Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Higher feeding diets effects on age and liveweight gain at puberty in crossbred Nelore × Hereford heifers

  • Regular Articles
  • Published:
Tropical Animal Health and Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the age and liveweight at puberty of 120 crossbred beef heifers submitted to four diets to achieve predetermined weight gains (kg/day): 0.5 (G500; n = 32), 0.75 (G750; n = 32), 1.0 (G1000; n = 29), and 1.25 (G1250; n = 27). Animals were classified depending on their level of crossing between Nelore (N) and Hereford (H): 25%N-75%H, 37.5%N-63.5%H, 43.7%N-56.7%H, 50%N-50%H, and 75%N-25%H. Reproductive evaluation was performed at the beginning and at the end of the experimental period by ultrasonography and hormone analysis. The average age and liveweight at puberty were 388.0 ± 1.9 days and 331.4 ± 1.3 kg, respectively. Animals from the 25%N-75%H group reached puberty earlier than heifers from other genetic groups supplemented with G1250 diet (P < 0.05). Heifers with higher degree of Nelore (75%N-25%H) fed with G1000 diet showed estrus 42 days prior to mating, but only 57 % reached puberty at mating (P < 0.05). Heifers with follicles of higher diameter reached puberty (P < 0.05) earlier. Higher average daily weight gain showed a positive effect on follicular diameter and IGF-I level at puberty (P < 0.01). Concentrations of GH were lower in heifers fed G1250 compared to G1000 diet (P < 0.05). There was a significant interaction between nutritional level and insulin levels at puberty (P < 0.01). We demonstrated the relationship between IGF-I and average daily gain on the onset of puberty in heifers. In conclusion, heifers submitted to the higher feeding level showed a higher follicular diameter and were younger at puberty.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bossis, I., Wettemann, R.P., Welty, S.D., Vizcarra, J. and Spicer, L.J., 2000. Nutritionally induced anovulation in beef Heifers: ovarian and endocrine function during realimentation and resumption of ovulation, Biology of Reproduction, 62, 1436–1444

    Google Scholar 

  • Butler, S.T., Pelton, S.H. and Butler, W.R., 2004. Insulin increases 17 beta-estradiol production by the dominant follicle of the first postpartum follicle wave in dairy cows, Reproduction, 127, 537–545

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ciccioli, N.H., Wettemann, R.P., Spicer, L.J., Lents, C.A., White, F.J. and Keisler, D.H., 2003. Influence of body condition at calving and postpartum nutrition on endocrine function and reproductive performance of primiparous beef cows, Journal of Animal Science, 81, 3107–3120

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ciccioli, N.H., Charles-Edwards, S.L., Floyd, C., Wettemann, R.P., Purvis, H.T., Lusby, K.S., Horn, G.W. and Lalman, D.L., 2005. Incidence of puberty in beef heifers fed high- or low-starch diets for different periods before breeding, Journal of Animal Science, 83, 2653–2662

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cooke, R.F., Arthington, J.D., Araujo, D.B., Lamb, G.C. and Ealy, A.D., 2008. Effects of supplementation frequency on performance, reproductive, and metabolic responses of Brahman-crossbred females, Journal of Animal Science, 86, 2296–2309

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Eborn, D.R., Cushman, R.A. and Echternkamp, S.E., 2013. Effect of postweaning diet on ovarian development and fertility in replacement beef heifers, Journal of Animal Science, 91, 4168–4179

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Endecott, R.L., Funston, R.N., Mulliniks, J.T. and Roberts, A.J., 2013. Joint alpharma-beef species symposium: Implications of beef heifer development systems and lifetime productivity, Journal of Animal Science, 91, 1329–1335

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gasser, C.L., Behlke, E.J., Grum, D.E. and Day, M.L., 2006a. Effect of timing of feeding a high-concentrate diet on growth and attainment of puberty in early-weaned heifers. Journal of Animal Science, 84, 3118–3122

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gasser, C.L., Bridges, G.A., Mussard, M.L., Grum, D.E., Kinder, J.E. and Day, M.L., 2006b. Induction of precocious puberty in heifers III: Hastened reduction of estradiol negative feedback on secretion of luteinizing hormone, Journal of Animal Science, 84, 2050–2056

