Poor feed efficiency affects far more than growth rate. When animals convert feed inefficiently, producers absorb higher feed costs, slower weight gain and reduced output from the same resources. Because feed is one of the largest cost inputs in livestock production, even small efficiency losses can materially affect margins. 

Better feed conversion can also reduce land, water and feed requirements per unit of meat, milk or eggs produced, helping lower the environmental footprint of livestock systems. Reviews in Animal and Animal Feed Science and Technology consistently identify feed efficiency as a major driver of both profitability and resource efficiency.