J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1959. 18:1363-1366.
© 1959 American Society of Animal Science
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Effect of Constant Environmental Temeratures, 50° and 80° F., on Appearance of Puberty in Beef Calves1

Homer E. Dale, A. C. Ragsdale and C. S. Cheng2, 3,

University of Missouri, Columbia

Abstract

Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, and Shorthorn heifer calves were raised from one month of age at constant environmental temperatures of 50° and 80° F., relative humidity of 50–70%, with equal periods of light and dark (experimental calves); controls were kept in an open shed exposed to Missouri weather.

One outdoor Brahman did not mature; the remaining outdoor Brahmans and one 50° Brahman were apparently seasonally monestrous. All other calves were polyestrous.

Brahmans at 80° reached puberty at a mean age of 463 days (19% of predicted age at mature weight); mean ages of all other experimental groups were between 290 and 440 days (11 to 14% of predicted age at mature weight). At puberty 80° Brahmans had achieved a mean of 60% of predicted mature weight (compared to means of 39 to 45% for all other experimental groups), a mean of 95% of predicted mature wither height (compared to means of 80 to 83% for all other experimental groups), and a mean of 84% of predicted mature chest girth (compared to means of 69 to 75% for all other experimental groups).

One Shorthorn at 80° F. was similar to the 80° F. Brahmans in that superior heat tolerance, as indicated by rate of growth, was accompanied by delayed puberty.

Footnotes

1 Supported in part by the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission.

2 Departments of Veterinary Physiology and Dairy Husbandry. Acknowledgement is made of the technical assistance of G. T. Barrows, C. W. Grosse, J. P. McGinnis, and P. L. Nicoletti.

3 Contribution from the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series Number 1918. Approved by the Director.






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Copyright © 1959 by the American Society of Animal Science.