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Trophic Efficiency

Trophic Efficiency

Trophic level transfer efficiency (TLTE) is a measure of the total energy transfer from one trophic level to the next. Due to extensive energy loss as metabolic heat, an average of only 10% of the original energy obtained is passed on to the next level. This pattern of energy loss severely limits the possible number of trophic levels in a food chain.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Author Spotlight: Improving Beef Cattle Nutrition and Production with a Focus on Feed Efficiency and Meat Quality Traits Through Advanced Biochemical and Molecular Assays

Author Spotlight: Improving Beef Cattle Nutrition and Production with a Focus on Feed Efficiency and Meat Quality Traits Through Advanced Biochemical and Molecular Assays

Published on: July 12, 2024

Tropical Livestock Units: Re-evaluating a Methodology.

Peregrine Rothman-Ostrow¹, William Gilbert¹, Jonathan Rushton¹

¹Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom.

Frontiers in Veterinary Science

|December 17, 2020

Summary

Estimating livestock biomass is crucial for understanding risks and developing mitigation strategies. This study refines biomass calculations, particularly for cattle, by considering breed, herd structure, and growth rates to improve accuracy in low- and middle-income countries.

Keywords:

TLU biomass food security livestock tropical livestock unit

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Ecotoxicological Methodologies to Evaluate Biomarkers at Different Scales in Neotropical Anurans

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Published on: April 28, 2023

Area of Science:

Agricultural Science
Ecology
Veterinary Public Health

Background:

Human, livestock, and wildlife interactions are changing due to population growth, limited land, and climate shifts.
Increasing livestock populations offer benefits for food security but pose risks like disease emergence, environmental degradation, and antimicrobial resistance.
Accurate livestock population mapping and biomass quantification are vital for risk mitigation, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss the application of the Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) for measuring livestock biomass.
To examine the established TLU calculation method and compare it with two proposed alternatives.
To explore refining biomass estimates in low- and middle-income countries by considering specific cattle characteristics.

Main Methods:

Utilized publicly available data from six sub-Saharan African countries.
Analyzed the impact of breed liveweight, herd structures, and growth rates on cattle biomass estimates.
Compared the standard TLU calculation (175 kg/cattle) with alternative methods.

Main Results:

Breed liveweight, herd structures, and growth rates significantly alter cattle biomass estimates.
The established TLU method may not accurately reflect biomass in diverse livestock populations.
Refined biomass estimation holds potential for improved policy development and risk management.

Conclusions:

Standardized data collection on livestock characteristics is essential for accurate biomass assessment.
Improved biomass data can enhance disease prevention, food security, and ecosystem management.
Refining biomass estimation methods is crucial for effective policy and conservation efforts in diverse economies.