Winter Grazing System and Supplementation of Beef Cows During Late Gestation Influence Heifer Progeny

Authors

Richard N. Funston, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jeremy L. Martin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Adam F. Summers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Don Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jacqueline Musgrave, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
T. L. Meyer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Daniel M. Larson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

2011

Comments

Published in 2011 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Published by the Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Copyright © 2011 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Effects of cow winter grazing system and supplementation on heifer progeny were evaluated. Cows grazed range (WR) or corn residue (CR) with (PS) or without (NS) supplement. Both PS and CR increased weaning weight. Heifersfrom WR-NS dams weighed less at breeding and pregnancy diagnosis than WR-PS. Heifers from PS dams were younger at puberty, and pregnancy rate tended to be greater. Heifers from CR-PS dams gained the least and were least efficient. First-calf production and rebreeding were similar. There appear to be fetal programming effects of dam winter grazing system and supplementation on heifer progeny.