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

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2800
Author(s):  
Ramanathan K. Kasimanickam ◽  
Vanmathy R. Kasimanickam ◽  
Madison L. McCann
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Balanced Diet ◽  
Reproductive Indices

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% (n = 1622) vs. 65% (n = 1578) of MBW, and offspring (F1) heifers born to dam heifers [55% (n = 1285) vs. 65% (n = 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 (p < 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.

EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO BULLS AND BODY WEIGHT ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN BEEF HEIFERS

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MAKARECHIAN ◽  
A. FARID ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group Effect ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Heavy Body ◽  
Breed Group ◽  
Calving Season

Calving records of 174 2-yr-old heifers from four breed groups; Hereford (HE), Beef Synthetic (SY), Dairy Synthetic (SD) and Crossbred Hereford (HX) were used in this study. Half of the heifers were exposed to three epididymectomized bulls for 6 wk before the start of the breeding season. While exposure to bulls had little influence (P = 0.51) on pregnancy rate, it advanced the calving date by 5.5 days compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Calving season in the exposed heifers was 2 wk shorter than that in the control group. Effect of heifer body weight at the start of breeding season on pregnancy rate differed (P < 0.05) among the four breed groups. Low body weight at mating was associated with lowered fertility in SY, SD and HE while very heavy body weight resulted in lowered fertility in SY and SD breed groups. Increase in body weight advanced calving date in the HX breed group only. Key words: Beef cattle, heifer reproduction, bull exposure, body weight

The effect of winter and summer nutritional levels on the reproductive performance of beef heifers bred at 2 years of age

1990 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. van Niekerk ◽  
R. Kernick ◽  
A. W. Lishman
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Original Hypothesis ◽  
Different Levels

ABSTRACTReproductive data of 139 Simmentaler heifers, previously subjected to different levels of winter and summer nutrition, over a 3-year period, were analysed. Pregnancy rates of 77% and 96% were achieved during the first and second seasons for the two groups of heifers, respectively. Winter and summer nutritional levels affected the number of heifers culled, but had little effect on conception. There were no significant differences in the weight at mating between the heifers that conceived and those that failed to conceive. Mean date of conception was within 30 days and 20 days of the commencement of the breeding season for the first and second season, respectively. Post-weaning nutrition played a relatively minor role in affecting the time of conception. Birth weights of the progeny were not affected by treatment. Calf birth weight was however, significantly (P < 0·05) correlated with the weight of the dam at mating. Sixty-three % of the heifers produced three calves in 3 years, 35% produced two calves in 3 years and only two heifers produced one calf in 3 years. The data supported the original hypothesis that the emphasis, when heifers are bred at 2 years of age, should be shifted away from a physiological base to one where management and grazing strategy are more important in rendering the enterprise economically viable.

scholarly journals PSIV-10 Effects of stair-step vs. constant supplementation amount on growth, reproduction, and intravaginal temperature in Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 288-288
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A Palmer ◽  
Rhaiza A Oliveira ◽  
Mario Binelli ◽  
Thiago Martins ◽  
João Vendramini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Estrous Synchronization

Abstract This study investigated growth and reproductive performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers provided a concentrate supplement at either a constant or stair-step supplementation. Sixty-four Brangus heifers were stratified by initial BW and age (255 ± 20 kg; 270 ± 22 d) and assigned to 1 of 16 bahiagrass pastures (4 heifers/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (8 pastures/treatment) and consisted of concentrate DM supplementation at: (1) 1.50% of BW from d 0 to 100 (CON) and (2) 1.05% of BW from d 0 to 49 and 1.95% of BW from d 50 to 100 (STP). Supplementation started on d 0 and continued until start of estrous synchronization on d 100. Intravaginal temperatures (16 heifers/treatment) were collected every 30 minutes from d 25 to 31 (September) and d 85 to 91 (November). All heifers were provided supplement at 1.50% of BW from d 101 to 211. Heifers were bred by AI from d 113 to 115 and Brangus bulls were placed with heifers from d 121 to 211. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment, time, and interaction as fixed effects. From d 0 to 49, ADG did not differ (P = 0.87); however, STP heifers had greater (P = 0.01; 0.73 vs. 0.56 kg/d) ADG from d 50 to 100 compared to CON heifers. Percentage of pubertal heifers, percentage of heifers in estrus, or reproductive tract scores did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.40). Intravaginal temperatures were greater (P &lt; 0.0001) for CON vs. STP heifers from d 25 to 31 but did not differ (P = 0.74) from d 85 to 91. Using a stair-step vs. constant supplementation amount (1.05 to 1.95% vs. 1.50% of BW) before the breeding season reduced intravaginal temperatures and increased overall ADG in Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers.

