scholarly journals Effects of management system on beef heifer growth and reproductive performance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parker A Henley ◽  
Frank A Ireland ◽  
Igor F Canisso ◽  
J Lannett Edwards ◽  
Daniel W Shike
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Fescue Toxicosis ◽  
Soybean Hulls ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Calf Performance

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of heifer development system on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), fescue toxicosis symptoms, reproductive performance, and subsequent calf growth of fall-calving beef heifers. Angus × Simmental heifers [n = 399; 240 ± 20.0 kg initial BW; age = 252 ± 20 d] were stratified by BW and BCS and assigned to 1 of 12 groups in each of the 2 production years. The study utilized a stratified randomized design. Pens were randomly assigned to 4 treatments: drylot (DL) development (fed ad-libitum diet consisting of 90% hay and 10% DDGS on a dry matter basis), grazing endophyte-infected fescue supplemented daily (2.3 kg as-fed/heifer/d; 50:50 mix of soybean hulls and DDGS; E+/S), grazing endophyte-infected fescue and supplemented from the midpoint of treatment period until breeding (4.5 kg as-fed/heifer/d; 50:50 mix of soybean hulls and DDGS; E+/LS), and grazing novel endophyte-infected fescue with no supplement (NE+/NS). Treatments ceased on d 168 [time of artificial insemination (AI)] and heifers were commingled and managed as a group through second breeding season. Heifers in DL had greatest (P ≤ 0.05) BW and BCS from d 28 until d 254. Furthermore, E+/S heifers had greater (P ≤ 0.05) BW and BCS than both E+/LS and NE+/NS from d 28 until d 168. On d 56 and 84, E+/LS heifers had lower (P ≤ 0.05) BW and BCS compared to NE+/NS, but on d 148 treatments reranked and E+/LS remained at a greater (P ≤ 0.05) BW and BCS compared to NE+/NS through the first breeding season. Drylot heifers had greatest (P ≤ 0.05) percentage cycling and percentage of mature BW at AI (66.6%) and had greater (P ≤ 0.05) AI and overall pregnancy rates compared to E+/LS and NE+/NS. The E+/S (55%) and E+/LS (53.7%) heifers were developed to a greater (P < 0.01) percentage of mature BW than NE+/NS (49.3%). A greater (P ≤ 0.02) percentage of DL and E+/S heifers were pregnant at the end of the first breeding season (89.3 and 85.1%; respectively) compared to NE+/NS (61.5%). In summary, DL heifers had the greatest BW and BCS at AI, percentage cycling, and AI pregnancy rate. However, this strategy did not result in differing overall pregnancy rates between DL, E+/S, and E+/LS and there were no differences in milk production, rebreeding reproductive performance, and calf performance between all treatments. Finally, the poorest AI and overall pregnancy rates of the NE+/NS heifers suggests this is not a viable development strategy for fall-born heifers.

88 Impacts of Body Condition Score at Initiation of the Breeding Season on Reproductive Performance and Overall Productivity of Bos Taurus and B. Indicus Beef Cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 48-48
Author(s):  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
G Cliff C Lamb ◽  
José Luiz Vasconcelos ◽  
Ky G Pohler
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Pregnancy Status ◽  
Calving Rate ◽  
Natural Service

