, 0.27±0.11, 0.25±0.09, 0.26±0.09, 0.20±0.09, 0.23±0.09, 0.21±0.10, 0.25±0.10, and 0.26±0.10 for HW, HL, FBL, FBW, ADG, DFI, FCR, RFI, RG, RIG, and KR, respectively. RIG had favorable genetic correlations with DFI (-0.62±0.24) and ADG (0.58±0.21), and non-significant (P > 0.05) genetic correlations with FBW (0.14±0.31) and FBL (-0.15±0.31). These results revealed that RIG might be superior trait as it guarantees reduced feed intake with faster-growing mink yet with no negative impacts on body weight and length. In addition, the strong positive genetic correlations (±SE) between KR with component traits (0.88±0.11 with FBW; 0.68±0.17 with FBL; and 0.97±0.02 with ADG) suggested KR as an applicable indirect measure of FE for improvement of component traits as it did not require the individual feed intake to be measured. Overall, our results confirmed the possibility of including FE traits in mink breeding programs to effectively select feed-efficient animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pourya Davoudi
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Duy Ngoc Do
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Stefanie M Colombo
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Bruce Rathgeber
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Guoyu Hu
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Mehdi Sargolzaei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Select Sires Inc., Plain City, OH, United States
| | - Zhiquan Wang
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Graham Plastow
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Younes Miar
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
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Davoudi P, Do DN, Colombo SM, Rathgeber B, Miar Y. Application of Genetic, Genomic and Biological Pathways in Improvement of Swine Feed Efficiency. Front Genet 2022; 13:903733. [PMID: 35754793 PMCID: PMC9220306 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.903733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant improvement of feed efficiency (FE) in pigs over the past decades, feed costs remain a major challenge for producers profitability. Improving FE is a top priority for the global swine industry. A deeper understanding of the biology underlying FE is crucial for making progress in genetic improvement of FE traits. This review comprehensively discusses the topics related to the FE in pigs including: measurements, genetics, genomics, biological pathways and the advanced technologies and methods involved in FE improvement. We first provide an update of heritability for different FE indicators and then characterize the correlations of FE traits with other economically important traits. Moreover, we present the quantitative trait loci (QTL) and possible candidate genes associated with FE in pigs and outline the most important biological pathways related to the FE traits in pigs. Finally, we present possible ways to improve FE in swine including the implementation of genomic selection, new technologies for measuring the FE traits, and the potential use of genome editing and omics technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pourya Davoudi
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Duy Ngoc Do
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Stefanie M Colombo
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Bruce Rathgeber
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
| | - Younes Miar
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS, Canada
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Manzanilla-Pech CIV, Stephansen RB, Difford GF, Løvendahl P, Lassen J. Selecting for Feed Efficient Cows Will Help to Reduce Methane Gas Emissions. Front Genet 2022; 13:885932. [PMID: 35692829 PMCID: PMC9178123 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.885932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, several countries have included feed efficiency (as residual feed intake; RFI) in their breeding goal. Recent studies showed that RFI is favorably correlated with methane emissions. Thus, selecting for lower emitting animals indirectly through RFI could be a short-term strategy in order to achieve the intended reduction set by the EU Commission (-55% for 2030). The objectives were to 1) estimate genetic parameters for six methane traits, including genetic correlations between methane traits, production, and feed efficiency traits, 2) evaluate the expected correlated response of methane traits when selecting for feed efficiency with or without including methane, 3) quantify the impact of reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle using the Danish Holstein population as an example. A total of 26,664 CH4 breath records from 647 Danish Holstein cows measured over 7 years in a research farm were analyzed. Records on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), and energy corrected milk (ECM) were also available. Methane traits were methane concentration (MeC, ppm), methane production (MeP; g/d), methane yield (MeY; g CH4/kg DMI), methane intensity (MeI; g CH4/kg ECM), residual methane concentration (RMeC), residual methane production (RMeP, g/d), and two definitions of residual feed intake with or without including body weight change (RFI1, RFI2). The estimated heritability of MeC was 0.20 ± 0.05 and for MeP, it was 0.21 ± 0.05, whereas heritability estimates for MeY and MeI were 0.22 ± 0.05 and 0.18 ± 0.04, and for the RMeC and RMeP, they were 0.23 ± 0.06 and 0.16 ± 0.02, respectively. Genetic correlations between methane traits ranged from moderate to highly correlated (0.48 ± 0.16–0.98 ± 0.01). Genetic correlations between methane traits and feed efficiency were all positive, ranging from 0.05 ± 0.20 (MeI-RFI2) to 0.76 ± 0.09 (MeP-RFI2). Selection index calculations showed that selecting for feed efficiency has a positive impact on reducing methane emissions’ expected response, independently of the trait used (MeP, RMeP, or MeI). Nevertheless, adding a negative economic value for methane would accelerate the response and help to reach the reduction goal in fewer generations. Therefore, including methane in the breeding goal seems to be a faster way to achieve the desired methane emission reductions in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gareth Frank Difford
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, Norway
| | - Peter Løvendahl
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jan Lassen
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Viking Genetics, Assentoft, Randers, Denmark
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56
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Lourenco JM, Welch CB. Using microbiome information to understand and improve animal performance. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2077147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Callegaro S, Niero G, Penasa M, Finocchiaro R, Invernizzi G, Cassandro M. Greenhouse gas emissions, dry matter intake and feed efficiency of young Holstein bulls. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2022.2071178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Callegaro
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse naturali e Ambiente, Università di Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Niero
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse naturali e Ambiente, Università di Padova, Italy
| | - Mauro Penasa
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse naturali e Ambiente, Università di Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Finocchiaro
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori della Razza Frisona, Bruna e Jersey Italiana, Cremona, Italy
| | - Guido Invernizzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare “Carlo Cantoni”, Università di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Martino Cassandro
- Dipartimento di Agronomia, Animali, Alimenti, Risorse naturali e Ambiente, Università di Padova, Italy
- Associazione Nazionale Allevatori della Razza Frisona, Bruna e Jersey Italiana, Cremona, Italy
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Ouweltjes W, Veerkamp R, van Burgsteden G, van der Linde R, de Jong G, van Knegsel A, de Haas Y. Correlations of feed intake predicted with milk infrared spectra and breeding values in the Dutch Holstein population. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:5271-5282. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Bolormaa S, MacLeod I, Khansefid M, Marett L, Wales W, Nieuwhof G, Baes C, Schenkel F, Goddard M, Pryce J. Evaluation of updated Feed Saved breeding values developed in Australian Holstein dairy cattle. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 3:114-119. [PMID: 36339740 PMCID: PMC9623723 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2021-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Feed Saved (FS) estimated breeding value (EBV) was updated by doubling the number of Australian and overseas cows. The reliability of the residual feed intake component of FS has increased from 11% (2015 model) to 20% (current model). The mean reliability of FS EBV in Holstein bulls that were born in the last 10 years has improved by 10%. The genetic trend of FS EBV has been stabilizing since 2015.
Although selection for increased milk production traits has led to a genetic increase in body weight (BW), the genetic gain in milk production has exceeded the gain in BW, so gross feed efficiency has improved. Nonetheless, greater gains may be possible by directly selecting for a measure of feed efficiency. Australia first introduced Feed Saved (FS) estimated breeding value (EBV) in 2015. Feed Saved combines residual feed intake (RFI) genomic EBV and maintenance requirements calculated from mature BW EBV. The FS EBV was designed to enable the selection of cows for reduced energy requirements with similar milk production. In this study, we used a reference population of 3,711 animals in a multivariate analysis including Australian heifers (AUSh), Australian cows (AUSc), and overseas cows (OVEc) to update the Australian EBV for lifetime RFI (i.e., a breeding value that incorporated RFI in growing and lactating cows) and to recalculate the FS EBV in Australian Holstein bulls (AUSb). The estimates of genomic heritabilities using univariate (only AUSc or AUSh) to trivariate (including the OVEc) analyses were similar. Genomic heritabilities for RFI were estimated as 0.18 for AUSc, 0.27 for OVEc, and 0.36 for AUSh. The genomic correlation for RFI between AUSc and AUSh was 0.47 and that between AUSc and OVEc was 0.94, but these estimates were associated with large standard errors (range: 0.18–0.28). The reliability of lifetime RFI (a component of FS) in the trivariate analysis (i.e., including OVEc) increased from 11% to 20% compared with the 2015 model and was greater, by 12%, than in a bivariate analysis in which the reference population included only AUSc and AUSh. By applying the prediction equation of the 2020 model, the average reliability of the FS EBV in 20,816 AUSb that were born between 2010 and 2020 improved from 33% to 43%. Previous selection strategies—that is, using the predecessor of the Balanced Performance Index (Australian Profit Ranking index) that did not include FS—have resulted in an unfavorable genetic trend in FS. However, this unfavorable trend has stabilized since 2015, when FS was included in the Balanced Performance Index, and is expected to move in a favorable direction with selection on Balanced Performance Index or the Health Weighted Index. Doubling the reference population, particularly by incorporating international data for feed efficiency, has improved the reliability of the FS EBV. This could lead to increased genetic gain for feed efficiency in the Australian industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Bolormaa
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
- Corresponding author
| | - I.M. MacLeod
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
| | - M. Khansefid
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
| | - L.C. Marett
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Ellinbank Centre, Ellinbank, Gippsland, VIC, 3821 Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - W.J. Wales
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Ellinbank Centre, Ellinbank, Gippsland, VIC, 3821 Australia
- School of Agriculture and Food, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - G.J. Nieuwhof
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
- DataGene Ltd., Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
| | - C.F. Baes
- CGIL, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1 Canada
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, 3002, Switzerland
| | - F.S. Schenkel
- CGIL, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - M.E. Goddard
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
- School of Land and Environment, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052 Australia
| | - J.E. Pryce
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Agribio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083 Australia
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Araujo AC, Carneiro PLS, Araújo JIM, Campos BM, de Rezende MPG, Martins Filho R, Brito LF, Malhado CHM. Phenotypic differences for growth, feed efficiency, and age of first calving of Brazilian zebu females. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:111. [PMID: 35201438 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03104-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated phenotypic differences of zebu females from four breeds using variables of growth, feed efficiency, and age at first calving. Weights throughout the life were recorded, and a growth curve was fitted using the Gompertz model. The growth was also evaluated at standardized ages (205, 365, and 550 days) using the body weight and the total and daily weight gains. The Kleiber index and age at first calving were used as measures of feed efficiency and sexual precocity, respectively, totaling 25 variables. New variables were created using the factor analysis and used in new multivariate analyzes. Only six factors explained 95.41% of the total variance and were used for the subsequent analyses. The factors were defined as maturity, precocity, feed efficiency postweaning, feed efficiency post 1 year of age, puberty, and birth weight. There were differences between breeds according to the multivariate analysis of variance. Each breed appeared in a quadrant on the Biplot graph, showing relationship with different factors, demonstrating the diversity of zebu females. There is a difference in growth, feed efficiency, and sexual precocity in Brazilian zebu females, allowing the identification of potentials of the animals and help breeders and decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Campêlo Araujo
- Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, Pós-Graduação Em Zootecnia, Campus de Itapetinga, Praça Primavera, 40, Primavera, CEP 45.000-700, Itapetinga, BA, Brasil.,Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, S Russel St, West Lafayette, IN, 270, 47907, USA
| | - Paulo Luiz Souza Carneiro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, José Moreira Sobrinho, Campus de Jequié, s/n, Jequiezinho, CEP 45.205-490, Jequié, BA, Brasil
| | - Johnny Iglesias Mendes Araújo
- Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, Pós-Graduação Em Zootecnia, Campus de Itapetinga, Praça Primavera, 40, Primavera, CEP 45.000-700, Itapetinga, BA, Brasil
| | - Bárbara Machado Campos
- Faculdade Anísio Teixeira, Colegiado de Medicina Veterinária, Avenida Juracy Magalhães, 222, Ponto Central, CEP 44.032-620, Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil.
