Progress 02/01/11 to 01/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: As part of our work to better understand the interactions between feed efficiency and other production and product quality parameters, we have recently reported both gene expression studies and conducted outreach presentations. In addition, the PI was invited to produce a book entitled "Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry" to be published in 2012. The applied research portion of this project has also been disseminated through presentations at industry and scientific meetings. PARTICIPANTS: University of Idaho Collaborators: Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S., Hall, J.B., Murdoch, G.K., Doumit, M., Schneider, C., Price, W. Ahola, J.K. and Crews, D.H., Colorado State University. Szasz, J.I., industry Keenan, L., Comestock, G. - Red Angus Association of America Graduate Trainees: Welch, C. TARGET AUDIENCES: Beef Producers across the United States. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Residual feed intake (RFI) is useful to evaluate variation in feed efficiency in beef cattle. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms that drive variation in RFI, molecular and genomics-based approaches have been suggested. In the present study, 42 progeny (25 steers, 17 heifers) of Red Angus sires divergent for maintenance energy (ME) EPD were RFI-tested in an 84 day post-weaning period. Upon completion of the RFI test, biopsy samples were collected from the biceps femoris muscle for evaluation of gene expression in a number of regulatory pathways. Biceps femoris gene expression was evaluated using q-PCR methods and statistical analysis was conducted via the 2-tailed t-test (SAS Version 9.2, SAS Institute, 2009, Cary, NC) of the extreme RFI quartile groups. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) was expressed in greater abundance in inefficient (high RFI) compared to efficient (low RFI) animals (P = 0.03). C/EBP alpha (P = 0.06) and PPAR gamma (P = 0.13) gene expression also tended to greater abundance in inefficient animals. When these data were analyzed by sex, muscle gene expression in heifers showed a similar pattern for C/EBP alpha (P = 0.003) and PPAR gamma (P = 0.08), while in steers FASN tended to be up-regulated in the inefficient group (P = 0.11). These patterns of gene expression suggest that lipogenesis was up-regulated in the muscle of inefficient animals, especially in heifers, while fatty acid synthesis was up-regulated in inefficient steers, but this was not reflected by gene indicators of lipogenesis. Differential gene expression indicative of variation in anabolic processes between efficient and inefficient animals was also detected. IGFBP5 (P = 0.06) tended to be up-regulated in inefficient animals although there was no difference in expression of the Type 1 IGF receptor, IGFBP2, IGFBP3 or growth hormone receptor (GHR). When analyzed by sex, inefficient heifers tended to show higher expression of IGFBP2 (P = 0.12), IGFBP3 (P = 0.15), IGFBP5 (P = 0.08) and GHR (P = 0.13), suggesting that muscle anabolic processes were up-regulated. No differences in expression of these genes were detected in steers. Thus, differential gene expression provides a tool to suggest metabolic pathways that may be involved in variation in RFI in beef cattle
Publications
- Welch, C.M., Murdoch, G.K., Schneider, C.S., Chapalamadugu, K., Thornton, K.J., McGee, M., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B. and Hill, R.A. (2011). Muscle Gene Expression Suggests Pathways of Nutrient Partitioning in low and high Residual Feed Intake Red Angus-sired Steers and Heifers. Pacific Northwest Animal Nutrition Conference. Portland, Oregon.
- Soderquist, G.C., Welch, C.M., Murdoch, G.K., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B., Schneider, C. and Hill, R.A. (2011). Overview of IL-15/IL-15 alpha Receptor and Their Role in Muscle Growth Related to Residual Feed Intake. Innovation Showcase. University of Idaho, April, 2011. (prize awarded).
- Welch, C.M., Murdoch, G.K., Schneider, C.S., Chapalamadugu, K., Thornton, K.J., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B. and Hill, R.A. (2011). Gene expression of Red Angus sired steers and heifers evaluated for residual feed intake Journal of Animal Science 89 (E Suppl. 2): 718.
