Document Type
Report
Publication Date
1984
Summary
Nutrition following weaning of replacement heifers affects their performance as cows. Low levels of energy can delay puberty and reduce conception rates. Excessively high levels can decrease milk production and life span. Previous research indicates that gains should be kept to about 220 pounds from weaning to first breeding. This level of gain precludes high concentrate rations, curtailing flexibility and ability to minimize feed costs when concentrates are a cheaper source of energy. Limiting feed intake to supply desired total energy consumption would allow flexibility and use of higher percentage grain when economical. Limit feeding has been studied with finishing cattle regarding its influence on digestibility of feed stuffs. Limit feeding has been used to produce desired gains in heifers but not studied as a possible feeding program for replacement heifers. This study was conducted to determine if the use of rations containing various energy levels with intake limited could be successfully used to raise replacement heifers.
Number of Pages
5
Format
application/pdf
Language
en
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 1984 South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Bruce, L. B. and Miller, H. L., "Evaluation of Three Rations on Growth and Reproductive Performance for Replacement Heifers" (1984). South Dakota Cow-Calf Field Day Proceedings, 1984. 8.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/sd_cow-calf_1984/8