ARS | Publication request: Genetic and Phenotypic Parameter Estimates for Feed Intake and Other Traits in Growing Beef Cattle

Submitted to: State University Ag Report
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: January 1, 2010
Publication Date: January 8, 2010
Citation: Rolfe, K.M., Nielsen, M.K., Ferrell, C.L., Jenkins, T.G. 2010. Genetic and Phenotypic Parameter Estimates for Feed Intake and Other Traits in Growing Beef Cattle. University of Nebraska-Lincoln 2010 Beef Cattle Report, MP93. pp. 34-35.

Technical Abstract: Intake and feed efficiency were moderately heritable; however, residual feed intake was more heritable than intake and feed efficiency. Adjusting residual feed intake and feed efficiency for carcass fatness had little effect on heritability and correlations with remaining traits. Flight speed was moderately heritable and highly repeatable. Despite this, flight speed was not highly correlated with measures of intake or feed efficiency. Some small breed effects were observed. High heritability estimates indicate that selection for or against specific intake and feed efficiency traits may be successful. Flight speed may be useful in selection as an index of temperament, but does not appear to be a useful indicator of feed efficiency.