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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Genetics and Animal Breeding » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #426614
Research Project: Genomes to Phenomes in Beef Cattle Research

Location: Genetics and Animal Breeding

Title: Increasing capacity to select for improved feed efficiency by focusing on energetic losses

Author
item Engle, Bailey
item SPANGLER, MATTHEW - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: Beef Improvement Federation Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/21/2025
Publication Date: 7/14/2025
Citation: Engle, B.N., Spangler, M.L. 2025. Increasing capacity to select for improved feed efficiency by focusing on energetic losses. In: Proceedings of Beef Improvement Federation 2025. 57th Annual Beef Improvement Federation Symposium and Convention, July 9-12, 2025, Amarillo, Texas. p. 1-26.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: By focusing on component traits of cattle feed efficiency, specifically energetic loss and rumen microbiome composition, there is an opportunity to accelerate genetic selection for improved efficiency. This is particularly true for grazing animals, which have historically been extremely difficult to evaluate, but represent a majority of cattle in the US. Recent funding is making it possible to phenotype US beef cattle for these important metrics, and will be used to create the necessary genetic resources and tools for producers to genetically select for more efficient cattle.