| 摘要 |
<p>A method of managing and marketing a group of commercial animals, such as cattle, based on a predetermined genetic profile includes the steps of determining, prior to entry of an animal into a feedlot, a genotype of a subject animal with respect to genetic markers for selected ones of at least the traits for growth; quality grade, yield grade, marbling, rib-eye muscle area, dressing percentage and meat tenderness, and feeding the animal utilizing criteria based on the genotype of the animal. The animal is grouped with other animals into a subgroup having either a defined genotype, a similar animal economic value or a common market endpoint, and the subgroup is assigned to a pen. The subgroup is managed, fed, slaughtered and marketed according to the genotypic profile for the subgroup. The animal is fed each day a ration having a quality determined by using a biological model of potential growth based on the genotypic profile of the animal. Weight and breed data of the animal are gathered at entry into a feedlot, and are used along with the biological model to predict an amount of growth of muscle and fat tissue for each of a plurality of hypothetical rations fed for respective hypothetical periods of time. A net value of the animal is estimated using a bioeconomic model along with at least a cost of feed ration, predicted yield and quality, and corresponding market price. An optimal time to send the subgroup to slaughter is determined based on at least the net value estimated using the bioeconomic model. Subgroups having a genotype corresponding to an undesirable genotype are identified and are managed differently.</p> |
