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Can beef heifers and young postpartum cows be physiologically and nutritionally manipulated to optimize reproductive efficiency?

Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003

^1. Correspondence: Box 30003, Dept. 3-I (phone: (505) 646-4135; fax: (505) 646-5441; E-mail: dhawkins{at}nmsu.edu).

Abstract

Beef production efficiency from extensive rangeland systems is often compromised by negative impacts on reproduction in young cows and heifers due to the seasonal dynamics of forage quality and quantity coupled with the higher nutritional demands of these animals. Our goals are to strategically use biologically potent combinations of nutrients that relieve metabolic inefficiencies, alter the utilization of endogenous nutrients, and redirect nutrient partitioning in a manner that positively influences reproductive processes. These effects must be achieved with minimal input and labor costs in order to maintain economic viability. Specifically, the use of nutrients that alter glucose metabolism and spare endogenous protein depots is addressed here. The influence of these strategies on reproductive outcomes in heifers and young cows is discussed. A better understanding of the metabolic and physiological mediators of key reproductive events is mandatory for improving rangeland resource utilization and production efficiency of range cow-calf operations in harsh nutritional environments.