OLDS, Alta. – Olds College, Alberta Agriculture and Agriculture Canada have just completed the first year of its high-tech feed efficiency test on 76 purebred yearlings.
The 140-day test studied Angus, Simmental, Charolais, Hereford and Limousin breeds.
A second test of Welsh Black and Galloway breeds attracted so much interest that the college hopes to extend it next year.
Each breed provided bulls from the same sire to compare siblings. The bulls were equipped with individual electronic identification so a computer could monitor and record their movements and feed intake.
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The college plans to modify its feed troughs next year so more efficient measures are taken. It also plans to install an electronic weigh scale at the watering area to take measurements all the time rather than pulling bulls out of the pen every two weeks.
Feed efficiency is the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and its expected requirements for maintenance and growth.
If an animal eats less than average yet still gains well for its breed type, it is considered feed efficient.
“Feed efficiency is a moderately heritable trait, which means you can make good genetic progress if you select for it,” said Neil French, who co-ordinated the daily work at the college. Students helped with feeding and measurements.
The program is intended to gather information on 240 beef bulls over three years by working with producers and seed stock organizations. The data will be developed into expected progeny differences for selection of animals with desirable feed efficiency ratios.
This past winter was mild and researchers don’t know if the feed efficiency relationship remains the same during cold weather.
“I would hope a bull that performed well this winter would perform well in a bad winter,” French said.
Besides feed efficiency calculations, bulls were given ultrasound tests five times to calculate marbling scores, back fat depth and ribeye area.
Bulls that did not perform well have already been shipped for slaughter rather than returned to breeding herds. Those that excelled have been sold or sent to a semen collection station.
