Development and validation of a model for early prediction of residual feed intake in beef cattle using plasma biomarkers.

Identification of plasma biomarkers for feed efficiency in growing beef cattle offers a promising opportunity for developing prediction models to improve precision feeding strategies. However, these models must accurately predict feed efficiency at early stages of fattening. Our study aimed to evaluate the reliability of candidate biomarkers previously identified in late-fattening cattle when analysed during early fattening stages and to develop diet-specific prediction equations for residual feed intake (RFI).

Effect of residual feed intake on meat quality in fattening Charolais bulls fed two contrasting diets.

The selection of more efficient animals for breeding is of both economic and environmental interest to the industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the animals' residual feed intake (RFI) ranking in interaction with the type of diet on the meat quality of Charolais beef cattle. Indeed, several biological mechanisms are associated with RFI, especially when animals are fed high starch-diets.

Some plasma biomarkers of residual feed intake in beef cattle remain consistent regardless of intake level.

This study investigated whether plasma biomarkers of residual feed intake (RFI), identified under ad libitum feeding conditions in beef cattle, remained consistent during feed restriction. Sixty Charolais crossbred young bulls were divided into two groups for a crossover study. Group A was initially fed ad libitum (first test) and then restricted (second test) on the same diet, while Group B experienced the opposite sequence.

Relationship between residual feed intake and digestive traits of fattening bulls fed grass silage- or maize silage-based diets.

Several studies tried to identify digestive determinants of individual variation in feed efficiency between fattening bulls, because of their importance for breeding and management strategies. Most studies focused on single traits or single diet. Little is known about diet-dependent differences in digestive determinants and on their relative importance in distinguishing divergent residual feed intake (RFI) bulls.

Comparative analysis of signalling pathways in tissue protein metabolism in efficient and non-efficient beef cattle: acute response to an identical single meal size.

Protein turnover has been associated to residual feed intake (RFI) in beef cattle. However, this relationship may be confounded by feeding level and affected by the composition of the diet being fed. Our aim was to assess postmortem the protein metabolism signalling pathways in skeletal muscle and liver of 32 Charolais young bulls with extreme RFI phenotypes.