The relationship between mitochondria and residual feed intake in feedlot cattle

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measure of feed efficiency that is not related to an animal's growth rate or body size. Little is known about the factors that affect RFI because, until recently, the measurement of RFI in large numbers of animals was not possible. Recently, researchers have shown a relationship in poultry between feed efficiency and measures of mitochondrial function and respiration. We hypothesized that a similar relationship existed in cattle. Steers were selected to have high or low RFI, the animals were scarified, and mitochondria were isolated from skeletal muscle. Low RFI steers had greater rates of state 2 and 3 respiration and produced more hydrogen peroxide. A blood assay was designed based on these findings to predict RFI status. The assay was able to detect differences between the high and low RFI groups; however it was not sensitive enough to correctly predict RFI status of individual animals.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Animal sciences (MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Kolath, William H., 1979-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Kerley, Monty Stephen, 1960-

Statement dc:rights

• OpenAccess.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/4368

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/4368