Weight gain and reproductive performance of spring-born beef heifer calves intraruminally administered oxfendazole1,2

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 817-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. T. Purvis ◽  
J. C. Whittier ◽  
S. L. Boyles ◽  
L. J. Johnson ◽  
H. D. Ritchie ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 200-200
Author(s):  
Adam F Summers

Abstract Beef cattle longevity can be tied to reproductive performance. Developing heifers that will thrive in their environment, under specific management systems, is crucial for today’s producers. Management decisions influencing heifer fertility are numerous; however, the most commonly discussed and studied revolves around nutrition. The objectives of this presentation are to review our understanding of the influence of nutrition on beef heifer fertility and identify potential mechanisms which may improve heifer fertility and beef producer profitability. Also, we will identify management decisions that may impact body weight gain or efficiency of weight gain, thus impacting fertility. Management strategies delaying heifer growth patterns pre- or post-weaning have been reported to alter heifer reproductive performance. Additionally, developing heifers on native range compared to in the dry lot or confinement settings may alter growth rates/patterns, thus affecting the heifer’s ability to become pregnant, or maintain that pregnancy. Supplementing heifers with specific nutrient profiles has also been reported to improve pregnancy rates compared with non-supplemented or control animals. Previously, it was believed heifers are born with a finite number of follicles within their ovaries, and the depletion of the ovarian reserve occurs at a constant rate. Recent research has challenged this, reporting heifers developed on a stair-step growth program had an increased number of primordial follicles compared to constant gain developed heifers. Additionally, development system (native range vs. dry lot) appears to impact ovarian function. Continued research increasing our understanding of mechanisms involved in improving heifer fertility are warranted. These efforts will aid in identifying management strategies that will optimize animal reproductive performance.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Janice G. P. Bowman ◽  
Bok F. Sowell

One hundred-one crossbred beef heifers (average weight 256.1 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of diet during an 84-day period, on growth and reproductive performance. The four treatments were: 1) grass hay; 2) grass hay + 0.9 kg/day barley; 3) grass hay + 1.8 kg/day barley; and 4) alfalfa hay. Heifers were assigned randomly to 12 pens by weight (three pens/treatment). Prior to feeding, barley was cracked through a roller-mill. Heifers consuming alfalfa hay or grass hay + 1.8 kg barley gained 39% faster (0.68 and 0.74 kg/day, respectively; P = 0.01) than heifers consuming grass hay alone (0.51 kg/day). Heifers consuming grass hay + 0.9 kg barley were intermediate in average daily gain (ADG; 0.63 kg/day). Hay intake was 16% greater (P < 0.10) by heifers consuming alfalfa hay, grass hay, and grass hay + 0.9 kg barley compared with those consuming grass hay + 1.8 kg barley (average 8.1 vs 7.0 kg/day). Using costs (USD) of $0.066/kg, $0.099/kg, and $0.0935/kg for grass hay, alfalfa hay, and barley, respectively, feed cost/day was greatest (P < 0.01) for alfalfa hay ($0.81/day), intermediate for the grass hay + barley diets (average $0.63/day), and lowest for grass hay ($0.53/day). Cost/kg gain was less (P < 0.10) for grass hay + 1.8 kg barley compared with alfalfa hay. No diet differences (P > 0.70) were found in reproductive performance of the heifers. Feeding replacement heifers alfalfa hay resulted in performance equivalent to feeding grass hay + 1.8 kg barley, but the alfalfa hay diet had a higher cost.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 60-60
Author(s):  
Anna R Taylor ◽  
Randy Dew ◽  
Ken Bryan ◽  
J Nathan Pike ◽  
T Ryan Lock