| | - Marcos Paulo Gonçalves de Rezende
- Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, Pós-Graduação Em Zootecnia, Campus de Itapetinga, Praça Primavera, 40, Primavera, CEP 45.000-700, Itapetinga, BA, Brasil
| | - Raimundo Martins Filho
- Universidade Federal Do Cariri, Campus de Juazeiro do Norte, Avenidada Tenente Raimundo Rocha, s/n, Cidade Universitária, CEP 63.040-360, Juazeiro do Norte, CE, Brasil
| | - Luiz Fernando Brito
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Purdue University, S Russel St, West Lafayette, IN, 270, 47907, USA
| | - Carlos Henrique Mendes Malhado
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste da Bahia, José Moreira Sobrinho, Campus de Jequié, s/n, Jequiezinho, CEP 45.205-490, Jequié, BA, Brasil
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Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in the Feed Efficiency of Livestock Species. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020297. [PMID: 35205343 PMCID: PMC8872339 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
A global population of already more than seven billion people has led to an increased demand for food and water, and especially the demand for meat. Moreover, the cost of feed used in animal production has also increased dramatically, which requires animal breeders to find alternatives to reduce feed consumption. Understanding the biology underlying feed efficiency (FE) allows for a better selection of feed-efficient animals. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play important roles in the regulation of bio-logical processes and disease development. The functions of ncRNAs in the biology of FE have emerged as they participate in the regulation of many genes and pathways related to the major FE indicators, such as residual feed intake and feed conversion ratio. This review provides the state of the art studies related to the ncRNAs associated with FE in livestock species. The contribution of ncRNAs to FE in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissues were summarized. The research gap of the function of ncRNAs in key processes for improved FE, such as the nutrition, heat stress, and gut–brain axis, was examined. Finally, the potential uses of ncRNAs for the improvement of FE were discussed.
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Madilindi M, Zishiri O, Dube B, Banga C. Technological advances in genetic improvement of feed efficiency in dairy cattle: A review. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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63
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Evaluation of Ingestive Behavior, Ruminal and Blood Parameters, Performance, and Thermography as a Phenotypic Divergence Markers of Residual Feed Intake in Rearing Dairy Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030331. [PMID: 35158653 PMCID: PMC8833763 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The selection of highly efficient animals will support meeting the world’s future demand for products and food of animal origin. Thus, the identification of efficient animals and an understanding of the mechanisms inherent to this efficiency is fundamental for the progress of breeding systems. In the present study, we identify highly efficient animals for residual feed intake in dairy heifers. This animal category is unexplored in relation to this index. We utilized the classical parameters evaluated in cattle of different ages to carry out the study on these animals. Abstract The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify and rank phenotypically divergent animals for residual feed intake (RFI) regarding their efficiency (high: HE or low: LE); (2) to evaluate their relationships with ingestive behavior, ruminal and blood parameters, performance, and infrared thermography; and (3) to determine if such measurements can be used as feed efficiency markers in rearing dairy heifers. Thirty-eight heifers, 143 d ± 4 (Mean ± SD) of age and 108.7 kg ± 17.9 of body weight were used. The animals were fed with a total mixed ration during the 91 d of the trial. A phenotypic divergence of DMI for RFI was observed between −0.358 and 0.337 kg/d for HE and LE, respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI) was lower in the HE (2.5 kg DMI/d vs. 3.1 kg DMI/d), as was the number of visits to the feed bin with consumption (59 vs. 71). Feed intake was the best predictor of said divergence. Water intake and number of visits to the feed bin were presented moderate correlations with RFI. The ruminal fermentation variables, blood metabolites, blood hormones (such as the other ingestive behavior variables), and infrared thermography were not able to accurately predict HE or LE animals.
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Artegoitia VM, Newman JW, Foote AP, Shackelford SD, King DA, Wheeler TL, Lewis RM, Freetly HC. Non-invasive metabolomics biomarkers of production efficiency and beef carcass quality traits. Sci Rep 2022; 12:231. [PMID: 34997076 PMCID: PMC8742028 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The inter-cattle growth variations stem from the interaction of many metabolic processes making animal selection difficult. We hypothesized that growth could be predicted using metabolomics. Urinary biomarkers of cattle feed efficiency were explored using mass spectrometry-based untargeted and targeted metabolomics. Feed intake and weight-gain was measured in steers (n = 75) on forage-based growing rations (stage-1, 84 days) followed by high-concentrate finishing rations (stage-2, 84 days). Urine from days 0, 21, 42, 63, and 83 in each stage were analyzed from steers with the greater (n = 14) and least (n = 14) average-daily-gain (ADG) and comparable dry-matter-intake (DMI; within 0.32 SD of the mean). Steers were slaughtered after stage-2. Adjusted fat-thickness and carcass-yield-grade increased in greater-ADG-cattle selected in stage-1, but carcass traits did not differ between ADG-selected in stage-2. Overall 85 untargeted metabolites segregated greater- and least-ADG animals, with overlap across diets (both stages) and breed type, despite sampling time effects. Total 18-bile acids (BAs) and 5-steroids were quantified and associated with performance and carcass quality across ADG-classification depending on the stage. Stepwise logistic regression of urinary BA and steroids had > 90% accuracy identifying efficient-ADG-steers. Urine metabolomics provides new insight into the physiological mechanisms and potential biomarkers for feed efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia M Artegoitia
- USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, 430 West Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. .,USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA. .,Animal Science, University Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
| | - J W Newman
- USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, 430 West Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - A P Foote
- USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA.,Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - S D Shackelford
- USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - D A King
- USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - T L Wheeler
- USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
| | - R M Lewis
- Animal Science, University Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA
| | - H C Freetly
- USDA, ARS, Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, 68933, USA
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65
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Williams M, Murphy CP, Sleator RD, Ring SC, Berry DP. Are subjectively scored linear type traits suitable predictors of the genetic merit for feed intake in grazing Holstein-Friesian dairy cows? J Dairy Sci 2021; 105:1346-1356. [PMID: 34955265 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Measuring dry matter intake (DMI) in grazing dairy cows using currently available techniques is invasive, time consuming, and expensive. An alternative to directly measuring DMI for use in genetic evaluations is to identify a set of readily available animal features that can be used in a multitrait genetic evaluation for DMI. The objectives of the present study were thus to estimate the genetic correlations between readily available body-related linear type traits and DMI in grazing lactating Holstein-Friesian cows, but importantly also estimate the partial genetic correlations between these linear traits and DMI, after adjusting for differences in genetic merit for body weight. Also of interest was whether the predictive ability derived from the estimated genetic correlations materialized upon validation. After edits, a total of 8,055 test-day records of DMI, body weight, and milk yield from 1,331 Holstein-Friesian cows were available, as were chest width, body depth, and stature from 47,141 first lactation Holstein-Friesian cows. In addition to considering the routinely recorded linear type traits individually, novel composite traits were defined as the product of the linear type traits as an approximation of rumen volume. All linear type traits were moderately heritable, with heritability estimates ranging from 0.27 (standard error = 0.14) to 0.49 (standard error = 0.15); furthermore, all linear type traits were genetically correlated (0.29 to 0.63, standard error 0.14 to 0.12) with DMI. The genetic correlations between the individual linear type traits and DMI, when adjusted for genetic differences in body weight, varied from -0.51 (stature) to 0.48 (chest width). These genetic correlations between DMI and linear type traits suggest linear type traits may be useful predictors of DMI, even when body weight information is available. Nonetheless, estimated genetic merit of DMI derived from a multitrait genetic evaluation of linear type traits did not correlate strongly with actual DMI in a set of validation animals; the benefit was even less if body weight data were also available.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Williams
- Department of Animal Bioscience, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996; Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland T12 P928
| | - C P Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland T12 P928
| | - R D Sleator
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Co. Cork, Ireland T12 P928
| | - S C Ring
- Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Highfield House, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland P72 X050
| | - D P Berry
- Department of Animal Bioscience, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996.
