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Growth performance and feed efficiency in beef feedlot farming
The beef feedlot industry plays a crucial role in the global agricultural economy, focusing on the efficient production of high-quality beef. Central to this industry are the concepts of growth performance and feed efficiency, which are critical determinants of profitability and sustainability of beef cattle farming. These metrics not only influence the economic viability of feedlot operations but also have significant implications for environmental impact and resource utilization.
Figure 1: Faecal starch of beef cattle fed Selko LactiBute compared to control animals fed the same diet without Selko LactiBute.
Understanding growth performance of feedlot cattle
Sustainable dairy farming has many different elements that are all interrelated.
Growth performance in beef feedlot farming is typically measured by the rate at which beef cattle gain weight over a specific period of time. This metric is crucial because it directly affects the time it takes for cattle to reach market weight, impacting both the cost of beef production and the revenue generated from meat sales. Factors influencing growth performance include genetics, diet composition, health management, and environmental conditions.
Genetics of beef cattle play a foundational role in determining the potential growth performance of beef cattle. Selective breeding programs aim to enhance traits such as feed conversion efficiency, growth rate, and meat quality. These genetic advancements, when combined with optimal feeding strategies, can significantly improve growth performance of beef cattle in feedlots.
Diet composition is another critical factor. Feedlot diets are typically high in energy, often incorporating grains, protein supplements, and other additives designed to promote rapid weight gain. The goal is to balance nutrients in a way that maximizes growth while maintaining animal health. Diets with high levels of starch can result in an increase of starch levels in faces, resulting in a drop in pH and in hindgut acidosis which has a negative impact on performance of beef cattle in feedlots. Feeding Selko LactiBute to beef cattle will reduce starch levels (see Figure 1) and pH of faeces and improve performance of beef cattle1,2,3,4. Properly formulated diets can improve not only growth rates but also carcass quality, leading to higher market value.
Health management practices for beef cattle in feedlots, including vaccination programs, disease prevention, and regular health monitoring, are essential for maintaining optimal growth performance of feedlot cattle. Illness or poor health can significantly hinder weight gain, reducing overall productivity. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and housing conditions can affect feed intake and growth rates, necessitating proper management to mitigate stress and promote consistent growth.
Figure 2: Results of 14 independent studies looking at NDF digestibility of cattle fed a diet containing Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals compared to cattle fed a diet containing sulfate trace minerals.
Figure 3: Volatile Fattty Acid production in the rumen of steers fed a diet with Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals for beef cattle compared to VFA production in the rumen of steers fed a diet with sulfate trace minerals
Feed efficiency: a key performance indicator for sustainable feedlot beef farming
Feed efficiency, often measured as the feed conversion ratio (FCR), is the amount of feed required to produce a unit of body weight gain. This metric is a critical indicator of economic and environmental sustainability in beef production. A lower FCR indicates that less feed is needed for weight gain, translating to lower feed costs and reduced environmental impact due to decreased resource use.
Improving feed efficiency involves several strategies. Advances in feed formulation have led to more precise diets that meet the nutritional needs of cattle more effectively, reducing waste and improving growth rates. The use of feed additives, such as enzymes, probiotics, and growth promotors, can enhance nutrient absorption and utilization, further boosting feed efficiency. Feeding Selko IntelliBond hydroxy trace minerals will also result in an improved fibre digestibility (see Figure 2), leading to an improvement of rumen function and energy production in the rumen (see Figure 3) resulting in a better feed efficiency and growth performance of beef cattle in feedlots5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18.
Management practices also play a vital role in optimizing feed efficiency. Regular monitoring of feed intake and growth, coupled with adjustments in feeding strategies, can ensure that cattle receive the appropriate amount of nutrients without overfeeding. Additionally, technologies such as automated feeding systems and precision farming tools can provide data-driven insights to fine-tune feeding regimens, enhancing overall efficiency.
Environmental and health factors must also be considered. Ensuring cattle are raised in environments that minimize stress and promote good health can improve feed efficiency. Stress and illness of beef cattle can lead to decreased feed intake and poorer nutrient utilization, underscoring the importance of comprehensive health and welfare programs.
Economic and environmental benefits of improving feed efficiency of beef cattle
The economic implications of growth performance and feed efficiency are significant. Efficient feedlot operations with high growth rates and low FCRs can achieve greater profitability through reduced feed costs and faster turnover of cattle. This economic efficiency is critical in a competitive market where margins can be tight.
From an environmental perspective, improving feed efficiency and growth performance of feedlot cattle can reduce the carbon footprint of beef production. Efficient feed conversion means less feed is required, which in turn reduces the environmental impact associated with feed production, such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable practices in feedlot farming thus contribute to the broader goals of environmental stewardship and resource conservation.
Improving growth performance of beef cattle
Growth performance and feed efficiency are pivotal to the success of beef feedlot farming. Advances in genetics, diet formulation, and management practices continue to drive improvements in these areas, enhancing both economic viability and environmental sustainability. As the industry evolves, ongoing research and innovation will be essential to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population while minimizing the environmental impact of beef production. Through a combination of science, technology, and best practices, the beef feedlot industry can achieve sustainable growth and efficiency, ensuring a robust future for beef producers worldwide.
