Management of age at puberty in beef heifers to optimize efficiency of beef production

Abstract

• Age at puberty in beef heifers can influence economic efficiency of beef production through effects on both age at first calving (2 vs. 3+ years of age) and the time of conception of heifers in their initial breeding season. • An overarching factor that influences age at puberty in heifers is nutritional management during both the preweaning period and between weaning and the breeding season. • Age at puberty is heritable and selection for precocious puberty in populations such as the Nelore breed has the potential to substantially influence production efficiency. • Highly effective hormonal technologies exist to aid in induction of puberty in well managed heifers. • Age at first ovulation and pregnancy in heifers can be substantially influenced through implementation of nutritional and/or hormonal manipulation strategies. • In the long term, combinations of genetic selection, nutritional strategies, and hormonal intervention when necessary will optimize efficiency of this aspect of beef production.