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gasser, C.L., Burke, C.R., Mussard, M.L., Behlke, E.J., Grum, D.E., Kinder, J.E. and Day, M.L., 2006c. Induction of precocious puberty in heifers II: Advanced ovarian follicular development, Journal of Animal Science, 84, 2042–2049

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gasser, C.L., Grum, D.E., Mussard, M.L., Fluharty, F.L., Kinder, J.E. and Day, M.L., 2006d. Induction of precocious puberty in heifers I: Enhanced secretion of luteinizing hormone, Journal of Animal Science, 84, 2035–2041

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gimenes, L.U., Sá Filho, M.F., Carvalho, N.A.T., Torres-Junior, J.R.S., Souza, A.H., Madureira, E.H., Trinca, L.A., Sartorelli, E.S., Barros, C.M., Carvalho, J.B.P., Mapletoft, R.J. and Baruselli, P.S., 2008. Follicle deviation and ovulatory capacity in Bos indicus heifers, Theriogenology, 69, 852–858

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hugh, N.Mc., Evans, R.D., Amer, P.R., Fahey, A.G. and Berry, D.P., 2011. Genetic parameters for cattle price and body weight from routinely collected data at livestock auctions and commercial farms, Journal of Animal Science, 89, 29–39

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • INMET - National Institute of Meteorology: Normais Climatológicas. Available from: http://www.inmet.gov.br.

  • Kluyts, J.F., Neser, F.W.C. and Bradfield, M.J., 2003. Development of breeding objectives for beef cattle breeding: derivation of economic values: review article. South African Journal of Animal Science, 33, 142–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Lake, S.L., Scholljegerdes, E.J., Hallford, D.M., Moss, G.E., Rule, D.C. and Hess, B.W., 2006. Effects of body condition score at parturition and postpartum supplemental fat on metabolite and hormone concentrations of beef cows and their suckling calves, Journal of Animal Science, 84, 1038–1047

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lalman, D.L., Petersen, M.K., Ansotegui, R.P., Tess, M.W., Clark, C.K., Wiley, J.S., 1993. The effects of ruminally undegradable protein, propionic acid, and monensin on puberty and pregnancy in beef heifers, Journal of Animal Science, 71, 2843–2852

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lents, C.A., Wettemann, R.P., White, F.J., Rubio, I., Ciccioli, N.H., Spicer, L.J., Keisler, D.H. and Payton, M.E., 2005. Influence of nutrient intake and body fat on concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin, thyroxine, and leptin in plasma of gestating beef cows, Journal of Animal Science, 83, 586–596

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lucy, M.C., 2011. Growth hormone regulation of follicular growth, Reproduction Fertility and Development, 24, 19–28

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, J.M., Lamb, G.C., Miller, B.L., Brandt, R.T.Jr., Cochran, R.C., Minton, J.E., 1997. Influence of timing of gain on growth and reproductive of beef replacement heifers, Journal of Animal Science, 75, 1715–1722

    Google Scholar 

  • Monteiro, F.M., Mercadante, M.E.Z., Barros, C.M., Satrapa, R.A., Silva, J.A.V., Oliveira, L.Z., Saraiva, N.Z., Oliveira, C.S. and Garcia, J.M., 2013. Reproductive tract development and puberty in two lines of Nellore heifers selected for postweaning weight, Theriogenology, 80, 10–17

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moriel, P., Cooke, R.F., Bohnert, D.W., Vendramini, J.M. and Arthington, J.D., 2012. Effects of energy supplementation frequency and forage quality on performance, reproductive, and physiological responses of replacement beef heifers, Journal of Animal Science, 90, 2371–2380

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Murphy, M.G., Enrighe, W.J., Crowe, M.A., McConnell, K., Spicer, L.J., Boland, M.P. and Roche, J.F., 1991. Effect of dietary intake on pattern of growth of dominant follicles during the oestrous cycle of beef heifers, Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 92, 333–338

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • National Research Council. 2000. Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle: Update 2000. 7th Rev. Ed. Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, DC, 248 pp

  • Nogueira, G.P., 2004. Puberty in South American Bos indicus (Zebu) cattle, Animal Reproduction Science, 82, 361–372

