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Atsbeha DM. Feed Efficiency Estimation from Stochastic Feed Requirement Frontier. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01028-2. [PMID: 39067759 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24301] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Feed accounts 40 to 70 percent of livestock production cost. Therefore, improving feed efficiency of production animals will promote farm profitability. To this end, precise estimation of animal level feed efficiency is important. Considering some limitations of residual feed intake (RFI) as indicator of animal level feed efficiency, an alternative approach is suggested. The approach involves estimation of a stochastic feed requirement frontier (SFRF), which explicitly allows for feed efficiency and statistical noise in the same specification. As a result, a SFRF naturally leads to feed efficiency indicator free from statistical noise. Furthermore, the feed efficiency indicator it generates is nonnegative and it can easily be expressed in terms of surplus feed intake (SFI) caused by feed inefficiency. Simulation experiment was used to illustrate the problems that arise from RFI-based feed efficiency estimation and the improvements that can be expected from the alternative approach. The experimental results showed that RFI tends to overestimate feed efficiency of animals. The overestimation gets worse as the contribution of feed inefficiency to feed intake variation increases. The results from the experiment also showed SFRF provides consistent feed efficiency estimates and associated SFI. Finally, further benefits of the alternative approach in feed efficiency estimation at animal level are presented.
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Haak T, Münger A, Ampuero Kragten S, Bruckmaier RM, Südekum KH, Schori F. Assessing short-term feed efficiency and its association with biological markers in herbage-fed dairy cows. Animal 2024; 18:101211. [PMID: 38935984 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Feed efficiency is an important trait of dairy production. However, assessing feed efficiency is constrained by the associated cost and difficulty in measuring individual feed intake, especially on pastures. The objective of this study was to investigate short-term feed efficiency traits of herbage-fed dairy cows and screening of potential biomarkers (n = 238). Derived feed efficiency traits were ratio-based (i.e., feed conversion ratio (FCR) and N use efficiency (NUE)) or residual-based (i.e., residual feed intake (RFI), residual energy intake (REI), and residual N intake (RNI)). Thirty-eight Holstein and 16 Swiss Fleckvieh dairy cows underwent a 7-d measurement period during mid- and/or late-lactation. The experimental data (n = 100 measurement points) covered different lactational and herbage-fed system situations: mid-lactation grazing (n = 56), late-lactation grazing (n = 28), and late-lactation barn feeding (n = 16). During each measuring period, the individual herbage intake of each cow was estimated using the n-alkane marker technique. For each cow, biomarkers representing milk constituents (n = 109), animal characteristics (n = 13), behaviour, and activity (n = 46), breath emissions (n = 3), blood constituents (n = 35), surface, and rectal temperature (n = 29), hair cortisol (n = 1), and near-infrared (NIR) spectra of faeces and milk (n = 2) were obtained. The relationships between biomarkers and efficiency traits were statistically analysed with univariate linear regression and for NIR spectra using partial least squares regression with feed efficiency traits. The feed efficiency traits were interrelated with each other (r: -0.57 to -0.86 and 0.49-0.81). The biomarkers showed varying R2 values in explaining the variability of feed efficiency traits (FCR: 0.00-0.66, NUE: 0.00-0.74, RFI: 0.00-0.56, REI: 0.00-0.69, RNI: 0.00-0.89). Overall, the feed efficiency traits were best explained by NIR spectral characteristics of milk and faeces (R2: 0.25-0.89). Biomarkers show potential for predicting feed efficiency in herbage-fed dairy cows. NIR spectra data analysis of milk and faeces presents a promising method for estimating individual feed efficiency upon further validation of prediction models. Future applications will depend on the ability to improve the robustness of biomarkers to predict feed efficiency in a greater variety of environments (locations), managing conditions, feeding systems, production intensities, and other aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Haak
- Ruminant Nutrition and Emissions, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, Posieux, Switzerland; Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Münger
- Ruminant Nutrition and Emissions, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, Posieux, Switzerland
| | - S Ampuero Kragten
- Method Development and Analytics, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, Posieux, Switzerland
| | - R M Bruckmaier
- Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - K-H Südekum
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, Bonn, Germany
| | - F Schori
- Ruminant Nutrition and Emissions, Agroscope, Tioleyre 4, Posieux, Switzerland.
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Kern-Lunbery RJ, Rathert-Williams AR, Foote AP, Cunningham-Hollinger HC, Kuehn LA, Meyer AM, Lindholm-Perry AK. Genes involved in the cholecystokinin receptor signaling map were differentially expressed in the jejunum of steers with variation in residual feed intake. Vet Anim Sci 2024; 24:100357. [PMID: 38812584 PMCID: PMC11133974 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2024.100357] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The jejunum is a critical site for nutrient digestion and absorption, and variation in its ability to take up nutrients within the jejunum is likely to affect feed efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in gene expression in the jejunum of beef steers divergent for residual feed intake (RFI) in one cohort of steers (Year 1), and to validate those genes in animals from a second study (Year 2). Steers from Year 1 (n = 16) were selected for high and low RFI. Jejunum mucosal tissue was obtained for RNA-seq. Thirty-two genes were differentially expressed (PFDR≤0.15), and five were over-represented in pathways including inflammatory mediator, cholecystokinin receptor (CCKR) signaling, and p38 MAPK pathways. Several differentially expressed genes (ALOX12, ALPI, FABP6, FABP7, FLT1, GSTA2, MEF2B, PDK4, SPP1, and TTF2) have been previously associated with RFI in other studies. Real-time qPCR was used to validate nine differentially expressed genes in the Year 1 steers used for RNA-seq, and in the Year 2 validation cohort. Six genes were validated as differentially expressed (P < 0.1) using RT-qPCR in the Year 1 population. In the Year 2 population, five genes displayed the same direction of expression as the Year 1 population and 3 were differentially expressed (P < 0.1). The CCKR pathway is involved in digestion, appetite control, and regulation of body weight making it a compelling candidate for feed efficiency in cattle, and the validation of these genes in a second population of cattle is suggestive of a role in feed efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Kern-Lunbery
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
- Ward Laboratories, Inc., Kearney, NE 68848, USA
| | - Abigail R. Rathert-Williams
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
- University of Missouri, Division of Animal Sciences, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrew P. Foote
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
- Oklahoma State University, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | - Larry A. Kuehn
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Allison M. Meyer
