What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine differences in forage intake and digesta kinetics in cows with varying residual feed intake (RFI).

Forage intake and digesta kinetics of lactating beef cattle differing in feed efficiency while grazing Idaho rangelands

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The study shows no differences in forage intake based on RFI in lactating beef cattle, indicating variability in grazing performance.

To determine differences in forage intake and digesta kinetics in cows with varying residual feed intake (RFI).
Analyzed two-year-old lactating Angus × Hereford cows classified by RFI (efficiency vs. inefficiency)
Used a pulse dose of an alkane marker and grazing collars
Collected fecal samples over four days in June and August
Employed a mixed model to analyze data with RFI treatment and period as factors.
No significant differences in forage intake or digesta kinetics between efficient and inefficient cows
Total marker residence time in the gastrointestinal tract varied by period, increasing from spring to summer
Digestible organic matter and crude protein in the diet fluctuated significantly between spring and summer.

Sprinkle et al. (2025) studied this question.

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