Sustainable Beef Production Research Articles

The Rumen Microbiome Composition of Raramuri Criollo and European Cattle in an Extensive System

Understanding the relationship between Raramuri Criollo cattle (RC) and their microbial ruminal ecosystem will help identify advantageous characteristics of adapted cattle as alternatives to achieve sustainable beef production systems. Our objective was to characterize the rumen microbiome of RC in comparison to Angus and Hereford breeds (European, E) and the cross between them (E × RC). Ruminal fluid was collected from 63 cows in their second productive cycle after grazing in the same paddock for 45 d, in the dry (n = 28) and rain (n = 35) seasons. DNA from ruminal fluid was isolated for 16s rRNA gene next-generation sequencing. The data were analyzed with QIIME2 and compared against the SILVA 16s rRNA database. Beta diversity was different (p < 0.05) between RC and E in both seasons. A microbial core was represented by the most abundant phyla. Planctomycetes and Spirochaetes represented above 1% in the rain season and below 1% in the dry one, whereas Euryarchaeota was below 1% and around 3%, respectively. LEfSe analysis identified differentiated (p < 0.05) key microbial groups that explain the differences between lineages at different taxonomic levels, reflecting the ability of the rumen ecosystem of RC cattle to adapt to hostile environmental conditions by having microbial groups specialized in the degradation of highly fibrous content.

Applying Systems Thinking to Sustainable Beef Production Management: Modeling-Based Evidence for Enhancing Ecosystem Services

We used systems thinking (ST) to identify the critical components of beef cattle production through the lens of ecosystem services (ES), offering a holistic approach to address its adverse externalities. We identified eight critical feedback loops in beef production systems: (i) grazing and soil health, (ii) manure management and soil fertility, (iii) feed efficiency and meat production, (iv) water use and soil moisture, (v) cultural services and community engagement, (vi) energy use, (vii) carbon sequestration and climate regulation, and (viii) environmental impact. Our analysis reveals how these interconnected loops influence each other, demonstrating the complex nature of beef production systems. The dynamic hypothesis identified through the loops indicated that improved grazing and manure management practices enhance soil health, leading to better vegetation growth and cattle nutrition, which, in turn, have a positive impact on economic returns to producers and society, all of which encourage the continuation of interlinked beef and ecosystem stewardship practices. The management of beef production ES using ST might help cattle systems across the globe to contribute to 9 of the 17 different United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the “zero hunger” and “climate action” goals. We discussed the evaluation framework for agrifood systems developed by the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity to illustrate how ST in beef cattle systems could be harnessed to simultaneously achieve the intended environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of beef cattle systems. Our analysis of the literature for modeling and empirical case studies indicates that ST can reveal hidden feedback loops and interactions overlooked by traditional practices, leading to more sustainable beef cattle production outcomes. ST offers a robust framework for enhancing ES in beef cattle production by recognizing the interconnectedness of ecological and agricultural systems, enabling policymakers and managers to develop more effective and sustainable strategies that ensure the long-term health and resilience of humans and ES.

Impact of Forage Sources on Ruminal Bacteriome and Carcass Traits in Hanwoo Steers During the Late Fattening Stages.

This study examined the effects of different forage sources on the ruminal bacteriome, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of Hanwoo steers during the fattening stage. In Korea, where high-concentrate feeding is common, selecting suitable forage is crucial for sustainable beef production. Fifteen 23-month-old Hanwoo steers, weighing an average of 679.27 ± 43.60 kg, were fed the following five different forage sources: oat hay (OAT), rye silage (RYE), Italian ryegrass (IRS), barley forage (BAR), and rice straw silage (RSS), alongside 1.5 kg of dry matter concentrate daily for five months. Carcass traits were evaluated post-slaughter, and rumen fluid samples were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine the bacteriome composition. The forage source significantly affected the alpha-diversity indices and bacteriome biomarkers linked to the feed efficiency and ruminal fermentation. Differences in the backfat thickness and meat yield index were noted, with alpha-diversity indices correlating with carcass traits. The phylum Planctomycetota, especially the family Thermoguttaceae, was linked to nitrogen fixation in high-protein diets like IRS, while the genus Limimorpha emerged as a biomarker for the meat yield. These findings highlight the importance of forage selection during late fattening to optimize beef production, considering diet and bacteriome shifts.