- University of Missouri, Division of Animal Sciences, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- University of Wyoming, Department of Animal Science, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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Reyes FS, White HM, Weigel KA, Van Os JMC. Social interactions, feeding patterns, and feed efficiency of same- and mixed-parity groups of lactating cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9410-9425. [PMID: 37641318 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Social dynamics in group-housed animals can have important effects on their welfare, feed efficiency, and production potential. Our objectives were to: (1) evaluate the effects of parity and social grouping on competition behavior, feeding patterns, and feed efficiency, and (2) investigate cow-level relationships between competition and feeding behavior, production, and feed efficiency. Fifty-nine Holstein cows (144.5 ± 21.8 starting days in milk, mean ± SD) were housed in a freestall pen with 30 Roughage Intake Control (RIC) bins. We evaluated the effects of parity (primiparous [PR, n = 29] vs. multiparous [MU, n = 30]) and group composition at the feed bunk (same-parity [SM, n = 39] vs. mixed-parity [MX, n = 20, 50% of each parity]) with a 2 × 2 factorial design (SM-MU: n = 20; SM-PR: n = 19; MX-MU: n = 10; MX-PR: n = 10) on competition behavior, feeding patterns, and feed efficiency. Within the pen, groups of 9 to 10 cows were considered subgroups and assigned to treatments defined by sets of 5 assigned bins (2:1 stocking density). Feed bunk competition and feeding patterns were recorded via continuous video in the first hour after morning feed delivery and 24-h RIC data, respectively. Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated as the difference between predicted and observed dry matter intake (DMI) after accounting for known energy sinks. Linear models were used to evaluate the effects and interactions of parity and group composition on competition, feeding behavior, and feed efficiency. Within-cow correlations were performed between competition, feeding behavior, and RFI. Cows in MX, compared with SM, were involved in more competitive interactions [mean (95% CI): competitive contacts: 11.5 (8.1, 16.3) vs. 7.2 (5.5, 9.3) events; displacements: 4.0 (3.0, 5.3) vs. 2.1 (1.7, 2.7) events, and replacements: 3.5 (2.6, 4.7) vs. 1.9 (1.5, 2.5) events]. Cows in MX vs. those in SM had more bunk visits/meal ( 4.3 [3.9, 4.8] vs. 3.7 [3.4, 3.9] visits/meal) and longer meals (31.2 vs. 27.4 ± 0.9 min/meal) and tended to have higher RFI (0.41 ± 0.3 vs. -0.21 ± 0.2) and were therefore less feed efficient. Multiparous versus PR cows had greater DMI per day (29.3 ± 0.6 vs. 25.5 ± 0.4 kg/d) and per meal (4.2 [4.0, 4.4] vs. 3.4 [3.2, 3.6] kg/meal), faster eating rates (0.14 [0.13, 0.15] vs. 0.12 [0.11, 0.13] kg/min), and fewer bunk visits/d (26.6 [24.0, 29.4] vs. 32.8 [29.7, 35.9]). Regardless of grouping or parity, cows with shorter latencies to first visit the bunk after feed delivery were involved in more competition and tended to be less feed efficient. Overall, individual cow- and group-level relationships among competition, feeding behavior, and feed efficiency play an important role in feed bunk social dynamics. At a competitive 2:1 stocking density, mixed-parity groups for lactating cows may have potentially negative animal welfare and feed efficiency implications that should be considered when selecting grouping strategies on the farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith S Reyes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Heather M White
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Kent A Weigel
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Jennifer M C Van Os
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
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5
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Hu Z, Boschiero C, Li CJ, Connor EE, Baldwin RL, Liu GE. Unraveling the Genetic Basis of Feed Efficiency in Cattle through Integrated DNA Methylation and CattleGTEx Analysis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2121. [PMID: 38136943 PMCID: PMC10742843 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Feed costs can amount to 75 percent of the total overhead cost of raising cows for milk production. Meanwhile, the livestock industry is considered a significant contributor to global climate change due to the production of greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane. Indeed, the genetic basis of feed efficiency (FE) is of great interest to the animal research community. Here, we explore the epigenetic basis of FE to provide base knowledge for the development of genomic tools to improve FE in cattle. The methylation level of 37,554 CpG sites was quantified using a mammalian methylation array (HorvathMammalMethylChip40) for 48 Holstein cows with extreme residual feed intake (RFI). We identified 421 CpG sites related to 287 genes that were associated with RFI, several of which were previously associated with feeding or digestion issues. Activator of transcription and developmental regulation (AUTS2) is associated with digestive disorders in humans, while glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2) encodes a protein on the inner mitochondrial membrane, which can regulate glucose utilization and fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis. The extensive expression and co-expression of these genes across diverse tissues indicate the complex regulation of FE in cattle. Our study provides insight into the epigenetic basis of RFI and gene targets to improve FE in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbin Hu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Clarissa Boschiero
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Cong-Jun Li
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Erin E. Connor
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Ransom L. Baldwin
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - George E. Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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6
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Barrio E, Hervás G, Gindri M, Friggens NC, Toral PG, Frutos P. Relationship between feed efficiency and resilience in dairy ewes subjected to acute underfeeding. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:6028-6040. [PMID: 37474371 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Selection of dairy sheep based on production levels has caused a loss of rusticity, which might compromise their future resilience to nutritional challenges. Although refocusing breeding programs toward improved feed efficiency (FE) is expected, more-efficient ewes also seem to be more productive. As a first step to examine the relationship between FE and resilience in dairy sheep, in this study we explored the variation in the response to and the recovery from an acute nutritional challenge in high-yielding Assaf ewes phenotypically divergent for FE. First, feed intake, milk yield and composition, and body weight changes were recorded individually over a 3-wk period in a total of 40 sheep fed a total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Data were used to calculate their FE index (FEI, defined as the difference between the actual and predicted intake estimated through net energy requirements for maintenance, production, and weight change). The highest and lowest FE ewes (H-FE and L-FE groups, respectively; 10 animals/group) were selected and then subjected to the nutritional challenge (i.e., withdrawing the TMR and limiting their diet only to the consumption of straw for 3 d). Afterward, sheep were fed again the TMR ad libitum. Temporal patterns of variation in performance traits, and ruminal fermentation and blood parameters were examined. A good consistency between FEI, residual feed intake, and feed conversion ratio was observed. Results supported that H-FE were more productive than L-FE sheep at similar intake level. Average time trends of milk yield generated by a piecewise model suggest that temporal patterns of variation in this trait would be related to prechallenge production level (i.e., H-FE presented quicker response and recovery than L-FE). Considering all studied traits, the overall response to and recovery from underfeeding was apparently similar or even better in H-FE than in L-FE. This would refute the initial hypothesis of a poorer resilience of more-efficient sheep to an acute underfeeding. However, the question remains whether a longer term feed restriction might impair the ability of H-FE ewes to maintain or revert to a high-production status, which would require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Barrio
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-University of León), Finca Marzanas s/n, 24346 Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - G Hervás
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-University of León), Finca Marzanas s/n, 24346 Grulleros, León, Spain.
