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Title: Energy requirements of different breeds of beef cattle and their relationship to production efficiency

Author
item Ferrell, Calvin
item Jenkins, Thomas

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Literature Review
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/21/2008
Publication Date: 11/26/2008
Citation: Ferrell, C.L., Jenkins, T.G. 2008. Energy requirements of different breeds of beef cattle and their relationship to production efficiency. Proceedings of 36th Annual Meeting for Production Animals in Mexico. December 1-2, 2008, Monterrey, Mexico. p. 48-63. 2008 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Concepts discussed in this manuscript are that defining an animal's genetic merit without consideration of the production environment could result in disconnects between the animals' genetic potential for production and the capability of the production environment to support that level of productivity. This disconnect creates a need to alter the production environment to sustain desired or genetically achievable levels of production, which may be counter to the profitability of the enterprise. Nutrient availability and breed variation in nutrient requirements and utilization influence profitability. This manuscript discusses evidence supporting the idea that breeds of cattle differ in their requirements for dietary energy, and that production efficiency, may vary considerably among breeds as a result. The manuscript emphasizes the need to match the animal genetic resources to the production environment to achieve maximum production efficiency.