Abstract Responses of Bos taurus (BT) and B. indicus (BI) beef cows were compared according to their body condition score (BCS) at initiation of breeding season. Cows were assigned to an estrus synchronization + AI protocol and classified as BCS < 5.0 (LBCS, BT, n = 158; BI, n = 248) or BCS ≥ 5.0 (HBCS; BT, n = 173; BI, n = 122). Pregnancy status was verified via transrectal ultrasonography at 30 and 40 d after AI for BI and BT cows, respectively. All BT cows were exposed to natural service for 50 d (beginning 18 d after AI), and all non-pregnant BI cows were immediately exposed to natural service for 60 d. Pregnancy rates to AI did not differ (P ≥ 0.16) between HBCS or LBCS cows (60.9 vs. 53.5% for BT; 37.0 vs. 31.4% for BI; respectively). Pregnancy rates to natural service were greater (P = 0.03) in HBCS BT cows compared with LBCS (82.7 vs. 67.9%; respectively) but did not differ in BI cows (78.9 vs. 71.5%; respectively). Calving rate was greater (P < 0.03) in HBCS cows, which also calved earlier (P < 0.01) compared with LBCS (93.7 vs. 85.1% in BT, 83.6 vs. 73.3% in BI; respectively). HBCS Cows weaned more (P ≤ 0.05) calves compared with LBCS, which were older (P ≤ 0.04) (215 vs. 211 d in BT, 219 vs. 209 d in BI; respectively) and heavier (P ≤ 0.09) at weaning (258 vs. 252 kg in BT, 213 vs. 203 d in BI; respectively). Lastly, kg of calf weaned/cow was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in HBCS cows compared with LBCS (221 vs. 200 d in BT, 159 vs. 129 d in BI; respectively). Therefore, HBCS cows had greater reproductive efficiency and overall productivity, and this was observed in both BT and BI.

scholarly journals Corn-based or high linoleic acid flushing increases productivity of Morada Nova and Brazilian Somalis ewes

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Teixeira de Sousa ◽  
Marco Aurélio Delmondes Bomfim ◽  
Fernando Henrique Melo Andrade Rodrigues de Albuquerque ◽  
Claudiane Morais dos Santos ◽  
Viviane Borba Ferrari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linoleic Acid ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
High Linoleic Acid ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Condition Score

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to compare the corn-based (FLU), high linoleic acid flushings(LAF), and a control treatment (un supplemented, CON); two genetic groups:Morada Nova (MN) and Brazilian Somalis (BS), on the productive and reproductive performance of ewes and their lambs. A total of 156 non-pregnant ewes were supplemented three weeks before and after the breeding season. Supplementation with either FLU or LAF increased ewe body condition score (BCS) at the beginning of the breeding season and at lambing compared to CON. The BS ewes had greater body weights at the supplementation end, and BCS both at the supplementation start, and at lambing compared to MN. Similarly, ewes with three lambs per birth had greater BCS at the beginning of supplementation. They also had greater weights at the beginning of the breeding season and at lambing. Both FLU and LAF increased total lamb weight from 56 to 105 days of age compared to CON.The BS ewes had decreased prolificity and produced lower total weight of lambs at lambing, but greater 84 and 105 days after birth compared to MN. Total lambweight at birth was greater for ewes that lambed three, followed by two and then one lamb per birth. In conclusion, the high linoleic acid and high corn supplementation increase body condition score of ewes form breeding season to lambing and enhance lamb performance after 56 days of age. Although Morada Nova ewes increased prolificacy, their lambs were lighter after they reached 84 days of age.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance of Ile de France ewes under dietary supplementation before and during the breeding season

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Gabriel Alves Cirne ◽  
Américo Garcia da Silva Sobrinho ◽  
Maria Emilia Franco Oliveira ◽  
José Carlos Barbosa ◽  
Gabriel Jorge Carneiro de Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Concentrate Supplementation ◽  
Management Condition ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Calving Rate ◽  
Average Body

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of Ile de France ewes undergoing dietary supplementation before and during the breeding season, with and without association with management conditions (pre-mating shearing). Thirty-six ewes with an average body weight of 66 kg were used in the experiment. Treatments involved ewes receiving or not receiving concentrate supplementation (flushing), with groups subdivided according to the management condition to which animals were subjected: shearing or lack of it. Thus, ewes were divided into four treatments: flushed and shorn; flushed and unshorn; unflushed and shorn; and unflushed and unshorn. Flushing increased weight gain and body condition score, and when associated with shearing, it promoted anticipation of estrus. Fertility rate (86.05%), calving rate (77.77%), birth rate (113.83%), and type of birth (single: 82.29% and twin: 17.71%) were not influenced. Birth weight (3.96 kg) and prolificacy (1.25%) also were not affected. Despite the lack of changes in reproductive traits, flushing adopted during the breeding season associated with shearing anticipated estrus in ewes.

scholarly journals PSX-38 Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with varying days post-partum to ram introduction in the non-breeding season