Abstract Previous research demonstrates grazing tall fescue can decrease reproductive performance and weight gain in cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate Fescue EMTTM Mineral Defense (Cargill Animal Nutrition, Minneapolis, MN) on summer weight gain in cattle grazing tall fescue pastures in SW Missouri. Heifers (n = 120; initial BW = 236 ± 2.5 kg) were stratified by weight to replicated tall fescue pastures to either a control mineral treatment or Fescue EMT™ Mineral Defense treatment. Forage availability was estimated weekly by ultrasonic sensor. Pasture samples were collected every 21 d and analyzed for ergovaline concentrations. Heifer weights and blood prolactin were measured throughout the trial. Average daily mineral consumption was calculated by mineral offered less residual. Data were analyzed on a pen-mean basis as a completely randomized design using JMP with 6 pens/ treatment and 10 heifers/pen. Prolactin was analyzed as Repeated Measures in JMP. Initial weights between treatments were not different (P > 0.05). Endophyte infection measured 75% or greater in all pastures. No differences were detected in pasture ergovaline (149 ± 19 µg/kg) or pasture availability (2,600 ± 150 kg/ha) between treatments (P > 0.20 at each sampling). Heifer ADG consuming Fescue EMT™ Mineral Defense compared to control mineral was greater at 0.28 kg versus 0.22 kg resulting in total gains of 21.8 kg versus 16.6 kg, respectively (P < 0.05). However, blood prolactin numerically decreased over time in both treatments. Results from this trial demonstrate a 31% improvement in weight gain for cattle consuming Fescue EMTTM Mineral Defense compared with cattle consuming a control mineral while grazing toxic tall fescue.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
G. A. Ibhaze

The feed intake and reproductive performance of intensively managed West African dwarf (WAD) gravid does were investigated. Twelve does weighing 11.90-13.05kg were used for the study. The does were fed on pulverized maize-cob based diets; maize-cob/cassava peel (PMC/CSP), maize-cob/brewers' grain (PMC/BG), and maize-cob/cassava peel/brewers' grain (PMC/CsP/BG). The does were allotted to the three dietary treatments such that four individually housed animals, each serving as a replicate and were also fed with concentrate diet at 1% of their body weight. Oestrus was synchronized in the does using 1mL/10kg of Prostaglandin –Fα intramuscularly. Animals were mated with a proven buck. Dams were evaluated in a pregnancy trial while the kids born were evaluated in a pre-weaning growth trial. Dams were weighed at mating and fortnightly until kidding. Variables investigated were; feed intake, dam weight at mating, prior and after parturition, gestation length, weight gained during pregnancy, kid's birth and weaning weights, kid's daily weight gain, sex ratio. Feed intake revealed that does fed PMC/CsP recorded the highest total dry matter intake (TDMI) throughout the three trimesters (727.16, 832.85 and 637.08g/day) when compared to 339.38, 452.18 and 401.03g/day obtained for does fed PMC/BG. Weight gained was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does on PMC/CsP. Mean birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain were higher for kids whose dams were fed PMC/CSP/BG. It can therefore be concluded that diets used in this study may serve as alternative feed for gravid goats while goats fed PMC/CsP/BG had better reproductive performance.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254924
Author(s):  
Sisay Asmare ◽  
Kefyalew Alemayehu ◽  
Solomon Abegaz ◽  
Aynalem Haile

Growth and reproductive performance traits are traits of economic importance for sheep selection and productivity improvement interventions. This study aimed at comparative evaluation of growth and reproductive performance traits of sheep in the highland and lowland agro-ecologies of northwestern Ethiopia. Data on growth performance traits were collected from 144 Washera (78 males and 66 females) lambs and 72 Gumuz (37 males and 35 females) lambs. Data on reproductive performance traits were collected from 260 Washera (130 rams and 130 ewes) sheep and 150 Gumuz (75 rams and 75 ewes) sheep. General linear model univariate procedure was employed to analyze the collected data. Breed, the interaction effect between breed and season of birth as well as the interaction effect between breed and type of birth all exerted very high significant effect (P<0.001) on live weight at all age groups. Breed type affected pre-weaning average daily weight gain significantly (P<0.01). Pre-weaning average daily weight gain of Washera (70 g/day) was found much better performance than 60 g/day of Gumuz. Breed type exerts significant (P<0.05) effect on age at first lambing, lambing interval, annual reproductive rate and number of lambs born per ewe life time. Average age at first lambing and lambing interval of Washera sheep were 11.69 months and 9.27 months, respectively. The corresponding values for Gumuz sheep were 12.51 months and 10.43 months, respectively. Production and reproduction performance values of traits varied across the two breeds and sexes as well. These values can be used to set up breeding objectives or goals for selective breeding of sheep giving special emphasis to growth traits believed to have medium heritability values.


