Abstract
The efficiency by which animals utilize dietary energy is fundamental to the cost of production for protein of animal origin and to the carbon footprint an animal industry has. Hence, the development of cost effective methodology for determining these measurements of efficiency is important. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of infrared thermography in a rapid, non-steady state method for measuring energy loss in cattle. Data from 241 yearling bulls and steers as well as heifers and mature cows are presented. Infrared images were collected following a 24h feed withdrawal period. The infrared thermal response in these animals was significantly ranked (P < 0.03) with conventional measurements of feed efficiency using residual feed intake values for animals demonstrated to be within a thermal neutral zone. When animals were not within a thermal neutral zone there was no significant ranking. The data suggests that the use of a non-steady state approach using infrared thermography for identifying metabolic efficiency in animals may be a more rapid and less expensive method for identifying differences in energy utilization. The data also demonstrates the importance of maintaining thermal neutrality when measuring metabolic efficiency irrespective of the methodology.
Highlights
The efficiency by which we capture and utilize energy is fundamentally important to the carbon footprint for our societies and has a direct impact on global warming
The data suggests that the use of a non-steady state approach using infrared thermography for identifying metabolic efficiency in animals may be a more rapid and less expensive method for identifying differences in energy utilization
This is true for industrialized sectors such as transportation and utility industries and it is true for animal agriculture
Summary
The efficiency by which we capture and utilize energy is fundamentally important to the carbon footprint for our societies and has a direct impact on global warming. This is true for industrialized sectors such as transportation and utility industries and it is true for animal agriculture. In addition to the carbon footprint, the efficiency by which domestic animals utilize energy for food production is fundamentally important for the affordability and sustainability of animal agriculture. This efficiency affects the cost of raising animals and the cost of high quality food for consumers. Managing feed conversion could well be considered an important social license requirement for the animal industries
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