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 450-451
Author(s):  
Victor V Flores ◽  
Juan Martinez ◽  
Michelle Garcia ◽  
Randy L Stanko
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Hair Type ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Dorper Sheep

Abstract With the decrease of a wool favored market, hair type sheep have become increasingly popular for lamb markets. In Texas, the most popular hair type breed of sheep is the Dorper. Various breed characteristics make the Dorper sheep an excellent candidate for an accelerated lambing system. Reproductive performance of Dorper ewes with various lengths of post-partum interval, during the traditional non-breeding season, was determined. During May (13L:11D), 2+ yr-old multiparous ewes (n = 28) were joined with a fertile ram for 30 d. Weekly blood samples were taken for progesterone analysis. Ewes were blocked according to length of post-partum interval (lamb to ram): short (SPP; n = 10, 100 ± 2.7 d), mid (MPP; n = 11, 130 ± 0.68 d) and long (LPP; n = 7, >200 d). Weaning age of lamb(s) from previous parturition was similar for SPP (62 ± 3.2 d) and MPP (67 ± 0.6 d). Interestingly, 11% of the ewes had a functional CL at initiation of the study (P4 > 1.5 ng/mL). Mean body condition score for SPP, MPP, and LPP ewes were 2.8 ± 0.08, 3.1 ± 0.09, and 3.7 ± 0.08, respectively. Pregnancy rates were similar between MPP (100%), LPP (100%) and SPP (60%). Overall, pregnancy rate was 87% and a lamb crop (lambs per ewe exposed) was 1.3 ± 0.09. Twinning rate for SPP, MPP, and LPP was 20%, 73%, and 43%, respectively. Pregnancy rate in SPP ewes may indicate carryover of the suppressive effects of lactation and suckling. Results suggest a lamb to ram interval of >100 d is sufficient for response to the ram effect and resumption of estrous cycles in a majority of ewes during photoperiod of 13L:11D. We conclude Dorper sheep have the reproductive capacity to successfully meet the production goals of accelerated lambing systems and thus, the potential for optimized lamb production.

scholarly journals Effect of Body Condition and Supplementary Feeding on the Reproductive Performance of Awassi Ewes

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 138-145
Author(s):  
A. D. Salman
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
High Body ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Supplementary Feed

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) and supplementary feedingon the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes.One hundred sixty Awassi ewes aged 3-5 years (Average live weight 47.41±0.76) were used in acompletely randomized design. Six weeks before mating ewes were screened for their body conditionscore (BCS) and divided into two groups, low BCS (<2.0) and high BCS (>2.0) and ewes in each groupwere subdivided according to BCS and to non-supplemented and supplemented groups (n=40 ewes).Therefore, the four groups were:1. Group (LBCN) = Low Body Condition Non-supplemented.2. Group (LBCS) = Low Body Condition Supplemented.3. Group (HBCN) = High Body Condition Non-supplemented.4. Group (HBCS) = High Body Condition Supplemented.All ewes received ad libitum barley straw, and (350g DM/ewe/day) whole barley grains. The supplementedgroups (groups 2 and 4) were fed Mating Feed Blocks (MFB) ad libitum. Mature fertile Awassi rams(Three rams / group) were run with each group.The results showed that the pre-mating, mating, andpost-mating condition scores and body weights of the non-supplemented Ewes (Groups 1 and 3) aremaintained throughout the trial. Ewes offered supplementary feed the supplemented ewes (Groups 2and 4) gained in body condition score and weights, the differences were not significant. The BCS andweights at mating for supplemented groups are 2.12, 2.64 and 46.11, 53.38 kg for groups 2 and 4respectively. The results showed that the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes improved considerablydue initial BCS and MFB supplementation. The percent of ewes lambed after mating during the first andsecond estrus cycles were significantly (P<0.05) affected by ewes' initial BCS and MFB supplementation.The percent of ewes lambed in first cycle were 50%, 77%, 72.3% and 87% for groups LBCN, LBCS,HBCN and HBCS respectively. Supplementation of low BCS ewes resulted a significant (P<0.05)improvement in conception rate (17.5%) and lambing rate (12%). The results have not shown anysignificant of initial BCS and supplementation on twinning percentage. The percent of barren ewes at endof the trial was higher (20%, P<0.05) in LBCN compared 

scholarly journals Pre- and post-calving forage systems and reproductive performance of primiparous cows