Net zero initiative in U.S. beef and dairy systems: integrative on-farm recommendations for greenhouse gas reduction

Abstract Beef and dairy production systems play an important role in society, providing a variety of ecosystem services. U.S. beef and dairy production systems require being aligned with the global and national effort to stabilize the anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the atmosphere. This study adapted the nominal group technique framework to design a roadmap to achieving a net-zero GHG cattle supply chain in the U.S. with an emphasis on farm recommendations. Scientists with diverse expertise in sustainable beef and dairy production proposed, categorized, described, defined, and prioritized strategies that have the potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions, improve production system efficiencies, and promote sustainability. These strategies were presented to different stakeholders and classified according to the marginal GHG reduction, expected return on investment, and market readiness. Thus, strategies were defined for cow-calf and stocker, feedlot, and dairy operations, according to the characteristics of the cattle systems in the U.S. This net-zero roadmap presents a broad range of options for promoting sustainable cattle production in the U.S. Priority items for a research agenda to facilitate progress towards implementing this net-zero roadmap are described according to the dairy or beef production system and including the modulation of rumen fermentation, precision diet management, manure management, increasing animal and system efficiency, and genetic evaluation and selecting of efficient animals. The expected return on investment and market readiness of the proposed strategies depend on the technology type and system localization. Progress toward the net-zero goal depends on the widespread adoption of appropriate mitigation strategies. Future research programs must prioritize identified research needs to promote the wide adoption of the proposed strategies.

PSIV-26 Extent of use of supplemental feeding in beef cattle operations across the Southeast: A report of the regional survey

Abstract With input costs on the rise, researchers and producers, alike, are seeking alternative management strategies for profitable and sustainable beef production. Studies suggest that supplemental feed provided to grazing cattle may be used to offset some of the cost. However, there is a lack of knowledge on the extent of supplemental feeding programs in the southeastern US and which feeds may be used in these programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to better understand supplemental feeding practices and choices among beef producers in the southeastern US. To address this objective, a 24-question survey was distributed through Extension and commodity organizations to beef producers across the Southeast. This survey received 118 complete responses. The majority of respondents operated cow-calf production systems (65.6%) on either tall fescue or bermudagrass pastures (32.7 and 28.0%, respectively). Approximately 88% of these producers employed some type of supplemental feeding strategy, but there is no clear decision on whether commodity or byproduct feedstuffs were preferred. The leading commodity used was corn (61.4%), while common byproducts included whole cottonseed, corn gluten feed, and soybean hulls (17.1, 16.6, and 14.4%, respectively). At the end of the survey, the participants were asked to submit a sample of their byproduct supplements to have a nutritive analysis completed to better understand what nutritional components the products they are feeding contain and how they may vary from place to place. Some of the products that were sent in include whole cottonseed, cotton byproduct, corn gluten meal, distillers grain, chicken litter, and others. The nutritional test being run on these samples included crude protein and fiber analysis. The crude protein of the samples received ranged from 13.3% to 30.3% with an average of 21.5%. The fiber profile received ranged from 45.5% to 76.3% with an average of 59.9%. With the information recorded from these tests, recommendations can be provided on different feeding methods in both commercial settings as well as research settings.

PSIX-30 Interaction between rumen microbiome and host feed efficiency phenotype across contrasting breeds and dietary sources

