The Importance of Feed Efficiency

Things are changing in the beef industry. High energy, land, and feed costs are altering the way we will do business in the future. Feed efficiency has always been important, but we have tended to focus on output (weaning weights, yearling weights, ADG) in our beef selection programs in the past. High cost inputs are altering the equation.

Are you ready for higher feed prices?  Balanced rations and good management can affect feed efficiency and cost of production, however studies show that approximately 40% of the differences in feed efficiency are accounted for by genetics.  Reduced feed usage means higher profits from your next calf crop.  What does this mean in dollars and cents?  A bull requiring only one pound less feed per pound of gain than another bull will transmit approximately 40% of that advantage or .4 pound less feed per pound of gain to his offspring compared to the other bull.  With ration costs approaching $220 per ton and each animal gaining 800 pounds from weaning to harvest, the result is a savings in feed cost of $35.20 per animal.  If that bull sires 100 calves over his lifetime he will put $3520 more in your bank account compared to the other bull.  Can you afford NOT to use a bull with documented feed efficiency?  Can you as a breeder afford NOT to have the documented feed efficiency data customers will demand in the future? Remember the benefits will continue to compound down the road as you save replacement females and your cows become more efficient as well. You can inherit the difference in your herd.