Genomic selection for feed efficiency traits

Introduction Feed costs comprise the majority of variable expenses in beef cattle systems making feed efficiency an important economic consideration within the beef industry (Koch et al ., 1963; Dickerson et al ., 1974) . Aside from the direct economic impact of this trait complex at the individual producer level, the projections of global population growth provide extra pressure for efficient beef cattle production as producers try to combat the growing food demand with limited resources (Eggen, 2012) . Improved feed efficiency also has an environmental impact through a decreased carbon footprint as more efficient cattle have fewer days to finish, emitting less methane throughout their lifetime (Freetly, 2013) .