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J. Anim. Sci. 2003. 81:1136-1141
© 2003 American Society of Animal Science

Effect of early weaning on the performance of three-year-old, first-calf beef heifers and calves reared in the subtropics1,2

J. D. Arthington3 and R. S. Kalmbacher

Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Ona 33865

3 Correspondence:
3401 Experiment Station (phone: 863-735-1314; fax: 863-735-1930; E-mail:
jdarthington{at}mail.ifas.ufl.edu).


   Abstract
Top
 Abstract
Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results and Discussion
 Implications
 Literature Cited
 
The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of early weaning fall-born calves on heifer and calf performance in Florida. Over two consecutive years, 3-yr-old Braford and Brahman x Angus first-calf heifers were assigned randomly to one of two treatments; early-weaned (EW, n = 20 and 30 for yr 1 and 2, respectively) and normal-weaned (NW, n = 20 and 38 for yr 1 and 2, respectively). Calves were EW on January 23 and 3 for yr 1 and 2, respectively. Following EW, all first-calf heifers were returned to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures with the mature cowherd. Early-weaned calves were maintained on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pastures at 8.2 and 10.7 calves/ha for yr 1 and 2, respectively, and were provided supplemental grain mixture (14% CP) at 1.0% of BW daily. Normal-weaned calves remained with their dams in the mature cowherd on bahiagrass. Final calf BW was collected on April 17 (d 84) and April 24 (d 111) for yr 1 and 2, respectively. Early-weaned calves had a greater (P < 0.001) ADG (0.17 kg/d) in yr 1, but a lower (P < 0.001) ADG (-0.24 kg/d) in yr 2 compared with NW calves. Early weaning resulted in heavier first-calf heifers with greater BCS at the time of normal weaning (August 1; 491 vs. 452 kg, with BCS = 6.34 vs. 4.75 for EW and NW heifers, respectively; SEM = 5.0 and 0.07). Heifers with EW calves had a higher (P < 0.07) pregnancy rate during both years than normal-weaned heifers (89.5 vs. 50.0 and 96.7 vs. 80.0% pregnant during yr 1 and 2, respectively). Early-weaned, first-calf heifers also had a lower (P < 0.05) calving interval in yr 2 (384 vs. 404 d; SEM = 6.0). These data suggest that EW will improve body condition of first-calf heifers resulting in an increased pregnancy rate. Early-weaned calves maintained on winter ryegrass provide producers with the ability to optimize early-weaned calf performance, while capitalizing on low cost of gain and favorable spring markets.

Key Words: Beef Cattle • Calves • Lolium perenne • Pregnancy • Weaning


   Introduction
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
Materials and Methods
 Results and Discussion
 Implications
 Literature Cited
 
The nutritional value of subtropical forages limits reproductive performance of the cowherd. Cows with low BCS (<=4) have been shown to have more than a 30% reduction in pregnancy rate (Rae et al., 1993). Early weaning has been shown to be an effective means of improving cow reproduction. Younger cows (2 and 3 yr of age) tend to have longer postpartum intervals compared with mature cows. When weaned before the breeding season, 2-yr-old heifers may experience an increase in overall conception by 25.9% compared with a 7.9% increase in cows 4 yr of age and older (Laster et al., 1973). Additionally, EW cows have been shown to have a 24-d shorter postpartum anestrous period compared with contemporaries nursing calves (Houghton et al., 1990). This is achieved by removing the nutrient requirements associated with lactation (Wyatt et al., 1976). Typical cowherds in the subtropics are of Brahman (Bos indicus) lineage. Brahman crossbred heifers have been shown to have lower calving rates when bred to calve at 24 mo of age (DeRouen and Franke, 1989) compared with heifers of traditional English breeding (Bos taurus). Therefore, many producers in the subtropics wait to breed their Brahman crossbred heifers to calve at 3 yr of age. The mild winters associated with the subtropics, coupled with the ability to provide limited winter grazing, support the investigation of early weaning as a tool to manage young cows. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of early weaning 3-yr-old, first-calf heifers on heifer and calf performance in the subtropics.


   Materials and Methods
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
Results and Discussion
 Implications
 Literature Cited
 
Animal Care, Handling, and Diet
The animals used in these experiments were cared for by acceptable practices (FASS, 1999), and the protocol was approved by the University of Florida, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (#A755). All pastures were located and animals derived from the University of Florida—IFAS, Range Cattle Research and Education Center, Ona. This location in south central Florida (82°55'W and 27°26'N) is considered subtropical. The average historical (1942 to 2000) precipitation for the months of this experiment was 4.9, 4.9, 5.7, 6.5, 8.1, and 6.4 cm for November, December, January, February, March, and April, respectively, with an average low air temperature of 11.9°C.