scholarly journals Preparturient diabetogenesis in primiparous gilts

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. L. Schaefer ◽  
A. K. W. Tong ◽  
A. P. Sather ◽  
E. Beltranena ◽  
A. Pharazyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Muscle Protein ◽  
Fetal Outcome ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Balanced Diet

The objective of the present study was to examine gestational diabetogenic effects in lean gilts and the influence that dietary protein may have on glucose tolerance, reproductive performance, maternal insulin and progesterone levels. Twenty-six Lacombe gilts (14 control, 12 treated) and 229 neonate offspring were examined. During gestation all gilts received a 13% crude protein balanced diet on the basis of body weight. The treated animals received the same diet plus an additional 1.3 g kg−1 body weight d−1 of casein starting on day 1 postcoitus. No differences in litter size or birth weight between treatments were observed. However, the proportion of mummified or still-birth fetuses, while within a normal range, tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in control (1.64 ± 0.43 per litter) than in treated pigs (0.58 ± 0.46). In addition, the muscle protein concentration in the neonatal offspring of treated gilts (91.3 ± 0.35 mg g−1) tended to be higher (P = 0.15) than that seen in the control animals (88.7 ± 0.34 mg g−1). All pregnant gilts, irrespective of treatment, displayed a degree of diabetogenesis two weeks prepartum (P ≤ 0.05). However, no differences in blood insulin or progesterone levels were observed between treatments. The data suggest that protein supplementation to the dam may slightly retard gestational onset diabetogenic effects but has only moderate effects on fetal outcome. Key words: Diabetogenesis, lean gilts, dietary protein

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 Calving probability in the first and second reproductive years of beef heifers that reached the recommended body weight at first breeding season

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rangel Fernandes Pacheco ◽  
João Restle ◽  
Ivan Luiz Brondani ◽  
Dari Celestino Alves ◽  
Jonatas Cattelam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Beef Heifers

Attainment of puberty and reproductive performance in Clun Forest ewe lambs

1972 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ó. R. Dýrmundsson ◽  
J. L. Lees
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cyclic Activity ◽  
Breeding Activity ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Mean

SUMMARYCertain aspects of puberal development and reproductive performance in Clun Forest ewe lambs with a wide range of birth dates were investigated during the two seasons 1969–71. Of 33 ewe lambs born in the spring of 1969, 26 exhibited their first oestrus at a mean date of 8 November 1969 ± 2·5 days, the mean age being 228·3 ± 2·4 days and the mean body weight 36·3 ± 0·9 kg. The lambs which failed to breed in their first year, together with lambs born in the autumn of 1969, attained puberty during the autumn of 1970. Twenty-three ewe lambs carried foetuses to term in the spring of 1970 and had a mean lambing rate of 113·0 ± 7%. Of 84 ewe lambs born in the spring of 1970, 73 attained puberty in the first year of life at a mean date of 11 November 1970 ± 2·7 days, the mean age being 223·7 ± 3·0 days and the mean body weight 32·2 ± 0·5 kg. Cyclic activity of ewe lambs born in 1970 was recorded throughout their first breeding season. They experienced their last oestrus of the season at a mean date of 24 January 1971 ± 2·2 days, the mean age being 296·9 ±3·9 days and the mean body weight 32·4 ± 0·6 kg. The mid-breeding season was 18 December 1970, coinciding with the shortest days, and the mean number of heats exhibited throughout the season was 5·15 ± 0·24 per lamb.Marked individual variation existed in age and body weight at puberty and in breeding activity, largely due to differences in date of birth and growth rate during rearing. Ewe lambs born early tended to experience their first oestrus earlier in the season than late born lambs but they did so at a higher age and heavier body weight. Fast growth rate and earliness of puberty were associated with extended duration and enhanced regularity of cyclic activity. Time of birth was clearly of fundamental importance in relation to the onset and duration of breeding activity in the ewe lambs included in the present study.Adult rams of three breeds were found to vary consistently in the proportion of ewe lambs which they detected in oestrus, rams of the lambs' own breed being most efficient.