- Hill, R.A., Welch, C.M., Kane, S.L., Ahola, J.K., Wulfhorst, J.D., Hall, J.B., Keenan, L., Murdoch, G.K., Crews, Jr., D.H., Szasz, J.I., Doumit, M.E., and Price, W.J. (2011). Feed Efficiency Research and Outreach for the Beef Industry. National Research Initiative (USDA) Project Directors Meeting, April 18-19, Washington, D.C.
- Thornton, K.J., Welch, C.M., Davis, L.C., Doumit, M.E., Hill, R.A. and Murdoch, G.K. (2011). Bovine sire selection based upon maintenance energy impacts muscle fiber type and meat color of F1 progeny. Journal of Animal Science. (accepted).
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Progress 02/01/08 to 01/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this four year applied research and extension integrated project, approximately 250 calves were produced over three cohorts; the progeny of 12 Red Angus bulls that were divergent for Maintenance Energy (ME) EPD. The calves were characterized for residual feed intake (RFI) and other performance variables. Steer calves were carried through to slaughter and carcass and product quality were determined. Relationships between each of the performance and product quality variables were determined in order to understand any interactions between them that might affect the profitability and sustainability of beef production. Outreach and extension was integral in the project. Field days were conducted in each year when cattle were on test to determine individual feed intake and feed efficiency. The project closely interacted with the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA), which facilitated multiple interactions and presentations to RAAA members. Direct impact of the project on producers was studied through collaboration with the Social Sciences Research Unit. Publications describing an initial national producer survey and a follow-up survey in the final year of the project outline producer understanding of the complexities of feed efficiency for the two time-points. These outputs provide an understanding of how the project affected producer perceptions and willingness to adopt feed efficiency selection practices. The applied research portion of this project has also been disseminated through presentations at industry and scientific meetings. Substantial outputs from the applied research section and extension materials and presentations have been the major outputs from the extension section of the project. This project has advanced scientific understanding of feed efficiency in the beef industry and contributed to producer adoption of the feed efficiency concept and its implementation into selection practices. PARTICIPANTS: Hill, R.A., Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S., Hall, J.B., Murdoch, G.K., Doumit, M., Schneider, C., Price, W. Ahola, J.K. and Crews, D.H., Colorado State University. Taylor, J. University of Missouri. Szasz, J.I., industry Keenan, L., Comestock, G. - Red Angus Association of America Graduate Trainees: Welch, C. TARGET AUDIENCES: Beef Producers across the United States PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Residual feed intake (RFI) is useful to evaluate variation in feed efficiency in beef cattle. Our understanding of the following variables and their relationships have been improved and reported in the scientific literature and at outreach forums: The relationships between RFI and product quality in progeny of Red Angus sires divergent for maintenance energy EPD. The relationships between RFI and finishing phase feed efficiency of steer progeny of Red Angus sires divergent for maintenance energy EPD. The relationship between plasma IGF-1 at weaning and RFI in progeny of Red Angus sires divergent for maintenance energy EPD. The relationship between ME EPD and RFI EPD in bulls divergent for ME EPD. We have determined baseline and follow-up measures of producer perceptions about the perceived unique benefits and/or costs associated with RFI, as well as the efficacy of outreach programs in conveying this information. We have develop outreach materials using research results and delivered these to the industry via several methods including field days and symposia, train-the-trainer events, popular press and scientific journal articles, final reports, and other outreach methods via partnerships with industry. The impact and outcomes of this project have provided potential benefits to the profitability and sustainability of the United States beef industry. Producers across the nation are adopting feed efficiency practices. The purchase on individual animal intake measuring equipment by private producers in some cases, for their own use as well as a rapid expansion of bull-test facilities having this equipment has been a sea-change in the beef cattle industry. This project has strongly reinforced the great importance of RFI to producers, to add further awareness and adoption in the industry.
Publications
- Welch, C.M., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B., Murdoch, G.K., Crews Jr., D.H., Szasz, J.I., Davis, L.C., Doumit, M.E., Price, W.J., Keenan, L.D. and Hill, R.A. (2012). Relationships among performance, residual feed intake, and product quality of progeny from Red Angus sires divergent for maintenance energy EPD. Journal of Animal Science. (submitted).
