Difference in Body Weight at Breeding Affects Reproductive Performance in Replacement Beef Heifers and Carries Consequences to Next Generation Heifers

Overview

Journal Animals (Basel)

Date 2021 Oct 23

PMID 34679822

Citations 1

Authors

Ramanathan K Kasimanickam

Vanmathy R Kasimanickam

Madison L McCann

Affiliations

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Abstract

Nutrition imprinting carries consequences across generations. The effect of 55% vs. 65% of mature cow body weight (MBW; 545 kg) at breeding on the reproductive performance of heifers and their offspring was investigated. Angus-cross dam heifers were randomly fed to attain 55% ( = 1622) vs. 65% ( = 1578) of MBW, and offspring (F1) heifers born to dam heifers [55% ( = 1285) vs. 65% ( = 1324)] were fed to attain 65% of MBW. Bodyweight and reproductive indices were recorded throughout the study. In dam heifers, puberty (44% vs. 53%), breeding season pregnancy (86.4% vs. 90.6%) and 21-day calving rates (55.2% vs. 65.4%) did vary, but dystocia rate (8.7% vs. 9.0%) did not differ between 55% and 65% MBW groups. Puberty (49.2% vs. 58.2%), breeding season pregnancy (87.2% vs. 92.8%) and 21-day calving rates (53.8% vs. 64.1%) did differ ( < 0.05), but dystocia rate (8.4 vs. 9.2%) did not differ between F1 heifer groups. In conclusion, 55% of MBW at breeding negatively affected the reproductive performance of heifers and its offspring heifers. The recommendation is to feed heifers a balanced diet to reach 65% of MBW at breeding with consideration of production traits.

Citing Articles

Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle-Is It a Cause for Concern?.

Wathes D Animals (Basel). 2022; 12(19).

PMID: 36230395 PMC: 9558991. DOI: 10.3390/ani12192654.

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