Production performance of cows raised with different postweaning growth patterns

Abstract The period of heifer development is a relatively small fraction cow’s life; however, her pattern growth may have permanent effects on productivity as cow. We hypothesized that altering the during peri-pubertal would increase life-time across genetic types Bos taurus cows. objective was to determine stayability, calf production, and weight weaned six crops. Heifers (n = 685) were placed one two developmental programs at 256 ± 1 d age. Control heifers received diet provided 228 kcal ME·(body [BW], kg) −0.75 daily, stair-step allocated 157 ME·(BW, kg)−0.75 daily for 84 or 85 d, then allocation increased 277 kg)−0.75. Stair-step (0.33 0.02 kg/d) had lower average gain (ADG) than control (0.78 kg/d; P < 0.001) Period 1, (0.93 0.03 greater ADG controls (0.70 2. There no treatment (P 0.28) breed type differences 0.42) proportion cows weaning calf; decreased with cow age 0.001). Calves from dams heavier weights (193 compared calves (191 kg; 0.007). not 0.25) in cumulative BW 0.59). A diverse population cattle within B. tested responses production did differ between more constant nonobese pattern.