Beyond average daily gain: The true path to cattle profitability

04/17/25 • 7 min

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.
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Previous Episode

Decoding public sentiment: How web-scraped data shapes poultry market decisions

Ever wonder what consumers really think about animal agriculture practices? Dr. Valerie Kilders of Purdue University reveals groundbreaking approaches to understanding public sentiment through web-scraped data and media analysis during her presentation at the PEAK Conference in Minneapolis.
When poultry markets experience price volatility and consumer concerns about animal welfare intensify, producers need insights faster than traditional research methods can deliver. Dr. Kilders demonstrates how analyzing digital conversations provides near-immediate feedback on shifting public attitudes—revealing that consumer responses during recent market disruptions showed remarkable increases in certain sentiment metrics during critical periods.
The research uncovers a fascinating distinction between what consumers say in formal surveys versus how they express themselves online. Social media and news commentary capture stronger emotional responses and more policy-centered critiques, particularly around fundamental questions of production systems and housing conditions. These emotional reactions often reveal deeper concerns about transparency and animal treatment that might go undetected through conventional research approaches.
Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Kilders highlights the growing disconnect between modern agricultural practices and consumer understanding. As production has evolved, many consumers have lost connection with how food is produced, creating a knowledge gap about what constitutes appropriate animal welfare from a veterinary or production standpoint. This presents both challenges and opportunities for producers to engage in meaningful community conversations, providing education while acknowledging different perspectives on animal care.
This episode of Feedstuffs in Focus is sponsored by United Animal Health, a leader in animal health and nutrition. You can learn more about United Animal Health and how they are working to advance animal science worldwide by visiting the website at UnitedANH.com

Next Episode

Protecting your herd and profits with strong line of defense

The razor-thin margins in today's pork industry demand a laser focus on herd health to maintain profitability. Dr. Nic Lauterbach, Technical Services Veterinarian with Pharmgate Animal Health, draws on his years of industry experience to deliver practical insights on keeping pigs healthy during challenging times.
What makes sick pigs so costly? As Dr. Lauterbach explains, illness diminishes the efficiency of every production input – feed conversion suffers, space utilization decreases, and labor requirements increase. This cascade effect can quickly erode already slim profit margins. The key is developing systems that both prevent disease entry and respond rapidly when health challenges emerge.
Producers should watch for specific warning signs that might indicate brewing health issues. Reduced water consumption often serves as the earliest indicator, followed by lethargy, decreased feed intake, and increased need for individual treatments. Dr. Lauterbach emphasizes the critical importance of establishing a strong health team before problems arise, creating clear communication channels that enable quick diagnostic testing and appropriate intervention strategies. This proactive approach can mean the difference between a manageable health event and a devastating outbreak.

Feedstuffs in Focus - Beyond average daily gain: The true path to cattle profitability

Transcript

Sarah Muirhead00:00:06.809

Cattle producers often turn to average daily gain , feed conversion or reproduction when targeting improved efficiency . While all those things have a place , a focus on feed efficiency traits can be critical , as it zeroes in on both the cost of feed and the value of gain . Welcome to Feedstuffs in Focus , our podcast taking a look at the big issues affecting the livestock , po