Fertility and parturition parameters in beef type heifers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Beef Production

Background:

• Optimizing beef production relies on efficient fertility and parturition in cattle breeds.
• Limousin (L) and Charolais (C) are prominent beef cattle breeds with distinct genetic traits.
• Understanding breed-specific reproductive performance is crucial for herd management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare fertility and parturition parameters between Limousin and Charolais heifers.
• To determine which breed, Limousin or Charolais, is more suitable for beef production based on reproductive efficiency and calving outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A total of 234 Limousin and 76 Charolais heifers were studied under standardized conditions.
• Fertility was assessed by the number of inseminations required for conception.
• Parturition was analyzed based on time of day, season, calf birth weight, and dystocia incidence.

Main Results:

• Charolais heifers required significantly more inseminations (3.39) than Limousin heifers (2.32), indicating lower reproductive efficiency.
• Charolais calves had significantly higher birth weights (46.1 kg) compared to Limousin calves (40.2 kg).
• Dystocia incidence was higher in Charolais heifers (63.16%) versus Limousin heifers (41.88%), with Limousin heifers showing greater parturition ease.

Conclusions:

• Limousin heifers exhibit superior reproductive efficiency and calving ease compared to Charolais heifers.
• The findings suggest Limousin cattle are a more advantageous breed for beef production systems prioritizing fertility and calving ease.
• Breed selection should consider reproductive traits alongside growth and carcass characteristics for optimal beef production outcomes.