September 11, 2023
University of Tennessee researchers explore feed efficiency for enhanced beef production
Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are studying feed efficiency to further enhance beef cattle production, providing beef cattle producers with insights into maximising muscle growth and genetics, bolstering the industry's sustainability and economic viability, Beef Magazine reported.
This initiative, funded by the Tennessee Beef Promotion Board and led by Phillip Myer, associate professor of animal science, aims to unravel the intricacies of feed efficiency and its potential impact on beef production. Their ultimate goal is to empower beef cattle producers with knowledge that can optimise their operations while making them more sustainable.
Feed efficiency plays a pivotal role in the beef cattle industry, serving as a measure of how effectively animals convert feed nutrients into increased body mass. For producers, this translates to a critical factor in resource utilization and economic viability. More feed-efficient cattle can produce muscle, the primary economic product, while using fewer resources.
While there's a wealth of knowledge concerning muscle development and the role of genetics in beef cattle, the interactions between feed efficiency and the genes that regulate muscle growth remain relatively unexplored. This project aims to bridge that gap.
Titled "Interconnecting Feed Efficiency with Mechanisms of Muscle Growth," the project is taking place at the Plateau AgResearch and Education Centre in Crossville, Tennessee. The research, which commenced in the spring and is set to conclude in March 2024, leverages a multi-year study involving up to 400 cattle to investigate the determinants of feed efficiency.
The implications of this research extend beyond the scientific realm. The results will be shared with beef cattle producers through various channels, including UT Extension, Advanced Master Beef programmes, UTIA field days, and other outreach efforts.
- Beef Magazine
