Increased Fat EBVs Reduce Need for Supplementary Feeding

Abstract Text: Many grazing enterprises experience periods of feed abundance and shortage in an annual cycle.  The paper demonstrates that ewes and cows with greater Fat EBVs are likely to be fatter at all times throughout the year.  Thus, during periods of feed shortage, they are likely to take longer to reach threshold condition levels to begin supplementary feeding which represents a significant financial and time saving for producers.  Genetically fatter ewes and cows are likely to have eaten more during periods of feed abundance.  Thus, depending on the relative cost of feed during periods of abundance and shortage, they are not necessarily more efficient but may be more profitable. 

Keywords: ewe, cow, fat, feed