Impact of Heifer Development System in Two Different Breeding Seasons

Authors

Shelby A. Springman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Hazy Rae Nielson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jacqueline A. Musgrave Musgrave, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
John Nollette, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Andy Applegarth, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
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

Replacement heifers from March and May calving herds were offered ad libitum meadow hay and 4 lb/d supplement or grazed meadow and offered 1 lb/d supplement from mid- January to mid- April. Heifers fed hay gained more during the treatment; however, heifers grazing meadow experienced compensatory gain, resulting in similar body weight at pregnancy diagnosis in both calving herds. Pregnancy rates were similar between treatment groups in March and May heifers. A reduced input winter management system is a viable option to maintain pregnancy rates in early and late summer breeding seasons.