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In order for the beef cattle industry to continue to thrive with increasing input costs, producers need to focus on cow herd feed efficiency. Many management factors can be utilized to improve feed efficiency. When determining an effective measurement of feed efficiency, residual feed intake (RFI) appears to be the most valuable tool for cow/ calf producers. This is primarily due to the fact that RFI is independent of production traits and size. Selecting cattle based on RFI, which is moderately heritable, has been shown to be effective in improving feed efficiency. This is done without having a negative impact on the animals’ growth, carcass characteristics, or cow production traits. In the feedlot, feed:gain or residual gain (RG) are better measures of feed efficiency to utilize due to the associated increase in final weight. A combination of RFI and RG may be the most effective measure of efficiency on an industry-wide basis. It is important for the future for the beef cattle industry to make strides in improving feed efficiency to remain competitive with other livestock species.

Papers:
- Beef Cattle Intake and Feed Efficiency. Dan Faulkner, University of Arizona
- Cattle Rustling and Auction Scams: Ways to Protect Yourself. Leatta McLaughlin, AZ Department of Agriculture
- History and Livestock Management of the Bundy Ranch. Ed Bundy, AZ Strip Rancher
- Are Lightning Fires Unnatural? A Comparison Of Aboriginal And Lightning Ignition Rates In The United States. Dr. Charles Kay, Utah State University
- Survive or Thrive; Establishing Your Cowherd Legacy. Ken Bryan, Cargill Ruminant Nutritionist
- Livestock Market Outlook. John Mangus and Brett Crosby, Custom Ag Solutions
- How to Select for the Proper Phenotype, Fertility, Glandular Function, Butterfat, and Adaptability in Your Cows, Replacement Heifers, and Bulls. Steve Campbell, Triangle C Livestock