Characterization of Breeds Representing Diverse Biological Types: Postweaning Growth and Puberty of Females

Authors

Keith E. Gregory, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center
Larry V. Cundiff, U.S. Meat Animal Research CenterFollow
Robert M. Koch, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Date of this Version

1982

Document Type

Article

Comments

Published in Beef Research Program Progress Report (1982) No. 1: 9-10

Abstract

Puberty traits in beef cattle are important criteria for evaluating the use of breeds for different beef production systems. Age at puberty is an important trait in beef cattle where females are bred to calve at 2 years of age, especially when a restricted breeding season is used. It is not only important that heifers reach puberty and conceive, but that they conceive early in the breeding season. Heifers that fail to reach puberty or that reach puberty and conceive late in the breeding season cause reduced production efficiency. Thus, from a breed selection standpoint, puberty is an important trait for identifying breed combinations most appropriate for different production situations.