Nutrition and Feeds for Developing Heifers and Bulls Developing heifers Developing heifers –Goal: Feeding heifers for constant wt. gain following weaning has been shown to result in better reproductive performance than when they are restricted and then fed for rapid gain prior to breeding.

Nutrition and Feeds for Developing Heifers and Bulls Developing heifers Developing heifers –Reach-puberty at ~ 65% of mature wt. Mature wt. = Mature wt. = Hastening onset of puberty: Hastening onset of puberty: –Should wt ~ 85% of mature wt. when calve as 2 year old –Recommend start breeding heifers

Nutrition and Feeds for Developing Heifers and Bulls Developing heifers Developing heifers –Some comparison of heifers and cows 7-9 mo. pregnant Lactating_ HeiferCow2 yr. old Cow Protein+33____+25 ____ Energy_____ ____ Ca+6____+20 ____ P+6____+25 ____

Nutrition and Feeds for Developing Heifers and Bulls Developing bulls Developing bulls –Goal: –Feeding high energy diets to bulls on test may impact future: Health Health Fertility Fertility If feed more roughages in future If feed more roughages in future –Should be ready for limited breeding Mature Mature