scholarly journals PSV-18 The role of leptin in feed efficiency and behavior attributes of commercial beef heifers

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 162-162
Author(s):  
Nayan Bhowmik ◽  
Kris A Ringwall ◽  
Carl R Dahlen ◽  
Kendall C Swanson ◽  
Jeffrey A Clapper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Frame Size ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Plasma Leptin

Abstract Leptin is a 16-kDa-peptide hormone product of the leptin gene (LEP) that is predominantly synthesized by adipose tissues and has known involvement in regulation of feed intake, energy expenditure, reproduction, and immune functions. The objective was to determine the association of leptin genotype (LEP c.73C &gt;T), leptin diplotype (LEPD) and plasma leptin hormone (LEPH) concentration with growth, feed intake, feed efficiency, and behavior characteristics in developing beef heifers. A total of 336 commercial beef heifers were genotyped for the LEP c.73C &gt;T marker. Four single nucleotide polymorphism markers including LEP c.73C &gt;T, ARS-BFGL-NGS-59298 (intron 1), BovineHD0400026029 (upstream) and BovineHD0400026063 (downstream) of LEP were considered for haplotype analysis. Eleven LEPD were identified for this study using parsimony-based analyses. Circulating levels of LEPH were measured on 333 heifers prior to their first breeding season and used to assign low or high concentration group based on population median. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS for repeated measures, fixed effects of ancestral breed group (n = 4), dam age category (n = 4), frame size group (n = 4), project cycle nested within birth year (n = 6), week of feed trial × year, LEP (n = 3) or LEPD (n = 11) or LEPH (n = 2), as well as week × LEPH (only for LEPH). There were no significant differences between LEP genotypes (P ≥ 0.11) or LEPD (P ≥ 0.33) for any of the studied traits. Heifers with low LEPH ate fewer meals per day (P = 0.02) and had more DMI per meal (P = 0.04) compared to those with high plasma leptin. Further research is needed to better understand plasma LEPH concentration and its role in feeding behavior attributes. However, circulatory LEPH before the breeding season may serve as a predictor for feeding behavior.

scholarly journals Effects on Synchronization and Reproductive Efficiency of Delaying the Removal of the Intravaginal Progesterone Device by 24 h in the 5d Co-synch Protocol in Heifers

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 849
Author(s):  
Aitor Fernandez-Novo ◽  
Sergio Santos-Lopez ◽  
Jose Luis Pesantez-Pacheco ◽  
Natividad Pérez-Villalobos ◽  
Ana Heras-Molina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Beef Herds ◽  
Farm Economics

In beef herds, increasing animal welfare, improving reproductive performance and easing animal management are key goals in farm economics. We explored whether delaying the removal of the intravaginal progesterone device by 24 h in heifers synchronized with a 5d Co-synch 72-h protocol could improve reproductive efficiency of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). In experiment 1, we examined the total synchronization rate (TSR) in cycling Holstein heifers. Heifers (13.4 ± 0.69 mo.) were randomly assigned to the standard 5d Co-synch 56-h protocol (5dCo56; n = 10), 5d Co-synch 72-h (5dCo72; n = 17), or the modified 5d Co-synch 72-h protocol, in which removal of the progesterone device was delayed by 24 h (6dCo48; n = 19). In experiment 2, 309 cycling beef heifers on 18 commercial farms were subjected to the 5d Co-synch 72-h or 6-d Co-synch 48-h protocol and conception rate (CR) studied. In experiment 1, the three protocols led no differences on TSRs of 80.0% (5dCo56), 88.2% (5dCo72), and 89.5% (6dCo48). In experiment 2, the CR from the beef heifers, observed during two consecutive reproductive seasons did not differ: 59.7% for 5dCo72 and 62.0% for 6dCo48 (p = 0.907). Therefore, delaying removal by 24 h provides satisfactory results without reducing reproductive efficiency of heifers.

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