- Hill, R.A. (editor). (2012). (delivered under contract 12/01/11 scheduled publication summer 2012). Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry. (322 pages, 60 line drawings, 60 B&W photographs, 50 Tables.) with 33 contributors. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.
- Hill, R.A. (2012). Introduction. In : Hill, R.A. (editor). Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa. Ahola, J.K. and Hill, R.A. (2012). Input Factors Affecting Profitability: A Changing Paradigm and a Challenging Time. (Chapter 1) In: Hill, R.A. (editor). Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.
- Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B. and Hill, R.A. (2012) Producer Awareness and Perceptions of Feed Efficiency (Chapter 3) In: Hill, R.A. (editor). Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.
- Hill, R.A. and Ahola, J.K. (2012). Interactions with other Traits: Growth and Product Quality. (Chapter 10). In: Hill, R.A. (editor). Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.
- Welch, C.M., McGee, M., Kokta, T.A. and Hill, R.A. (2012). Muscle and Adipose Tissue: Potential Roles in Driving Variation in Feed Efficiency. (Chapter 12). In: Hill, R.A. (editor). Feed Efficiency in the Beef Industry. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.
- Welch, C.M., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B., Murdoch, G.K., Crews Jr., D.H., Szasz, J.I., Davis, L.C., Doumit, M.E., Price, W.J., Keenan, L.D. and Hill, R.A. (2012). Performance, residual feed intake, and carcass quality of progeny from Red Angus sires divergent for maintenance energy EPD. Journal of Animal Science 89 (E Suppl. submitted).
- Hill, R.A., Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S, Welch, C.M. and Ahola, J.K. (2012). Controlling the cost of beef production through improving feed efficiency. National Institute for Animal Agriculture National Meeting. March 27, Denver CO.
- Hill, R.A., Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S, Welch, C.M, Hall, J.B. and Ahola, J.K. (2012). Improving Cattle Feed Efficiency. Bonner-Boundary Cattle Assoc. Beef School, Feb 4, Ponderay, ID
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Progress 02/01/10 to 01/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Study 1. We have built upon the previous base-line study, establishing the basis for implementation of a producer education program. The base-line study was published in the Journal of Animal Science (see publications.). We have now conducted additional producer surveys at Field Days and another intensive telephone call based survey will be conducted in early 2011. Study 2. .Adding to the previously reported study of Cohort 1 cattle, we report data for Cohort 2 cattle. Residual Feed Intake (RFI) was studied in Red Angus-sired calves. RFI was defined as the difference between actual DMI and DMI predicted by the regression model. After determination of RFI, steers and heifers were classified into inefficient (> 0.5 SD above the mean), marginal (within 0.5 SD of the mean), and efficient (< 0.5 SD below the mean) groups. The mean RFI value for both cohorts was 0.0. However, it is important to note that the mean, SD, and range of performance traits differed between cohorts. Factors, such as age on test, location, temperature, etc. are variables that are different across testing events. Many performance parameters are affected by these factors. However, it is accepted that RFI calculated within contemporary group is then comparable. Phenotypic correlations were calculated among measures of growth efficiency and performance measures for Cohort 1 and Cohort 2. Results indicate that RFI was positively correlated with (P ≤ 0.05) DMI and FCR but was not correlated (P > 0.05) with ADG. In addition, the analysis indicated that there was a moderate, positive correlation between RFI and DMI. Carcass Traits and Meat Quality Parameters were evaluated for Cohort 1. Differences among RFI groups (efficient, marginal, and inefficient) were not detected for HCW, LM area, FT, KPH, YG, or QG. There were no differences in color values, cooking loss, or shear force across RFI groups. Crude protein and lipid content of steaks showed a tendency for