Advancing Efficiency in Angus Cattle with Vytelle Feed Intake Technology
We’re excited to share a key development in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the efficiency and productivity of our Angus cattle. Te Mania Angus has installed Vytelle residual feed intake nodes to conduct a comprehensive Net Feed Intake (NFI) trial—an important step toward improving beef production.
Net Feed Intake (NFI) measures an animal’s feed efficiency by comparing its consumption to growth and performance. Using Vytelle’s advanced phenotyping technology, we can pinpoint cattle that gain more weight with less feed or maintain growth with lower intake. This enables us to select and breed animals that are not only high-performing but also more cost-effective to raise.
The Vytelle feed node system provides precise data on individual animal consumption and weight gain, contributing to broader industry efforts to formalize NFI as a key benchmark for feed conversion. The accurate data collection will strengthen the reliability of net feed intake Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs), which currently rely on correlation-based traits.
Early results from our research highlight a strong link between NFI and methane emissions—showing that more efficient cattle produce less methane, reducing waste and environmental impact. With rising feed costs and shifting seasonal conditions, these insights will help producers raise more beef with fewer resources.
We’re confident that this trial will deliver valuable information for making informed breeding decisions, helping you achieve even greater success in your herd.
