Two studies were conducted to compare the availability of trace minerals offered to Brahman-crossbred heifers in either grain- or molasses-based supplements. Heifers were randomly assigned to bahiagrass pastures of equal size (n = 3 and 2 heifers/ pasture with 6 and 4 pastures/treatment for Experiment 1 and 2, respectively). Two supplements were formulated using corn and cottonseed meal (DRY) o...

A 3-yr study was conducted with spring-born heifers (n = 240) to determine the effects of developing heifers to either 55 or 60% of mature BW at breeding on reproduction and calf production responses. A concurrent study was also conducted with summer-born heifers (n = 146) to examine effects of breeding heifers with the mature cow herd or 1 mo earlier on reproduction and calf production variabl...

An unusual case of an 11-month-old, black Limousin-cross heifer, with an 8-month history of episodic seizures and photosensitisation, was referred by a veterinary practitioner to the Farm Animal Section of the UCD Veterinary Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland, in August 2014. Following an investigation, a diagnosis of Bovine Congenital Erythropoietic Pro...

Heterosis is the improved performance of offspring over parents. The experiment was carried out to determine heterosis some anthropometric traits from crossing Muturu cows with White Fulani bulls using artificial insemination (AI). This during period dry season and on-set rainy (November February) between 2016 2019. Sixty adult were inseminated semen 15 different bulls. Fifty-one crossbred calv...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acclimation to handling on growth, plasma concentrations of progesterone (P4) and cortisol, temperament, and reproductive performance of Brahman-crossbred heifers. Over 2 consecutive years, 37 Braford and 43 Brahman x Angus heifers were initially evaluated, within 30 d after weaning, for BW and puberty status via transrectal ultrasonogr...

This study examines a national survey of professional custom heifer growers. Sixty-five respondents from 23 states provided information on operation size and characteristics, management practices, and contract terms. Responding operation current heifer inventories ranged from 30 to 20,000 heifers and the average operation had more than 1200 heifers on-farm. The regional pattern of operation siz...

The overall object of this research was to characterize US Holstein (virgin) heifer fertility. This included investigation of factors influencing heifer fertility and estimation of heritability, as well as correlations with cow fertility and first-lactation milk yield. A secondary objective was to compare linear and logistic model estimates of fixed effects and linear and threshold model estima...