What does the Welsh Black’s success on marginal land strongly suggest about its Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) compared to rapid-growth breeds?

Answer

A superior intake-to-gain ratio when forage quality is low

The documented success of the Welsh Black breed on marginal land, where forage quality is inherently low, strongly implies a superior performance characteristic relative to breeds selected purely for rapid growth on high-energy diets. Specifically, they demonstrate a superior intake-to-gain ratio under conditions of low forage quality. This means they are highly effective at extracting and converting the maximum available energy from mediocre pasture sources into body mass. This efficiency is explained by their naturally slower metabolism and a digestive system specifically adapted over time to handle fibrous feedstuffs effectively, contrasting with the high input demands of faster-growing counterparts.

What does the Welsh Black’s success on marginal land strongly suggest about its Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) compared to rapid-growth breeds?

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