A System for Wintering Beef Heifers Using Dried Distillers Grains

Authors

Leslie Aaron Stalker, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 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 compared two systems for wintering pregnant heifers. The standard system used by the ranch served as the control (CON) and the treatment system (TRT) included a dried distillers grains based supplement. Heifers in the TRT system were heavier and had greater body condition score at end of supplementation. Calving difficulty, percentage of live calves weaned and subsequent pregnancy rate were similar between systems. Calves born to heifers in the TRT system were heavier at birth and weaning. The TRT system cost $10.47/heifer less than the CON system and resulted in equivalent or improved heifer and calf growth performance.