Liver morphometrics and metabolic blood profile across divergent phenotypes for feed efficiency in the bovine.

Background: Feed costs are a major expense in the production of beef cattle. Individual variation in the efficiency of feed utilization may be evident through feed efficiency-related phenotypes such as those related to major energetic sinks. Our objectives were to assess the relationships between feed efficiency with liver morphometry and metabolic blood profile in feedlot beef cattle.

Small intestine histomorphometry of beef cattle with divergent feed efficiency.

Background: The provision of feed is a major cost in beef production. Therefore, the improvement of feed efficiency is warranted. The direct assessment of feed efficiency has limitations and alternatives are needed.