Abstract Provision of feed accounts for a high proportion of the variable cost in beef production systems, and consequently is a major determinant of overall profitability. Thus, improving the conversion of feed to animal product by identifying and breeding cattle with improved feed efficiency potential provides a method through which feed input costs may be reduced, whilst also contributing to more environmentally sustainable beef production. The rumen microbiome dictates the feed degradation capacity and subsequent nutrient supply in ruminants and is thus potentially impacted by feed efficiency phenotype. However, the relationship between rumen microbiota and host feed efficiency phenotype is yet to be fully elucidated. This is further complicated when contrasting diets, cattle breeds as well as various stages of animal development are considered. The objective of this study was to undertake network analysis on rumen microbiome data generated from two contrasting steer breed types (Charolais and Holstein-Friesian), divergent within-breed for residual feed intake (RFI), and offered contrasting diets during different stages of development: i) high-concentrate during the growing phase; ii) grass silage during the growing phase; iii) zero-grazed grass during the growing phase, and iv) high-concentrate during the finishing phase. From approximately 10 mo of age, Charolais (n = 90) and Holstein-Friesian (n = 77) steers were individually fed each of the aforementioned diets for 70 d, following an adaptation period between each diet. At the end of each dietary phase, RFI was determined for every steer and rumen fluid was sampled using a transesophageal sampling device from the 10 most-efficient (Low-RFI) and the 10 least-efficient (High-RFI) steers within each breed. Rumen fluid samples were then subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing and a network-based systems biology analysis subsequently undertaken using PCIT incorporating the 16S sequencing data and individual RFI values across each breed and dietary phase. A total of 110 microbial taxa were connected (P < 0.05; r > 0.8) to the breed and diet contrasts examined; however, no single microbe was commonly connected to all contrasts. The Pyramidobacter genus was the most represented phylotype, displaying a positive connection with the Charolais steers during the grass silage diet, as well as a negative association with Charolais steers during the first high-concentrate diet and Holstein-Friesian steers during the zero-grazed grass diet. Similarly, of the 35 microbial taxa significantly connected to more than one breed/diet contrast, 12 displayed altered direction of association, indicating a differential relationship between the rumen microbiome and RFI phenotype depending on the prevailing dietary management. Acknowledgement: The animal model used in this study was funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (RSF13/S/519). Kate Keogh received funding for this work from the Research Leaders 2025 program (co-funded by Teagasc and the European Union’s Horizon 2020, Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement number 754380).

Evaluating the Potential of Double-Muscled Angus Sires to Produce Progeny from Dairy Cows to Meet Premium Beef Brand Specifications

In response to the increasing global demand for sustainable beef production, this review of the literature was undertaken to explore the possibility of using the progeny of cows in the pasture-based New Zealand dairy production system that are mainly of the Holstein–Friesian, Jersey, and Holstein–Friesian × Jersey-cross breeds, to produce beef that meets the standards demanded by the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) standard. CAB is a United States of America (USA) benchmark for beef quality. Traditionally, the offspring of dairy breeds have not been suitable for producing high-quality beef due to their genetic makeup and physical characteristics. However, in the USA, breeding programmes have used genetic strategies to boost muscle meat yield in terminal-sire breeds like the Lim-Flex® and NuEra Genetics® T14 cattle lines. In these lines, selection has focused on enhancing muscling and other Angus traits, including ensuring the cattle are homozygous polled and black-coloured. The overall aim has been to alter the phenotypic characteristics of the offspring of dairy cows by terminal-sire crosses, so they resemble the phenotype of purebred Angus cattle and meet the CAB standard. The approach can involve using different alleles of the myostatin gene (MSTN) carried by the terminal Angus sires to increase carcass value from the dairy cow-derived male progeny (including the MSTN c.821(del11) allele or the myostatin protein p.F94L leucine-containing allele) to increase meat yield and eating characteristics. It is concluded that a targeted selection and mating strategy could provide another source of high-quality beef production, and one that also meets societal demands for better animal welfare and increased sustainability.

The Existence of Macroalgae in Indonesia: Unlocking the Nutritive Potential for Sustainable Beef Production

