Assessing the accuracy of modelling weight gain of cattle using feed efficiency data

The RFI equation: feed intake=intercept(s)+βw*mean(weight0.73)+βg*weight gain+error (i.e. RFI) was fitted using the different weight gain estimates. Based on mean squared errors from fitting this equation, longer measurement periods generally resulted in more accurate estimates of weight gain. The increased accuracy from using all weight measurements in the feedlot outweighed the loss from not measuring over the desired time interval-i.e. the period for which feed intake was measured.