| | - M Gindri
- UMR 0791 Modélisation Systémique Appliquée aux Ruminants, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 75005 Paris, France
| | - N C Friggens
- UMR 0791 Modélisation Systémique Appliquée aux Ruminants, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, 75005 Paris, France
| | - P G Toral
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-University of León), Finca Marzanas s/n, 24346 Grulleros, León, Spain
| | - P Frutos
- Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-University of León), Finca Marzanas s/n, 24346 Grulleros, León, Spain
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7
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Thorup VM, Munksgaard L, Terré M, Henriksen JCS, Weisbjerg MR, Løvendahl P. The relationship between feed efficiency and behaviour differs between lactating Holstein and Jersey cows. J DAIRY RES 2023; 90:257-260. [PMID: 37615115 DOI: 10.1017/s0022029923000420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
In dairy production, high feed efficiency (FE) is important to reduce feed costs and negative impacts of milk production on the climate and environment, yet little is known about the relationship between FE, eating behaviour and activity. This research communication describes how cows differing in FE, expressed as daily energy corrected milk production per unit of feed intake, differed in eating behaviour and activity. We used data from a study of 253 lactations obtained from 97 Holstein and 91 Jersey cows milked in an automatic milking system. Automated feed troughs recorded feed intake behaviour and cows wore a sensor that recorded activity from 5 to 200 d in milk (DIM). We used a mixed linear model to estimate random solutions for individual cows for traits of steps, lying and eating behaviour and calculated their correlation with FE during four periods (5-35, 36-75, 76-120 and 121-200 DIM). Separate analyses were performed for each breed and period. We found that individual level correlations between FE and behaviour traits were stronger in Jersey than in Holstein cows. Eating rate correlated weakly negatively to FE in Holstein cows and more strongly so in Jersey cows, such that efficient Jerseys were slower eaters. The physical activity of Jersey cows was weakly and negatively correlated to FE, but this was not the case in Holstein cows. We conclude that eating rate was consistently negatively associated with FE throughout lactation for Jersey cows, but not for Holstein cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivi M Thorup
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Lene Munksgaard
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Marta Terré
- Ruminant Production, IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Julie C S Henriksen
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Martin R Weisbjerg
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - Peter Løvendahl
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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Jorge-Smeding E, Polakof S, Bonnet M, Durand S, Centeno D, Pétéra M, Taussat S, Cantalapiedra-Hijar G. Untargeted metabolomics confirms the association between plasma branched chain amino acids and residual feed intake in beef heifers. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277458. [PMID: 36445891 PMCID: PMC9707789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored plasma biomarkers and metabolic pathways underlying feed efficiency measured as residual feed intake (RFI) in Charolais heifers. A total of 48 RFI extreme individuals (High-RFI, n = 24; Low-RFI, n = 24) were selected from a population of 142 heifers for classical plasma metabolite and hormone quantification and plasma metabolomic profiling through untargeted LC-MS. Most efficient heifers (Low-RFI) had greater (P = 0.03) plasma concentrations of IGF-1 and tended to have (P = 0.06) a lower back fat depth compared to least efficient heifers. However, no changes were noted (P ≥ 0.10) for plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate and urea. The plasma metabolomic dataset comprised 3,457 ions with none significantly differing between RFI classes after false discovery rate correction (FDR > 0.10). Among the 101 ions having a raw P < 0.05 for the RFI effect, 13 were putatively annotated by using internal databases and 6 compounds were further confirmed with standards. Metabolic pathway analysis from these 6 confirmed compounds revealed that the branched chain amino acid metabolism was significantly (FDR < 0.05) impacted by the RFI classes. Our results confirmed for the first time in beef heifers previous findings obtained in male beef cattle and pointing to changes in branched-chain amino acids metabolism along with that of body composition as biological mechanisms related to RFI. Further studies are warranted to ascertain whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship between these mechanisms and RFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Jorge-Smeding
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sergio Polakof
- INRAE, Unité de Nutrition Humaine (UNH), Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Muriel Bonnet
- INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR Herbivores, Université Clermont Auvergne, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Stephanie Durand
- INRAE, UNH, Plateforme d’Exploration du Métabolisme, MetaboHUB Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Delphine Centeno
- INRAE, UNH, Plateforme d’Exploration du Métabolisme, MetaboHUB Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mélanie Pétéra
- INRAE, UNH, Plateforme d’Exploration du Métabolisme, MetaboHUB Clermont, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sébastien Taussat
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Eliance, Paris, France
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Elolimy AA, Liang Y, Wilachai K, Alharthi AS, Paengkoum P, Trevisi E, Loor JJ. Residual feed intake in peripartal dairy cows is associated with differences in milk fat yield, ruminal bacteria, biopolymer hydrolyzing enzymes, and circulating biomarkers of immunometabolism. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6654-6669. [PMID: 35840400 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21274] [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: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Residual feed intake (RFI) measures feed efficiency independent of milk production level, and is typically calculated using data past peak lactation. In the current study, we retrospectively classified multiparous Holstein cows (n = 320) from 5 of our published studies into most feed-efficient (M-eff) or least feed-efficient (L-eff) groups using performance data collected during the peripartal period. Objectives were to assess differences in profiles of plasma biomarkers of immunometabolism, relative abundance of key ruminal bacteria, and activities of digestive enzymes in ruminal digesta between M-eff and L-eff cows. Individual data from cows with ad libitum access to a total mixed ration from d -28 to d +28 relative to calving were used. A linear regression model including dry matter intake (DMI), energy-corrected milk (ECM), changes in body weight (BW), and metabolic BW was used to classify cows based on RFI divergence into L-eff (n = 158) and M-eff (n = 162). Plasma collected from the coccygeal vessel at various times around parturition (L-eff = 60 cows; M-eff = 47 cows) was used for analyses of 30 biomarkers of immunometabolism. Ruminal digesta collected via esophageal tube (L-eff = 19 cows; M-eff = 29 cows) was used for DNA extraction and assessment of relative abundance (%) of 17 major bacteria using real-time PCR, as well as activity of cellulase, amylase, xylanase, and protease. The UNIVARIATE procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.) was used for analyses of RFI coefficients. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used for repeated measures analysis of performance, milk yield and composition, plasma immunometabolic biomarkers, ruminal bacteria, and enzyme activities. The M-eff cows consumed less DMI during the peripartal period compared with L-eff cows. In the larger cohort of cows, despite greater overall BW for M-eff cows especially in the prepartum (788 vs. 764 kg), no difference in body condition score was detected due to RFI or the interaction of RFI × time. Milk fat content (4.14 vs. 3.75 ± 0.06%) and milk fat yield (1.75 vs. 1.62 ± 0.04 kg) were greater in M-eff cows. Although cumulative ECM yield did not differ due to RFI (1,138 vs. 1,091 ± 21 kg), an RFI × time interaction due to greater ECM yield was found in M-eff cows. Among plasma biomarkers studied, concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, bilirubin, ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, myeloperoxidase, and reactive oxygen metabolites were overall greater, and glucose, paraoxonase, and IL-6 were lower in M-eff compared with L-eff cows. Among bacteria studied, abundance of Ruminobacter amylophilus and Prevotella ruminicola were more than 2-fold greater in M-eff cows. Despite lower ruminal activity of amylase in M-eff cows in the prepartum, regardless of RFI, we observed a marked linear increase after calving in amylase, cellulase, and xylanase activities. Protease activity did not differ due to RFI, time, or RFI × time. Despite greater concentrations of biomarkers reflective of negative energy balance and inflammation, higher feed efficiency measured as RFI in peripartal dairy cows might be associated with shifts in ruminal bacteria and amylase enzyme activity. Further studies could help address such factors, including the roles of the liver and the mammary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Elolimy
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801; Department of Animal Production, National Research Centre, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Y Liang
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801
| | - K Wilachai
- Program of Animal science, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand; Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, 30000
| | - A S Alharthi
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - P Paengkoum
- Suranaree University of Technology, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, 30000
| | - E Trevisi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Food and Nutrition (DIANA), Facolta di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali, Universita Cattolicadel Sacro Cuore, Piacenza 29122, Italy
| | - J J Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.
