Animal Science, Department of
Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports
Date of this Version
2014
Citation
2014 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, UNL Extension MP99, pp. 5-7.
Abstract
Three experiments were conducted to evaluate whether pubertal status and number of estrous cycles prior to breeding influences pregnancy rate in beef heifers. Pubertal heifers were heavier and older at the start of breeding and had greater AI and overall pregnancy rate than non-pubertal heifers. Second season pregnancy rate was greater for heifers reaching puberty prior to first breeding and for heifers having ≥ 2 estrouscycles prior to breeding compared with non-pubertal heifers. Pregnancy rate was greater for heifers achieving puberty prior to breeding; however, earlier onset of puberty did not significantly improve first pregnancy rates.
Included in
Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons, Meat Science Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons
Comments
Copyright © 2014 University of Nebraska.