Beyond average daily gain: The true path to cattle profitability

Feedstuffs in Focus

Cattle producers often turn to average daily gain, feed conversion or reproduction when targeting improved efficiency but while they all have a place, a focus on feed efficiency traits is critical as it zeroes in on both the cost of feed and the value of gain.
Jason Osterstock, Chief Science Officer at Vytelle, joins Sarah Muirhead to explore how data-driven approaches are transforming herd management decisions. Rather than relying solely on conventional measures like average daily gain or feed conversion, forward-thinking producers are harnessing sophisticated analytics to identify animals with superior efficiency traits. These insights enable more strategic breeding decisions that compound benefits across generations.
What makes this evolution particularly exciting is its accessibility. Technologies that were once reserved for only the largest operations are now available to producers of all sizes through user-friendly platforms and mobile devices. This democratization of data science allows the entire industry to advance toward more sustainable production methods. Vytelle exemplifies this approach with its integrated technology platform designed to help cattle producers deliver more protein with fewer inputs, ensuring that meat and milk remain competitive food choices for future generations amid growing sustainability concerns.
Want to learn more about optimizing your herd's efficiency? Visit vytelle.com to discover how their technology solutions can transform your operation.
Subscribe to Feedstuffs in Focus wherever you get your podcasts to hear more conversations about the big issues affecting the livestock, poultry, grain and animal feed industries.

Chapters

1. Feed Efficiency Fundamentals (00:00:00)

2. Vitali's Genetic Evaluation Approach (00:01:10)

3. Methane Monitoring and Sustainability (00:02:45)

4. Accessing Vitali Services (00:04:30)

5. Future Developments for 2025 (00:05:10)