PSIII-7 Late-Breaking: Improving Heifer Development Programs Using Precision Supplementation

Abstract Improving individual animal efficiency is important for livestock producers to run financially sustainable operations. Developing heifers replace a cow in the herd expensive and reducing costs during growing reproductive phases critical increase profitability. Precision management technologies can help reduce feed waste optimize intake on extensive rangeland systems. supplementation heifer development programs aims provide proper nutrition develop meet target body weight without over or under conditioning. With conventional feeding methods, animals are able consume may be overdeveloped. Therefore, objective of our study was compare differences yearling performance between precision winter pastures. The conducted at South Dakota State University Cottonwood Field Station, located near Philip, SD. Angus calves (Bos taurus, n = 60) born spring 2021were utilized project. Following fall weaning, initial used randomly assign one two treatments: control (n 30) 30). Treatment groups were separated into different pastures graze dormant native range from November June rotated monthly pasture influence. Both offered 2.27 kg/hd/d dried distillers grain pellets; group bunk fed, allowing normal variation consumption fed individually using Super SmartFeed Producer. Individual daily BW measured SmartScale technology calculate rate gain. Heifers supplemented reach 60% their mature (MBW; 635 kg) time breeding. bred estrus synchronization with fixed artificial insemination. Statistical analysis Program R, which included an ANOVA evaluate ADG treatments. Our results indicated significant difference average gain (P < 0.05), mean 1.94 1.76 lb/d, respectively. Further, 5,600 lb more compared group. number that achieved estrous similar both (27) (25) based visual qualitative assessment heat detection patches. At completion grazing season, developed 64.9% MBW 909.37 reached 62.2% 870.37 lb. Successful implementation has potential uniform breeding, variation, supplement overconsumption.