2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138
Author(s):  
G. A. Ibhaze

The feed intake and reproductive performance of intensively managed West African dwarf (WAD) gravid does were investigated. Twelve does weighing 11.90-13.05kg were used for the study. The does were fed on pulverized maize-cob based diets; maize-cob/cassava peel (PMC/CsP), maize-cob/brewers' grain (PMC/BG), and maize-cob/cassava peel/brewers' grain (PMC/CsP/BG). The does were allotted to the three dietary treatments such that four individually housed animals, each serving as a replicate and were also fed with concentrate diet at 1% of their body weight. Oestrus was synchronized in the does using 1mL/10kg of Prostaglandin –Fα intramuscularly. Animals were mated with a proven buck. Dams were evaluated in a pregnancy trial while the kids born were evaluated in a pre-weaning growth trial. Dams were weighed at mating and fortnightly until kidding. Variables investigated were; feed intake, dam weight at mating, prior and after parturition, gestation length, weight gained during pregnancy, kid's birth and weaning weights, kid's daily weight gain, sex ratio. Feed intake revealed that does fed PMC/CsP recorded the highest total dry matter intake (TDMI) throughout the three trimesters (727.16, 832.85 and 637.08g/day) when compared to 339.38, 52.18 and 401.03g/day obtained for does fed PMC/BG. Weight gained was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does on PMC/CsP. Mean birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain were higher for kids whose dams were fed PMC/CsP/BG. It can therefore be concluded that diets used in this study may serve as alternative feed for gravid goats while goats fed PMC/CsP/BG had better reproductive performance.


2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 465-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.E. Lesskiu ◽  
M.L. Bernardi ◽  
I. Wentz ◽  
F.P. Bortolozzo

The aim of this study was to verify the association of sow body weight development until the 1st weaning with reproductive performance, piglet production and culling rate until the 3rd farrowing in 196 primiparous sows using logistic regression models. Each 10kg increase in weight gain in the 1stpregnancy (OR= 0.63), weight at 1st farrowing (OR= 0.70), weight at the 1st weaning (OR= 0.73) or weight gain from the 1startificial insemination (AI) to the 1st weaning (OR= 0.67) decreased the percentage of primiparous sows with long weaning-to-oestrus interval - WOI (>5 days). An increasing lactation length and an increase in the number of weaned piglets were responsible for respectively decreasing (OR= 0.77-0.80, per day of lactation) and increasing (OR= 1.52-1.59, per piglet weaned) the percentage of sows with long WOI. Sows with <159.5kg at weaning had higher odds of non-farrowing (NFR) compared to sows with >170kg (OR= 4.73). Sows with <17.5kg of gain from the 1st AI to the 1st weaning had higher odds (OR= 4.88) of NFR than sows gaining >30kg. Each additional lactation day decreased the NFR (OR= 0.74). Females weighing <139kg at the 1st AI had higher percentages of small numbers of total born in the second parity (STB2, OR= 2.00) and over three parities (OR= 3.28) compared to those weighing ≥139kg. Sows with weight gain <25kg at the 1st pregnancy had higher odds of STB2 (OR= 3.01) compared to sows gaining >35kg. Each 10kg of increase in weight at the 1st weaning or in weight gain from the 1stAI to the 1stweaning decreased the total culling rate (OR= 0.71 and 0.73, respectively) and culling for reproductive reasons (OR= 0.57 and 0.61, respectively). The culling rate until the 3rdfarrowing was also increased in sows with a smaller first litter size. The results show that not only reaching a minimum weight at the 1st AI but also having an adequate body weight gain until the 1st weaning is important for the reproductive performance, productivity and retention of Landrace x Large White Danbred sows in the herd.


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