Effects of Supplementing Lactating, June-calving Cows on Second-calf Pregnancy Rates

Authors

Aaron Stalker, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Kelly Creighton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jacqueline A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1-1-2006

Comments

Published in 2006 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2005 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A two year experiment evaluated the influence of supplementation pre-breeding on second-calf pregnancy rates in June-calving heifers. For 60 days before start of the breeding season, heifers were assigned to one of two treatments: supplementation of dried distillers grains (1.5 lb/day) to meet energy and metabolizable protein requirements or unsupplemented control. Supplementation improved body condition score during the supplementation period and resulted in increased body condition score at weaning. In year 1, feeding supplement to the dam did not change calf weight gain but feeding supplement increased calf weight in year 2. Pregnancy rates were 90% and not changed by supplementation.