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Purvis, H.T. and Whittier, J.C., 1996. Effects of ionophore feeding and anthelmintic administration on age and weight at puberty in spring-born beef heifers, Journal of Animal Science, 74, 736–744

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rawlings, N.C., Evans, A.C.O., Honaramooz, A. and Bartlewski, P.M., 2003. Antral follicle growth and endocrine changes in prepubertal cattle, sheep and goats, Animal Reproduction Science, 78, 259–270

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Romano, M.A., Barnabe, V.H., Kastelic, J.K., Oliveira, C.A. and Romano, R.M., 2007. Follicular dynamics in heifers during pre-pubertal and pubertal period kept under two levels of dietary energy intake, Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 42, 616–622

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Santana, M.L.Jr., Eler, J.P., Bignardi, A.B... and Ferraz, J.B.S., 2013. Genetic associations among average annual productivity, growth traits, and stayability: A parallel between Nelore and composite beef cattle, Journal of Animal Science, 91, 2566–2574

    Google Scholar 

  • Sartori, R., Bastos, M.R., Baruselli, P.S., Gimenes, L.U., Ereno, R.L. and Barros, C.M., 2010. Physiological differences and implications to reproductive management of Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle in a tropical environment, Society of Reproduction and Fertility Supplement, 67, 357–375

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Scaramuzzi, R.J., Baird, D.T., Campbell, B.K., Driancourt, M.A., Dupont, J., Fortune, J.E., Gilchrist, R.B., Martin, G.B., McNatty, K.P., McNeilly, A.S., Monget, P., Monniaux, D., Viñoles, C. and Webb, R., 2011. Regulation of folliculogenesis and the determination of ovulation rate in ruminants, Reproduction Fertility and Development, 23, 444–467

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Spicer, L.J., Alvares, P., Prado, R.M., Morgan, G.L. and Hamilton, T.D., 2000. Effects of intraovarian infusion of insulin-like growth factor-I on ovarian follicular function in cattle, Domestic Animal Endocrinology 18, 265–278

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • SPSS. User’s Guide: Statistics. Chicago, IL, 1999

  • White, F.J., Rubio, I., Lents, C.A., Ciccioli, N.H., Wettemann, R.P. and Spicer, L.J., 2007. Effect of days after calving on insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding proteins, progesterone, androstenedione, estradiol, and aromatase mRNA in dominant follicles of postpartum beef cows, Animal Reproduction Science, 108, 364–374

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yelich, J.V., Wettemann, R.P., Marston, T.T. and Spicer, L.J., 1996. Luteinizing hormone, growth hormone, insuline-like growth factor I, insulin and metabolites before puberty in heifers fed to gain at two rates, Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 13, 325–33

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by The Foundation for Research Support of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (FAPERGS), The Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), and The National Council for Research and Development (CNPQ), Brazil.

Conflict of Interest

None of the authors of this paper has a financial or personal relationship with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Animal Science, Núcleo de Estudos em Sistemas de Produção de Bovinos de Corte e Cadeia Produtiva - NESPRO, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Ave. Bento Gonçalves 7712, 91540-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

    Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos, Gabriel Ribas Pereira, Eduardo Antunes Dias, Leonardo Canellas, Mari Lourdes Bernardi & Ênio Rosa Prates

  2. University of Brasília, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Asa Norte, 70910-900, Brasília, DF, Brazil

    Concepta McManus

  3. Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária, FEPAGRO, Fepagro Campanha—Centro de Pesquisa Iwar Beckman, BR 293, km 165, Hulha Negra, RS, Brazil

    Adriana Tarouco

Authors
  1. Júlio Otávio Jardim Barcellos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Gabriel Ribas Pereira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Eduardo Antunes Dias
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Concepta McManus
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Leonardo Canellas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Mari Lourdes Bernardi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Adriana Tarouco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Ênio Rosa Prates
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gabriel Ribas Pereira.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Barcellos, J.O.J., Pereira, G.R., Dias, E.A. et al. Higher feeding diets effects on age and liveweight gain at puberty in crossbred Nelore × Hereford heifers. Trop Anim Health Prod 46, 953–960 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-014-0593-6

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-014-0593-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation