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Effects of Postweaning Rate of Gain on Onset of Puberty and Productive Performance of Heifers of Different Breeds¹

US Department of Agriculture², Clay Center, NE 68933

Abstract

Angus, (n=78), Hereford (93), Red Poll (61), Brown Swiss (47), Charolais (36) and Simmental (90) heifers were used in a study designed to evaluate the effects of breed and postweaning rate of gain (low, L = .4 kg/d; medium, M=.6 kg/d; high, Hi=.8 kg/d) on the onset of puberty and subsequent maternal performance. After a 184 d feeding period, one-half of the heifers in each group were moved to pasture and one-half were kept in the feedlot through breeding (70 d), then moved to pasture. Breeds differed (P<.01) in weight, height and condition. Increased postweaning rates of gain resulted in increased heifer weight (P<.01), height (P<.10) and condition (P<.01) before calving (198 to 635 d) but these differences were not observed after rebreeding (930 d). Quadratic regressions of percentage pubertal vs age were significantly influenced by the interaction between breed and postweaning rate of gain. Both mean age and weight at puberty were influenced by breed (P<.01) and postweaning rate of gain (P<.01). No interactions were observed (P>.10). Calf birth weight was influenced (P<.01) only by breed. Milk production was influenced by breed (P<.01) and postweaning rate of gain (P<.10). Significant time after parturition and time x breed interaction effects on milk production were observed. Calf weight at 120 d and at weaning was influenced by breed (P<.01), heifer postweaning rate of gain (P<.05) and sex (P<.05). These data suggest moderate underfeeding or overfeeding during the postweaning period may have a prolonged influence on the productive performance of heifers and demonstrate that breeds differ widely in age at puberty and later productivity under the type of management and environment of this study.

¹ Cooperation of the Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta., Univ. of Nebraska, Lincoln, is acknowledged.

² ARS, USDA, Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center. Mention of trade name, proprietary product or specific equipment does not constitute a guarantee or warranty by the USDA and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other products that may be suitable.

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