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Fischer A, Dai X, Kalscheur KF. Feed efficiency of lactating Holstein cows is repeatable within diet but less reproducible when changing dietary starch and forage concentrations. Animal 2022; 16:100599. [PMID: 35907383 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving feed efficiency has become an important target for dairy farmers to produce more milk with fewer feed resources. With decreasing availability of arable land to produce feeds that are edible for human consumption, it will be important to increase the proportion of feeds in the diets for dairy cattle that are less edible for human consumption. The current research analyzed the ability of lactating dairy cows to maintain their feed efficiency when switching between a high starch diet (HS diet: 27% starch, 29% NDF, 47.1% forages on a DM basis) and a low starch diet (LS diet: 13% starch, 37% NDF, 66.4% forages on a DM basis). Sixty-two lactating Holstein cows (137 ± 23 days in milk (DIM) at the start of experiment), of which 29 were primiparous cows, were utilized in a crossover design with two 70-d experimental periods, including a 14-d adaption period for each. Feed efficiency was estimated as the individual deviation from the population average intercept in a mixed model predicting DM intake (DMI) with net energy in milk, maintenance and BW gain and loss. Repeatability was estimated within each diet by comparing feed efficiency estimated over the first 28-day period and the second 28-day period within each diet, using Pearson's and intraclass correlations, and the estimation of error of repeatability. Similarly, reproducibility was estimated by comparing the second 28-day period of one diet with the first 28-day period of the other diet. Feed efficiency was less reproducible across diets than repeatable within the same diet. This was shown by lower intraclass correlations (0.399) across diets compared to that in the HS diet (0.587) and LS diet (0.806), as well as a lower Pearson's correlation coefficient (0.418) across diets compared to that in the HS diet (0.630) and LS diet (0.809). In addition, the estimation of error of repeatability was higher (0.830 kg DM/d) across diets compared to that in the HS diet (0.761 kg DM/d) and LS diet (0.504 kg DM/d). This means that the feed efficiency of dairy cows is more likely to change after a diet change than over subsequent lactation stages. Other determinants, such as digestive processes, need to be further investigated to determine its effects on estimating feed efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fischer
- U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - X Dai
- U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - K F Kalscheur
- U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Brown W, Cavani L, Peñagaricano F, Weigel K, White H. Feeding behavior parameters and temporal patterns in mid-lactation Holstein cows across a range of residual feed intake values. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8130-8142. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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12
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Cavani L, Brown WE, Parker Gaddis KL, Tempelman RJ, VandeHaar MJ, White HM, Peñagaricano F, Weigel KA. Estimates of genetic parameters for feeding behavior traits and their associations with feed efficiency in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:7564-7574. [PMID: 35863925 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Residual feed intake (RFI) is commonly used to measure feed efficiency but individual intake recording systems are needed. Feeding behavior may be used as an indicator trait for feed efficiency using less expensive precision livestock farming technologies. Our goal was to estimate genetic parameters for feeding behavior and the genetic correlations with feed efficiency in Holstein cows. Data consisted of 75,877 daily feeding behavior records of 1,328 mid-lactation Holstein cows in 31 experiments conducted from 2009 to 2020 with an automated intake recording system. Feeding behavior traits included number of feeder visits per day, number of meals per day, duration of each feeder visit, duration of each meal, total duration of feeder visits, intake per visit, intake per meal [kg of dry matter (DM)], feeding rate per visit, and feeding rate per meal (kg of DM per min). The meal criterion was estimated as 26.4 min, which means that any pair of feeder visits separated by less than 26.4 min were considered part of the same meal. The statistical model included lactation and days in milk as fixed effects, and experiment-treatment, animal, and permanent environment as random effects. Genetic parameters for feeding behavior traits were estimated using daily records and weekly averages. Estimates of heritability for daily feeding behavior traits ranged from 0.09 ± 0.02 (number of meals; mean ± standard error) to 0.23 ± 0.03 (feeding rate per meal), with repeatability estimates ranging from 0.23 ± 0.01 (number of meals) to 0.52 ± 0.02 (number of feeder visits). Estimates of heritability for weekly averages of feeding behavior traits ranged from 0.19 ± 0.04 (number of meals) to 0.32 ± 0.04 (feeding rate per visit), with repeatability estimates ranging from 0.46 ± 0.02 (duration of each meal) to 0.62 ± 0.02 (feeding rate per visit and per meal). Most of the feeding behavior measures were strongly genetically correlated, showing that with more visits or meals per day, cows spend less time in each feeder visit or meal with lower intake per visit or meal. Weekly averages for feeding behavior traits were analyzed jointly with RFI and its components. Number of meals was genetically correlated with milk energy (0.48), metabolic body weight (-0.27), and RFI (0.19). Duration of each feeder visit and meal were genetically correlated with milk energy (0.43 and 0.44, respectively). Total duration of feeder visits per day was genetically correlated with DM intake (0.29), milk energy (0.62), metabolic body weight (-0.37), and RFI (0.20). Intake per visit and meal were genetically correlated with DM intake (0.63 and 0.87), milk energy (0.47 and 0.69), metabolic body weight (0.47 and 0.68), and RFI (0.31 and 0.65). Feeding rate was genetically correlated with DM intake (0.69), metabolic body weight (0.67), RFI (0.47), and milk energy (0.21). We conclude that measures of feeding behavior could be useful indicators of dairy cow feed efficiency, and individual cows that eat at a slower rate may be more feed efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia Cavani
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
| | - William E Brown
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | | | - Robert J Tempelman
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | | | - Heather M White
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
| | | | - Kent A Weigel
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706
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Nehme Marinho M, Santos JEP. Association of Residual Feed Intake With Blood Metabolites and Reproduction in Holstein Cows. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.847574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the associations between residual dry matter (DM) intake or residual feed intake (RFI) from 1 to 15 weeks postpartum and concentrations of metabolites in plasma in early lactation and reproduction in Holstein cows. Data from 9 experiments, including 851 cows, were used. Intake of DM, milk yield, and body weight were evaluated daily, whereas milk composition and body condition were evaluated twice weekly for the first 105 days postpartum. Blood was sampled on the day of calving and again on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum and analyzed for concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (FA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and glucose. Reproduction was evaluated for the first 300 days postpartum. Residual DM intake was calculated as the observed minus the predicted intake, with intake predicted based on a model that accounted for major energy sinks. Cows were ranked and categorized into RFI quartiles, from the smallest (Q1) to the largest (Q4) RFI (−1.87, −0.46, 0.39, and 1.90 kg/day). Increasing efficiency (i.e., from Q4 to Q1) resulted in linear decreases in DM intake (Q1 to Q4; 18.9, 20.4, 21.3, and 22.7 kg/day), and median days open (132, 125, 135, and 147 d). Conversely, improving efficiency was associated with a linear increase in pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI, 31.4, 30.6, 31.2, and 24.5%) and quadratic increases in the 21-day cycle pregnancy rate (21.2, 21.1, 22.0, and 16.6%) and the proportion of pregnant cows (79.0, 80.7, 82.4, and 71.5%). The estimated net energy for lactation (NEL) content of diets increased linearly with improved RFI (1.88, 1.76, 1.71, and 1.58 Mcal/kg), resulting in no association between RFI and energy-corrected milk yield or body energy change. Nevertheless, increased feed efficiency was associated with a linear increase in concentrations of blood FA (0.68, 0.63, 0.60, and 0.59 mM), but a quadratic association with BHB (0.75, 0.64, 0.64, and 0.65 mM), with no association with glucose. Collectively, the most feed efficient cows ate 3.8 kg/day less DM, produced the same amount of energy-corrected milk, and had improved reproductive performance compared with the least efficient cows, thus suggesting that the underlying mechanisms responsible for improved feed efficiency might also be linked with improvements in reproduction.
