Improving Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle

Feed costs play a significant role in the profitability of a beef operation. In recent years, feed costs have continued to rise, and weather changes have affected the quantity and quality of the feed available. Because of this, producers have to make some tough decisions regarding finances and profit margins. To maintain finishing weights, producers continue to look for ways to improve average daily gains while reducing the total feed consumption.   

In beef cattle, producers can improve feed efficiency by using feed supplements or repartitioning agents. Before determining which method is best for your herd, it is essential to understand why feed efficiency matters and how these different products work.

Why Feed Efficiency Matters  

As feed costs continue to rise, profit margins for beef cattle producers can become increasingly tight. For most operations, feed costs can account for up to 70% of total production costs. Even small changes in feed prices can add up when multiplied over the total number of cattle and total days on feed.   

Producers have a few management options when it comes to reducing total feed costs. The first is to reduce the total feed consumption by sending the cattle to market sooner. Unfortunately, this will result in leaner cattle and lower sale prices. While this may accomplish the goal of reducing total production costs, it is still likely to reduce total profit.   

For producers who are not willing to make sacrifices in weight gain, improving feed efficiency is essential. The most common measurement of feed efficiency in beef cattle is the feed conversion ratio (FCR). The FCR takes into account the amount of feed consumed compared to the amount of live-weight gain.   

While genetics can play a role in feed efficiency and average daily gains, there are a variety of technologies available to improve feed efficiency in beef cattle. These include the use of ionophores as feed supplements and repartitioning agents. Although these products do require an initial investment, their ability to improve feed efficiency results in decreased feed costs and improved profit margins.   

It is essential to note that the profitability of improved feed efficiency goes beyond reducing total feed intake and feed costs. For cow/calf operations, high pregnancy rates and calf weaning weights are critical. Improved feed efficiency helps cattle make the most of the energy available, even with low-quality forage. This increase in available energy can help boost reproductive performance, help heifers reach puberty sooner, and maintain an appropriate body condition score through pregnancy. All of these factors can result in increased profits.

Improving Feed Efficiency

One of the most common ways to improve feed efficiency is with the use of ionophores. Ionophores are feed additives that improve feed efficiency by increasing the total available energy. They accomplish this by targeting specific bacteria in the cattle’s digestive system.   

As feed is digested in the rumen, bacteria convert the feed into volatile fatty acids (VFAs). These VFAs are the primary source of energy for cattle and include propionate, acetate and butyrate. Of these three, propionate is considered a more efficient energy source as it produces less methane and carbon dioxide waste. The bacterial population in the rumen determines the proportions in which these three VFAs are produced. Ionophores work by shifting the bacterial environment to increase propionate production, thereby improving overall feed efficiency.   

Because of the way ionophores target bacteria, they are considered an antibiotic. However, they are not regulated by the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and can safely be used in cattle operations to improve feed efficiency.    

Elanco’s Rumensin^® was first developed for cattle producers in 1976 and is one of the leading ionophore products on the market. Elanco’s research shows that Rumensin^® improves feed efficiency by 4% and can result in significant returns per head. When these returns are multiplied across an entire herd, this can result in a significant return on investment.  

However, the benefits of Rumensin^® extend beyond increased feed efficiency. Elanco’s product prevents clinical outbreaks of coccidiosis by targeting the parasite in multiple life stages and preventing the further spread of disease. Rumensin^® reduces costs associated with medical treatment and financial losses associated with decreased weight gain or production due to infection.

Repartitioning Agents: Beta-Agonists  

With a growing emphasis on feed efficiency, beta-agonists have emerged as a new technology offering promising benefits to beef cattle operations. Beta-agonists are considered repartitioning agents because of their ability to shift nutrients from fat deposition to lean muscle growth. In doing so, this technology helps producers increase weight gain with no increase in feed consumption.   

Beta-agonists are designed to be administered during the finals days of finishing. Because of this, they are geared toward feedlot operations.  

Summary 

Whether you are concerned about rising feed costs or simply looking for a way to increase profit margins, improving feed efficiency is critical. Advancements in technology have given beef producers more options for managing feed efficiency and improving average daily gains.