The Effects of Spaying on Average Daily Gain in Implanted Heifers on Pasture

Authors

  • O. C. Schunicht Feedlot Health Management Services, Ltd, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2
  • S. J. Hannon Feedlot Health Management Services, Ltd, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2
  • A. R. Vogstad Feedlot Health Management Services, Ltd, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2
  • C. W. Booker Feedlot Health Management Services, Ltd, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20114059

Keywords:

beef feeder cattle, pasture grazing, grain-fed, Spaying heifers, rate of gain

Abstract

Pasture grazing of beef feeder cattle destined for subsequent grain-fed feedlot production and slaughter can be a cost-effective production approach for regions with large areas of available pasture, as opposed to dry lot production programs. However, due to reproductive cycling, rates of gain (and presumably grass utilization) for heifers on pasture are lower than for steers. Spaying heifers has been identified as a potential way to improve rates of gain in grazing heifers. The purpose ofthis study was to describe the effects of spaying on rate of gain and health of heifers on pasture in western Canada.

Cover image of the 44th Conference Proceedings: photo of the skyline of St. Louis, Missouri, site of the 2011 AABP Conference. Yellow background.

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Published

2011-09-22

Issue

2011

Section

Posters

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