Abstract Assessment of the existence of macroalgae and revealing the chemical composition to investigate the potential usage for feed to support sustainable beef production has been conducted in Indonesian prominent livestock production area specifically Lombok, Bali, Yogyakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu. These regions host numerous seaweed production centres, while others hold the capacity to develop into seaweed cultivation zones. To assess the existence, utilisation, and accessibility of macroalgae in each region, observations and interviews were conducted. Subsequently, dominant macroalgae species were sampled and subjected to proximate analysis to determine their nutritional profiles. The results showed that the dominant macroalgae observed included red algae (Rhodophyta) like Eucheuma sp., Gracilaria sp., and Acanthophora sp., green algae (Chlorophyta) such as Ulva sp. and Caulerpa sp., and the brown alga (Phaeophyta) Sargassum sp. The dominant macroalgae found in all five observation sites with high abundance were Sargassum sp., Gracilaria sp., and Eucheuma cottonii. Ulva sp. and Eucheuma spinosum were present at four sites, while Acanthophora sp. and Caulerpa sp. were found at three sites. The dry matter content of the macroalgae ranged from 9.92% to 17.01%, with the highest values observed in the Eucheuma group (14.11%-17.01%). This was followed by Sargassum sp. (12.55 ± 2.40%), Ulva sp. (12.28 ± 2.33%), and Gracilaria sp. (11.09 ± 3.79%). Caulerpa sp. exhibited the lowest dry matter content (9.92 ± 1.29%). The crude protein (CP) content varied both within and between groups of algae species and observation sites. Gracilaria sp. exhibited the highest CP content (13.55 ± 0.16%), followed by Caulerpa sp. (11.87 ± 2.22%), Sargassum sp. (8.98 ± 0.42%), and Ulva sp. (6.98 ± 0.94%). The mineral content of the macroalgae was noticeably high, which is reflected in the low organic matter content. Ulva sp. had the highest organic matter content (80.17%), followed by Sargassum sp. (70.55%), Gracilaria sp. (66.53%), Caulerpa sp. (47.61%), and Eucheuma cottonii (43.50%). The readily available seaweed in this study tend to exhibit moderate to high protein and mineral content, making it a promising partial replacement or supplement for conventional feed, potentially contributing to sustainable beef production. Gracilaria sp., the most readily available seaweed, high in nutrient content with the potential to partially replace conventional feed protein sources. Its abundance of vitamins and minerals may enrich the overall value of the feed.

Stakeholder Perceptions of Animal Welfare as a Component of Sustainable Beef Programs in the United States-A Pilot Study.

This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and social (n = 26/26, 100%) sustainability. The thematic analysis of five free response questions identified ten themes: Animal Care, Regulations and Guidelines, Responsibility, Consumers and Stakeholders, Performance and Efficiency, Financial Impact, Connectedness, Critical Component, Animal-based Outcomes, and Employees. When asked to define welfare, the most common themes were Animal Care and Regulations and Guidelines. When asked why welfare was a component of their sustainability program, the top factors from a provided list were: cattle health (n = 20, 74%), cattle performance (n = 12, 44%), and consumer perceptions (n = 12, 44%). Findings suggest a widespread recognition of animal welfare's importance within sustainable beef production.

6 Identifying research gaps and opportunities to enhance sustainable beef production

Abstract Sustainability has evolved and extended its influence across diverse sectors of the economy, including those in the beef supply chain. Public-facing companies predominantly emphasize environmental sustainability, especially climate-associated features, while beef producers continue to prioritize economic sustainability, hoping to to ensure their operation thrives into the next generation. Diversifying revenue and improving productivity are pivotal for safeguarding economic sustainability and fostering resilient production systems. Diversification is not new to beef producers; many have integrated ecosystem services into their operations to generate non-production revenue. The most valuable asset of a beef producer is the productivity of the land. Decision support tools need to be enhanced to allow producers to either capitalize on above average forage production to generate additional income, or to plan for alternative strategies when forage supply is forecast to be reduced. Because downstream beef supply chain participants prioritize environmental sustainability or reduction of scope 3 emissions, an emerging diversification opportunity for beef producers is to address this opportunity. While soil carbon initiatives have received attention, companies with substantial scope 3 emissions from beef production may value greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cattle more highly. Incentives for practices that reduce GHG emission from cattle can simultaneously reduce environmental impact associated with beef production and generate an additional revenue stream adjacent to beef production. Current opportunities to participate in these incentive programs are limited. Research can address the creation of functional protocols, and their intrinsic value. Clear targets, for gross emissions or emissions intensity, must be set but are not equivalent. In particular, research on effective/acceptable monitoring, reporting, and verification of emissions claims is imperative to functional markets. Innovation in emissions management and productivity gains can be integrated, so that goals of economic and environmental sustainability among value chain participants can be achieved. Maintaining a comprehensive perspective on sustainability solutions is essential to meeting the needs of humanity.

