Performance, nutrient utilization and meat quality traits in Bos indicus cattle: a meta-analysis examining the effect of residual feed intake

This meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype on performance, nutrient utilization and meat quality traits in Zebu ( Bos indicus ) cattle. Twenty-three peer-reviewed publications with 37 treatment means were included in the dataset. Weighted mean difference analysis compared animals categorized into low RFI (more efficient) versus medium or high RFI (less efficient) groups. Data heterogeneity via meta-regression and subgroup analysis, considering variables such as animal age, sex class, experimental duration, RFI group, dietary concentrate, and estimated metabolizable energy intake were also explored. The predominant genetic group of cattle in the dataset was Nellore (89.18%), followed by Brahman (10.81%). More efficient animals (low RFI phenotype) exhibited less dry matter intake (DMI; P 0.05), while dietary ether extract digestibility tended to decrease ( P = 0.050) in low RFI animals (-13.20 g/kg DM). Low RFI animals tended to increased ( P = 0.065) ribeye area (REA) compared to the high/medium RFI groups, while carcass backfat thickness (BFT) decreased ( P = 0.042) compared to high/medium RFI groups. Moreover, there was an increase ( P