Understanding nitrogen efficiency in beef cattle: Insights from 7 years of research — Webinar

Presented by the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), this seminar summarises 7 years of research on nitrogen metabolism in northern Australian beef systems. Across multiple studies, δ¹⁵N in tail hair emerged as a clear indicator of whole-animal nitrogen efficiency: animals with lower δ¹⁵N retain more nitrogen, perform better under nutritional or heat stress, and achieve superior growth and reproductive outcomes. With moderate heritability, δ¹⁵N offers real potential for identifying efficient and resilient cattle.

About the presenter

Dr Luis Prada e Silva is an Associate Professor at QAAFI, University of Queensland, specialising in ruminant nutrition. His research explores the biological mechanisms that drive feed efficiency and maternal performance in tropical cattle, supported by strong industry and scientific partnerships. With experience in Brazil, Australia, and the United States, he brings a global perspective to northern beef systems. He has led multiple major research programs, published widely, and supervised numerous HDR students, integrating nutrition, physiology, and genomic tools to improve cattle productivity.

About QAAFI Science Seminars

Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) has been hosting a high-profile seminar series across the disciplines of agriculture, food and nutrition science since 2014.

With a range of speakers from Australia and abroad, the series explores how high-impact science will significantly improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the tropical and sub-tropical food, fibre and agribusiness sectors.

This seminar will be presented online through Zoom webinar.

Please click the link to join the webinar on the day: https://uqz.zoom.us/j/81444254222