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66
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Fetherstone N, McHugh N, Boland TM, Creighton P, Galvin N, McGovern FM. The impact of genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:skab301. [PMID: 34673961 PMCID: PMC8653943 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ewe genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters. The study consisted of three genetic merit groups (New Zealand [NZ], High Irish, and Low Irish) and ran from 2016 to 2019, inclusive. Each genetic merit group contained 30 purebred Suffolk and 30 purebred Texel ewes, which were selected based on their maternal genetic indexes in their country of origin, namely Ireland (€uro-star Replacement index) or New Zealand (New Zealand Maternal worth). Ewe body condition score (BCS), ewe body weight (BW), milk yield, milk composition, dry matter intake (DMI), and efficiency parameters were all analyzed using linear mixed models. Ewe BW was similar across all genetic merit groups at each time point (P > 0.05). In comparison to both High and Low Irish ewes, NZ ewes had a higher BCS at mating, mid-pregnancy, lambing, week 10 post-lambing (PL, P < 0.05). Ewe BW change was similar across genetic merit groups, except between mating and mid-pregnancy where ewe BW loss was greater for NZ ewes than Irish ewes (P < 0.05) and between weeks 6 PL and 10 PL, where NZ ewes gained BW and High and Low Irish ewes lost BW (P < 0.01). Ewe milk yield, milk fat, total solids, and gross energy content were superior for milk produced by NZ ewes at week 6 PL in comparison to milk produced by High Irish and Low Irish ewes (P < 0.01). NZ ewes produced a greater quantity of milk solids/kg of BW at week 6 PL compared with High Irish ewes (P < 0.01), whereas Low Irish ewes did not differ from either NZ or High Irish (P > 0.05). Low Irish ewes had a greater daily DMI than High Irish ewes in late lactation (week 10 PL, P < 0.05) and had a greater DMI/kg of ewe BW compared with the High Irish ewes at the same time point (P < 0.05). NZ ewes weaned a litter BW equivalent to 60.4% of their mating BW, which was more than the Low Irish ewes who weaned 57.1% of the ewe's BW at mating (P < 0.01), whereas the High Irish ewes did not differ from either the NZ or Low Irish ewes at 59.3% of the ewe's BW at mating (P > 0.05). This study presents a range of parameters across ewes of high and low genetic merit, demonstrating the ability to achieve gains through selection of animals of high genetic merit. Sheep producers should consider genetic indexes as a tool to assist in the decision-making process of selecting replacement ewes and/or breeding rams, once satisfied the animal is correct, and meeting the breeding objectives of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fetherstone
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
- School of Agricultural Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Noirin McHugh
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - Tommy M Boland
- School of Agricultural Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - Philip Creighton
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
| | - Norann Galvin
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - Fiona M McGovern
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
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Azizi A, Nascimento H, Tortereau F, Hazard D, Douls S, Durand C, Bonnal L, Hassoun P, Parisot S, Tlidjane M, González-García E. Intake and digestibility of meat ewes belonging to two contrasting feed efficiency genetic lines, during their two first production cycles. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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68
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Fregulia P, Neves ALA, Dias RJP, Campos MM. A review of rumen parameters in bovines with divergent feed efficiencies: What do these parameters tell us about improving animal productivity and sustainability? Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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69
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Martin P, Ducrocq V, Fischer A, Friggens NC. Combining datasets in a dynamic residual feed intake model and comparison with linear model results in lactating Holstein cattle. Animal 2021; 15:100412. [PMID: 34844182 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A new method to estimate residual feed intake (RFI) was recently developed based on a multi-trait random regression model. This approach deals with the dynamic nature of the lactation, which is in contrast with classical linear approaches. However, an issue remains: pooling data across sites and years, which implies dealing with different (and sometimes unknown) diet energy contents. This will be needed for genomic evaluation. In this study, we tested whether merging two individual datasets into a larger one can lead to valuable results in comparison to analysing them on their own with the multi-trait random regression model. Three datasets were defined: the first one with 1 063 lactations, the second one with 205 lactations from a second farm and the third one combining the data of the two first datasets (1 268 lactations). The model was applied to the three datasets to estimate individual RFI as well as variance components and correlations between the four traits included in the model (fat and protein corrected milk production, BW, feed intake and body condition score), and a fixed month-year-farm effect was used to define the contemporary group. The variance components and correlations between animal effects of the four traits were very similar irrespective of the dataset used with correlations higher than 0.94 between the different datasets. The RFI estimates for animals from their single farm only were also very similar (r > 0.95) to the ones computed from the merged dataset (Dataset 3). This highlights that the contemporary group correction in the model adequately accounts for differences between the two feeding environments. The dynamic model can thus be used to produce RFI estimates from merged datasets, at least when animals are raised in similar systems. In addition, the 205 lactations from the second farm were also used to estimate the RFI with a linear approach. The RFI estimated by the two approaches were similar when the considered period was rather short (r = 0.85 for RFI for the first 84 days of lactation) but this correlation weakened as the period length grew (r = 0.77 for RFI for the first 168 days of lactation). This weakening in correlations between the two approaches when increasing the used time-period reflects that only the dynamic model permits the regression coefficients to evolve in line with the physiological changes through the lactation. The results of this study enlarge the possibilities of use for the dynamic RFI model.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Martin
- UMR GABI, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - V Ducrocq
- UMR GABI, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - A Fischer
- PEGASE, INRAE, Institut Agro, 35590 Saint Gilles, France; Institut de l'élevage, 149 rue de Bercy, 75595 Paris, France
| | - N C Friggens
- UMR 0791 MoSAR, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 75005 Paris, France
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70
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Wu XL, Parker Gaddis KL, Burchard J, Norman HD, Nicolazzi E, Connor EE, Cole JB, Durr J. An alternative interpretation of residual feed intake by phenotypic recursive relationships in dairy cattle. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2021; 2:371-375. [PMID: 36337099 PMCID: PMC9623681 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2021-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in residual feed intake (RFI) as a measure of net feed efficiency in dairy cattle. Residual feed intake phenotypes are obtained as residuals from linear regression encompassing relevant factors (i.e., energy sinks) to account for body tissue mobilization. By rearranging the single-trait linear regression, we showed a causal RFI interpretation underlying the linear regression for RFI. It postulates recursive effects in energy allocation from energy sinks on dry matter intake, but the feedback or simultaneous effects are nonexistent. A Bayesian recursive structural equation model was proposed for directly predicting RFI and energy sinks and estimating relevant genetic parameters simultaneously. A simplified Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm was described. The recursive model is asymptotically equivalent to one-step linear regression for RFI, yet extends the analytical capacity to multiple-trait analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lin Wu
- Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, Bowie, MD 20716
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | | | | | | | | | - Erin E. Connor
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark 19716
| | - John B. Cole
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705-2350
| | - Joao Durr
- Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, Bowie, MD 20716
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71
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Manca E, Cesarani A, Falchi L, Atzori AS, Gaspa G, Rossoni A, Macciotta NPP, Dimauro C. Genome-wide association study for residual concentrate intake using different approaches in Italian Brown Swiss. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1963864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Manca
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - A. Cesarani
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - L. Falchi
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - A. S. Atzori
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - G. Gaspa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari, University of Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - A. Rossoni
- Associazione Nazionale degli Allevatori di Razza Bruna (ANARB), Verona, Italy
| | | | - C. Dimauro
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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72
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Atzori AS, Valsecchi C, Manca E, Masoero F, Cannas A, Gallo A. Assessment of feed and economic efficiency of dairy farms based on multivariate aggregation of partial indicators measured on field. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12679-12692. [PMID: 34600712 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many of the metrics used to evaluate farm performance are only partial indicators of farm operations, which are assumed to be best predictors of the whole farm efficiency. The main objective of this work was to identify aggregated multiple indexes of profitability using common partial indicators that are routinely available from individual farms to better support the short-term decision-making processes of the cattle-feeding process. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with farmers from 90 dairy farms in Italy and used to calculate 16 partial indicators that covered almost all indicators currently used to target feeding and economic efficiency in dairy farms. These partial indicators described feed efficiency, energy utilization, feed costs, milk-to-feed price ratio, income over feed costs, income equal feed cost, money-corrected milk, and bargaining power for feed costs. Calculations of feeding costs were based on lactating cows or the whole herd, and income from milk deliveries was determined with or without considering the milk quality payment. Multivariate factor analysis was then applied to the 16 partial indicators to determine simplified and latent structures. The results indicated that 5 factors explained 70% of the variability. Each of the original partial indicator was associated with all factors in different proportions, as indicated by loading scores from the multivariate factor analysis. Based on the loading scores, we labeled these 5 factors as "economic efficiency," "energy utilization," "break-even point," "milk-to-feed price," and "bargaining power of the farm," in decreasing order of explained communality. The first 3 factors shared 83% of the total communality. Feed efficiency was similarly associated with factor 1 (53% loading) and factor 2 (66% loading). Only factor 4 was significantly affected by farm location. Milk production and herd size had significant effects on factor 1 and factor 2. Our multivariate approach eliminated the problem of multicollinearity of partial indicators, providing simple and effective descriptions of farm feeding economics. The proposed method allowed the evaluation, benchmarking, and ranking of dairy herd performance at the level of single farms and at territorial level with high opportunity to be used or replicated in other areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Atzori
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - C Valsecchi
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
| | - E Manca
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - F Masoero
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
| | - A Cannas
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - A Gallo
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
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73
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Asselstine V, Lam S, Miglior F, Brito LF, Sweett H, Guan L, Waters SM, Plastow G, Cánovas A. The potential for mitigation of methane emissions in ruminants through the application of metagenomics, metabolomics, and other -OMICS technologies. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6377879. [PMID: 34586400 PMCID: PMC8480417 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruminant supply chains contribute 5.7 gigatons of CO2-eq per annum, which represents approximately 80% of the livestock sector emissions. One of the largest sources of emission in the ruminant sector is methane (CH4), accounting for approximately 40% of the sectors total emissions. With climate change being a growing concern, emphasis is being put on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including those from ruminant production. Various genetic and environmental factors influence cattle CH4 production, such as breed, genetic makeup, diet, management practices, and physiological status of the host. The influence of genetic variability on CH4 yield in ruminants indicates that genomic selection for reduced CH4 emissions is possible. Although the microbiology of CH4 production has been studied, further research is needed to identify key differences in the host and microbiome genomes and how they interact with one another. The advancement of “-omics” technologies, such as metabolomics and metagenomics, may provide valuable information in this regard. Improved understanding of genetic mechanisms associated with CH4 production and the interaction between the microbiome profile and host genetics will increase the rate of genetic progress for reduced CH4 emissions. Through a systems biology approach, various “-omics” technologies can be combined to unravel genomic regions and genetic markers associated with CH4 production, which can then be used in selective breeding programs. This comprehensive review discusses current challenges in applying genomic selection for reduced CH4 emissions, and the potential for “-omics” technologies, especially metabolomics and metagenomics, to minimize such challenges. The integration and evaluation of different levels of biological information using a systems biology approach is also discussed, which can assist in understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms and biology of CH4 production traits in ruminants and aid in reducing agriculture’s overall environmental footprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Asselstine
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL), Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL), Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Filippo Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL), Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Luiz F Brito
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL), Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Hannah Sweett
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL), Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Leluo Guan
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2C8, Canada
| | - Sinead M Waters
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - Graham Plastow
- Livestock Gentec, Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2C8, Canada
| | - Angela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL), Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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74
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Becker VAE, Stamer E, Spiekers H, Thaller G. Residual energy intake, energy balance, and liability to diseases: Genetic parameters and relationships in German Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:10970-10978. [PMID: 34334207 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Residual energy intake (REI) is an often-suggested trait for direct selection of dairy cows for feed efficiency. Cows with lower REI seem to be more efficient but are also in a more severe negative energy balance (EB), especially in early lactation. A negative EB leads to a higher liability to diseases. Due to this fact, this study aims to investigate the genetic relationship between REI and liability to diseases. Health and production data were recorded from 1,370 German Holstein dairy cows from 8 research farms over a period of 2 yr. We calculated 2 phenotypes for REI that considered the following energy sinks: milk energy content, metabolic body weight, body weight change, body condition score, and body condition score change. Genetic parameters were estimated with threshold or linear random regression models from days in milk (DIM) 1 to 305. Heritabilities for REI, EB, and all diseases ranged from 0.12 to 0.39, 0.15 to 0.31, and 0.09 to 0.20, respectively. Genetic correlations between selected DIM for REI and EB were higher for adjacent DIM than for more distant DIM. Pearson correlation coefficients between estimated breeding values (EBV) for REI and EB varied between 0.47 and 0.81; they were highest in mid lactation. Correlations between EBV for all diseases and REI as well as EB were negative, with lowest values in early lactation. Within the first 50 DIM, proportions of diseased days for cows with lowest EBV for REI were almost twice as high as for cows with highest EBV for REI. In conclusion, selecting dairy cows for lower REI should be treated with caution because of an unfavorable relationship with liability to diseases, especially in early lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A E Becker
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany.
