Effect of Pre-breeding Weight and MGA Supplementation on Heifer Performance

Authors

Jeremy L. Martin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kelly W. Creighton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Jacqueline A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard T. Clark, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Don C. Adams, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte, NebraskaFollow
Richard N. Funston, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1-1-2008

Comments

Published in 2008 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2007 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Developing heifers to reach a target weight of 50% of mature body weight at the beginning of the breeding season is an effective method for reducing heifer development cost. Net costs to produce a bred yearling heifer and 2-year-old cow were lower when heifers were developed to 50% rather than 55% of mature body weight, regardless of breeding season length. Administration of oral progestin to heifers developed to 50% mature body weight prior to breeding did not affect reproductive performance during the first breeding season when heifers were exposed to bulls 13 days after the end of progestin treatment.