Work

Development and validation of a model for early prediction of residual feed intake in beef cattle using plasma biomarkers

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: N), insulin, and IGF-1 analysis. Seven previously identified plasma biomarkers for RFI in late-fattening beef cattle still kept their capability for discriminating low and high RFI animals when analysed during early fattening stages (P < 0.05). Among these confirmed biomarkers, five were common for both grass- and corn-fed animals (creatinine, β-alanine, triglyceride TG18:0_34:2, symmetric dimethyl-arginine and phosphatidylcholine PC aa C30:2) while two were diet-specific (IGF-1 for grass silage-based diet, and isoleucine for corn silage-based diet. No new plasma biomarkers of RFI were identified at early-fattening stages (false discovery rate > 0.05). Prediction models were developed based on seven confirmed RFI biomarkers analysed during early-fattening. Two logistic regression models incorporating creatinine and either IGF-1 (for grass silage-based diet) or PC aa C30:2 (for corn silage-based diet) effectively distinguished between high- and low-RFI animals with high sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve > 0.80). The biomarkers used in the models showed moderate to high repeatability between early and late fattening stages (0.45 < r < 0.65). The models were successfully externally validated, with more than 85% of animals from the fourth cohort correctly classified. Once validated in larger cohorts and utilising cost-effective and rapid analytical methods, these models could support precision feeding and breeding programmes, aiming to reduce the cost of raising beef cattle.

Source: animal

DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101354

Authors: H.M. Aboshady, E. Jorge-Smeding, S. Taussat, G. Cantalapiedra-Hijar