| | - E Stamer
- TiDa Tier und Daten GmbH, 24259 Westensee/Brux, Germany
| | - H Spiekers
- Institute for Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, Bavarian State Research Center for Agriculture, 85586 Poing/Grub, Germany
| | - G Thaller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University, 24098 Kiel, Germany
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75
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Evers S, McParland S, Delaby L, Pierce K, Horan B. Analysis of milk solids production and mid-lactation bodyweight to evaluate cow production efficiency on commercial dairy farms. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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76
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Berry DP, McCarthy J. Contribution of genetic variability to phenotypic differences in on-farm efficiency metrics of dairy cows based on body weight and milk solids yield. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12693-12702. [PMID: 34531056 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Milk solids per kilogram of body weight (BW) is growing in popularity as a measure of dairy cow lactation efficiency. Little is known on the extent of genetic variability that exist in this trait but also the direction and strength of genetic correlations with other performance traits. Such genetic correlations are important to know if producers are to consider actively selecting cows excelling in milk solids per kilogram of BW. The objective of the present study was to use a large data set of commercial Irish dairy cows to quantify the extent of genetic variability in milk solids per kilogram of BW and related traits but also their genetic and phenotypic inter-relationships. Mid-lactation BW and body condition score (BCS), along with 305-d milk solids yield (i.e., fat plus protein yield) were available on 12,413 lactations from 11,062 cows in 85 different commercial dairy herds. (Co)variance components were estimated using repeatability animal linear mixed models. The genetic correlation between milk solids and body weight was only 0.05, which when coupled with the observed large genetic variability in both traits, indicate massive potential to select for both traits in opposite directions. The genetic correlations between both milk solids and BW with BCS; however, need to be considered in any breeding strategy. The genetic standard deviation, heritability, and repeatability of milk solids per kilogram of BW was 0.08, 0.37, and 0.57, respectively. The genetic correlation between milk solids per kilogram of BW with milk solids, BW, and BCS was 0.62, -0.75, and -0.41, respectively. Therefore, based on genetic regression, each increase of 0.10 units in genetic merit for milk solids per kilogram of BW is expected to result in, on average, an increase in 16.1 kg 305-d milk solids yield, a reduction of 25.6 kg of BW and a reduction of 0.05 BCS units (scale of 1-5 where 1 is emaciated). The genetic standard deviation (heritability) for 305-d milk solids yield adjusted phenotypically to a common BW was 27.3 kg (0.22). The genetic correlation between this adjusted milk solids trait with milk solids, BW, and BCS was 0.91, -0.12, and -0.26, respectively. Once also adjusted phenotypically to a common BCS, the genetic standard deviation (heritability) for milk solids adjusted phenotypically to a common BW was 26.8 kg (0.22) where the genetic correlation with milk solids, BW and BCS was 0.91, -0.21, and -0.07, respectively. The genetic standard deviation (heritability) of BW adjusted phenotypically for differences in milk solids was 35.3 kg (0.61), which reduced to 33.2 kg when also phenotypically adjusted for differences in BCS. Results suggest considerable opportunity exists to change milk solids yield independent of BW, and vice versa. The opportunity is reduced slightly once also corrected for differences in BCS. Inter-animal BCS differences should be considered if selection on such metrics is contemplated.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Berry
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy P61 P302, Co. Cork, Ireland.
| | - J McCarthy
- Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon P72 X050, Co. Cork, Ireland
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77
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Esfandyari H, Jensen J. Simultaneous Bayesian estimation of genetic parameters for curves of weight, feed intake, and residual feed intake in beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6346789. [PMID: 34370859 PMCID: PMC8418639 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rates of gain and feed efficiency are important traits in most breeding programs for growing farm animals. The rate of gain (GAIN) is usually expressed over a certain age period and feed efficiency is often expressed as residual feed intake (RFI), defined as observed feed intake (FI) minus expected feed intake based on live weight (WGT) and GAIN. However, the basic traits recorded are always WGT and FI and other traits are derived from these basic records. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure for simultaneous analysis of the basic records and then derive linear traits related to feed efficiency without retorting to any approximation. A bivariate longitudinal random regression model was employed on 13,791 individual longitudinal records of WGT and FI from 2,827 bulls of six different beef breeds tested for their own performance in the period from 7 to 13 mo of age. Genetic and permanent environmental covariance functions for curves of WGT and FI were estimated using Gibbs sampling. Genetic and permanent covariance functions for curves of GAIN were estimated from the first derivative of the function for WGT and finally the covariance functions were extended to curves for RFI, based on the conditional distribution of FI given WGT and GAIN. Furthermore, the covariance functions were extended to include GAIN and RFI defined over different periods of the performance test. These periods included the whole test period as normally used when predicting breeding values for GAIN and RFI for beef bulls. Based on the presented method, breeding values and genetic parameters for derived traits such as GAIN and RFI defined longitudinally or integrated over (parts of) of the test period can be obtained from a joint analysis of the basic records. The resulting covariance functions for WGT, FI, GAIN, and RFI are usually singular but the method presented here does not suffer from the estimation problems associated with defining these traits individually before the genetic analysis. All the results are thus estimated simultaneously, and the set of parameters is consistent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Just Jensen
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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78
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Zhang X, Amer PR, Stachowicz K, Quinton C, Crowley J. Herd-level versus animal-level variation in methane emission prediction in grazing dairy cattle. Animal 2021; 15:100325. [PMID: 34371470 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the increased concern over agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, more detailed assessments of current methane emissions and their variation, within and across individual dairy farms and cattle, are of interest for research and policy development. This assessment will provide insights into possible changes needed to reduce GHG emissions, the nature and direction of these changes, ways to influence farmer behavior and areas to maximize the adoption of emerging mitigation technologies. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the variation in enteric fermentation methane emissions within and among seasonal calving dairy farms with the majority of nutritional requirements met through grazed pasture; (2) use this variation to assess the potential of new individual animal emission monitoring technologies and their impact on mitigation policy. We used a large database of cow performance records for milk production and survival from 2 398 herds in New Zealand, and simulation to account for unobserved variation in feed efficiency and methane emissions per unit of feed. Results showed an average of 120 ± 31.4 kg predicted methane (CH4) per cow per year after accounting for replacement costs, ranging 8.9-323 kg CH4/cow per year. Whereas milk production, survival and predicted live weight were reasonably effective at predicting both individual and herd average levels of per cow feed intake, substantial within animal variation in emissions per unit of feed reduced the ability of these variables to predict variation in per animal methane output. Animal-level measurement technologies predicting only feed intake but not emissions per unit of feed are unlikely to be effective for advancing national policy goals of reducing dairy farming enteric methane output. This is because farmers seek to profitably utilize all farm feed resources available, so improvements in feed efficiency will not result in the reduction in feed utilization required to reduce methane emissions. At a herd level, average per cow milk production and live weight could form the basis of assigning a farm-level point of obligation for methane emissions. In conclusion, a comprehensive national database infrastructure that was tightly linked to animal identification and movement systems, and captured live weight data from existing farm-level recording systems, would be required to make this effective. Additional policy and incentivization mechanisms would still be required to encourage farmer uptake of mitigation interventions, such as novel feed supplements or vaccines that reduce methane emissions per unit of feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhang
- AbacusBio Limited, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand
| | - P R Amer
- AbacusBio Limited, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand.