Ṇitrogen footprint of Korean beef cattle farms: Scenarios toward more sustainable production

AbstractNitrogen (N) lost during beef cattle production accompanies various environmental risks and has become a rising concern among agricultural stakeholders. The objective of this study was to quantify the N footprint of producing Hanwoo beef cattle, which is a Korean indigenous breed of cattle, in Korea at the farm gate through a life cycle assessment approach. Field surveys were conducted on 106 farms across 9 provinces to identify regional distinctions in farming systems and evaluate total N losses from beef production. N losses were calculated using emission factors from the refined IPCC guidelines, which were then expressed as N footprint (g N/kg of live body weight (LBW)). Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were deployed to evaluate the precision of the results and identify factors that contributed to the output. The N footprint averaged 132.7(± 61.8) g N/kg LBW and varied between provinces according to animal categories, manure management systems, land use and fertilizer application rates. Volatilization was the highest contributing factor, followed by leaching and denitrification, each representing 68.5, 21.4, and 10.1 percent of the N footprint, respectively. The uncertainty of the result was found to be 46.6 percent and was highly associated with emission factor uncertainties. We devised five mitigation scenarios that are cost effective and do not penalize productivity and evaluated their capacity for reducing N footprint: (i) dietary modifications to decrease animal N excretion rate; (ii) microorganism additives to reduce volatilization from housing; (iii) manure storages recycling manure within the farm to replace synthetic fertilizers; (iv) distributing biochar to the field after fertilizer application to curtail losses from crop production; (v) combination of i, ii, iii, and iv. Combining these scenarios demonstrated the potential to reduce 12.1 percent of the total N footprint. The extents of mitigation scenarios varied across provinces (ranging from 5.2 to 21.7 percent) and were shown to be contingent on feeding practices and type of crop cultivated. Overall, our study provides a national metric that can be utilized to communicate the environmental impacts of Korean beef production. The analyses indicate that more precise results could be achieved with future endeavors towards developing country-specific emission factors. The mitigation potentials of the presented scenarios propose possibilities for feasible and sustainable beef production in Korea.

Knowledge Gaps on the Utilization of Fossil Shell Flour in Beef Production: A Review.

Population growth in many countries results in increased demand for livestock production and quality products. However, beef production represents a complex global sustainability challenge, including meeting the increasing demand and the need to respond to climate change and/or greenhouse gas emissions. Several feed resources and techniques have been used but have some constraints that limit their efficient utilization which include being product-specific, not universally applicable, and sometimes compromising the quality of meat. This evokes a need for novel techniques that will provide sustainable beef production and mitigate the carbon footprint of beef while not compromising beef quality. Fossil shell flour (FSF) is a natural additive with the potential to supplement traditional crops in beef cattle rations in response to this complex global challenge as it is cheap, readily available, and eco-friendly. However, it has not gained much attention from scientists, researchers, and farmers, and its use has not yet been adopted in most countries. This review seeks to identify knowledge or research gaps on the utilization of fossil shell flour in beef cattle production, with respect to climate change, carcass, and meat quality. Addressing these research gaps would be a step forward in developing sustainable and eco-friendly beef production.

Factors Influencing Productivity and Sustainability of Small-Scale Beef Farms in Thailand

Over the past few decades, Thailand has witnessed a decline in production from small-scale beef cattle farming, accompanied by a reduced interest from younger generations in continuing family farming. The present study aimed to determine the state of these farms based on good agricultural practices (GAP) and explored factors influencing beef herd productivity and the willingness of the next generation to sustain the family business. Data from 1,175 questionnaires from 34 provinces was analyzed using SPSS. Beef herds with higher calving rates (CR ≥ 60%) had better herd, reproductive, and health management scores compared with the lower CR (<60%) group. Results from a negative binomial regression showed that factors, i.e., prediction of calving date and routine deworming positively impacted CR, while others like feeding types, mineral supplements, vaccination and hormonal estrus synchronization negatively correlated with CR. Expert opinions (N = 83) highlighted the importance of recording systems, heat detection programs, pregnancy diagnosis, feeding type, sufficient qualified water supply and mineral supplements. The use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and GLM analysis also noted that farm potential score, farmer gender, and occupations were pivotal for the sustainability of beef farming. This research aids in strategizing for enhanced sustainable beef production in Thailand.

