Correlation between Rate and Efficiency of Gain in Steers

The following conclusions can be made from this analysis: The high correlation between rate and efficiency of gain is reduced in time-constant populations and this high correlation is applicable only between animals of the same size. Comparisons of gross efficiency should be made only between animals of the same size. Selections on gross efficiency in time-constant feeding periods are generally misleading and often erroneous. In time-constant feeding tests, selections should be made for rate of gain rather than observed gross efficiency.