Over two consecutive years (beginning January 2000), fall-calving, 3-yr-old, Brahman x Angus and Braford heifers were randomly assigned to one of two weaning treatments consisting of early weaning (EW; January) or normal weaning (NW; August). Calves were similar in age (average age = 84 ± 11 and 79 ± 7 d for yr 1 and 2, respectively) and BW at the time of early weaning (average BW = 88 ± 2.2 and 95 ± 11.9 kg for yr 1 and 2, respectively). The study began on the day of EW (January 23 and 3 for yr 1 and 2, respectively) and ended at the time of normal weaning (August 1, both years). The dates for early weaning were selected to correspond with the start of the breeding season. Early-weaned calves (n = 20 and 30 for yr 1 and 2, respectively) were placed onto annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pastures at rates of 8.2 and 10.7 calves/ha for yr 1 and 2, respectively, and were provided a supplemental grain-based mixture (13.8, 65.0, 1.12, and 0.72% CP, TDN, Ca, and P; as fed) at a targeted rate of 1.0% of BW daily. Calves received no vaccinations and were not implanted. In yr 2, the number of calves available from 3-yr-old heifers was not enough to achieve the desired stocking rate; therefore, stocking rates were increased by including five to six additional, nonstudy EW calves in each of the pasture replications. These additional calves were derived from 2-yr-old, first-calf heifers and were similar in age and BW to the study calves at the time of EW (average age = 87 ± 25 d, average BW = 98 ± 16.8 kg). Data from the extra calves were not included in the statistical model. Normal-weaned calves (n = 20 and 38 for yr 1 and 2, respectively) remained with their dams, and after early weaning, calves were returned into one of 12 groups of mature cows and maintained on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures. Both EW and NW heifers were represented in each of the groups. Supplemental winter energy was provided uniformly to each cow group (grass hay and sugarcane molasses, fortified with 3.9% urea, as fed) at rates to support an average group body condition of 5.0 (1 to 9 scale; 1 = emaciated and 9 = obese). First-calf heifers, in combination with mature cows, were exposed to bulls for 90 d from early January to early April. The bull:cow ratio was approximately 1:22, and all bulls were >=3 yr of age. Bulls were rotated through pasture groups at <=10-d intervals. Pregnancy was determined by rectal palpation in July of both years. Individual heifer BW and BCS (Kunkle et al., 1999) and BW of EW and NW calves were collected at the time of EW (January), at the end of the breeding season (April), and at the time of NW (August 1). Heifer BCS was determined by visual appraisal and the final value was derived from the mean of two technician’s scores. Calving interval was calculated by determining the time between the birth of the first and second calf.

Ryegrass Paddocks
In yr 1, two ryegrass pastures (1.2 ha each) were established in a depressional soil area consisting of a Popash mucky fine sand (loamy, siliceous, hyperthermic Typic Umbraqualfs) surrounded by a higher, dryer Pomona fine sand (sandy, siliceous, hyperthermic, Arenic Alaquods). In yr 2, a comparison was made between ryegrass cultivated on pastures containing the depressional areas (Popash soils) and drier Pomona soils. The pastures containing depressional areas in yr 2 were the same pastures used in yr 1. For the areas containing Pomona fine sand, two additional pastures (1.2 ha each) were established. All pastures were bordered by a 0.2-ha paddock of bahiagrass, where water, feed, and mineral were offered. Woven-wire fencing surrounded each pasture to prevent entry of wildlife. "Jumbo" ryegrass was seeded in a prepared seedbed at a rate of 16.8 kg/ha on November 28 and 21 for yr 1 and 2, respectively. In yr 1, a complete fertilizer (56-5-46 kg/ha of N-P-K, respectively) was applied at emergence followed by an additional N application (56 kg/ha) at 108 d following seeding. In yr 2, N was applied (56 kg/ha) at emergence followed by an application of complete fertilizer (84-8-42 kg/ha of N-P-K, respectively) 84 d after seeding. Pastures were not irrigated. Total precipitation for the establishment periods in yr 1 and 2 was 2.9 and 1.2 cm, respectively. Total precipitation during the ryegrass-grazing period was 19.4 and 28.0 cm for yr 1 and 2, respectively.

