Reproductive performance of Angus x Hereford and Brahman x Hereford heifers fed to prebeeding target weights (1986)

Authors

D.J. Patterson
L.R. Corah
D.D. Simms
J.R. Brethour
W.R. Negus

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 1986; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 86-320-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 494; Beef; Reproductive performance; Target weight; Pregnancy rate

Abstract

Heifer development as effected by nutrition was evaluated in 148 F Angus x Hereford (A x H) and 148 F Brahman x Hereford (B x H) heifers. Heifers within each breed cross were assigned to one of two energy levels and weight groups. Heifers on the low and high energy-level diets were fed to reach 55 or 65%, respectively, of their projected mature body weights by the start of spring breeding. A higher (P<.05) percentage of A x H heifers had reached puberty by the start of spring breeding; however, their average age at puberty was greater (P<.05) than that of B x H heifers. Weight at puberty, for heifers that cycled prior to the start of spring breeding, did not differ between breed groups. Weight of heifers at puberty was greater with the high-energy than with the low-energy diets. Prebreeding body condition scores of heifers on the two energy levels differed (P<.05) more among the A x H females. The A x H heifers had higher (P<.05) fall pregnancy rates than the B x H heifers (89.2 vs 71.9%). Energy level has no significant effect on fall pregnancy rate of A x H heifers, but B x H heifers on the high-energy level had a higher (P<.05) pregnancy rate than those on the low-energy diet.

Recommended Citation

Patterson, D.J.; Corah, L.R.; Simms, D.D.; Brethour, J.R.; and Negus, W.R. (1986) "Reproductive performance of Angus x Hereford and Brahman x Hereford heifers fed to prebeeding target weights (1986)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2385