Growth and Reproductive Performance of Yearling Beef Heifers Implanted with Revalor G in the Nebraska Sandhills

Authors

Benjamin T. Tibbitts, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Hazy Rae Nielson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
K. H. Ramsay Ramsay, Rex Ranch, Ashby, NEFollow
Richard N. Funston, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

2017 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. University of Nebraska Extension MP104. Lincoln, NE.

Comments

© 2016 The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Th is study evaluated effects of a single stocker implant (Revalor G) on growth and reproductive performance of yearling beef heifers in the Nebraska Sandhills. Crossbred heifers, grazing native Sandhills range, were randomly assigned to either be implanted 82 ± 2 days prior to estrus synchronization, or not implanted, to determine the effects of growth implants on heifer performance. Heifers were bred via artificial insemination followed with clean- up bulls. Implanted heifers gained more and were heavier at the end of the trial, but had a reduced pregnancy rate than non- implanted heifers. Implanted heifers also had a lower pregnancy rate in their second breeding season. Implanting yearling beef heifers increased average daily gain; however, it decreased initial and subsequent pregnancy rate compared with heifers not implanted. When deciding to implant replacement females, the current (or expected) market conditions for pregnant and feeder heifers must be considered.