Exploring Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle: From Data Collection to Genetic and Nutritional Modeling.

Increasing feed efficiency in beef cattle is critical for meeting the growing global demand for beef while managing rising feed costs and environmental impacts. Challenges in recording feed intake and combining genomic and nutritional models hinder improvements in feed efficiency for sustainable beef production. This review examines the progression from traditional data collection methods to modern genetic and nutritional approaches that enhance feed efficiency.

Effect of supplementing algae to breeding and early gestation first calf heifers on growth and reproduction.

Fat supplementation has potential to improve reproductive performance and increase pregnancy rates in cattle by increasing the energy density of the diet. However, some of the positive effects of fat seem to be influenced by the type of fatty acid fed. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) are long-chain n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that have important biological effects on reproduction through their involvement in hormone and series 3 prostaglandin synthesis.

Diet Impacts Pre-implantation Histotroph Proteomes in Beef Cattle.

In ruminants, the period from fertilization to implantation is relatively prolonged, and the survival of embryos depends on uterine secretions known as histotroph. Our objective was to determine if the pre-breeding diet affected histotroph proteomes in beef cattle. Cows were assigned to one of four diets: a control diet (CON), a high-protein diet (PROT), a high-fat diet (OIL), or a high-protein and high-fat diet (PROT + OIL).

Effect of supplemental β-carotene compared to retinyl palmitate on fatty acid profile and expression of mRNA from genes involved in vitamin A metabolism in beef feedlot cattle.

To examine the effects of dietary β-carotene (βC) or retinyl palmitate (RP) on fatty acid (FA) profile and mRNA expression, samples were collected from 24 Angus-cross calves that were allotted to four treatments consisting of RP supplemented at 2200 IU/kg, and synthetic β-carotene (SβC) supplemented at one, five or 10 times RP. Longissimus muscle (LM) cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid was greater in RP compared to SβC1X (P = 0.04).

Feeding corn distillers grains as an energy source to gestating and lactating beef heifers: Impact of excess protein on feedlot performance, glucose tolerance, carcass characteristics and Longissimus muscle fatty acid profile of steer progeny.

This study was conducted to determine the impact of dried distiller's grain with solubles (DDGS) from 192 days of gestation through 118 days of lactation on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, Longissimus muscle (LM) fatty acids and glucose tolerance of male progeny (n = 36). Angus-Simmental heifer dams were fed diets that contained either DDGS (DG) or not (CON) formulated to provide similar daily net energy for gain but differing crude protein. In the feedlot, male progeny were fed a diet devoid of DDGS.

Effects of stepwise dry/wet-aging and freezing on meat quality of beef loins.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of stepwise dry/wet-aging and freezing method on quality attributes of beef loins. Paired loins (M. Longissimus lumborum) from eight carcasses were assigned to either stepwise dry/wet-aging (carcass dry-aging for 10days then further wet-aging for 7days in vacuum bags) or carcass dry-aging only for 17days.