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 2081-2090 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Fernando Piva Lobato ◽  
André Luís Menegaz ◽  
Antonio Carlos Gonçalves Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Natural Pasture ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Improved Pasture

During pre and post calving periods, it was evaluated the influence of the following forage systems on reproductive performance of primiparous cows: natural pasture during pre and post-calving periods; natural pastures during pre-calving period and improved pastures during post-calving period; improved pastures during pre-calving and natural pasture during post-calving; improved pasture during pre- and post-calving periods. The lowest body weights and body condition scores were observed on cows kept on natural pastures pre-calving (384.3 kg and 3.31; 391.4 kg and 3.60), followed by those on improved pastures during pre-calving and on natural pasture during post-calving period (424.4 kg and 3.60), finally, cows on improved pasture during pre- and post-calving period (421.2 kg and 3.59). Cows on improved pastures pre and post-calving showed higher body weight and body condition score in the beginning of the breeding season (442.1 kg and 3.76), higher pregnancy rate (82.3%) and they conceived earlier. Natural system during pre-calving and improved on post-calving and that with improved pasture in pre-calving and natural in post-calving did not differ on weight at the beginning of breeding season (417.2 and 409.8 kg) and on pregnancy rate (65.8 and 62.8%), respectively. However, cows on natural pasture in pre-calving and on improved pasture in post-calving conceived earlier. Cows on natural pastures showed lower weight in the beginning of breeding season (391.2 kg), the lowest pregnancy rate (52.7%), and they conceived later. Cows maintained on improved pastures pre- and post-calving improved weight and body condition score at calving and beginning of the breeding season making high reproductive performance possible.

scholarly journals Natural and improved natural pastures on the reproductive performance of first-calf beef cows

2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 690-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soraya Tanure ◽  
Bernardo Augusto Albornoz Pötter ◽  
José Fernando Piva Lobato
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Protein Supplement ◽  
Natural Pasture ◽  
Condition Score

This work evaluated the reproductive performance of first-calf cows at three years of age, submitted or not to protein supplementation at yearling on natural pastures. After calving, cows were managed on natural or improved pastures. The feeding managements were the following: on natural pastures as yearlings and during pregnancy, post-calving period and breeding season; on natural pastures with protein supplement as yearlings and only natural pasture during pregnancy, post-calving and breeding season; on natural pastures as yearlings and during pregnancy and on improved natural pastures (Lolium multiflorum L., Trifolium repens cv. Yi and Lotus corniculatus cv. São Gabriel) during the post-calving period and breeding season; on natural pastures with protein supplement at yearling, on natural pastures during pregnancy, and on improved natural pasture during post-calving period and breeding season. Cows did not differ on body weight, but from calving to the beginning of breeding season, cows on improved natural pastures presented higher weight gain than those on natural pastures (0.203 vs. 0.109 kg/day). Cows in post-calving on natural pastures lost 1.0 point of body condition score during mating, determinant of the lowest pregnancy rate and later conception in relation to cows on improved natural pasture. Pregnant cows presented higher body weight (440 vs. 413 kg) and body condition score (4.14 vs. 3.66 points) than open cows at the end of the breeding season.

