Non-Technical Project Summary
NON-TECHNICAL PROJECT SUMMARY DETAILS
Project reference number: V013/2014Q1
Project title:
Research investigation into the molecular control of energetic efficiency in cattle
Duration of the project work (months):
19 months
Project keywords:
Cattle; feed efficiency; RFI; mitochondria; gene expression
Purpose of the project under Article 5 of Directive 2010/63/EU:
Basic research; endocrine system / metabolism
Project objectives, scientific unknowns or scientific or clinical needs being addressed:
Feed is the most expensive cost in producing livestock. Feed efficiency is the efficiency with
which animals use feed for productive purposes like growth and milk production. In order to
make progress in selecting animals for improved efficiency the underlying biology which
controls its expression must be understood. From previous research, it is clear that feed
efficiency of animals is controlled by many factors, including nutrition, genetics and biological
processes. This study will focus on looking at the importance of body energy utilisation at a
cellular level and specifically at the role of the mitochondria. Mitochondria are structures found
in every cell which are heavily involved in energy production within the cell. This study will
examine the connection between mitochondria and efficient animal production. Current
research shows that efficient animals have mitochondria that are much better at producing
energy for the animal and produce fewer waste products. The differences in mitochondrial
function and overall feed efficiency between animals are likely to be the result of differences in
their genetic makeup and how their genes function. The objectives of this study are to better
understand at a cellular level the molecules and biological pathways controlling feed efficiency
and to establish the relationship between mitochondrial function/abundance and efficiency in
cattle. This information can then be used to genetically select cattle that are more efficient and
thus less expensive to produce.
Potential benefits likely to derive from this project:
Feed efficient animals are central to profitable, sustainable and efficient beef production.
Unfortunately feed efficiency is difficult and costly to measure directly and because of this,
information on the genetic aspect of feed efficiency is limited. Taking this into account it makes
sense that molecular based markers to select for efficient animals, when breeding, are
developed. The potential benefit of this multidisciplinary study is to be able to select cattle that
have higher feed efficiency, thus allowing farmers to breed animals that eat less but continue at
the same rate of production. This would reduce the feed costs for the farmers.
Species and approximate number of animals expected to be used:
AUT-F0412-1
1/2
80 cattle
Expected adverse effects on the animals, the expected level of severity and the fate of the
animals:
All 80 animals will undergo blood sampling, which is mild in severity and no adverse effects are
expected. 36 animals will undergo liver and muscle biopsies, which are moderate procedures,
and will be carried out using local anaesthetic. A possible adverse effect is infection at the
biopsy site. These same animals will also have their stomach contents sampled number of times
via their oesophagus (food pipe). This is also classified as being moderate in severity and no
adverse effects are expected. At the end of the study the animals will be returned to the
commercial herd. The project team has significant experience in these procedures and no lasting
adverse effects are envisaged beyond the initial discomfort of undergoing each procedure.
APPLICATION OF THE 3RS
Replacement - why animals need to be used for this project and why non-animal alternatives
could not be used:
Given the nature of the work i.e. characterising key biological differences between animals of
varying inherent potential for feed efficiency (and cellular energetics), there is no substitute to
conducting this research on the animal population proposed.
Reduction - how the use of minimum numbers of animals can be assured:
Following detailed statistical calculations, the number of animals in the study is the minimum
that could be used to address the scientific questions of interest.
Refinement - justification for the choice of species, why the animal model(s) used are the most
refined and general measures to be taken to minimise harm to the animals:
This bovine model has been developed through selective breeding of feed efficient or inefficient
cattle. Therefore this is an optimal model for the objectives of this particular study. Animals will
be accommodated in normal farming conditions. The research group involved has significant
experience with the procedures which will be carried out, and have refined these to minimise
any adverse effects on the animal. Strict hygienic protocols will be adhered to and animals will
be monitored closely on a regular basis for any evidence of infection at surgical sites. In
addition, prompt veterinary assistance will be available if required.