Navigating the daily operations of dairy and beef farming is challenging, and the transition towards sustainable practices raises numerous questions.
Selko ruminant specialists are dedicated to help you assess and address these challenges effectively. For personalized support and expert advice on achieving sustainable and profitable farming, get in touch with our team today.
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References about growth performance in beef
Sanz-Fernandez, M.V, Daniel, J, Seymour, D.J, Kvidera, S.K, Bester, Z, Doelman, J. and J. Martín-Tereso (2020). Targeting the Hindgut to Improve Health and Performance in Cattle, Animals, 10: 1817.
Santos, A, Bergman, J.G.H.E, Manzano, J.A. and M. Hall (2023). Rumen protected calcium gluconate increases average daily gain of beef. Proceedings of the EAAP congress, Lyon, August 27-September 1, 562.
Rossi, C.A.S, Grossi, S, van Kuijk, S and S. Vandoni (2024). Effect of the administration of a protected source of calcium gluconate on growth, feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, and health in beef cattle. Proceedings of the ASAS, Calgary, July 21-25.
Osman, Y., Koyun, E., Rowland, J., Lourenco, J., Baloyi, F.L., Fluharty, F., Pringle, T.D., Stewart, R.L., McCarthy, K., Griswold, K.E., and T.R. Callaway (2022). Impact of calcium gluconate feeding on intestinal microbial populations in a growing steer model. University of Georgia. Osman, Y., PhD Thesis.
Faulkner, M.J. and W.P. Weiss (2017). Effect of source of trace minerals in either forage- or by-product-based diets fed to dairy cows: 1. Production and macronutrient digestibility, Journal of Dairy Science 100:5358-53-67.
Caldera, C.E, Weigel, B, Kucharczyk, V.N, Sellins, K.S, Archibeque, S.L, Wagner, J.J, Han, H, Spears, J.B. and T.E. Engle (2019). Trace mineral source influences ruminal distribution of copper and zinc and their binding strength to ruminal digesta. J. Anim. Sci., 97:1852-1864.
Ibraheem, M, Kvidera, S. and B. Bradford (2021). Meta-analysis to determine the impact of trace mineral source on nutrient digestibility in dairy and beef animals. J. Dairy Sci. 104:97.
Spears, J. W., E. B. Kegley, and L. A. Mullis (2004). Bioavailability of copper from tribasic copper chloride and copper sulfate in growing cattle. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 116:1-13.Spears et al., 2004. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 116:1-13.
Shaeffer, G. L., K. E. Lloyd, and J. W. Spears (2017). Bioavailability of zinc hydroxychloride relative to zinc sulfate in growing cattle fed a corn-cottonseed hull-based diet. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 232:1-5.
Wagner, J. J. , T. E. Engle, E. Caldera, K. L. Neuhold, D. R. Woerner, J. W. Spears, J. S. Heldt, and S. B. Laudert (2016). The effects of zinc hydroxychloride and basic copper chloride on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and liver zinc and copper status at slaughter in yearling feedlot steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 32:570-579.
Wagner, J., W. T. Nelson, T. Engle, J. Spears, J. Heldt, and S. Laudert (2019). Effect of zinc source and ractopamine hydrochloride on growth performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed in confinement to harvest. J. Anim. Sci. 97 (Suppl. 3):160.
Caldera, E., J. J. Wagner, K. Sellins, S. B. Laudert, J. W. Spears, S. L. Archibeque, and T. E. Engle (2016). Effects of supplemental zinc, copper, and manganese concentration and source on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers. Prof. Anim. Sci. 33:63-72.Budde et al., 2019. J. Anim. Sci. 97:1286-1295;
Spears, J.W, Loh, H.Y, , Lloyd, K.E, Heldt, J.S, and T. E. Engle (2024) Trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation affect performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. 102:1-8.
Hilscher, F. H., S. B. Laudert, J. S. Heldt, R. J. Cooper, B. D. Dicke, T. L. Scott, and G. E. Erickson (2019). Effect of copper and zinc source on finishing performance and incidence of foot rot in feedlot steers. App. Anim. Sci. 35:94-100.
Heldt, J. S. and M. S. Davis (2019). Effects of supplemental zinc source and level on finishing performance, health, and carcass characteristics of beef feedlot steers. App. Anim. Sci. 35:379-387.
Heldt, J. S. and S. Davis. 2019. Effects of supplemental copper, zinc, and manganese source on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 97 (Suppl. 2):140-141.
Heldt, J., B. Holland, A. Word, and K. Karr (2020). Effect of supplemental trace mineral source on performance, health, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 98 (Suppl. 4):157-158.
Budde, A. M., K. Sellins, K. E. Lloyd, J. J. Wagner, J. S. Heldt, J. W. Spears, and T. E. Engle (2019). Effect of zinc source and concentration and chromium supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. 97:1286-1295.