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists, Dietary Protein, and Rumen Bacterial Community Interactions in Beef Cattle: A Review.

Improving beef production efficiency, sustainability, and food security is crucial for meeting the growing global demand for beef while minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, ensuring economic viability, and promoting animal welfare. Beta-adrenergic agonists and dietary protein have been critical factors in beef cattle production. Beta-agonists enhance growth, improve feed efficiency, and influence carcass composition, while dietary protein provides the necessary nutrients for muscle development and overall health. A balanced approach to their use and incorporation into cattle diets can lead to more efficient and sustainable beef production. However, microbiome technologies play an increasingly important role in beef cattle production, particularly by optimizing rumen fermentation, enhancing nutrient utilization, supporting gut health, and enhancing feed efficiency. Therefore, optimizing rumen fermentation, diet, and growth-promoting technologies has the potential to increase energy capture and improve performance. This review addresses the interactions among beta-adrenergic agonists, protein level and source, and the ruminal microbiome. By adopting innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and responsible management strategies, the beef industry can contribute to a more secure and sustainable food future. Continued research and development in this field can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both producers and the environment.

Review: Harnessing extant energy and protein requirement modeling for sustainable beef production.

Numerous mathematical nutrition models have been developed in the last sixty years to predict the dietary supply and requirement of farm animals' energy and protein. Although these models, usually developed by different groups, share similar concepts and data, their calculation routines (i.e., submodels) have rarely been combined into generalized models. This lack of mixing submodels is partly because different models have different attributes, including paradigms, structural decisions, inputs/outputs, and parameterization processes that could render them incompatible for merging. Another reason is that predictability might increase due to offsetting errors that cannot be thoroughly studied. Alternatively, combining concepts might be more accessible and safer than combining models' calculation routines because concepts can be incorporated into existing models without changing the modeling structure and calculation logic, though additional inputs might be needed. Instead of developing new models, improving the merging of extant models' concepts might curtail the time and effort needed to develop models capable of evaluating aspects of sustainability. Two areas of beef production research that are needed to ensure adequate diet formulation include accurate energy requirements of grazing animals (decrease methane emissions) and efficiency of energy use (reduce carcass waste and resource use) by growing cattle. A revised model for energy expenditure of grazing animals was proposed to incorporate the energy needed for physical activity, as the British feeding system recommended, and eating and rumination (HjEer) into the total energy requirement. Unfortunately, the proposed equation can only be solved iteratively through optimization because HjEer requires metabolizable energy (ME) intake. The other revised model expanded an existing model to estimate the partial efficiency of using ME for growth (kg) from protein proportion in the retained energy by including an animal degree of maturity and average daily gain (ADG) as used in the Australian feeding system. The revised kg model uses carcass composition, and it is less dependent on dietary ME content, but still requires an accurate assessment of the degree of maturity and ADG, which in turn depends on the kg. Therefore, it needs to be solved iteratively or using one-step delayed continuous calculation (i.e., use the previous day's ADG to compute the current day's kg). We believe that generalized models developed by merging different models' concepts might improve our understanding of the relationships of existing variables that were known for their importance but not included in extant models because of the lack of proper information or confidence at that time.

Effect of breed and diet on the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum transcriptome of steers divergent for residual feed intake

Improving cattle feed efficiency through selection of residual feed intake (RFI) is a widely accepted approach to sustainable beef production. A greater understanding of the molecular control of RFI in various breeds offered contrasting diets is necessary for the accurate identification of feed efficient animals and will underpin accelerated genetic improvement of the trait. The aim of this study was to determine genes and biological processes contributing to RFI across varying breed type and dietary sources in skeletal muscle tissue. Residual feed intake was calculated in Charolais and Holstein–Friesian steers across multiple dietary phases (phase-1: high concentrate (growing-phase); phase-2: zero-grazed grass (growing-phase); phase-3: high concentrate (finishing-phase). Steers divergent for RFI within each breed and dietary phase were selected for muscle biopsy collection, and muscle samples subsequently subjected to RNAseq analysis. No gene was consistently differentially expressed across the breed and diet types examined. However, pathway analysis revealed commonality across breeds and diets for biological processes including fatty acid metabolism, immune function, energy production and muscle growth. Overall, the lack of commonality of individual genes towards variation in RFI both within the current study and compared to the published literature, suggests other genomic features warrant further evaluation in relation to RFI.