| | - K Stachowicz
- AbacusBio Limited, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand
| | - C Quinton
- AbacusBio Limited, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand
| | - J Crowley
- AbacusBio Limited, PO Box 5585, Dunedin 9058, New Zealand
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79
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Guarnido-Lopez P, Ortigues-Marty I, Taussat S, Fossaert C, Renand G, Cantalapiedra-Hijar G. Plasma proteins δ 15N vs plasma urea as candidate biomarkers of between-animal variations of feed efficiency in beef cattle: Phenotypic and genetic evaluation. Animal 2021; 15:100318. [PMID: 34311194 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2021.100318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying animals that are superior in terms of feed efficiency may improve the profitability and sustainability of the beef cattle sector. However, measuring feed efficiency is costly and time-consuming. Biomarkers should thus be explored and validated to predict between-animal variation of feed efficiency for both genetic selection and precision feeding. In this work, we aimed to assess and validate two previously identified biomarkers of nitrogen (N) use efficiency in ruminants, plasma urea concentrations and the 15N natural abundance in plasma proteins (plasma δ15N), to predict the between-animal variation in feed efficiency when animals were fed two contrasted diets (high-starch vs high-fibre diets). We used an experimental network design with a total of 588 young bulls tested for feed efficiency through two different traits (feed conversion efficiency [FCE] and residual feed intake [RFI]) during at least 6 months in 12 cohorts (farm × period combination). Animals reared in the same cohort, receiving the same diet and housed in the same pen, were considered as a contemporary group (CG). To analyse between-animal variations and explore relationships between biomarkers and feed efficiency, two statistical approaches, based either on mixed-effect models or regressions from residuals, were conducted to remove the between-CG variability. Between-animal variation of plasma δ15N was significantly correlated with feed efficiency measured through the two criteria traits and regardless of the statistical approach. Conversely, plasma urea was not correlated to FCE and showed only a weak, although significant, correlation with RFI. The response of plasma δ15N to FCE variations was higher when animals were fed a high-starch compared to a high-fibre diet. In addition, we identified two dietary factors, the metabolisable protein to net energy ratio and the rumen protein balance that influenced the relation between plasma δ15N and FCE variations. Concerning the genetic evaluation, and despite the moderate heritability of the two biomarkers (0.28), the size of our experimental setup was insufficient to detect significant genetic correlations between feed efficiency and the biomarkers. However, we validated the potential of plasma δ15N to phenotypically discriminate two animals reared in identical conditions in terms of feed efficiency as long as they differ by at least 0.049 g/g for FCE and 1.67 kg/d for RFI. Altogether, the study showed phenotypic, but non-genetic, relationships between plasma proteins δ15N and feed efficiency that varied according to the efficiency index and the diet utilised.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Guarnido-Lopez
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - I Ortigues-Marty
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - S Taussat
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - C Fossaert
- Institut de l'élevage, 75595 Paris, France
| | - G Renand
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - G Cantalapiedra-Hijar
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France.
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80
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Romanzin A, Degano L, Vicario D, Spanghero M. Feeding efficiency and behavior of young Simmental bulls selected for high growth capacity: Comparison of bulls with high vs. low residual feed intake. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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81
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Parsons CT, Dafoe JM, Wyffels SA, DelCurto T, Boss DL. Influence of Residual Feed Intake and Cow Age on Dry Matter Intake Post-Weaning and Peak Lactation of Black Angus Cows. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:1822. [PMID: 34207267 PMCID: PMC8234949 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated heifer post-weaning residual feed intake (RFI) classification and cow age on dry matter intake (DMI) at two stages of production. Fifty-nine non-lactating, pregnant, (Study 1) and fifty-four lactating, non-pregnant (Study 2) commercial black Angus beef cows were grouped by age and RFI. Free-choice, hay pellets were fed in a GrowSafe feeding system. In Study 1, cow DMI (kg/d) and intake rate (g/min) displayed a cow age effect (p < 0.01) with an increase in DMI and intake rate with increasing cow age. In Study 2, cow DMI (kg/d) and intake rate (g/min) displayed a cow age effect (p < 0.02) with an increase in DMI and intake rate with increasing cow age. Milk production displayed a cow age × RFI interaction (p < 0.01) where both 5-6-year-old and 8-9-year-old low RFI cows produced more milk than high RFI cows. For both studies, intake and intake behavior were not influenced by RFI (p ≥ 0.16) or cow age × RFI interaction (p ≥ 0.21). In summary, heifer's post-weaning RFI had minimal effects on beef cattle DMI or intake behavior, however, some differences were observed in milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory T Parsons
- Northern Agricultural Research Center, Montana State University, Havre, MT 59501, USA
| | - Julia M Dafoe
- Northern Agricultural Research Center, Montana State University, Havre, MT 59501, USA
| | - Samuel A Wyffels
- Northern Agricultural Research Center, Montana State University, Havre, MT 59501, USA
| | - Timothy DelCurto
- Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Darrin L Boss
- Northern Agricultural Research Center, Montana State University, Havre, MT 59501, USA
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82
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Heida M, Schopen GCB, Te Pas MFW, Gredler-Grandl B, Veerkamp RF. Breeding goal traits accounting for feed intake capacity and roughage or concentrate intake separately. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8966-8982. [PMID: 34053766 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Current breeding tools aiming to improve feed efficiency use definitions based on total dry matter intake (DMI); for example, residual feed intake or feed saved. This research aimed to define alternative traits using existing data that differentiate between feed intake capacity and roughage or concentrate intake, and to investigate the phenotypic and genetic relationships among these traits. The data set contained 39,017 weekly milk yield, live weight, and DMI records of 3,164 cows. The 4 defined traits were as follows: (1) Feed intake capacity (FIC), defined as the difference between how much a cow ate and how much she was expected to eat based on diet satiety value and status of the cow (parity and lactation stage); (2) feed saved (FS), defined as the difference between the measured and the predicted DMI, based on the regression of DMI on milk components within experiment; (3) residual roughage intake (RRI), defined as the difference between the measured and the predicted roughage intake, based on the regression of roughage intake on milk components and concentrate intake within experiment; and (4) residual concentrate intake (RCI), defined as the difference between the measured and the predicted concentrate intake, based on the regression of concentrate intake on milk components and roughage intake within experiment. The phenotypic correlations were -0.72 between FIC and FS, -0.84 between FS and RRI, and -0.53 between FS and RCI. Heritability of FIC, FS, RRI, and RCI were estimated to be 0.21, 0.12, 0.15, and 0.03, respectively. The genetic correlations were -0.81 between FS and FIC, -0.96 between FS and RRI, and -0.25 between FS and RCI. Concentrate intake and RCI had low heritability. Genetic correlation between DMI and FIC was 0.98. Although the defined traits had moderate phenotypic correlations, the genetic correlations between DMI, FS, FIC, and RRI were above 0.79 (in absolute terms), suggesting that these traits are genetically similar. Therefore, selecting for FIC is expected to simply increase DMI and RRI, and there seems to be little advantage in separating concentrate and roughage intake in the genetic evaluation, because measured concentrate intake was determined by the feeding system in our data and not by the genetics of the cow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margreet Heida
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ghyslaine C B Schopen
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marinus F W Te Pas
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Birgit Gredler-Grandl
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Roel F Veerkamp
- Wageningen University & Research Animal Breeding and Genomics, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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83
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Manzanilla-Pech CIV, L Vendahl P, Mansan Gordo D, Difford GF, Pryce JE, Schenkel F, Wegmann S, Miglior F, Chud TC, Moate PJ, Williams SRO, Richardson CM, Stothard P, Lassen J. Breeding for reduced methane emission and feed-efficient Holstein cows: An international response. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:8983-9001. [PMID: 34001361 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Selecting for lower methane (CH4) emitting animals is one of the best approaches to reduce CH4 given that genetic progress is permanent and cumulative over generations. As genetic selection requires a large number of animals with records and few countries actively record CH4, combining data from different countries could help to expedite accurate genetic parameters for CH4 traits and build a future genomic reference population. Additionally, if we want to include CH4 in the breeding goal, it is important to know the genetic correlations of CH4 traits with other economically important traits. Therefore, the aim of this study was first to estimate genetic parameters of 7 suggested methane traits, as well as genetic correlations between methane traits and production, maintenance, and efficiency traits using a multicountry database. The second aim was to estimate genetic correlations within parities and stages of lactation for CH4. The third aim was to evaluate the expected response of economically important traits by including CH4 traits in the breeding goal. A total of 15,320 methane production (MeP, g/d) records from 2,990 cows belonging to 4 countries (Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and Denmark) were analyzed. Records on dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), body condition score, and milk yield (MY) were also available. Additional traits such as methane yield (MeY; g/kg DMI), methane intensity (MeI; g/kg energy-corrected milk), a genetic standardized methane production, and 3 definitions of residual methane production (g/d), residual feed intake, metabolic BW (MBW), BW change, and energy-corrected milk were calculated. The estimated heritability of MeP was 0.21, whereas heritability estimates for MeY and MeI were 0.30 and 0.38, and for the residual methane traits heritability ranged from 0.13 to 0.16. Genetic correlations between different methane traits were moderate to high (0.41 to 0.97). Genetic correlations between MeP and economically important traits ranged from 0.29 (MY) to 0.65 (BW and MBW), being 0.41 for DMI. Selection index calculations showed that residual methane had the most potential for inclusion in the breeding goal when compared with MeP, MeY, and MeI, as residual methane allows for selection of low methane emitting animals without compromising other economically important traits. Inclusion of residual feed intake in the breeding goal could further reduce methane, as the correlation with residual methane is moderate and elicits a favorable correlated response. Adding a negative economic value for methane could facilitate a substantial reduction in methane emissions while maintaining an increase in milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- C I V Manzanilla-Pech
