Variation in residual feed intake depends on feed on offer
W. S. Pitchford A C , D. S. Lines A B and M. J. Wilkes A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Davies Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia.
B Present address: SunPork Farms, PO Box 42, Sheaoak Log, SA 5371, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: wayne.pitchford@adelaide.edu.au
Animal Production Science 58(8) 1414-1422 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN17779
Submitted: 9 November 2017 Accepted: 9 March 2018 Published: 17 May 2018
Abstract
Two small pen trials with cattle and sheep both clearly demonstrated that while there is significant variation in residual feed intake when on high energy supply, there is negligible variation when energy supply is limited. A review of literature demonstrated that this is also the case when energy supply is limited by heat or physiological state, such as peak lactation, and in multiple species. There is little evidence of variation in efficiency of maintenance requirements, growth or lactation. Nor is there strong evidence for large variation in digestibility within breeds, despite some differences between divergent breeds. Thus, the primary source of variation in residual feed intake must be in appetite and, in variable environments, it is possible that those with greater appetite are more resilient during times of feed shortage.
Additional keywords: beef cattle, efficiency, sheep.
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