differences (P = 0.08) among the groups. Steaks from marginal RFI steers had greater (P = 0.05) marbling scores compared with those from the efficient and inefficient RFI groups. Grading of carcasses from the RFI groups showed little overall differences among the groups. Current data of this study suggest that classification of RFI groups does not have a significant impact upon carcass quality, in that all carcasses had acceptable QG and YG. There were no differences in proximate analysis, cooking loss, or shear force of steaks from steer progeny of the represented sires. Data were analyzed for preliminary indications of relationships between Sire RFI (EPD) and Sire ME EPD. Calculations were performed using the performance data from a total of 133 progeny, with eight sires having ten or more progeny. Considerable variability in progeny RFI data contributed to the variability of relationships observed in the data-set between ME EPD and RFI EPD. It is anticipated that the addition of Cohort 3 data will bring greater clarity to these relationships. PARTICIPANTS: University of Idaho Collaborators: Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S., Hall, J.B., Murdoch, G.K., Doumit, M., Schneider, C. Collaborators: Colorado State University: Ahola, J.K. and Crews, D.H., Industry: Szasz, J.I. Red Angus Association of America: Keenan, L., Comestock, G. University of Idaho: Graduate Trainees: Welch, C. Undergraduate Trainees (Research Assistants) Hazelbaker, M., Owens, J., Lathrom, M., Kauth, A., Brooking, A. TARGET AUDIENCES: Beef Producers across the United States. Scientist and students studying efficiency of quality beef production. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Study 1. In many different contexts, technological advances remain underutilized due to barriers of adoption. The variables tested here did not reveal a highly predictive model of beef producers' willingness to adopt residual feed intake as a decision tool yet, but results do indicate some patterns logically consistent with similar agricultural contexts of adoption (e.g., emergence, lag, and the need for demonstrated effects). Beef producers may be more apt to adopt residual feed intake in the U.S. once the combined timing of economic volatility constraints, accessibility, and size/scale of operations produces a viable mixture for managing the perceived risks associated with the emerging technology. Study 2. Current concepts of this study are to improve understanding of relationships between RFI and the following: Red Angus ME (EPD), finishing phase efficiency in steers, carcass and meat quality, and Plasma IGF-1 at weaning. We have now added the development of an EPD for RFI in the Red Angus breed for which we have solid data for eight of the twelve sires represented in the study.
Publications
- Hill, R.A. and Branen, L.: Symposium Organizing Committee (2010). American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Meeting. Symposium: Healthy and Plentiful Animal-Based Foods: Science Offers New Possibilities. February 18-22. San Diego.
- Welch, C.M., Wulfhorst, J.D. Kane, S.L., Ahola, J.K., Hall, J.B. and R.A. Hill. (2010). Residual Feed Intake: Improving Feed Efficiency. Nancy M Cummings Research, Education and Extension Center, Salmon ID.
- Ahola, J.K., Skow, T.A., Hunt, C.W. and Hill, R.A. (2011). Relationship Between Residual Feed Intake and End Product Palatability in Longissimus Steaks from Steers Sired by Angus Bulls Divergent for Intramuscular Fat Expected Progeny Difference. Professional Animal Scientist. (accepted).
- Wulfhorst, J.D., Ahola, J.K., Kane, S.L., Keenan, L.D. and Hill, R.A. (2010). Factors affecting beef cattle producer perspectives on feed efficiency. Journal of Animal Science. 88: 3749-3758.
- Hill, R.A., Welsh, T.H., Poulos, S.P., Gabler, N.K. and Connor, E.E. (2011). Symposium chairs introduction to Growth and Development Symposium:. Intestinal development and growth Journal of Animal Science. 89(E suppl.). doi:11.3764/jas.2011-3764.
- Wulfhorst, J.D., Ahola, J.K., Kane, S.L., Keenan, L.D. and Hill, R.A. (2010). Factors affecting beef cattle producer perspectives on feed efficiency. W1010 Regional Project Meeting, Columbia, Missouri, July 1, 2010.