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
| | - P L Vendahl
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - D Mansan Gordo
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - G F Difford
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - J E Pryce
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - F Schenkel
- Centre for Genomic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | | | - F Miglior
- Centre for Genomic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T C Chud
- Centre for Genomic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - P J Moate
- Centre for Agricultural Innovation, School of Agriculture and Food, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia; Agriculture Victoria Research, Ellinbank, Victoria 3820, Australia
| | - S R O Williams
- Agriculture Victoria Research, Ellinbank, Victoria 3820, Australia
| | - C M Richardson
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia; School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - P Stothard
- Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Science, Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Sciences Department, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2C8, Canada
| | - J Lassen
- Viking Genetics, Ebeltoftvej 16, Assenstoft, 8960 Randers, Denmark
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84
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Zerjal T, Härtle S, Gourichon D, Guillory V, Bruneau N, Laloë D, Pinard-van der Laan MH, Trapp S, Bed'hom B, Quéré P. Assessment of trade-offs between feed efficiency, growth-related traits, and immune activity in experimental lines of layer chickens. Genet Sel Evol 2021; 53:44. [PMID: 33957861 PMCID: PMC8101249 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-021-00636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In all organisms, life-history traits are constrained by trade-offs, which may represent physiological limitations or be related to energy resource management. To detect trade-offs within a population, one promising approach is the use of artificial selection, because intensive selection on one trait can induce unplanned changes in others. In chickens, the breeding industry has achieved remarkable genetic progress in production and feed efficiency over the last 60 years. However, this may have been accomplished at the expense of other important biological functions, such as immunity. In the present study, we used three experimental lines of layer chicken—two that have been divergently selected for feed efficiency and one that has been selected for increased antibody response to inactivated Newcastle disease virus (ND3)—to explore the impact of improved feed efficiency on animals’ immunocompetence and, vice versa, the impact of improved antibody response on animals’ growth and feed efficiency. Results There were detectable differences between the low (R+) and high (R−) feed-efficiency lines with respect to vaccine-specific antibody responses and counts of monocytes, heterophils, and/or T cell population. The ND3 line presented reduced body weight and feed intake compared to the control line. ND3 chickens also demonstrated an improved antibody response against a set of commercial viral vaccines, but lower blood leucocyte counts. Conclusions This study demonstrates the value of using experimental chicken lines that are divergently selected for RFI or for a high antibody production, to investigate the modulation of immune parameters in relation to growth and feed efficiency. Our results provide further evidence that long-term selection for the improvement of one trait may have consequences on other important biological functions. Hence, strategies to ensure optimal trade-offs among competing functions will ultimately be required in multi-trait selection programs in livestock. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12711-021-00636-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Zerjal
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Sonja Härtle
- Avian Immunology Group, Department for Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicolas Bruneau
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Denis Laloë
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Sascha Trapp
- INRAE, UMR 1282, ISP, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Bertrand Bed'hom
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,ISYEB, Muséum National D'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, EPHE, Université Des Antilles, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Pascale Quéré
- INRAE, UMR 1282, ISP, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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85
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Puillet L, Ducrocq V, Friggens N, Amer P. Exploring underlying drivers of genotype by environment interactions in feed efficiency traits for dairy cattle with a mechanistic model involving energy acquisition and allocation. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:5805-5816. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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86
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Effects of Incorporating Dry Matter Intake and Residual Feed Intake into a Selection Index for Dairy Cattle Using Deterministic Modeling. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041157. [PMID: 33920730 PMCID: PMC8072614 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The inclusion of feed efficiency in the breeding goal for dairy cattle has been discussed for many years. The effects of incorporating feed efficiency into a selection index were assessed by indirect selection (dry matter intake) and direct selection (residual feed intake) using deterministic modeling. Both traits were investigated in three ways: (1) restricting the trait genetic gain to zero, (2) applying negative selection pressure, and (3) applying positive selection pressure. Changes in response to selection from economic and genetic gain perspectives were used to evaluate the impact of including feed efficiency with direct or indirect selection in an index. Improving feed efficiency through direct selection on residual feed intake was the best scenario analyzed, with the highest overall economic response including favorable responses to selection for production and feed efficiency. Over time, the response to selection is cumulative, with the potential for animals to reduce consumption by 0.16 kg to 2.7 kg of dry matter per day while maintaining production. As the selection pressure increased on residual feed intake, the response to selection for production, health, and fertility traits and body condition score became increasingly less favorable. This work provides insight into the potential long-term effects of selecting for feed efficiency as residual feed intake.
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87
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Martin P, Ducrocq V, Faverdin P, Friggens NC. Invited review: Disentangling residual feed intake-Insights and approaches to make it more fit for purpose in the modern context. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:6329-6342. [PMID: 33773796 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Residual feed intake (RFI) is an increasingly used trait to analyze feed efficiency in livestock, and in some sectors such as dairy cattle, it is one of the most frequently used traits. Although the principle for calculating RFI is always the same (i.e., using the residual of a regression of intake on performance predictors), a wide range of models are found in the literature, with different predictors, different ways of considering intake, and more recently, different statistical approaches. Consequently, the results are not easily comparable from one study to another as they reflect different biological variabilities, and the relationship between the residual (i.e., RFI) and the underlying true efficiency also differs. In this review, the components of the RFI equation are explored with respect to the underlying biological processes. The aim of this decomposition is to provide a better understanding of which of the processes in this complex trait contribute significantly to the individual variability in efficiency. The intricacies associated with the residual term, as well as the energy sinks and the intake term, are broken down and discussed. Based on this exploration as well as on some recent literature, new forms of the RFI equation are proposed to better separate the efficiency terms from errors and inaccuracies. The review also considers the time period of measurement of RFI. This is a key consideration for the accuracy of the RFI estimation itself, and also for understanding the relationships between short-term efficiency, animal resilience, and long-term efficiency. As livestock production moves toward sustainable efficiency, these considerations are increasingly important to bring to bear in RFI estimations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Martin
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Vincent Ducrocq
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Nicolas C Friggens
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR Modélisation Systémique Appliquée aux Ruminants (MoSAR), 75005 Paris, France
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88
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Berry DP. Invited review: Beef-on-dairy-The generation of crossbred beef × dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:3789-3819. [PMID: 33663845 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-19519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Because a growing proportion of the beef output in many countries originates from dairy herds, the most critical decisions about the genetic merit of most carcasses harvested are being made by dairy producers. Interest in the generation of more valuable calves from dairy females is intensifying, and the most likely vehicle is the use of appropriately selected beef bulls for mating to the dairy females. This is especially true given the growing potential to undertake more beef × dairy matings as herd metrics improve (e.g., reproductive performance) and technological advances are more widely adopted (e.g., sexed semen). Clear breed differences (among beef breeds but also compared with dairy breeds) exist for a whole plethora of performance traits, but considerable within-breed variability has also been demonstrated. Although such variability has implications for the choice of bull to mate to dairy females, the fact that dairy females themselves exhibit such genetic variability implies that "one size fits all" may not be appropriate for bull selection. Although differences in a whole series of key performance indicators have been documented between beef and beef-on-dairy animals, of particular note is the reported lower environmental hoofprint associated with beef-on-dairy production systems if the environmental overhead of the mature cow is attributed to the milk she eventually produces. Despite the known contribution of beef (i.e., both surplus calves and cull cows) to the overall gross output of most dairy herds globally, and the fact that each dairy female contributes half her genetic merit to her progeny, proxies for meat yield (i.e., veal or beef) are not directly considered in the vast majority of dairy cow breeding objectives. Breeding objectives to identify beef bulls suitable for dairy production systems are now being developed and validated, demonstrating the financial benefit of using such breeding objectives over and above a focus on dairy bulls or easy-calving, short-gestation beef bulls. When this approach is complemented by management-based decision-support tools, considerable potential exists to improve the profitability and sustainability of modern dairy production systems by exploiting beef-on-dairy breeding strategies using the most appropriate beef bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Berry
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy P61 P302, Co. Cork, Ireland.
