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.

Cover image of the 36th Conference Proceedings: Holstein cows standing in a row at a fence. One cow has put her head through the fence and is curiously inspecting a pile of hay. Yellow background.

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Published

2003-09-18

Issue

2003

Section

Research Summaries - Beef