A Management System for Wintering Replacement Heifers

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Abstract
Heifer calves were divided at weaning into three winter feed groups. One-third of the heifers were selected at random and group fed (group R). The remaining heifers were divided and fed in two separate groups designated H and L. Groups H and L consisted of heifers above or below the average weaning weight, respectively. All three groups were fed to reach the same prebreeding weight. Separation and feeding of heifers on the basis of weaning weight resulted in earlier puberty (P<.10) for both H and L heifers compared to heavy or light heifers within group R (designated as RH and RL, respectively). More L heifers reached puberty by the beginning of the breeding season (79% vs 60%) and were pregnant in October (79% vs 60%) than RL heifers. Regardless of winter feeding system, a higher percentage of the RH and H heifers reached puberty by the beginning of the breeding season (P<.10), were pregnant in October and had larger pelvic areas (P<.05) than the RL and L heifers. Copyright © 1977. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1977 by American Society of Animal Science

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