Genetic parameters and genotype x environment interaction for feed efficiency traits in steers fed grower and finisher diets

Durunna, O. N., Plastow, G., Mujibi, F. D. N., Grant, J., Mah, J., Basarab, J. A., Okine, E. K., Moore, S. S. and Wang, Z. (2011) Genetic parameters and genotype x environment interaction for feed efficiency traits in steers fed grower and finisher diets. Journal of Animal Science, 89 11: 3394-3400.


Author Durunna, O. N.
Plastow, G.
Mujibi, F. D. N.
Grant, J.
Mah, J.
Basarab, J. A.
Okine, E. K.
Moore, S. S.
Wang, Z.
Title Genetic parameters and genotype x environment interaction for feed efficiency traits in steers fed grower and finisher diets
Journal name Journal of Animal Science  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2011-11
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.2527/jas.2010-3516
Volume number 89
Issue number 11
ISSN 0021-8812
1525-3163
Start page 3394
End page 3400
Total pages 7
Place of publication Savoy, IL, United States
Publisher American Society of Animal Science
Collection year 2012
Language eng
Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the genetic parameters and genetic correlations of feed efficiency traits in steers (n = 490) fed grower or finisher diets in 2 feeding periods. A bivariate model was used to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters using steers that received the grower and finisher diets in successive feeding periods, whereas a repeated animal model was used to estimate the permanent environmental effects. Genetic correlations between the grower-fed and finisher-fed regimens were 0.50 ± 0.48 and 0.78 ± 0.43 for residual feed intake (RFI) and G:F, respectively. The moderate genetic correlation between the 2 feeding regimens may indicate the presence of a genotype × environment interaction for RFI. Permanent environmental effects (expressed in percentage of phenotypic variance) were detected in the grower-fed steers for ADG (38%), DMI (30%), RFI (18%), and G:F (40%) and also in the finisher-fed steers for ADG (28%), DMI (35%), metabolic mid-weight (23%), and RFI (10%). Heritability estimates were 0.08 ± 0.10 and 0.14 ± 0.15 for the grower-fed steers and 0.42 ± 0.16 and 0.40 ± 17 for the finisher-fed steers for RFI and G:F, respectively. The dependency of the RFI on the feeding regimen may have serious implications when selecting animals in the beef industry. Because of the higher cost of grains, feed efficiency in the feedlot might be overemphasized, whereas efficiency in the cow herd and the backgrounding segments may have less emphasis. These results may also favor the retention (for subsequent breeding) of cows whose steers were efficient in the feedlot sector. Therefore, comprehensive feeding trials may be necessary to provide more insight into the mechanisms surrounding genotype × environment interaction in steers.
Keyword Beef steer
Feed efficiency
Finisher diet
Genotype x environment interaction
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status Non-UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Non HERDC
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
 
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Created: Thu, 09 Feb 2012, 14:57:59 EST by Stephen Moore on behalf of Qld Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation