Effect of Post-Weaning Heifer Development System on Average Daily Gain, Reproduction, and Adaptation to Corn Residue During First Pregnancy

Authors

Stetson P. Weber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Adam F. Summers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Tonya L. Meyer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard N. Funston, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Comments

Published in 2012 Beef Cattle Report (2012) p. 37-38. Copyright © 2012 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A three-year study evaluated postweaning winter grazing system management on primiparous heifers at two locations. Weaned heifers were assigned to a development system: (1) graze corn residue then winter range, (2) graze winter range, or (3) graze winter range then placed in drylot. A combination of artificial insemination (AI) and natural mating was used at time of breeding based on location. Pregnant heifers were assigned to one of three corn residue fields in late gestation based on previous heifer development. Weaned heifers developed on corn residue had similar BW and ADG during winter grazing and after breeding, compared to heifers developed on winter range. The effect of post-weaning management on reproductive performance was similar for all heifer treatments. Heifers developed on winter range or drylot had similar ADG compared to heifers developed on corn residue, during late gestation.