Eficiencia alimenticia de novillos Wagyu y cruza F1 Wagyu x Holando en confinamiento

In feedlot production systems, feed utilization efficiency is a key factor determining the economic sustainability of the operation, particularly in systems based on high-value breeds such as Wagyu. In this context, crosses between Wagyu and dairy genotypes such as Holstein may represent a promising alternative by combining the greater feed intake capacity and growth efficiency of dairy breeds with the characteristic meat quality of Wagyu. The objective of this study was to evaluate organic matter intake and digestibility, residual feed intake (RFI), feed conversion efficiency, and feeding and postural behaviour in purebred Wagyu (W) and F1 Wagyu x Holstein crossbred (WH) steers under feedlot conditions, as well as to analyze the association among these variables in order to contribute to the understanding of the biological basis of individual feed efficiency. The study was conducted on a commercial farm located in Soriano, Uruguay, where 16 steers (W, n = 8; WH, n = 8) were evaluated for 56 days under uniform management and feeding conditions. During the experimental period, productive performance variables, individual feed intake using electronic feeders, diet digestibility and animal behaviour were recorded. WH steers showed greater body weight, higher average daily gain, and greater dry matter intake than W. From a behavioral perspective, WH spent less time at the feeder but exhibited higher feeding rates and greater intake per visit, as well as longer resting times. In contrast, no differences between genotypes were observed for residual feed intake. Overall, the results indicate greater productive performance of WH under feedlot conditions, however, factors associated with management and feed supply during the experimental period may have limited the expression of voluntary intake and the ability of RFI to discriminate differences in feed efficiency between genotypes.