Effects of pregnancy in feedlot heifers on performance and carcass characteristics (2003)

Authors

G.L. Bishop
J.R. Brethour
T.T. Marston
T.E. Lawrence

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 2003; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 03-272-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 908; Beef; Pregnancy; Heifers; Performance; Carcass characteristics

Abstract

Sixty-eight, spring-born, yearling heifers were raised, estrous synchronized, artificially inseminated once, and then finished at the Kansas State University Western Kansas Agricultural Research Southeast Agricultural Research Center Center at Hays to determine the effects of pregnancy status on feedlot performance and carcass traits. To achieve a common endpoint at slaughter, heifers were allotted to one of two slaughter dates to achieve a backfat measurement of 0.5 inch. Therefore, both open and pregnant heifers were slaughtered at either 105 or 147 days (fetal age averaged 174 days for the pregnant heifers). Initial weight, rate of gain, and final weight were similar between open and pregnant heifers (P>0.36). Dressing percentage and ribeye area were lower (P0.16). However, even though only small differences were recorded in carcass weights, yield grades, and quality grades, their impact on carcass value and cattle feeding profits may be important.

Recommended Citation

Bishop, G.L.; Brethour, J.R.; Marston, T.T.; and Lawrence, T.E. (2003) "Effects of pregnancy in feedlot heifers on performance and carcass characteristics (2003)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1655