The Adoption of Robotic Process Automation Considering Financial Aspects in Beef Supply Chains: An Approach towards Sustainability

Sustainable beef production is a global challenge in present times. This research paper aims to investigate the financial risks and barriers in the adoption of robotic process automation (RPA), which has emerged as a strategic catalyst for achieving sustainability in the beef sector. Beef manufacturers constantly strive to achieve sustainability and a competitive advantage in order to gain enhanced beef productivity at low operational costs. There is a gap in the research, as there is a lack of knowledge about the financial aspects, barriers, and challenges influencing the RPA adoption process in the beef supply chain. To bridge this gap, secondary research is used to extract statistical data and information relevant to the RPA adoption process in beef supply chains, considering financial aspects. This study utilises a simulation method adopting a process model created in previous research and analyses different scenarios based on financial parameters using values or variables in Simul8 software. The scenario analysis allows for the identification of financial risks in the adoption of RPA and evaluates the simulation results from a sustainability perspective. The scenario analysis highlights the financial risks and barriers in the adoption of RPA in beef supply chains through process simulation, using financial parameters as a basis. KPI values, income statements, and carbon emission reports are generated to evaluate the main bottlenecks at various beef supply chain stages, thus allowing business users to conduct a thorough cost analysis. Successful adoption of RPA can lead to reduced supply chain complexity, thus improving financial and operational efficiency, which results in increased beef productivity, quality, and shelf life. This study is extremely important as it assesses scenarios from a sustainability perspective and contributes to academic knowledge and professional practice. It provides a process model to support the financial and ethical decision-making of managers or stakeholders, while helping the beef sector adopt RPA with greater ease. The process model can be adopted or modified according to the financial circumstances and individual requirements of business users. Furthermore, it provides decision-makers with the knowledge to eliminate or prevent financial barriers, thus advancing and accelerating the adoption of RPA. Robust adoption of RPA assists beef supply chains in gaining higher productivity at reduced costs, thus creating sustainable value.

Using dynamic modelling to enhance the assessment of the beef water footprint

Current water footprint assessment methods make a meaningful assessment of livestock water consumption difficult as they are mainly static, thus poorly adaptable to understanding future water consumption and requirements. They lack the integration of fundamental ruminant nutrition and growth equations within a dynamic context that accounts for short- and long-term behaviour and time delays associated with economically significant beef-producing areas. The current study utilised the System Dynamics methodology to conceptualise a water footprint for beef cattle within a dynamic and mechanistic modelling framework. The problem of assessing the water footprint of beef cattle was articulated, and a dynamic hypothesis was formed to represent the Texas livestock water use system as the initial step in developing the Dynamic Beef Water Footprint model (DWFB). The dynamic hypothesis development resulted in three causal loop diagrams (CLD): cattle population, growth and nutrition, and the livestock water footprint, that captured the daily water footprint of beef (WFB). Simulations and sensitivity analysis from the hypothesised CLD structures indicated that the framework was able to capture the dynamic behaviour of the WFB system. These behaviours included key reinforcing and balancing feedback processes that drive the WFB. It is extremely difficult to identify policy interventions (i.e., management strategies) for complex systems, like the U.S. beef cattle system, because there are many actors (i.e., cow-calf, stocker, feedlot) and interrelated variables that have delayed effects within and across the supply chain. Identification and understanding of feedback processes driving water use over time will help to overcome policy resistance for more sustainable beef production. Thus, the causal loops identified in the current study provide a system-level insight for the drivers of the WFB within and across each major segment of the beef supply chain to address freshwater concerns more adequately. Further, the nutrient scenarios and sensitivity analysis revealed that the high versus low nutrient composition of pasture, hay, and concentrates resulted in a significant difference in the WFB (2 669 L/kg boneless beef, P < 0.05). The WFB was sensitive to changes in nutrient composition and specific water demand (m3/t) for each production phase, not only phases with high levels of concentrate feed use. As models evolve, there is potential for the DWFB to integrate precision livestock data, further improving quantification of the WFB, precision water-efficient strategies, and selection of water-efficient livestock.

