Economic Value of Beef Heifer Reproductive Tract Scoring

Authors

  • Mel Pence College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
  • Jerry Baker College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
  • Tim Wilson College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
  • Johnny Rossi College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
  • Rhonda Vann College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20035109

Keywords:

Reproductive tract scoring, RTS, rectal palpation, puberty, breeding season, economic value

Abstract

Reproductive tract scoring (RTS) is a method of estimating the pubertal status of a heifer and the genetic ability of a heifer to breed early in the breeding season and conceive at an acceptable rate.2 RTS is determined by rectal palpation of the uterus and ovaries within a contemporary group of heifers 30 to 60 days prior to breeding, and scored from one to five based on these findings. Generally, a score of four or five indicated the heifer has reached puberty, a score of three is slightly pre-pubertal, a score of two is immature and a score of one is very immature. Using RTS a reasonable estimate of the ability of heifers to breed early in the breeding season can be determined.3 Our study investigated the economic value of RTS.

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Published

2003-09-18

Issue

Section

Research Summaries - Beef