L.GEN.1816 - Feed intake measurement of cattle in the Tullimba R&D Feedlot BIN Projects extended

Summary

This project is to extend the cover of variable costs of recording feed intake for Angus and Hereford BIN projects. The project will cover data captured at the Tullimba R&D Feedlot run by UNE that contribute to the improvement of feed use efficiency. Previously data capture was covered under an umbrella agreement that expired at the time both Angus and Hereford BINS were planned to originally finish.

Objectives

For each cohort of animals that go through Tullimba:
- To measure and report on the feed intake of Beef Information Nucleus (BIN) Livestock at UNE Tullimba Feedlot Research Facility including provision of reports containing data.
- To collect and store the data from this project as well as other data generated by GrowSafe and other recording equipment. This data will be stored in a database accessible by UNE researchers subject to clause 8.9 of the Head Agreement.

Key findings

Feed efficiency is an important trait in beef cattle and needs to be recorded to enable selection for more efficient beef cattle.

The Growsafe facility at Tullimba is a valuable industry resource for feed efficiency testing.

The inclusion of NFI into beef cattle breeding objectives is needed to get the most out of the information being collected.

Benefits to industry

The primary mission of this project is to improve management of beef cattle in feedlots. This data is being used to underpin national genetic evaluation for NFI in respective breed based BREEDPLAN evaluations. Feed intake is expensive to record and is only possible with industry support but it is currently the best way to improve feed use efficiency.