- Hill, R.A., Connor, E.E., Poulos, S.P., Welsh, T.H. and Gabler, N.K. (2010). Symposium chairs introduction to Growth and Development Symposium: Fetal programming in animal agriculture. Journal of Animal Science. 88(E suppl.). doi:10.2527/jas.2010-2908.
- Hill, R.A., Kane, S.L., Ahola, J.K., Wulfhorst, J.D., Hough, R.L., Bolze Jr., R.P. and Keenan, L. (2010). Feed Efficiency Research and Outreach for the Beef Industry. National Research Initiative (USDA) Project Directors Meeting, July 15-16, Denver, CO.
- Thornton, K.J., Davis, L., Welch, C., Doumit, M., Hill, R.A. and Murdoch, G.K. (2010). Muscle Fiber Type is Altered by Selection of Sire for Maintenance Energy Proc., Pacific Northwest Animal Nutrition Conference, October 7-9, 2010, Vancouver, British Colombia.
- Schneider, C.S., Hill, M, Welch, C., Hill; L.M., Hill, R.A. and Murdoch, G.K. (2010) Outcomes of Cattle Biceps femoris Muscle Surgical Biopsy. Annual Meeting of the American Association of Bovine Veterinarians, August, 2010.
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Progress 02/01/09 to 01/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Study 1. To establish the basis for implementation of a producer education program, we conducted a social assessment of the willingness and barriers to adoption of a measure of feed efficiency in beef cattle [residual feed intake (RFI)]. We administered a mailed survey to 1,888 producers acquired from the stratified random sample of the Idaho Cattle Association member list (n = 488), Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) member list (n = 2,208), and RAAA bull buyer list (n = 5,325). The adjusted response rate for the survey was 49.9%. Respondents comprised commercial cow/calf producers (58.7%) and seedstock or combination producers (41.3%). Only 3.8 and 4.8% of commercial and seedstock producers indicated that feed efficiency was the most important characteristic used for bull selection. Binary logistic regression models were used to predict seedstock producers' willingness to begin collecting data for the calculation of RFI on their bulls, or to predict commercial producers' willingness to begin selecting bulls based on RFI data. In response, 49.1% of commercial producers and 43.6% of seedstock producers indicated they were willing to adopt RFI as a measure of feed efficiency. Among seedstock producers, the significant predictor variables in the model included producer perception of the importance of feed efficiency (P = 0.0019), current use of actual measured feed efficiency (P = 0.0043), and the fraction of their calves sold at weaning (relative to all other times, P = 0.0213). Our analysis indicates that some seedstock producers are willing to collect feed efficiency data, and this is driven by both their perception of its importance and when they are already engaged in collecting these data. Additional data collection in a future social assessment will continue to elaborate the proportion of producers who perceive feed efficiency as an increasingly important decision and management tool for beef production. Study 2. . Residual Feed Intake (RFI) was studied in Red Angus-sired calves. RFI was defined as the difference between actual DMI and DMI predicted by the regression model. After determination of RFI, steers and heifers were classified into inefficient (> 0.5 SD above the mean), marginal (+ / - 0.5 SD from the mean), and efficient (< 0.5 SD below the mean) groups. Overall correlations were calculated among measures of growth efficiency and performance. Residual feed intake was positively correlated with DMI (P = 0.0001) and FCR (P = 0.0001) but was not correlated (P = 0.10) with ADG. Feed conversion ratio was negatively correlated with DMI (P = 0.64) and ADG (P = 0.0001). When testing sex by group effects, ADG, DMI, and gain:feed (GF) values were different (P < 0.05) within sex, with feed:gain (FG) and RFI having no differences (P > 0.05). When analyzing RFI groups, DMI, FG, GF, and RFI were different (P < 0.05), whereas ADG was not (P = 0.939). PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Study 1. In many different contexts, technological advances remain underutilized due to barriers of adoption. The variables tested here did not reveal a highly predictive model of beef producers' willingness to adopt residual feed intake as a decision tool yet, but results do indicate some patterns logically consistent with similar agricultural contexts of adoption (e.g., emergence, lag, and the need for demonstrated effects). Beef producers may be more apt to adopt residual feed intake in the U.S. once the combined timing of economic volatility constraints, accessibility, and size/scale of operations produces a viable mixture for managing the perceived risks associated with the emerging technology. Study 2. Current concepts of this study are to improve understanding of relationships between RFI and the following: Red Angus ME (EPD), finishing phase efficiency in steers, carcass and meat quality, and Plasma IGF-1 at weaning. Future impacts include the development of an EPD for RFI in the Red Angus breed and heightened producer awareness of RFI. Furthermore, the project will increase awareness within the beef industry regarding the potential benefits of RFI implementation.
Publications
- Welch, C.M., Ahola, J.K., Szasz, J.I., Hall, J.B., Keenan, L.D. and Hill, R.A. (2009). Evaluation of Feed Efficiency. Nancy M Cummings Research, Education and Extension Center, Salmon ID.
- Hill, R.A., Welch, C.M., Szasz, J.I., Hall, J.B., Keenan, L.D. and Ahola, J.K. (2009). Evaluating the feed efficiency and end-product quality relationship in the progeny of Red Angus sires divergent for Maintenance Energy EPD: A project overview. Beef Improvement Federation, National Meeting, April, Sacramento, CA.
- Ahola, J.K., Kane, S.L., Wulfhorst, J.D., Keenan, L.D. and Hill, R.A. (2009). A Nationwide Survey of Beef Producers about Feed Efficiency: Motivating Factors for the Implementation of Selection Practices. Beef Improvement Federation, National Meeting, April, Sacramento, CA. Hill, R.A. and Aizen, M. (2009), Symposium chairs introduction to The molecular basis for feed efficiency. Journal of Animal Science. 87(E suppl.):E39-E40.
- Allen, J.D., Ahola, J.K., Chahine, M., Szasz, J.I., Hunt, C.W., Schneider, C.S., Murdoch, G.K. and Hill, R.A. (2009). Effect of feeding period and ractopamine hydrochloride on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and end product quality in market dairy cows. Journal of Animal Science. 87: 2400-2408.
- Ahola, J.K. and Hill, R.A. (2009). Selecting for Efficiency of Feed Utilization: Now and in the Future. Western Beef Resources Committee Cattle Producer's Library Fact Sheet. CL1025.
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Progress 02/01/08 to 01/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Our first activity in this project was to conduct a base-line survey of the knowledge of residual feed intake (RFI) within the beef cattle industry to facilitate the long-term evaluation of project impact. Initial findings indicated: that producer awareness of RFI was related to years of management experience, although younger producers were more aware of RFI. Seedstock producers were more aware than commercial producers. Across the United States, there were no regional differences in awareness. PARTICIPANTS: University of Idaho Collaborators: Ahola, J.K., Szasz, J.I., Wulfhorst, J.D., Kane, S., Hall, J., Murdoch, G.K., Doumit, M. External Collaborators: Hough, R.L. - Red Angus Association of America Bolze, Jr., R. - Red Angus Association of America Keenan, L. - Red Angus Association of America Crews, D. H. - Colorado State University. Undergraduate Trainees (Research Assistants) Hazelbaker, M., Owens, J., Lathrom, M., Peterson, S. TARGET AUDIENCES: Beef Producers across the United States. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
We have baseline data that will now allow us to determine project impacts, specifically the following: Improve understanding of relationships between RFI and the following: Red Angus Maintenance Energy EPD, finishing phase efficiency in steers, carcass and meat quality, plasma IGF-1 at weaning. We will also develop an EPD for RFI in the Red Angus breed. We have evaluated pre-project producer awareness of RFI and will continue to evaluate the impact of the project on producer awareness of RFI. The project will increase awareness of the large potential benefits of implementation of RFI across the entire beef industry.
Publications
- Ahola, J.K. and Hill, R.A. (2008). Defining and Measuring Feed Efficiency. Proc., Pacific Northwest Animal Nutrition Conference, October 7-9, 2008, Tacoma, Washington. pp. 157-162.
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