Studying Cattle’s Feed Efficiency Throughout the Finishing Period
Feed efficiency and cost of gain strongly impact feedlot profitability. Feed efficiency is thought to decline with advancing days on feed, though factors contributing to this are unclear. Understanding changes in feed efficiency over the course of the finishing period may identify opportunities to further improve feedlot production efficiencies.
Research currently underway and funded by the National Check-off and Canada’s Beef Science Cluster is working to improve our understanding of how digestive physiology, nutrient absorption, and post-absorptive nutrient utilization vary over the feeding period. This research will help to identify potential strategies to optimize feed efficiency, animal health, and cost of production.
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