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89
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Terry SA, Basarab JA, Guan LL, McAllister TA. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle production. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2020-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there are approximately one billion beef cattle, and compared with poultry and swine, beef cattle have the poorest conversion efficiency of feed to meat. However, these metrics fail to consider that beef cattle produce high-quality protein from feeds that are unsuitable for other livestock species. Strategies to improve the efficiency of beef cattle are focusing on operational and breeding management, host genetics, functional efficiency of rumen and respiratory microbiomes, and the structure and composition of feed. These strategies must also consider the health and immunity of the herd as well as the need for beef cattle to thrive in a changing environment. Genotyping can identify hybrid vigor with positive consequences for animal health, productivity, and environmental adaptability. The role of microbiome–host interactions is key in efficient nutrient digestion and host health. Microbial markers and gene expression patterns within the rumen microbiome are being used to identify hosts that are efficient at fibre digestion. Plant breeding and processing are optimizing the feed value of both forages and concentrates. Strategies to improve the efficiency of cattle production are a prerequisite for the sustainable intensification needed to satisfy the future demand for beef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A. Terry
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - John A. Basarab
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lacombe Research and Development Centre, 6000 C&E Trail, Lacombe, AB T4L 1W1, Canada
| | - Le Luo Guan
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, 5403 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
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90
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Benfica LF, Sakamoto LS, Magalhães AFB, de Oliveira MHV, de Albuquerque LG, Cavalheiro R, Branco RH, Cyrillo JNDSG, Mercadante MEZ. Genetic association among feeding behavior, feed efficiency, and growth traits in growing indicine cattle. J Anim Sci 2021; 98:5944080. [PMID: 33125460 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters, including genomic data, for feeding behavior, feed efficiency, and growth traits in Nellore cattle. The following feeding behavior traits were studied (861 animals with records): time spent at the feed bunk (TF), duration of one feeding event (FD), frequency of visits to the bunk (FF), feeding rate (FR), and dry matter intake (DMI) per visit (DMIv). The feed efficiency traits (1,543 animals with records) included residual feed intake (RFI), residual weight gain (RWG), and feed conversion (FC). The growth traits studied were average daily gain (ADG, n = 1,543 animals) and selection (postweaning) weight (WSel, n = 9,549 animals). The (co)variance components were estimated by the maximum restricted likelihood method, fitting animal models that did (single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction) or did not include (best linear unbiased prediction) genomic information in two-trait analyses. The direct responses to selection were calculated for the feed efficiency traits, ADG, and WSel, as well as the correlated responses in feed efficiency and growth by direct selection for shorter TF. The estimated heritabilities were 0.51 ± 0.06, 0.35 ± 0.06, 0.27 ± 0.07, 0.34 ± 0.06, and 0.33 ± 0.06 for TF, FD, FF, FR, and DMIv, respectively. In general, TF and FD showed positive genetic correlations with all feed efficiency traits (RFI, RWG, and FC), ADG, DMI, and WSel. Additionally, TF showed high and positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with RFI (0.71 ± 0.10 and 0.46 ± 0.02, respectively) and DMI (0.56 ± 0.09 and 0.48 ± 0.03), and medium to weak genetic correlations with growth (0.32 ± 0.11 with ADG and 0.14 ± 0.09 with WSel). The results suggest that TF is a strong indicator trait of feed efficiency, which exhibits high heritability and a weak positive genetic correlation with growth. In a context of a selection index, the inclusion of TF to select animals for shorter TF may accelerate the genetic gain in feed efficiency by reducing RFI but with zero or slightly negative genetic gain in growth traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lúcia Galvão de Albuquerque
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Cavalheiro
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Helena Branco
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
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91
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Growth, ruminal and metabolic parameters and feeding behavior of Nellore cattle with different residual feed intake phenotypes. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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92
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Judge M, Conroy S, Hegarty P, Cromie A, Fanning R, Kelly D, Crofton E, Berry D. Eating quality of the longissimus thoracis muscle in beef cattle – Contributing factors to the underlying variability and associations with performance traits. Meat Sci 2021; 172:108371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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93
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Novo LC, Gondo A, Gomes RC, Fernandes Junior JA, Ribas MN, Brito LF, Laureano MMM, Araújo CV, Menezes GRO. Genetic parameters for performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits in Senepol heifers. Animal 2021; 15:100160. [PMID: 33546982 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving feed efficiency is a key breeding goal in the beef cattle industry. In this study, we estimated the genetic parameters for feed efficiency and carcass traits in Senepol cattle raised in tropical regions. Various indicators of feed efficiency [gain to feed ratio (G:F), feed conversion ratio (FCR), residual weight gain (RG), residual intake and body weight gain (RIG), and residual feed intake (RFI)] as well as growth [final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and DM intake (DMI)], and carcass [rib-eye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF), intramuscular fat score, and carcass conformation score] traits were included in the study. After data editing, records from 1 393 heifers obtained between 2009 and 2018 were used for the analyses. We fitted an animal model that included contemporary group (animals from the same farm that were evaluated in the same test season) as the fixed effect, and a linear effect of animal age at the beginning of the test as a covariate; in addition to random direct additive genetic and residual effects. The (co)variance components were estimated by Bayesian inference in uni- and bivariate analyses. Our results showed that feed efficiency indicators derived from residual variables such as RG, RIG, and RFI can be improved through genetic selection (h2 = 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.13 ± 0.06, and 0.20 ± 0.08, respectively). Variables calculated as ratios such as G:F and FCR were more influenced by environmental factors (h2 = 0.08 ± 0.05 and 0.09 ± 0.05), and were, therefore, less suitable for use in breeding programs. The traits with the greatest and impact on genetic progress in feed efficiency were ADG, REA, and BF. The traits with the greatest and least impact on growth and carcass traits were RG and RFI, respectively. Selection for feed efficiency will result in distinct overall effects on the growth and carcass traits of Senepol heifers. Direct selection for lower RFI may reduce DMI and increase carcass fatness at the finishing stage, but it might also result in reduced growth and muscle deposition. Residual BW gain is associated with the highest weight gain and zero impact on REA and BF, however, it is linked to higher feed consumption. Thus, the most suitable feed efficiency indicator was RIG, as it promoted the greatest decrease in feed intake concomitant with faster growth, with a similar impact on carcass traits when compared to the other feed efficiency indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Novo
- Research and Study Center for Animal Breeding, Federal University of Mato Grosso, 1200 Alexandre Ferronato Av, Sinop, Mato Grosso 78555-000, Brazil
| | - A Gondo
- EMBRAPA, Rádio Maia Av. 830, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79106-550, Brazil
| | - R C Gomes
- EMBRAPA, Rádio Maia Av. 830, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79106-550, Brazil
| | | | - M N Ribas
- INTERGADO LTDA, 1463 Rio Paranagua Street, Contagem, Minas Gerais 32280-300, Brazil
| | - L F Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 270 S. Russell Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - M M M Laureano
- Research and Study Center for Animal Breeding, Federal University of Mato Grosso, 1200 Alexandre Ferronato Av, Sinop, Mato Grosso 78555-000, Brazil
| | - C V Araújo
- Research and Study Center for Animal Breeding, Federal University of Mato Grosso, 1200 Alexandre Ferronato Av, Sinop, Mato Grosso 78555-000, Brazil
| | - G R O Menezes
- EMBRAPA, Rádio Maia Av. 830, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79106-550, Brazil.
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94
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Brunes LC, Baldi F, Lopes FB, Lobo RB, Espigolan R, Costa MFO, Magnabosco CU. Selection criteria for feed efficiency-related traits and their association with growth, reproductive and carcass traits in Nelore cattle. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Context
Livestock feed costs have a higher impact on the profitability of beef production systems and are directly related to feed efficiency. However, these traits are hard and have high costs to measure, reducing the availability of phenotypic records and reliability of genetic evaluations. Thus, the use of genomic information can increase the robustness of genetic studies that address them.
Aims
The aim of the present study was to estimate genetic parameters for feed efficiency, growth, reproductive and carcass traits in Nelore cattle and the correlated response among them, using genomic information.
Methods
Residual feed intake (RFI), dry-matter intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency (FE), residual average daily gain (RG), residual feed intake and average daily gain (RIG), birthweight, weight at 120, 240, 365 and 450 days of age, scrotal circumference at 365 and 450 days of age, rib-eye area, backfat thickness and rump fat thickness were evaluated. The genetic parameters were estimated using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction approach.
Key results
The FE-related traits showed low to moderate heritability ranging from 0.07 to 0.23. Feed efficiency-related traits showed low genetic correlations with reproductive (–0.24 to 0.27), carcass (–0.17 to 0.27) and growth (–0.19 to 0.24) traits, except for growth with dry-matter intake (0.32–0.56) and weight at 365 days of age with FE (–0.40).
Conclusions
The selection to improve growth, reproductive and carcass traits would not change RFI, RG and RIG. The choice of the most adequate selection criterion depends on the production system, that is, RFI might be used for low-input beef cattle systems, and RIG would be used for more intensive and without-any-dietary-restrictions beef cattle systems.
Implications
The estimates of heritability and genetic correlations suggest that genetic selection for feed efficiency using RFI, RG and RIG in Nellore cattle leads to higher genetic gain than does that using FE and feed conversion ratio without affecting other profitability traits.
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95
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Water requirements of beef production can be reduced by genetic selection. Animal 2020; 15:100142. [PMID: 33573956 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing concerns regarding sustainability in agriculture include the availability of drinking water, which is putting pressure on livestock production, especially the beef sector, for more efficient practices. Thus, genetic parameters were estimated for traits related to water intake and water use efficiency in Senepol cattle. Senepol females (n = 925) and males (n = 191) were evaluated in performance tests carried out from 2014 to 2019. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) and water intake (WI) were recorded by electronic feed and water bunks (Intergado Ltd.). Other traits assessed included average daily gain (ADG); mid-test metabolic BW (BW0.75); residual water intake based on ADG (RWIADG), estimated as the residual of the linear regression equation of WI on ADG and BW0.75; residual water intake based on DMI (RWIDMI), estimated as the residual of the linear regression equation of WI on DMI and BW0.75 (RWIDMI); water conversion ratio (= WI/ADG); gross water efficiency (GWE = ADG/WI); residual feed intake estimated as the residual of the linear regression equation of DMI on ADG and BW0.75 (RFI); feed conversion ratio (= DMI/ADG) and gross feed efficiency. Genetic (co)variances were estimated with bivariate analyses. The heritabilities for WI, RWIADG and RWIDMI were 0.38, 0.36 and 0.33, respectively. Water conversion ratio, RWIADG and RWIDMI showed positive genetic and phenotypic correlations with WI, whereas GWE was negatively correlated with WI, suggesting that traits related to water use efficiency may be useful to identify cattle with reduced WI. Water intake showed positive genetic (r = 0.79) and phenotypic (r = 0.60) correlations with DMI, suggesting the use of WI to estimate DMI in future studies. Both RWIADG and RWIDMI were genetically correlated with RFI (0.67 and 0.57, respectively) and ADG (0.49 and 0.44, respectively), showing that RWI is positively associated with feed efficiency, but has an antagonistic relationship with growth. This antagonism, however, may be managed using selection indexes. Genetic improvement of water use efficiency in Senepol cattle is possible through selection and may reduce the water requirements of beef production systems.
