93 - Research Needs to Advance Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle: Ninth Revised Edition

Abstract: The Statement of Task for the Committee on Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle for the Eighth Revised Edition indicated that the report would address "future areas of needed research." Advancement of science and evolution of beef cattle and beef cattle production as well as our ability to collect and to assimilate data lends itself to continuously filling gaps in knowledge and solidifying nutrient recommendations. Advancements made in energy requirements, micronutrients, and model evaluation are being discussed in the present symposium. There are many additional needs and gaps related to intake and nutritive value of grazed forages, microbial protein synthesis and its contribution to metabolizable amino acids, and contributions to greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions across beef cattle production systems, to name a few. Additional data to better understand beef production system (conventional, organic, grass­finished, etc.) effects on safety and nutrient profile of beef products are also warranted. Serial slaughter experiments at different stages of production of beef cattle (i.e., feedlot growth rate, gestational status, lactation, etc.) should be conducted across all production segments to evaluate retention of energy, protein, and minerals. Development of a data repository for continuous improvement of model development and evaluation is needed, including methods to ensure accuracy and outlier removal. A greater understanding of how industry nutritionists and producers use the publication and what they need moving forward for ease of application in the field would be beneficial. This presentation will summarize needs and opportunities for improving the ninth edition of the Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle.