Using Y chromosome fragment testing to identify potentially sub-fertile beef heifers

Abstract

Selecting and developing fertile replacement heifers is essential for reproductive efficiency in beef herds. Fertile heifers that reach puberty and conceive early and calve early in their first calving season are generally more productive and have increased longevity compared to heifers that calve late in their first calving season. Costs of developing heifers through their first breeding season are substantial due to nutritional requirements for growth and maintenance. Recent literature has suggested new genetic technologies that may allow producers to select replacements based on genetic soundness. Genetic testing identified the presence of Y chromosome fragments in pools of infertile cows (McDaneld, Kuehn et al, 2012). Tests such as this could provide cow-calf producers with a convenient and economical tool to select replacement heifers before development costs are incurred. This study investigated the presence of Y chromosome fragments in 3 heifer development programs in Georgia. The goal of this study was to determine the presence of the Y chromosome anomaly in this population of replacement heifers.