Bridging organisational discourse and practice change: exploring sustainable procurement portfolios for Australian beef

PurposePrivate retail and brand-driven sustainable procurement standards are influencing global agri-food markets, shifting trade and export priorities and reshaping food supply chains. Using the case of Australian beef, the authors construct and evaluate three procurement activity “portfolios” and evaluate how these activity sets pull towards or against diverse organisational goals and/or science-based sustainability objectives.Design/methodology/approachA review of the academic and practitioner literature identified three key pillars for sustainable Australian beef procurement: animal welfare, environmental management and climate change (i.e. emissions). A subset of sustainable beef production activities (n = 100) was identified through this review plus semi-structured interviews with Australian beef retailers and industry bodies. This activity set was filtered (n = 40) and scored by a panel of science experts via a series of workshops and an additional survey. Using these data, the authors use a k-means cluster analysis (k = 3) to consider the strong or weak contributions of each activity portfolio towards typical sustainable beef goals.FindingsA portfolio-based view of sustainable procurement puts the trade-offs between activities and the need for clear sustainability prioritisation into sharp focus. The authors find that individual strategies may be singularly more or less impactful, complex or popular, but when combined as a suite of activities enacted towards a particular goal or set of goals, essential for success. The authors find that obtaining balance across sustainable beef pillars versus within specific pillars can narrow the optimal set of activities that can succeed against multiple sustainability goals.Practical implicationsFor procurement managers, the balance between clear focus and multidimensional progress is a difficult challenge. It requires the bold identification and articulation of an organisation’s interlocking corporate, industry or environmental objectives and flexibility on the strategies, tools and resources required. The authors posit that shifting away from a focus on rigid metrics may be useful in breaking the impasse on meaningful action.Social implicationsUsing a set of known activities and strategies that a procurement manager might draw from in operationalising sustainability goals, the authors cluster activities into three discrete activity portfolios. Each portfolio requires differing levels of effort, implementation complexity and potential for within-pillar and cross-pillar impact (i.e. co-benefits). Assessing the evidence and potential for cross-pillar impacts of individual strategies is a complex undertaking, indicative of the systems and tangled interactions that characterise sustainability science more broadly.Originality/valueBy assessing how the procurement function can be leveraged and operationalised towards sustainability goals through a lens of optimal portfolio management, the authors provide a way forward for the procurement managers working within large retailers and agri-food businesses to progress towards multiple sustainability pillars simultaneously.

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of European beef production systems based on a farm-level optimization model

The European Union (EU) is among the largest beef producers in the world. Besides the economic turnover, beef production causes adverse environmental impacts such as climate change. The sector is known for high heterogeneity in production systems, partly explained by different natural and economic conditions. This study assesses the environmental, social, and economic performances of three typical beef production systems in the EU at the farm level. The farm optimization model FarmDyn is used in this study to carry out a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) from cradle to farm gate; combined with a sensitivity analysis on prices, yields and animal traits. The assessed systems are a Belgian suckler cow farm that fattens its own offspring (BE); a system where calves raised in a French suckler cow farm are fattened on a farm in Italy (FR-IT); and a system where dairy bred calves from one farm are fattened on another farm, both located in Germany (GE-GE). The functional unit is 1 kg of carcass weight from young bulls. In addition to several environmental impact categories, the gross margin is estimated as an economic indicator. The social performance is measured with on-farm workload differentiated by tasks, and human calorie and protein conversion used for production. GE-GE performs better than the other systems in the environmental indicators because emissions are partially allocated towards dairy production. FR-IT shows the highest gross margin due to a higher beef price. BE and FR-IT use less human-consumable feed, as both systems employ grasslands and by-products for animal feeding. The sensitivity analysis identifies the price of beef and calves, the yield of roughage crops, and the weight and age of animals as major factors influencing the results. FarmDyn proves useful to perform LCSA of beef production on a farm-level as it integrates environmental, economic, and social indicators in a consistent framework; while considering price effects and farmers' behaviour in the context of farm heterogeneity and variability in management practices. Results thus provide valuable information to inform not only farmers’ decision but the debate of sustainable beef production in the EU.