scholarly journals 158 Provision of artificial shade before weaning influences performance of Angus and Brangus cow-calf pairs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 129-130
Author(s):  
Gleise Medeiros da Silva ◽  
Tessa M Schulmeister ◽  
Federico Podversich ◽  
Federico Tarnonsky ◽  
Maria E Zamora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Paspalum Notatum ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A completely randomized design study with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluated the impact of artificial shade (SHADE or NO SHADE) and breed (ANGUS vs. BRANGUS) on performance of cows, nursing calves, and subsequent offspring. Twenty-four Angus and 24 Brangus black-hided pregnant cows (579 ± 8 kg BW; 6.5 yr; approximately 85 d of gestation) and their nursing calves were randomly allocated to 12 ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass pastures (Paspalum notatum Flüggé; 1.3 ha; n = 4 pairs/pasture), with or without access to artificial shade (NO SHADE BRANGUS [NSB], NO SHADE ANGUS [NSA], SHADE BRANGUS [SB], and SHADE ANGUS [SA]) for 56 d during summer. Body condition score (BCS) of cows and BW of pairs were obtained on d -1, 0, 55, and 56 (weaning weight). Following weaning, calves were randomly allocated to 4 pens (n = 12/pen) equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks for 14 d to measure feed intake (DMI) and efficiency (G:F). A shade × breed interaction (P &lt; 0.05) was observed for average daily gain (ADG) and BCS of cows, with SB being greatest (P ≤ 0.05). Pre-weaning calf ADG tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for SHADE vs. NO SHADE. Weaning weight and BW 14-d post-weaning were lesser for NSB vs. NSA, SA, and SB, whereas no differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F were observed (P &gt; 0.11). Gestation length was greater for SHADE vs. NO SHADE cows (292 vs. 274; P = 0.02), but calf birth weight was not different. Providing artificial shade to pregnant-lactating beef cows positively impacted the growth of Brangus but not Angus cows. However, weaning BW of calves from Angus cows regardless of shade access did not differ from that of Brangus calves with shade. Further research should investigate the potential long-term effects of shade on the subsequent offspring.

scholarly journals Comparison of the effects of Presynch-Ovsynch, Presynch- Ovsynch+CIDR, and G6G protocols on the reproductive performance of lactating Holstein cows in the postpartum period

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesam Kohsari ◽  
Khatereh Berenjian
Keyword(s):  
Serum Concentration ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Ovulatory Follicle

This study was performed on an industrial dairy farm near Tehran province, Iran, on 666 lactating Holstein cows from September 2019 to June 2020 in order to eliminate the harmful effects of heat stress on the reproductive performance of the cows. The hypothesis of the recent study was that by increasing the serum concentration of progesterone (P4) in the luteal phase before insemination in the form of Presynch-Ovsynch+CIDR (POC) and G6G protocols, the pregnancy rate of cows would be increased compared to the Presynch-Ovsynch (PO) protocol. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Presynch-Ovsynch (PGF2α-14d- PGF2α-12d-Ovsynch (OVS: GnRH(GnRH1)- 7d-PGF2α(PG)-2d-GnRH)-18h-Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), n=212), Presynch-Ovsynch+CIDR (similar to the PO protocol, plus the use of a CIDR for 7 days, from the start of the OVS+FTAI protocol to the time of PG injection, n=230), and G6G (PGF2α- 2d-GnRH-6d-OVS+FTAI, n=224) protocols on the reproductive performance and pregnancy rate of lactating Holstein cows. The average body condition score (BCS) for the cows was about 2.5 at the time of the onset of the OVS+FTAI program. The average daily milk production for cows at the time of the start of the OVS+FTAI program was 38.3 kg/day. On average, the studied cows were inseminated 86 days postpartum. Implementation of the G6G protocol in comparison to the PO and POC protocols increased the serum concentration of P4 at GnRH1 (P=0.04). The cows that received the G6G protocol had a greater number of corpuses luteum (CL) on their ovaries at PG in comparison to the cows in the PO and POC protocols (P=0.03 and P=0.05, respectively). For all treatment protocols, the pregnancy rate of cows with &gt;2 CLs on their ovaries at PG was significantly higher than for cows with ≤2 CLs on their ovaries at this time. The overall pregnancy rate for all cows studied was 42%. Separately, pregnancy rates for cows in PO, POC, and G6G protocols were calculated at 36.7%, 41.7%, and 47.3% respectively. The highest and the lowest pregnancy rates were obtained in the G6G and PO protocols, respectively (P=0.03). It can be concluded that the G6G protocol increased the pregnancy rate of cows in comparison to the PO but not to the POC protocol. This result can be attributed to the increase in serum concentration of P4 at GnRH1 and the greater number of CLs at PG following implementation of the G6G compared to the PO protocol. Although CIDR administration in the POC protocol led to an increase in the pregnancy rate of cows compared to the PO protocol, possibly by increasing the synchrony rate and the quality of the ovulatory follicle, this increase was not statistically significant (P=0.09).

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