Effect of Heifer Development System on Reproduction and Subsequent Gain as a Pregnant Heifer

Authors

Shelby A. Springman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Hazy Rae Nielson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Tonya L. Meyer, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Mike Kirby, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jim Teichert, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
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

Weaned heifers grazed corn residue, upland range, or were fed 1 of 2 drylot diets differing in energy. Heifer development diets did not impact their resulting AI or final pregnancy rates. Cost per pregnant heifer was similar among treatments. A subset of AI- pregnant heifers was placed in a Calan Broadbent individual feeding system during late gestation. As a pregnant heifer, feed efficiency was not impacted by development system. These results indicate producers may utilize their most readily available and/or cost- effective feed resources with no detriment to pregnancy rates or feed efficiency as first- calf heifers.