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Zhang H, Elolimy AA, Akbar H, Thanh LP, Yang Z, Loor JJ. Association of residual feed intake with peripartal ruminal microbiome and milk fatty acid composition during early lactation in Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:4971-4986. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-21454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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15
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Association of Feed Efficiency, Feeding Rate, and Behaviour with the Milk Performance of Dairy Cows. DAIRY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy2040053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of the associations of cow feed efficiency with feeding behaviour and milk production is important for supporting recommendations of strategies that optimise milk yield. The objective of this study was to identify associations between measures of feed efficiency, feed intake, feeding rate, rumination time, feeding time, and milk production using data collected from 26 dairy cows during a 3 month period in 2018. Cows averaged (mean ± standard deviation) 2.2 ± 1.7 lactations, 128 ± 40 days in milk, 27.5 ± 5.5 kg/day milk, 1.95 ± 0.69 kg feed/1 kg milk—the measure used to express feed conversion ratio (FCR), 575 ± 72 min/day rumination time, and 264 ± 67 min/day feeding time during the observation period. The coefficient of variation for rumination time (min/d) was 12.5%. A mixed linear model was selected for analyses. The most feed inefficient cows with the highest FCR (≥2.6 kg feed/1 kg milk) showed the lowest milk yield (24.8 kg/day), highest feed intake (78.8 kg), highest feeding rate (0.26 kg/min) and BCS (3.35 point). However, the relative milk yield (milk yield per 100 kg of body weight) was the highest (4.01 kg/day) in the most efficient group with the lowest FCR (≤1.4 kg feed/1 kg milk). Our study showed that the most efficient cows with the lowest FCR (≤1.4 kg feed/1 kg milk) had the highest rumination time (597 min/day; p < 0.05), feeding time (298 min/day; p < 0.05), rumination/activity ratio (4.39; p < 0.05) and rumination/feeding ratio (2.04; p < 0.05). Less active cows (activity time 164 min/day; p < 0.05) were the most efficient cows with the lowest FCR (≤1.4 kg feed/1 kg milk). The behavioural differences observed in this study provide new insight into the association of feed behaviour and feed efficiency with milk performance. Incorporating feeding behaviour into the dry matter intake model can improve its accuracy in the future and benefit breeding programmes.
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16
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Elolimy AA, Liang Y, Lopes MG, Loor JJ. Antioxidant networks and the microbiome as components of efficiency in dairy cattle. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Xie Y, Miao C, Lu Y, Sun H, Liu J. Nitrogen metabolism and mammary gland amino acid utilization in lactating dairy cows with different residual feed intake. Anim Biosci 2021; 34:1600-1606. [PMID: 33677918 PMCID: PMC8495352 DOI: 10.5713/ab.20.0821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to enhance our understanding of nitrogen (N) metabolism and mammary amino acid (AA) utilization in lactating cows with divergent phenotypes of residual feed intake (RFI). METHODS Fifty-three multiparous mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were selected for RFI measurements over a 50-d experimental period. The 26 cows with the most extreme RFI values were classified into the high RFI (n = 13) and low RFI (n = 13) groups, respectively, for analysis of N metabolism and AA utilization. RESULTS Compared with the high RFI cows, the low RFI animals had lower dry matter intake (p<0.01) with no difference observed in milk yield between the two groups (p> 0.10). However, higher ratios of milk yield to dry matter intake (p<0.01) were found in the low RFI cows than in the high RFI cows. The low RFI cows had significant greater ratios of milk protein to metabolizable protein (p = 0.02) and milk protein to crude protein intake than the high RFI cows (p = 0.01). The arterial concentration and mammary uptake of essential AA (p<0.10), branched-chain AA (p<0.10), and total AA (p<0.10) tended to be lower in the low RFI cows. Additionally, the low RFI cows tended to have a lower ratio of AA uptake to milk output for essential AA (p = 0.08), branched-chain AA (p = 0.07) and total AA (p = 0.09) than the high RFI cows. CONCLUSION In summary, both utilization of metabolizable protein for milk protein and mammary AA utilization are more efficient in cows with lower RFI than in the high RFI cows. Our results provide new insight into the protein metabolic processes (related to N and AA) involved in feed efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Xie
- Institute of Dairy Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chao Miao
- Institute of Dairy Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Institute of Dairy Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huizeng Sun
- Institute of Dairy Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianxin Liu
- Institute of Dairy Science, MOE Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Ben Meir YA, Nikbachat M, Portnik Y, Jacoby S, Adin G, Moallem U, Halachmi I, Miron J, Mabjeesh SJ. Effect of forage-to-concentrate ratio on production efficiency of low-efficient high-yielding lactating cows. Animal 2020; 15:100012. [PMID: 33515986 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2020.100012] [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: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Feed is usually the costliest input in lactating cow's farms. Therefore, the developing of methods for a better adjustment of feed intake to cow's energetic needs in order to improve efficiency is desired. The aim of this study was to improve feed efficiency of low-efficient (LE) cows through a moderate increase in diet forage-to-concentrate ratio. We studied the effects of replacing 8.2% corn grains in a control low-fiber (LF) diet that contained 17.5% forage neutral detergent fiber (NDF) with 7.5% wheat straw +0.7% soybean meal for a high-fiber (HF) diet that contained 23.4% forage NDF. Based on efficiency data of individual cows from the Agricultural Research Organization's herd measured in our previous study, 15 pairs of pre-classified LE multiparous mid-lactating Israeli Holstein dairy cows were selected, each pair with similar performance, intake, and efficiency data; each member of a pair was then adapted for 2 weeks to one or the other dietary treatment. Traits examined during the 5 weeks of the experiment were DM intake (DMI), eating behavior, milk production, in vivo digestibility, and estimation of feed efficiency [energy-corrected milk (ECM)/DMI and energy balance]. Cows fed the HF diet showed slower eating rate, smaller visit and meal sizes, longer daily eating time, higher visit frequency, and longer meal duration, compared to those fed the LF diet. The DMI of cows fed the HF diet was 9.1% lower, their DM digestibility decreased from 65.7 to 62.2%, and their ECM yield was 7.0% lower than in cows fed the LF diet. Feed efficiency, measured as net energy captured/digestible energy intake, improved in the cows fed the HF vs. LF diet while feed efficiency measured as ECM/DMI remained similar. Our results thus show the potential of improving feed efficiency for milk production in LE cows by increasing the forage-to-concentrate ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A Ben Meir
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel; Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - M Nikbachat
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - Y Portnik
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - S Jacoby
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - G Adin
- Department of Animal Production, Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Bet-Dagan 7505101, Israel
| | - U Moallem
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - I Halachmi
- Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, ARO, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - J Miron
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - S J Mabjeesh
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
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Yang L, Wang X, He T, Xiong F, Chen X, Chen X, Jin S, Geng Z. Association of residual feed intake with growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables in native chickens. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:5821583. [PMID: 32303739 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving feed efficiency is a primary goal in poultry breeding strategies. Residual feed intake (RFI) in chickens typically calculated during the growing period is a measure of feed efficiency that is independent of the level of production. The objective of this study was to evaluate phenotypic correlations of growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables with RFI in growing native chickens. A total of 1,008 chickens were selected for the experiment to derive RFI. After the RFI measurement period of 42 d, 25 chickens with low RFI values, 25 chickens with medium RFI values, and 25 chickens with high RFI values were selected. The RFI was significantly positively correlated with feed conversion ratio and average daily feed intake, while it was not significantly correlated with initial body weight (BW), final BW, average daily body weight gain, and metabolic BW0.75. The abdominal fat weight and yield of high RFI group were significantly greater than those of medium and low RFI groups, and the abdominal fat yield was significantly positively correlated with RFI. Moreover, the plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) content of low RFI group was significantly greater than those of high and medium RFI groups. The plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone, triiodothyronine (T3), and cortisol of high RFI birds were significantly greater than that of low RFI birds. RFI was significantly positively correlated with plasma concentrations of T3 and cortisol, while it was significantly negatively correlated with plasma concentration of IGF-1. In addition, the serum levels of glucose and triglyceride of high RFI birds were significantly lower than that of low RFI birds. The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) content of high RFI group was significantly greater than that of medium and low RFI groups, and it was significantly positively correlated with RFI. Our data suggested that selection of chickens with low RFI values may be beneficial to reduce fat deposition in native chickens without affecting the meat quality. Circulating IGF-1, T3, cortisol, and LDL-C concentrations can be used as indirect selection indicators of feed efficiency in native chickens. The effect of IGF-1, T3, cortisol, and LDL-C on feed efficiency of native chickens should be carefully examined and validated in future breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Tingting He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Fengliang Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Xianzhen Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Xingyong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Sihua Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyu Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P.R. China
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20
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Relationship between feed efficiency indexes and thermography, blood, and ruminal parameters in pre-weaning dairy heifers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236118. [PMID: 32667943 PMCID: PMC7363088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether pre-weaning heifer calves divergent for residual feed intake (RFI) or residual feed intake and body weight gain (RIG) exhibit differences in thermography, blood, and ruminal parameters. Thirty-two Gyr heifer calves were enrolled in a 63-d trial and classified into 2 feed efficiency (FE) groups based on RFI and RIG (mean ± 0.5 SD). The groups were classified as high efficiency (HE) RFI (HE RFI, n = 9), HE RIG (HE RIG, n = 10), low efficiency (LE) RFI (LE RFI, n = 10), and LE RIG (LE RIG, n = 11). The amount of whole milk provided for each calf was calculated based on their metabolic weight at birth (42% x BW0.75). The liquid diet was divided into two meals at 0700 and 1400 h. The total solid diet (TSD) was composed of 92% concentrate and 8% of Tifton 85 hay chopped in 5-cm lengths, as fed. Intake was measured daily. Blood concentrations of insulin, beta hydroxybutyrate, urea, and glucose, and ruminal pH, N-NH3, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) were evaluated at 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 days of age. Thermal images of the calves were taken with an infrared camera (FLIR T420, FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, OR) on d 56 (±3) at 0600 h, before the morning feeding. Total VFA concentration and propionate as % of total VFA were 24.2% and 22.2% lower in HE RFI compared to LE RFI calves, respectively. On the other hand, acetate as % of total VFA was 10.6% greater in HE RFI than LE RFI calves. Blood urea concentration tended to be greater in LE RFI than HE RFI calves. High efficiency HE RIG tended to have 6.8% greater acetate and 15.4% lower propionate as % of total VFA than LE RIG. Blood insulin concentration was greater and blood glucose tended to be greater for LE RIG than HE RIG group. Low efficiency RIG group had greater left rib, left flank, and anus surface temperature measured by infrared thermography than the HE RIG group. Differences in ruminal fermentation do not seem to be associated with pre-weaning calves efficiency, while differences in protein metabolism seem to affect RFI during this phase. Infrared thermography appears to be correlated to RIG in pre-weaning heifer calves.
