Comparasions between feed efficience and performance of caracu cattle

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the associations among feed efficiency traits in Caracu cattle. Forty-six animals born in 2023 were submitted to a 168-day feed efficiency test in 2024, including 52 days of adaptation and 116 days of data collection. The animals received a diet formulated for an expected average daily gain (ADG) of 1.1 kg/day, composed of corn meal, Brachiaria hay, soybean meal, ground corn, and mineral salt. Individual performance was monitored using automated InterGado® equipment. The traits evaluated included ADG, dry matter intake (DMI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average water intake (AWI), residual feed intake (RFI), and residual gain (RG). Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation) and Spearman correlations were calculated. Mean ± standard deviations values were: ADG = 1.33 ± 0.21 kg/day (CV = 15.58%), DMI = 9.49 ± 1.22 kg/day (CV = 12.85%), FCR = 7.21 ± 0.86 (CV = 11.95%), and AWI = 24.71 ± 4.04 L/day (CV = 16.34%). RFI and RG ranged from -0.90 to 1.39 and -0.41 to 0.30, respectively. Significant phenotypic correlations (p < 0.05) were observed, including strong between ADG and DMI (0.70) and between FCR and RG (-0.84). Moderate correlations were found between ADG and RG (0.64), DMI and AWI (0.65), RFI and RG (-0.62) and between AWI and ADG (0.47). A low correlation was observed between ADG and RFI (0.31). The traits showed wide phenotypic variability, reinforcing the potential for selection. The correlations support the use of RFI, RG, and AWI as indicators for identifying more efficient animals, with AWI highlighting the relevance of water intake monitoring, particularly under water-restricted conditions. Including these traits in breeding programs may contribute to more efficient and sustainable livestock production systems.