Beginning on January 31 and 4 for yr 1 and 2, respectively, and continuing at 28-d intervals, ryegrass was sampled (six random, 1-m2 quadrats in each pasture) by clipping whole plants at ground level. Forage samples were dried for 4 to 5 d in a forced-air oven at 50°C, and ground to pass a 1-mm screen. Forage N (Gallaher et al., 1975; Hambleton, 1977) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) analyses (Moore and Mott, 1974) were conducted on each sample plot at the Forage Evaluation Support Laboratory of the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis for monthly changes in available ryegrass and ryegrass quality was achieved by ANOVA for a repeated-measures experiment within a completely randomized design using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC). Analysis was conducted separately; the effect of year was assessed for the lower Popash mucky soils, which were used in both 2000 and 2001, and in which the model statement contained the effects of year, month, and the interaction of year x month, and the two soil types (Popash muck and Pamona fine sand soil) were compared in 2001, in which the model statement contained the effects of month, soil type, and the interaction of month x soil type. Data were analyzed using the year x pasture and the soil type x pasture interaction as random effects for the first and second analysis, respectively.

Analysis for calf BW and ADG was achieved by ANOVA for a completely randomized design using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. The model statement included the effects of year, treatment, breed, sex, and all possible interactions. Data were analyzed using the pasture (year x treatment) and the breed x sex x pasture (year x treatment) interactions as random effects.

Analysis of heifer BW, BCS, and calving interval was also achieved by ANOVA for a completely randomized design using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Calving interval was calculated only from heifers that had become pregnant and calved in the following year. Analysis of calving interval was performed only for yr 2 due to a large number of missing cells for NW heifers in yr 1 (those that did not become pregnant). The model statement contained the effects of breed, treatment, and the interaction for breed x treatment. Pasture was the experimental unit. Data were analyzed using the pasture x breed (treatment) interaction as a random effect. The model statement for analysis of cow BW and BCS contained the effects of breed, treatment, year, and all possible interactions. Data were analyzed using the pasture x breed (treatment x year) interaction as a random effect.

Analysis of heifer pregnancy rate was analyzed by comparing heifer breed and treatment with pregnancy rate using PROC FREQ of SAS. Differences in pregnancy rate were compared with Fisher’s Exact Test.


   Results and Discussion
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results and Discussion
Implications
 Literature Cited
 
On the lower, wetter pastures used in yr 1 and 2, available ryegrass peaked at different times (Table 1Go). In yr 1, available ryegrass peaked in April at 2,710 kg of DM/ha, whereas in yr 2, available ryegrass was numerically higher in January and February, but did not differ significantly throughout the growing season. Available ryegrass was higher (P < 0.05) in April and May of yr 1 than the same months in yr 2 (Table 1Go). This may have been due to the higher stocking rate used in yr 2. Also, there was more rainfall during the establishment period in yr 1 (2.9 cm, 33 d) compared with yr 2 (1.2 cm; 40 d), which also likely contributed to a higher ryegrass yield.


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  		Table 1. Availability and whole-plant nutritive value of ryegrass grown on lower, wetter soils, in yr 1 and 2a
 
On the same pastures, ryegrass DM and CP did not differ between years. Ryegrass DM content remained similar (average 15.6%) until the final collection in May, when it increased (P < 0.05) to 33.5%. Ryegrass CP concentration was highest at the January collection (33.8%) and progressively decreased (P < 0.05) over successive collections to a low of 20.4% by the final collection in May. There was a significant month x year interaction for ryegrass IVOMD concentration; however, similar to CP, IVOMD concentration was highest in January and lowest in May (Table 1Go).

In yr 2, a comparison was made between ryegrass cultivated on Pomona-Popash vs. Pamona soils. Available ryegrass was initially higher (P < 0.05) on the Pomona-Popash vs. Pomona site in January and February (Table 2Go). This response is presumably due to higher soil moisture content in the lower Popash soil.


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  		Table 2. Comparison of availability and whole-plant dry matter of ryegrass cultivated on two soil types in yr 2a
 
There were no differences between soil types on the concentration of ryegrass CP and IVOMD; however, similar to yr 1, ryegrass CP and IVOMD concentrations were highest during the initial collections, decreasing throughout the growing season (Figure 1Go). Research investigating characteristics of annual forages and their contribution to performance of growing calves found that IVOMD concentrations above 73.0% were adequate to support growth of grazing calves (Bertrand and Dunavin, 1975). In the current studies, whole-plant IVOMD exceeded this threshold value during every month, excluding May. Nevertheless, it is likely that the forage selected by the calves was greater in IVOMD than the whole plant averages.



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  		Figure 1. Crude protein and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) concentration of ryegrass grown during yr 2, pooled over both soil types. Means within nutrient that do not have a common superscript differ (P < 0.05). Pooled SEM = 1.01 and 1.40 for CP and IVOMD, respectively.