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21
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Guinguina A, Yan T, Bayat AR, Lund P, Huhtanen P. The effects of energy metabolism variables on feed efficiency in respiration chamber studies with lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:7983-7997. [PMID: 32534917 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate factors related to variation in feed efficiency (FE) among cows. Data included 841 cow/period observations from 31 energy metabolism studies assembled across 3 research stations. The cows were categorized into low-, medium-, and high-FE groups according to residual feed intake (RFI), residual energy-corrected milk (RECM), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Mixed model regression was conducted to identify differences among the efficiency groups in animal and energy metabolism traits. Partial regression coefficients of both RFI and RECM agreed with published energy requirements more closely than cofficients derived from production experiments. Within RFI groups, efficient (Low-RFI) cows ate less, had a higher digestibility, produced less methane (CH4) and heat, and had a higher efficiency of metabolizable energy (ME) utilization for milk production. High-RECM (most efficient) cows produced 6.0 kg/d more of energy-corrected milk (ECM) than their Low-RECM (least efficient) contemporaries at the same feed intake. They had a higher digestibility, produced less CH4 and heat, and had a higher efficiency of ME utilization for milk production. The contributions of improved digestibility, reduced CH4, and reduced urinary energy losses to increased ME intake at the same feed intake were 84, 12, and 4%, respectively. For both RFI and RECM analysis, increased metabolizability contributed to approximately 35% improved FE, with the remaining 65% attributed to the greater efficiency of utilization of ME. The analysis within RECM groups suggested that the difference in ME utilization was mainly due to the higher maintenance requirement of Low-RECM cows compared with Medium- and High-RECM cows, whereas the difference between Medium- and High-RECM cows resulted mainly from the higher efficiency of ME utilization for milk production in High-RECM cows. The main difference within FCE (ECM/DMI) categories was a greater (8.2 kg/d) ECM yield at the expense of mobilization in High-FCE cows compared with Low-FCE cows. Methane intensity (CH4/ECM) was lower for efficient cows than for inefficient cows. The results indicated that RFI and RECM are different traits. We concluded that there is considerable variation in FE among cows that is not related to dilution of maintenance requirement or nutrient partitioning. Improving FE is a sustainable approach to reduce CH4 production per unit of product, and at the same time improve the economics of milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Guinguina
- Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - T Yan
- Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DR, United Kingdom
| | - A R Bayat
- Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), 31600 Jokioinen, Finland
| | - P Lund
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, AU Foulum, PO Box 50, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - P Huhtanen
- Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-901 83 Umeå, Sweden.
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Liu E, VandeHaar MJ. Relationship of residual feed intake and protein efficiency in lactating cows fed high- or low-protein diets. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:3177-3190. [PMID: 32059861 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Our objectives were to determine the repeatability of residual feed intake (RFI) across dietary protein levels and to determine the association between RFI and protein efficiency in lactating cows. Holstein cows (n = 166; 92 primiparous, 74 multiparous) with initial milk yield 41.3 ± 9.8 kg/d were fed diets with high or low protein in peak lactation. Experiments were conducted as crossovers with 2 treatment periods of 28 to 35 d. Production of 69 of the 166 cows (42 primiparous, 27 multiparous) was also measured in late lactation. Low-protein diets were 14% crude protein (CP) in peak lactation and 13% CP in late lactation and were formulated to contain adequate rumen-degradable protein to maintain rumen function. High-protein diets were 18% CP in peak lactation and 16% CP in late lactation and contained extra expeller soybean meal to increase absorbed protein. Cows were milked twice daily; DMI and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk composition was measured over 4 consecutive milkings weekly, and body weight (BW) was measured 3 times weekly. Fixed effects of diet, parity, and treatment period, interaction of parity and diet, and random effects of experiment and cow nested within experiment were included in the model to compare intake and production performance between cows fed different levels of CP. The RFI value was calculated for each cow on each treatment based on the actual intake, milk energy output, metabolic BW, and body energy (calculated from BW change and body condition score over the treatment period) change. Ranking of cows for RFI was moderately repeatable across dietary protein in peak lactation (r = 0.59) but less repeatable in late lactation (r = 0.41). Negative correlation was observed between RFI and protein efficiency values (dietary protein captured in milk) for cows in both peak lactation (r = -0.42) and late lactation (r = -0.24), which suggested that cows with higher energy efficiency had greater protein efficiency. In conclusion, RFI was repeatable across dietary protein levels within lactation stage, and cows with lower RFI values utilized protein more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - M J VandeHaar
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
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Cohen-Zinder M, Lipkin E, Shor-Shimoni E, Ben-Meir Y, Agmon R, Asher A, Miron J, Shabtay A. FABP4 gene has a very large effect on feed efficiency in lactating Israeli Holstein cows. Physiol Genomics 2019; 51:481-487. [PMID: 31373885 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00051.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving feed efficiency (FE) is a major goal for the livestock industry. Previously, we have identified 48 SNP markers distributed over 32 genes significantly associated with residual feed intake (RFI) in Israeli Holstein male calves, the most significant of which are located in the bovine FABP4 gene. In the present study, we tested associations of eight of the FABP4 markers with RFI and feed conversion ratio (FCR), along with milk composition and feeding behavioral traits, in 114 lactating Israeli Holstein cows. Large allele effects were found, along with large contributions of FABP4 markers to the phenotypic variation [mean contribution of all significant markers (P < 0.05), 15.4 and 12.0% for RFI and FCR, respectively] and genotypic variation [means of all significant markers (P < 0.05), 75.7 and 32.4% in RFI and FCR, respectively]. However, the association of all significant FABP4 markers with FE and milk content traits was found in opposite directions, such that improved FE was accompanied by decreased milk content. Hence, before inclusion in breeding programs, the gain in FE must be economically balanced with the loss in milk contents. On the other hand, these findings imply that in any current improvement program concentrated on milk traits alone, without taking into account the effect on FE, the progress in milk composition is probably accompanied by deterioration of FE. These results, if confirmed in other populations and breeds, set FABP4 as a prime candidate in any marker-assisted selection program targeting FE as a whole and RFI in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Cohen-Zinder
- Beef Cattle Section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
| | - Ehud Lipkin
- Department of Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Einav Shor-Shimoni
- Beef Cattle Section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
| | - Yehoshav Ben-Meir
- Department of Ruminant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Rotem Agmon
- Beef Cattle Section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
| | - Aviv Asher
- Northern R&D, MIGAL, Galilee Technology Center, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Joshua Miron
- Department of Ruminant Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Ariel Shabtay
- Beef Cattle Section, Newe-Ya'ar Research Center, Agricultural Research Organization, Ramat Yishay, 30095, Israel
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24