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96
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Lam S, Miglior F, Fonseca PAS, Gómez-Redondo I, Zeidan J, Suárez-Vega A, Schenkel F, Guan LL, Waters S, Stothard P, Cánovas A. Identification of functional candidate variants and genes for feed efficiency in Holstein and Jersey cattle breeds using RNA-sequencing. J Dairy Sci 2020; 104:1928-1950. [PMID: 33358171 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The identification of functional genetic variants and associated candidate genes linked to feed efficiency may help improve selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle, providing economic and environmental benefits for the dairy industry. This study used RNA-sequencing data obtained from liver tissue from 9 Holstein cows [n = 5 low residual feed intake (RFI), n = 4 high RFI] and 10 Jersey cows (n = 5 low RFI, n = 5 high RFI), which were selected from a single population of 200 animals. Using RNA-sequencing, 3 analyses were performed to identify: (1) variants within low or high RFI Holstein cattle; (2) variants within low or high RFI Jersey cattle; and (3) variants within low or high RFI groups, which are common across both Holstein and Jersey cattle breeds. From each analysis, all variants were filtered for moderate, modifier, or high functional effect, and co-localized quantitative trait loci (QTL) classes, enriched biological processes, and co-localized genes related to these variants, were identified. The overlapping of the resulting genes co-localized with functional SNP from each analysis in both breeds for low or high RFI groups were compared. For the first two analyses, the total number of candidate genes associated with moderate, modifier, or high functional effect variants fixed within low or high RFI groups were 2,810 and 3,390 for Holstein and Jersey breeds, respectively. The major QTL classes co-localized with these variants included milk and reproduction QTL for the Holstein breed, and milk, production, and reproduction QTL for the Jersey breed. For the third analysis, the common variants across both Holstein and Jersey breeds, uniquely fixed within low or high RFI groups were identified, revealing a total of 86,209 and 111,126 functional variants in low and high RFI groups, respectively. Across all 3 analyses for low and high RFI cattle, 12 and 31 co-localized genes were overlapping, respectively. Among the overlapping genes across breeds, 9 were commonly detected in both the low and high RFI groups (INSRR, CSK, DYNC1H1, GAB1, KAT2B, RXRA, SHC1, TRRAP, PIK3CB), which are known to play a key role in the regulation of biological processes that have high metabolic demand and are related to cell growth and regeneration, metabolism, and immune function. The genes identified and their associated functional variants may serve as candidate genetic markers and can be implemented into breeding programs to help improve the selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lam
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - F Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - P A S Fonseca
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - I Gómez-Redondo
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - J Zeidan
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - A Suárez-Vega
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - F Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - L L Guan
- Department of Agriculture, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6H 2P5
| | - S Waters
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Ireland C15 PW93
| | - P Stothard
- Department of Agriculture, Food & Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6H 2P5
| | - A Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1.
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97
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Martin P, Ducrocq V, Gordo DGM, Friggens NC. A new method to estimate residual feed intake in dairy cattle using time series data. Animal 2020; 15:100101. [PMID: 33712213 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In dairy, the usual way to measure feed efficiency is through the residual feed intake (RFI) method. However, this method is, in its classical form, a linear regression, which, by construction, does not take into account the evolution of the RFI components across time, inducing approximations in the results. We present here a new approach that incorporates the dynamic dimension of the data. Using a multitrait random regression model, the correlations between milk, live weight, DM intake (DMI) and body condition score (BCS) were investigated across the lactation. In addition, at each time point, by a matrix regression on the variance-covariance matrix and on the animal effects from the three predictor traits, a predicted animal effect for intake was estimated, which, by difference with the actual animal effect for intake, gave a RFI estimation. This model was tested on historical data from the Aarhus University experimental farm (1 469 lactations out of 740 cows). Correlations between animal effects were positive and high for milk and DMI and for weight and DMI, with a maximum mid-lactation, stable across time at around 0.4 for weight and BCS, and slowly decreasing along the lactation for milk and weight, DMI and BCS, and milk and BCS. At the Legendre polynomial coefficient scale, the correlations were estimated with a high accuracy (averaged SE of 0.04, min = 0.02, max = 0.05). The predicted animal effect for intake was always extremely highly correlated with the milk production and highly correlated with BW for the most part of the lactation, but only slightly correlated with BCS, with the correlation becoming negative in the second half of the lactation. The estimated RFI possessed all the characteristics of a classical RFI, with a mean at zero at each time point and a phenotypic independence from its predictors. The correlation between the averaged RFI over the lactation and RFI at each time point was always positive and above 0.5, and maximum mid-lactation (>0.9). The model performed reasonably well in the presence of missing data. This approach allows a dynamic estimation of the traits, free from all time-related issues inherent to the traditional RFI methodology, and can easily be adapted and used in a genetic or genomic selection context.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Martin
- UMR GABI, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - V Ducrocq
- UMR GABI, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - D G M Gordo
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - N C Friggens
- UMR MoSAR, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 75005 Paris, France
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98
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Martín N, Schreurs N, Morris S, López-Villalobos N, McDade J, Hickson R. Sire Effects on Post-Weaning Growth of Beef-Cross-Dairy Cattle: A Case Study in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122313. [PMID: 33297330 PMCID: PMC7762207 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cattle born in the dairy industry are a very important source of beef. This study evaluated the growth of calves born to dairy cows and sired by a range of Angus and Hereford bulls. The sire had effects on live weights of their progeny at all ages. Growth trajectories differed among beef sires and the differences in live weights between the lightest and heaviest sires increased as live weight increased. Live weight at early age could explain a large proportion of live weights at later ages. Thus, using beef sires selected for growth has the potential to increase the live weight of cattle born on dairy farms for meat production. Abstract Little is known about the growth performance of beef sires used over dairy cows in New Zealand. This experiment aimed to evaluate the growth of Angus and Hereford sires via progeny testing of beef-cross-dairy offspring born to dairy cows and grown on hill country pasture. Live weights at 131, 200, 400, 600 and 800 days were analysed from a dataset of 5208 records from 1101 progeny of 73 sires. The means of the progeny group means for live weight were 118.6 kg at 131 days, 159.1 kg at 200 days, 284.2 kg at 400 days, 427.0 kg at 600 days and 503.6 kg at 800 days, and the overall daily growth rate was 0.58 kg/day from 131 to 800 days. The sire affected (p < 0.05) the live weight of their progeny at all ages. Differences in live weights between the lightest and heaviest progeny group means increased from 19 kg at 131 days to 90 kg at 800 days. Even though growth of calves was likely restricted to 200 days, live weight at 200 days explained 51–56% of the variation in live weights at 400 and 600 days (p < 0.05). Thus, the use of beef sires selected for growth has the potential to increase the live weight of cattle born on dairy farms for meat production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Martín
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.M.); (N.L.-V.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nicola Schreurs
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.M.); (N.L.-V.); (R.H.)
| | - Stephen Morris
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.M.); (N.L.-V.); (R.H.)
| | - Nicolás López-Villalobos
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.M.); (N.L.-V.); (R.H.)
| | - Julie McDade
- Greenlea Premier Meats Ltd., P.O. Box 87, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand;
| | - Rebecca Hickson
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (N.S.); (S.M.); (N.L.-V.); (R.H.)
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99
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Brito LF, Oliveira HR, Houlahan K, Fonseca PA, Lam S, Butty AM, Seymour DJ, Vargas G, Chud TC, Silva FF, Baes CF, Cánovas A, Miglior F, Schenkel FS. Genetic mechanisms underlying feed utilization and implementation of genomic selection for improved feed efficiency in dairy cattle. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2019-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The economic importance of genetically improving feed efficiency has been recognized by cattle producers worldwide. It has the potential to considerably reduce costs, minimize environmental impact, optimize land and resource use efficiency, and improve the overall cattle industry’s profitability. Feed efficiency is a genetically complex trait that can be described as units of product output (e.g., milk yield) per unit of feed input. The main objective of this review paper is to present an overview of the main genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying feed utilization in ruminants and the process towards implementation of genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle. In summary, feed efficiency can be improved via numerous metabolic pathways and biological mechanisms through genetic selection. Various studies have indicated that feed efficiency is heritable, and genomic selection can be successfully implemented in dairy cattle with a large enough training population. In this context, some organizations have worked collaboratively to do research and develop training populations for successful implementation of joint international genomic evaluations. The integration of “-omics” technologies, further investments in high-throughput phenotyping, and identification of novel indicator traits will also be paramount in maximizing the rates of genetic progress for feed efficiency in dairy cattle worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F. Brito
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Hinayah R. Oliveira
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kerry Houlahan
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Pablo A.S. Fonseca
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Adrien M. Butty
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Dave J. Seymour
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Centre for Nutrition Modelling, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Giovana Vargas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Tatiane C.S. Chud
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Fabyano F. Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-000, Brazil
| | - Christine F. Baes
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Genetics, University of Bern, Bern 3001, Switzerland
| | - Angela Cánovas
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Filippo Miglior
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Flavio S. Schenkel
- Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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100
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Montelli NLLL, Alvarenga TIRC, Almeida AK, Alvarenga FAP, Furusho-Garcia IF, Greenwood PL, Pereira IG. Associations of feed efficiency with circulating IGF-1 and leptin, carcass traits and meat quality of lambs. Meat Sci 2020; 173:108379. [PMID: 33261987 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feed efficiency classifications on live animal measurements, circulating IGF-1 and leptin concentrations, and carcass, non-carcass and meat quality traits of lambs. One-hundred and two lambs approximately 70 days-old with initial live weight of 24.6 ± 3.71 kg (mean ± SD) were individually fed for 56 days to determine residual feed intake (RFI) and residual feed intake and gain (RIG). Lambs were then classified as phenotypically Low-, Medium- or High-RFI and Low-, Medium- or High-RIG phenotypes. Circulating leptin and IGF-1 concentrations were higher in more efficient lambs (Low-RFI or High-RIG). Variation in RFI and RIG did not affect meat redness or tenderness, but High-RIG lambs had darker meat. These findings show that the phenotypically more efficient Low-RFI and High-RIG lambs produced carcasses with similar characteristics and meat quality as the less efficient High-RFI and Low-RIG lambs but have a strategic advantage of lower feed intake to achieve similar production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L L L Montelli
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Veterinary School, Animal Science Department, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - T I R C Alvarenga
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Livestock Industries Centre, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
| | - A K Almeida
- University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - F A P Alvarenga
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Livestock Industries Centre, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - I F Furusho-Garcia
- Federal University of Lavras, Animal Science Department, Lavras, MG 37200-000, Brazil
| | - P L Greenwood
- NSW Department of Primary Industries, Livestock Industries Centre, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - I G Pereira
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Veterinary School, Animal Science Department, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
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