Does Disposition Affect Reproduction in Beef Cattle?

Disposition has been shown to significantly affect feed intake and growth rates of beef cattle. However, little research has evaluated the effects of poor disposition, and methods to improve this trait, on reproductive function of beef females. Thus, two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of disposition and acclimation to human handling on reproductive function of mature cows and developing heifers. Results indicated that cows with poor disposition had impaired reproductive performance compared to cohorts with good disposition. Further, acclimation of beef heifers to human handling was an alternative to improve their disposition and consequently enhance their reproductive development. We concluded that disposition affects reproductive performance of beef females, whereas management strategies targeted to improve the disposition of the cowherd, such as selection for good disposition and/or acclimation to human interaction, will benefit reproductive rates and consequently the overall productivity of cow-calf operations.