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Ramayo-Caldas Y, Mármol-Sánchez E, Ballester M, Sánchez JP, González-Prendes R, Amills M, Quintanilla R. Integrating genome-wide co-association and gene expression to identify putative regulators and predictors of feed efficiency in pigs. Genet Sel Evol 2019; 51:48. [PMID: 31477014 PMCID: PMC6721172 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-019-0490-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feed efficiency (FE) has a major impact on the economic sustainability of pig production. We used a systems-based approach that integrates single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) co-association and gene-expression data to identify candidate genes, biological pathways, and potential predictors of FE in a Duroc pig population. RESULTS We applied an association weight matrix (AWM) approach to analyse the results from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for nine FE associated and production traits using 31K SNPs by defining residual feed intake (RFI) as the target phenotype. The resulting co-association network was formed by 829 SNPs. Additive effects of this SNP panel explained 61% of the phenotypic variance of RFI, and the resulting phenotype prediction accuracy estimated by cross-validation was 0.65 (vs. 0.20 using pedigree-based best linear unbiased prediction and 0.12 using the 31K SNPs). Sixty-eight transcription factor (TF) genes were identified in the co-association network; based on the lossless approach, the putative main regulators were COPS5, GTF2H5, RUNX1, HDAC4, ESR1, USP16, SMARCA2 and GTF2F2. Furthermore, gene expression data of the gluteus medius muscle was explored through differential expression and multivariate analyses. A list of candidate genes showing functional and/or structural associations with FE was elaborated based on results from both AWM and gene expression analyses, and included the aforementioned TF genes and other ones that have key roles in metabolism, e.g. ESRRG, RXRG, PPARGC1A, TCF7L2, LHX4, MAML2, NFATC3, NFKBIZ, TCEA1, CDCA7L, LZTFL1 or CBFB. The most enriched biological pathways in this list were associated with behaviour, immunity, nervous system, and neurotransmitters, including melatonin, glutamate receptor, and gustation pathways. Finally, an expression GWAS allowed identifying 269 SNPs associated with the candidate genes' expression (eSNPs). Addition of these eSNPs to the AWM panel of 829 SNPs did not improve the accuracy of genomic predictions. CONCLUSIONS Candidate genes that have a direct or indirect effect on FE-related traits belong to various biological processes that are mainly related to immunity, behaviour, energy metabolism, and the nervous system. The pituitary gland, hypothalamus and thyroid axis, and estrogen signalling play fundamental roles in the regulation of FE in pigs. The 829 selected SNPs explained 61% of the phenotypic variance of RFI, which constitutes a promising perspective for applying genetic selection on FE relying on molecular-based prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliaxis Ramayo-Caldas
- 0000 0001 1943 6646grid.8581.4Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Emilio Mármol-Sánchez
- grid.7080.fDepartment of Animal Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSCIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus de LA Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Ballester
- 0000 0001 1943 6646grid.8581.4Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Sánchez
- 0000 0001 1943 6646grid.8581.4Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Rayner González-Prendes
- grid.7080.fDepartment of Animal Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSCIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus de LA Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marcel Amills
- grid.7080.fDepartment of Animal Genetics, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSCIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus de LA Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- grid.7080.fDepartament de Ciència Animal i dels Aliments, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Raquel Quintanilla
- 0000 0001 1943 6646grid.8581.4Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
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Ben Meir YA, Nikbachat M, Portnik Y, Jacoby S, Levit H, Bikel D, Adin G, Moallem U, Miron J, Mabjeesh SJ, Halachmi I. Dietary restriction improved feed efficiency of inefficient lactating cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:8898-8906. [PMID: 31351720 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to reduce voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) to increase feeding efficiency of preclassified inefficient (INE) dairy cows through restricted feeding. We studied the effects of dietary restriction on eating behavior, milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) production, in vivo digestibility, energy balance, and measures of feed efficiency [residual feed intake (RFI) and ECM/DMI]. Before the experiment, 12 pairs of cows were classified as INE. The 2 dietary treatments consisted of ad libitum feeding versus restricted feeding of the same total mixed ration containing 36.5% roughage. Inefficient cows fed the restricted total mixed ration had a shorter eating time and lower meal and visit frequency, but a similar rate of eating, meal size, and meal duration compared with INE cows fed ad libitum. Compared with the INE cows fed ad libitum, restricted INE cows had 12.8% lower intake, their dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility remained similar, and their ECM yield was 5.3% lower. Feed efficiency, measured as RFI, ECM/DMI, and net energy retained divided by digestible energy intake, was improved in the restricted INE cows as compared with the ad libitum cows. Our results show that moderate DMI restriction has the potential to improve feed efficiency of preclassified INE cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y A Ben Meir
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel; Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel 7610001
| | - M Nikbachat
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - Y Portnik
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - S Jacoby
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - H Levit
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel 7610001; Precision Livestock Farming Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - D Bikel
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel; Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel 7610001; Department of Animal Production, Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - G Adin
- Department of Animal Production, Extension Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - U Moallem
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - J Miron
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel
| | - S J Mabjeesh
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel 7610001
| | - I Halachmi
- Precision Livestock Farming Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization, Rishon Lezion 7528809, Israel.
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26
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Abstract
Residual feed intake (RFI) is an alternative measure of feed efficiency (FE) and is calculated as the difference between actual and expected feed intake. The biological mechanisms underlying animal-to-animal variation in FE are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the digestive ability of beef cows selected for RFI divergence as heifers, using two contrasted diets. Fifteen 4-year-old beef cows were selected from a total of 69 heifers based on their RFI following the feedlot test. The selected heifers were ranked into high-RFI (+ 1.02 ± 0.28, n = 8) and low-RFI (-0.73 ± 0.28, n = 7), and a digestibility trial was performed after their first lactation. Both RFI groups were offered two different diets: 100% hay or a fattening diet which consisted of a DM basis of 67% whole-plant maize silage and 33% high starch concentrates over four experimental periods (two per diet). A diet effect was observed on feed intake and apparent digestibility, whereas no diet × RFI interaction was detected (P > 0.05). Intake and apparent digestibility were higher in cows fed the fattening diet than in those fed the hay diet (P < 0.0001). DM intake (DMI) and organic matter apparent digestibility (OMd) were repeatable and positively correlated between the two subsequent periods of measurements. For the hay and fattening diets, the repeatability between periods was r = 0.71 and r = 0.73 for DMI and r = 0.87 and r = 0.48 for OMd, respectively. Moreover, both intake (r = 0.55) and OMd (r = 0.54) were positively correlated (P < 0.05) between the hay and fattening diets. Significant differences between beef cows selected for divergence in RFI as heifers were observed for digestive traits (P < 0.05), DM and organic matter (OM) apparent digestibility being higher for low-RFI cows. Overall, this study showed that apparent digestibility contributes to between-animal variation in FE in beef cows.
