Reproductive readiness in angus grade-black cattle: evaluating energy status and body condition for optimal breeding preparation

Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on optimizing reproductive readiness in Angus Grade-Black Cattle by assessing energy status and body condition for effective breeding preparation. The associations between age, Body Mass Index (BMI) serving as a measure of energy status, Body Condition Score (BCS) used for appraising internal fat reserves, and Frame Score (FS) employed to predict maturity and potential growth curves, are investigated as indicators of growth and maturity. Estimating reproductive performance is most easily achieved through changes in body weight, as reproductive traits hold significant economic importance for sustainable production. Age, Body Weight (BW), Withers Height (WH), Body Length (BL), Hip Height (HH), and BCS were measured in 93 cows and subsequently analyzed. Moreover, the relationships were examined through descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and correlation. Positive and highly significant correlations were found between BW and age, BMI, BCS, and FS, with correlation values of 0.371, 0.870, 0.407, and 0.579, respectively. The linear regression model for predicting BW is as follows: BW (kg) = -146.341 + 2.356(age) + 17.897(BMI) - 3.796(BCS) + 27.106(FS), with an R2 value of 0.930. In conclusion, refining reproductive preparedness through comprehensive evaluation of energy status and body condition leads to more adept breeding preparation and fosters sustainable practices in cattle management.