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The New Frontier of Feed Efficiency: How Science is Revolutionizing Cattle Breeding

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The cattle industry is experiencing a quiet revolution in efficiency, driven by a sophisticated measurement called Residual Feed Intake (RFI). This breakthrough in cattle breeding allows ranchers to identify animals that simply do more with less.
Consider this real-world example: Two bulls of similar weight both gain 3.7 pounds per day. Traditional measures might suggest they’re equally efficient. However, RFI testing reveals that while one bull consumes 24 pounds of feed daily, the other maintains the same growth rate on just 21.5 pounds. That 2.5-pound daily difference adds up to substantial savings over time.
With feed costs representing up to 70% of total production costs, these efficiency improvements have massive impacts on profitability. “You’re talking $80 to $100 savings on the cow and another $100 to $125 on the steer,” explains Leo McDonnell, whose family pioneered RFI testing.
What makes RFI particularly valuable is its independence from other traits. Unlike traditional efficiency measures, selecting for improved RFI doesn’t negatively impact characteristics like fertility, milking ability, or frame size. This means ranchers can improve feed efficiency without sacrificing other traits they’ve worked hard to develop in their herds.

Colorful image of mini meatball sliders on patterned plates with melted cheese and toppings like lettuce and tomato, with a DIY topping bar and kid-friendly tools in the background, under natural lighting.

Kid-Approved Mini Meatball Sliders: Making Dinner Fun and Nutritious!

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Transform dinner into an exciting experience with our kid-friendly mini meatball sliders. Made with premium ground beef from regenerative farms, these perfectly-sized treats make healthy eating fun. Get the whole family involved in creating these nutritious, customizable, and delicious sliders!

Perfectly cooked ribeye steak on a cast iron skillet with a pink medium-rare center, golden-brown crust, and a pat of melting butter, garnished with fresh herbs, on a dark wood surface with cooking props nearby.

Master the Art of Gourmet Steak: Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

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Discover how to create restaurant-worthy steaks in your own kitchen using our premium cuts from regeneratively raised cattle. Learn the simple secrets to perfect cooking, from choosing your cut to mastering essential techniques. Elevate your dinner game while supporting sustainable farming practices.

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Cozy Up with Sustainable Comfort: Our Classic Beef Stew Recipe

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Discover the ultimate comfort food with our sustainable beef stew recipe. Made with premium cuts from regeneratively raised cattle, this one-pot wonder delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich flavor. Perfect for cozy nights and meal prep, it’s a wholesome dish that tastes even better the next day.

From Farm to Table: The Journey of Rafter 9 Ranch Beef

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Sizzle and Savor: Quick, Healthy Beef Stir-Fry from Sustainable Sources

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Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with our quick and healthy beef stir-fry. Using premium cuts from sustainably raised cattle, this customizable dish packs a flavorful punch while delivering essential nutrients. Learn the secrets to creating a delicious, eco-friendly meal in minutes!