 
There was a significant breed x sex x year interaction for calf BW in April and calf ADG (P = 0.02 for both years; Table 3Go). Initial calf BW, collected in January at the time of EW, was similar across breed and sex during both years. Over both years, Brahman x Angus calves had a greater (P < 0.01) ADG compared with Braford calves (0.80 and 0.71 kg/d; SEM = 0.08).


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  		Table 3. Effect of breed and sex on growth performance of early-weaned (EW) calves
 
In yr 1, EW calves gained 0.17 kg/d more (P < 0.05) than NW calves left with their dams (Table 4Go). In contrast, during yr 2, EW calves gained 0.24 kg/d less than NW calves (Table 4Go). Similar to the observed differences in available ryegrass, this difference in gain is likely attributed to the higher stocking rate used in yr 2 (8.2 vs. 10.7 calves/ha), which may have contributed to lower available forage and depressed calf growth performance. Growth performance of EW calves in yr 2 was lower (P < 0.01) than in yr 1 (0.85 vs. 0.61 kg/d; SEM = 0.04). Nevertheless, taking annual differences in stocking rate into consideration, total live weight gain was similar (780 and 767 kg/ha for yr 1 and 2, respectively). Supplemental grain-based mixture was provided to EW calves at a targeted rate of 1.0% of BW for both years. Grazing research on lightweight beef calves is lacking; therefore, the amount of supplementation for maximizing performance is unclear. Bertrand et al. (1978) reported on a study investigating the performance of calves (average = 207 kg) that rotationally grazed a mixture of rye (Secale cereale L.), ryegrass, and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.). In their study, a rate of supplementation similar to that of the current study resulted in an increase in ADG of 0.12 kg/d compared with unsupplemented calves. In an additional study (Bertrand and Dunavin, 1977), numeric, but nonsignificant, increases in calf ADG were reported when calves, grazing a similar mixture of forages, were provided increasing levels of supplemental grain at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of BW.


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  		Table 4. Effect of early weaning (EW) vs. normal weaning (NW) on calf growth performancea
 
There were no treatment x year or treatment x breed interactions for first-calf heifer BW or BCS. Therefore, the pooled response over both years is provided in Table 5Go. Although weaning treatment was randomly assigned to heifers, initial BW was 15 kg greater (P < 0.05) for NW vs. EW heifers. Nevertheless, by the April weigh date, EW heifers had gained weight and NW heifers had lost weight, resulting in a heavier (P < 0.05) BW for EW heifers (Table 5Go). This loss in BW corresponded to a greater (P < 0.05) loss in body condition in NW heifers (Table 5Go). By the time of normal weaning, EW heifers had gained 54 kg more (P < 0.001) BW than NW heifers (Table 5Go). Cow BCS is a primary indicator of nutritional status. Rae et al. (1993) reported on a summary of eight trails that included >1,000 commercial beef cows in Florida. Their results suggest that cows with a BCS <=4, 5, or >=6 had pregnancy rates of 61, 79, and 90%, respectively. In the current studies, all of the EW heifers achieved a BCS >=5 by April. This improvement in BCS continued throughout the summer, and by August, EW heifers had a BCS that was 1.59 points higher (P < 0.001) than NW heifers (Table 5Go).


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  		Table 5. Effect of early weaning (EW) vs. normal weaning (NW) on first-calf heifer BW and body condition over both years
 
Overall average pregnancy rate was higher (P = 0.04) for all heifers in yr 1 than yr 2 (86.8 vs. 69.2%). Early weaned heifers had a higher (P = 0.02) pregnancy rate in yr 1 and tended (P = 0.07) to have a higher pregnancy rate in yr 2 than NW heifers (89.5 vs. 50.0% and 96.1 vs. 79.0% pregnant for EW and NW heifers, in yr 1 and 2, respectively). Breed of heifer had no effect (P > 0.20) on pregnancy rate. Myers et al. (1999) reported a 12% improvement in the pregnancy rate of cows with calves weaned at 90 vs. 215 d of age. In that study, cow BCS improved 0.67 points in cows weaned at 90 vs. 215 d. It is likely that the benefits of EW will most greatly impact young cows. In the current study, heifers were bred for the first time to calve at 3 yr of age. Laster et al. (1973) reported that heifers, calving at 3 yr of age and with calves weaned before the start of the breeding season, experienced a 15.6% improvement in conception rate compared with only a 7.9% improvement in cows >=4 yr of age.

