Abstract
ABSTRACT Body development and reproductive performance of a hundred forty-two 14 to 15-month-old heifers, classified at weaning according to frame size as small, medium, and large, were evaluated. The parameters evaluated were: body weight, hip height, body condition score, weight gain, ovarian activity, and pregnancy rate. At weaning, body weight and hip height were significantly different among frame scores, (small – 133.0 kg, 92.2 cm; medium – 158.5 kg, 96.6 cm; and large – 185.2 kg; 100.2 cm). After weaning, [...]
Highlights
The productivity of breeding-to-finish beef production systems is determined by the combination of three factors: reproductive efficiency of breeding herds, heifer age at first mating, and steer market age (Beretta et al, 2001)
Frame score was significantly affected by average birth weight, weight gain from birth to weaning, weaning weight, and height (Table 2)
Analyses from birth to weaning showed that weight gain was associated with frame score
Summary
The productivity of breeding-to-finish beef production systems is determined by the combination of three factors: reproductive efficiency of breeding herds, heifer age at first mating, and steer market age (Beretta et al, 2001). Performance indexes are influenced by production systems, which depend on the available production factors. Aiming at achieving higher efficiency and productivity and at complying with beef quality demands, the entire beef production chain – from the farmer to the packing plants – has sought to identify, among other factors that affect the production system, the best type of animal for each production environment. Body size is represented by the frame score, which is a convenient measure that relates hip height with body weight and age. Frame scores may be used to estimate growth rate and mature size, performance potential, and the nutritional requirements of an animal (BIF, 2010)
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