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Effect of Rate and Time of Gain after Weaning on the Development of Replacement Beef Heifers¹

University of Nebraska North Platte Station, North Platte 69101

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted during three consecutive years to compare rate and time of gain of weaned heifer calves on growth, reproductive development and future calf production. Three groups of Angus x Hereford heifers were fed in one of the following regimens from 45 d after weaning until breeding: (1) no gain the first one-half of the development period followed by .91 kg head-¹ d-¹ gain the last one-half; (2) .45 kg head d-¹ gain the entire trial and (3) .91 kg head-¹d-¹ the first one-half of the development period and no gain the last one-half. The same diet was fed to all heifers, but the intake was varied to meet weight gain requirements. Wither height and heart girth increased (P<.05) during the periods the heifers were fed to gain weight. By the end of the feeding trials, there were not differences (P>.05) in any of the growth measures. There were no differences (P>.05) in age at puberty, conception rate or calf production the following year. Adequate growth and development of replacement heifers is necessary, but much latitude exists in the rate and time of growth between weaning and breeding.

¹ Published as Paper No. 6835 Journal Ser., Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta.

² Current address: Route 3, North Platte, NE 69101.

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