To determine the genetic components of the traits involved in economic efficiency. To test for the effect of economic changes on rankings of animals for economic efficiency. To compare measures of economic and biological efficiency. Development of useful biological measures of feed efficiency. Feed conversion measurements are affected by the initial weight of the animal and by the composition of gain as well as by the time period over which measurements are given.
Further research is needed to determine the best criterion for selecting for efficiency.
A possible solution at present is to choose sires which are predicted to fall within an acceptable range of market weight and then to choose from those the ones that reach that market weight most quickly on the least amount of feed. The slope measure of feed efficiency holds some promise if the difficulty of estimating the mature weight of bulls can be solved. This information is provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.