Post Weaning Management of Heifer Calves Impacts ADG and Feed Efficiency as Pregnant Heifers

Authors

Daniel M. Larson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Tonya L. Meyer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Leslie Aaron Stalker, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James R. Teichert, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard N. Funston, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2010

Comments

Published in 2009 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report (Lincoln, NE: December, 2008). Copyright © 2008 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Replacement heifers were developed on cornstalks (Exp. 1, 2, and 3), dry lot (Exp. 1 and 2), or winter range (Exp. 3). In Exp. 1, pregnant heifers were individually fed during mid to late gestation. Heifers developed on cornstalks were more feed efficient than heifers developed in a dry lot. In Exp. 2 and 3, pregnant heifers grazed cornstalks during mid to late gestation. Heifers developed on cornstalks gained more and were more efficient, especially compared to heifers developed in a dry lot. These data provide evidence of an adaptive response to grazing low quality forages and may be beneficial in the critical period leading up to the first calving season.