Biological factors regulating feed efficiency were investigated in replacement beef heifers to establish factors that differ between efficient and less efficient animals. Feed efficiency, measured as residual feed intake (RFI) adjusted for body ultrasound measurements, was determined in forty-seven cross-bred heifers. Reproductive differences between efficient (low RFI) and less efficient (high RFI) heifers were examined. Low RFI heifers had an earlier age at both sexual maturity (P=0.08) and conception (P=0.08), and delivered heavier calves (P=0.006). The potential of fecal progesterone metabolites (FP4M) as an indicator of sexual maturity was examined. Measurements of FP4M present a promising non-invasive alternative technique for determining the onset of sexual maturity. A subset of 36 heifers was used to determine if plasma triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations could be used to predict feed efficiency. Triiodothyronine concentrations a correlation of 0.58 (P=0.001) to those from a quadratic prediction model of RFI in heifers sampled as yearlings. / Research into reproductive characteristics associated with residual feed intake, and to determine the effectiveness of the thyroid hormones as a screening tool for feed efficient animals. / OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs) through the Farm Innovation Program, Agriculture Canada through the Growing Forward Project, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association through the Beef Cattle Research Council, and the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/5212 |
| Date | 04 January 2013 |
| Creators | Smith, Brock Andrew |
| Contributors | Miller, Dr. Stephen |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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