Heifers with Low Antral Follicle Counts Have Low Birth Weights and Produce Progeny with Low Birth Weights

Authors

Adam F. Summers, Meat Animal Research CenterFollow
Robert A. Cushman, USDA-ARSFollow
Karl Moline Moline, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Jeff Bergman, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Andrea S. Cupp, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Published in 2013 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report.

Comments

Copyright © 2013 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Abstract

To determine the relationship of antral follicle count and heifer BW, reproductive tract characteristics, and first-calf performance, Red Angus-composite heifers were used over three years. High antral follicle count heifers had greater BW from birth through pre-breeding. Progeny birth BW was greater for calves born to high antral follicle count heifers compared to low antral follicle count heifers. Taken together these data indicate a relationship between antral follicle counts and BW through the first breeding season and corresponding progeny, and continues to support a possible link between genes that influence growth and development and establishment of ovarian reserve.