CPD article: Pre-breeding heifer examination and selection in UK beef herds

Abstract

The objective of this review is to evaluate examination tools and how they can be used to assess the breeding potential of beef heifers prior to service. Reproductive tract examination techniques, pelvic measurement, and antral follicle counts (AFC) are methods that are used and could be of value to farmers where they can either identify pubescent heifers and/or those with the best reproductive potential. Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) to assess the pubertal state and therefore reproductive status of replacement heifers is explored alongside further adaptions of this method. The use of pelvic measurement is considered: first, where a small pelvic area or an abnormal shaped pelvic inlet is identified, which may result in elimination from the breeding cohort to reduce the potential risk of dystocia and poor performance; and second, since it may be advocated for use in conjunction with other methods. AFC are included since they too may help identify the reproductive potential of heifers. Evaluation of these examination tools demonstrates that the use of modified RTS methods, to include ultrasound examination to detect the absence of a corpus luteum (CL), absence of a follicle ≥ 13 mm and the uterine horn diameter as well as pelvic measurements, could add value to heifer breeding soundness examinations (HBSE) when carried out.