In this episode of The Feed Science Podcast Show, Dr. Roberto Sainz, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Davis, discusses the genetics of feed efficiency in beef cattle. He explains how maintenance energy requirements, residual feed intake, and mitochondrial function impact performance and sustainability. Hear practical insights backed by decades of research. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Feed efficiency is defined as the ability of an animal to convert feed into productive outputs such as meat, milk, or eggs while minimizing waste and cost."

Meet the guest: Dr. Roberto Sainz is Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Davis, with over three decades of research in animal metabolism, feed efficiency, and sustainable livestock systems. He’s contributed significantly to genetic evaluation models and maintenance energy understanding.

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What will you learn: 

• (00:00) Highlight
• (00:56) Introduction
• (03:06) Feed efficiency basics
• (06:15) Genetic selection progress
• (11:18) Residual feed intake
• (14:46) Balancing key traits
• (16:38) Maintenance requirement genetics
• (19:00) Final Questions

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