Cow BCS is also important for maintaining a 365-d calving interval. To achieve this production target, cows must conceive by approximately 80 d after calving. Herd and Sprott (1986) found that only 62% of beef cows with a BCS <=4 were in estrus by d 80 postcalving. Analysis of calving interval was conducted only during yr 2 because of the high amount of missing data from nonpregnant NW heifers in yr 1 (calving interval not calculated for nonpregnant heifers). Calving interval was lower (P < 0.03) for EW heifers during yr 2 (384 vs. 404 d; SEM = 6.0). Similar to these results, Houghton et al. (1990) reported a 24-d shorter postpartum anestrous period for EW cows compared to contemporaries nursing calves.

Considering the costs of ryegrass establishment, fertilizer, and calf feed, the overall cost of gain for 112 d of ryegrass grazing averaged $0.87/kg over both years. In southern Florida, ryegrass pastures decline to minimal production by late April or early May. Typically, April and May calf markets are the best of the year. Also, these calves were weaned for more than 3 mo, which should provide further value to buyers.


   Implications
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results and Discussion
 Implications
Literature Cited
 
These data suggest that ryegrass, cultivated under the conditions of this study, is an effective management system for growing fall-born, early-weaned calves in the subtropics. Rearing early-weaned calves on ryegrass allows producers an opportunity to optimize young calf performance, while capitalizing on a low cost of gain and favorable spring markets. Early calf weaning at the start of the breeding season results in improved body condition, pregnancy rate, and a shorter calving interval for first-calf heifers.


   Footnotes
 
1 Contribution No. R-09108 from the Florida Agriculture Experiment Station. Back

2 Appreciation is expressed to C. Piacitelli and T. Wood for their technical assistance during the conduct of these experiments. Back

Received for publication October 21, 2002. Accepted for publication January 22, 2003.


   Literature Cited
Top
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Materials and Methods
 Results and Discussion
 Implications
 Literature Cited
 


Bertrand, J. E., and L. S. Dunavin. 1975. Certain characteristics of cool-season annual forages and their relationships to performance by growing beef calves. J. Anim. Sci. 41:1206–1211.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Bertrand, J. E., and L. S. Dunavin. 1977. The production of lightweight beef on winter annual pastures with and without grain supplementation. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Fla. Proc. 36:138–140.

Bertrand, J. E., L. S. Dunavin, and R. L. West. 1978. The production of lightweight beef on winter annual pastures followed by various periods of feedlot feeding. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Fla. Proc. 37:18–21.

DeRouen, S. M., and D. E. Franke. 1989. Effects of sire breed, breed type and age and weight at breeding on calving rate and date in beef heifers first exposed at three ages. J. Anim. Sci. 67:1128–1137.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

FASS. 1999. Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching. 1st rev. ed. Federation of Animal Science Societies, Savoy, IL.

Gallaher, R. N., C. O. Weldon, and J. G. Futral. 1975. An aluminum block digester for plant and soil analysis. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 39:803–806.

Hambleton, L. G. 1977. Semiautomated method for simultaneous determination of phosphorus, calcium and crude protein in animal feeds. J. AOAC 60:845–852.

Herd, D. B., and L. R. Sprott. 1986. Body Condition, Nutrition, and Reproduction Of Beef Cows. Texas Agric. Ext. Serv. Bull. B-1526.

Houghton, P. L., R. P. Lemenager, L. A. Horstman, K. S. Hendrix, and G. E. Moss. 1990. Effects of body composition, pre- and postpartum energy level and early weaning on reproductive performance of beef cows and preweaning calf gain. J. Anim. Sci. 68:1438–1446.[Abstract]

Kunkle, W. E., R. S. Sand, and D. O. Rae. 1999. Effects of body condition on productivity in beef cattle. Florida Coop. Ext. Serv. Bull. SP-144.

Laster, D. B., H. A. Glimp, and K. E. Gregory. 1973. Effects of early weaning on postpartum reproduction of cows. J. Anim. Sci. 36:734–740.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Moore, J. E., and G. O. Mott. 1974. Recovery of residual organic matter from in vitro digestion of forages. J. Dairy Sci. 57:1258–1259.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Myers, S. E., D. B. Faulkner, F. A. Ireland, and D. F. Parrett. 1999. Comparison of three weaning ages on cow-calf performance and steer carcass traits. J. Anim. Sci. 77:323–329.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

Rae, D. O., W. E. Kunkle, P. J. Chenoweth, R. S. Sand, and T. Tran. 1993. Relationship of parity and body condition score to pregnancy rates in Florida beef cattle. Theriogenology 39:1143–1152.[Medline]

Wyatt, R. D., R. P. Whettemann, M. B. Gould, L. Knori, and R. Totusek. 1976. Effect of single vs. twin rearing on cow and calf performance. Okla. Agri. Exp. Sta. MP-96:43.


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