Genetic Aspects of Feed Efficiency in Broilers

Genetic and physiological aspects of growth, body composition and feed efficiency in mice: a review.

A review is presented of the genetic and physiological aspects of growth, body composition and feed efficiency in mice. The genetic parameters considered are: nature and extent of within and between-line genetic variation for body weight and growth rate; direct and correlated responses to selection for body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed efficiency; direct genetic effects of the offs...

Components of feed efficiency in broiler breeding stock: is improved feed conversion associated with increased docility and lethargy in broilers?.

Two trials were conducted to test the hypothesis that broilers classified as good rather than poor feed converters (low vs. high feed-to-gain ratios, respectively) would show decreased activity (increased lethargy) and reduced fear of human caretakers. In both trials birds were reared to juvenile selection age when the 192 males with the "best" breast and leg conformation were placed into indiv...

Genetic Regulation of Feed Efficiency in Lactating Holstein Cows

Genetic improvement in feed efficiency in beef cattle

Net feed conversion efficiency (NFCE) describes whether an animal eats more or less feed than expected for its size and growth rate. Early results from the Trangie NFCE Project, and from the Beef CRC, show that considerable variation in NFCE exists within each of the British breeds tested and is moderately heritable. Estimates of heritability for average daily gain, 365-day weight, feed intake,...

Feed Efficiency Opportunities with 2008 Feed Cost

With the milk to feed ratio at 2.36 in February, 2008, dairy managers must carefully reviewing feed inputs relative to milk yield. A milk to feed ratio under 3 is a signal to reduce feed inputs. Feed efficiency (also referred to as milk performance efficiency and dairy efficiency) can be defined as pounds of 3.5%FCM (fat corrected milk) produced per pound of dry matter (DM) consumed. Monitoring...