Reproductive performance of Angus x Hereford and Brahman x Hereford heifers fed to prebeeding target weights

Date

2010-12-03

Authors

Patterson, D.J.
Corah, L.R.
Simms, D.D.
Brethour, J.R.
Negus, W.R.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Abstract

Heifer development as effected by nutrition was evaluated in 148 F Angus x Hereford (A x H) and 148 F Brahman x Hereford (B x H) heifers. Heifers within each breed cross were assigned to one of two energy levels and weight groups. Heifers on the low and high energy-level diets were fed to reach 55 or 65%, respectively, of their projected mature body weights by the start of spring breeding. A higher (P<.05) percentage of A x H heifers had reached puberty by the start of spring breeding; however, their average age at puberty was greater (P<.05) than that of B x H heifers. Weight at puberty, for heifers that cycled prior to the start of spring breeding, did not differ between breed groups. Weight of heifers at puberty was greater with the high-energy than with the low-energy diets. Prebreeding body condition scores of heifers on the two energy levels differed (P<.05) more among the A x H females. The A x H heifers had higher (P<.05) fall pregnancy rates than the B x H heifers (89.2 vs 71.9%). Energy level has no significant effect on fall pregnancy rate of A x H heifers, but B x H heifers on the high-energy level had a higher (P<.05) pregnancy rate than those on the low-energy diet.

Description

Keywords

Beef, Reproductive performance, Target weight, Pregnancy rate

Citation