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27
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Association analysis between feed efficiency and expression of key genes of the avTOR signaling pathway in meat-type ducks. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:3537-3544. [PMID: 31140048 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04720-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: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Genes involved in the target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway are implicated in nutrient translation, cell proliferation and differentiation, and anabolism, which can affect both growth and feed intake. However, the role of TOR signaling in the regulation of feed intake and feed efficiency in poultry is not clear. In the present study, a total of 1000 ducks, of similar initial weight, were chosen and transferred to individual cages to determine their residual feed intake (RFI) from the age of 21 to 42 days. Subsequently, 60 ducks, which were divided into high (HRFI) and low (LRFI) groups according to their RFI, were chosen to analyze the TOR signaling activities in the liver. The differential expression level of genes involved in the TOR signaling pathway was assayed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. In the liver, the expression of AKT, avTOR, avLST8, and S6K1 was significantly higher in LRFI ducks than in HRFI ducks; avTOR and AKT were negatively associated with the feed conversion ratio and RFI. Furthermore, PI3K was moderately positively associated with AKT; AKT was strongly positively associated with PI3K, avTOR, avLST8, and S6K1; and avTOR was strongly positively associated with S6K1. In conclusion, the activation of avTOR signaling in the liver of LRFI ducks might be ascribed to higher energy state or more active nutrient transport (amino acids), or both, than those in the liver of HRFI ducks. The results of the present study indicate that AKT and avTOR of TOR signaling might be used as candidate genes to assess molecular regulation of feed efficiency.
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Effect of lactation trimester and parity on eating behavior, milk production and efficiency traits of dairy cows. Animal 2019; 13:1736-1743. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118003452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Gene co-expression networks from RNA sequencing of dairy cattle identifies genes and pathways affecting feed efficiency. BMC Bioinformatics 2018; 19:513. [PMID: 30558534 PMCID: PMC6296024 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-018-2553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Selection for feed efficiency is crucial for overall profitability and sustainability in dairy cattle production. Key regulator genes and genetic markers derived from co-expression networks underlying feed efficiency could be included in the genomic selection of the best cows. The present study identified co-expression networks associated with high and low feed efficiency and their regulator genes in Danish Holstein and Jersey cows. RNA-sequencing data from Holstein and Jersey cows with high and low residual feed intake (RFI) and treated with two diets (low and high concentrate) were used. Approximately 26 million and 25 million pair reads were mapped to bovine reference genome for Jersey and Holstein breed, respectively. Subsequently, the gene count expressions data were analysed using a Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) approach. Functional enrichment analysis from Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis (IPA®), ClueGO application and STRING of these modules was performed to identify relevant biological pathways and regulatory genes. Results WGCNA identified two groups of co-expressed genes (modules) significantly associated with RFI and one module significantly associated with diet. In Holstein cows, the salmon module with module trait relationship (MTR) = 0.7 and the top upstream regulators ATP7B were involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, steroid biosynthesis, lipid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism. The magenta module has been significantly associated (MTR = 0.51) with the treatment diet involved in the triglyceride homeostasis. In Jersey cows, the lightsteelblue1 (MTR = − 0.57) module controlled by IFNG and IL10RA was involved in the positive regulation of interferon-gamma production, lymphocyte differentiation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity and primary immunodeficiency. Conclusion The present study provides new information on the biological functions in liver that are potentially involved in controlling feed efficiency. The hub genes and upstream regulators (ATP7b, IFNG and IL10RA) involved in these functions are potential candidate genes for the development of new biomarkers. However, the hub genes, upstream regulators and pathways involved in the co-expressed networks were different in both breeds. Hence, additional studies are required to investigate and confirm these findings prior to their use as candidate genes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12859-018-2553-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ben Meir Y, Nikbachat M, Fortnik Y, Jacoby S, Levit H, Adin G, Cohen Zinder M, Shabtay A, Gershon E, Zachut M, Mabjeesh S, Halachmi I, Miron J. Eating behavior, milk production, rumination, and digestibility characteristics of high- and low-efficiency lactating cows fed a low-roughage diet. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:10973-10984. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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31
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Elolimy AA, Arroyo JM, Batistel F, Iakiviak MA, Loor JJ. Association of residual feed intake with abundance of ruminal bacteria and biopolymer hydrolyzing enzyme activities during the peripartal period and early lactation in Holstein dairy cows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:43. [PMID: 29796256 PMCID: PMC5956847 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-018-0258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Residual feed intake (RFI) in dairy cattle typically calculated at peak lactation is a measure of feed efficiency independent of milk production level. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in ruminal bacteria, biopolymer hydrolyzing enzyme activities, and overall performance between the most- and the least-efficient dairy cows during the peripartal period. Twenty multiparous Holstein dairy cows with daily ad libitum access to a total mixed ration from d − 10 to d 60 relative to the calving date were used. Cows were classified into most-efficient (i.e. with low RFI, n = 10) and least-efficient (i.e. with high RFI, n = 10) based on a linear regression model involving dry matter intake (DMI), fat-corrected milk (FCM), changes in body weight (BW), and metabolic BW. Results The most-efficient cows had ~ 2.6 kg/d lower DMI at wk 4, 6, 7, and 8 compared with the least-efficient cows. In addition, the most-efficient cows had greater relative abundance of total ruminal bacterial community during the peripartal period. Compared with the least-efficient cows, the most-efficient cows had 4-fold greater relative abundance of Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens at d − 10 and d 10 around parturition and tended to have greater abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Megaspheara elsdenii. In contrast, the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and Streptococcus bovis was lower and Succinimonas amylolytica and Prevotella bryantii tended to be lower in the most-efficient cows around calving. During the peripartal period, the most-efficient cows had lower enzymatic activities of cellulase, amylase, and protease compared with the least-efficient cows. Conclusions The results suggest that shifts in ruminal bacteria and digestive enzyme activities during the peripartal period could, at least in part, be part of the mechanism associated with better feed efficiency in dairy cows. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40104-018-0258-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Elolimy
- 1Mammalian NutriPhysioGenomics, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA.,2Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA
| | - José M Arroyo
- 1Mammalian NutriPhysioGenomics, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA.,2Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA.,3Departamento de Nutrición Animal, Instituto de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Ruta 1 km 42.5, 80100 San José, Uruguay
| | - Fernanda Batistel
- 1Mammalian NutriPhysioGenomics, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA.,2Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA
| | | | - Juan J Loor
- 1Mammalian NutriPhysioGenomics, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA.,2Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA.,4Division of Nutritional Sciences, Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL USA
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Fischer A, Delagarde R, Faverdin P. Identification of biological traits associated with differences in residual energy intake among lactating Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:4193-4211. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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33
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Isolating the cow-specific part of residual energy intake in lactating dairy cows using random regressions. Animal 2018; 12:1396-1404. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731117003214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Sharma VK, Kundu SS, Prusty S, Datt C, Kumar M. Nutrient utilisation, growth performance and blood metabolites in Murrah buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis) divergently selected for residual feed intake. Arch Anim Nutr 2016; 70:455-69. [DOI: 10.1080/1745039x.2016.1233678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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