Repeatability estimates of pelvic diameters measured by Rice pelvimeter in beef heifers

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 977-980
Author(s):  
U. Paputungan ◽  
M. Makarechian ◽  
M. F. Liu
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Method ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Residual Variance ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Single Measurement ◽  
Pelvic Area ◽  
Beef Heifer

Vertical (VP) and horizontal (HP) pelvic diameters were measured with Rice pelvimeter four times in a 3-wk period by the same operator in 143 bred beef heifers (18 ± 0.5 mo old). Pelvic area (PA) was estimated by VP × HP. Pelvic diameters of 30 open beef heifers (19 ± 0.3 mo old) were also measured by two experienced and two inexperienced operators. Repeatability of pelvic measurements was estimated by the intraclass correlation method. The estimates of repeatability of pelvic measurements were relatively moderate (0.53 ± 0.04, 0.46 ± 0.04 and 0.55 ± 0.04 for VP, HP and PA, respectively), indicating that a single measurement may not provide a reliable estimate of pelvic diameter. Between-operator variance was much smaller than the residual variance for each measurement (0.02 vs. 0.39 for VP, 0.06 vs. 0.36 for HP and 38.15 vs. 276.18 for PA). Key words: Beef heifer, pelvic diameters, repeatability

scholarly journals Maternal factors and the prediction of dystocia in beef heifers

1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 431-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. King ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen ◽  
S. McCormac ◽  
C. L. Guenther
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Caesarian Section ◽  
Stepwise Discriminant Analysis ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Maternal Factors ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Pelvic Area

Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to determine maternal factors associated with dystocia in 564 2-yr-old heifers bred to bulls with below breed average birth weights. Calf birth weight (n = 556) was consistently the most significant (P < 0.001) factor correlated (R2 = 0.31) with dystocia. Other significant (P < 0.001) factors were weight at breeding (n = 376) and calving (n = 559; R2 = 0.11 for both traits). Other factors considered were age at breeding (n = 446), pelvic area at breeding (n = 112) and pregnancy evaluation (n = 297), heifer birth weight (n = 564), gestation length (n = 467) and age at calving (n = 559) but none were significant (P > 0.05). Heifers requiring caesarian section were heaviest (P < 0.05) at breeding and their calves were heaviest (P < 0.05) at birth. Unassisted heifers were heavier at calving (P < 0.05) than assisted heifers. It was concluded that none of the factors examined in this study was a reliable predictor of dystocia in beef heifers but that heifers should be bred at 75–80% of their expected calving weight to reduce the risk of dystocia. Key words: Dystocia, heifer, discriminant analysis

Effect of zeranol on fat deposition and carcass traits in beef heifers

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 965-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. King ◽  
R. D. Bergen ◽  
J. J. McKinnon ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen ◽  
R. N. Kirkwood
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Fat Deposition ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Meat Yield ◽  
Lean Meat ◽  
Beef Heifer

Non-pregnant beef heifers implanted with zeranol at birth and at 100 and 200 d of age were fed a finishing ration for 78 d to slaughter at 21–22 mo of age. Rate of fat deposition, grade fat and marbling score were less (P < 0.05) and carcass weight, rib-eye area and lean-meat yield were greater (P < 0.05) for implanted heifers than for non-implanted heifers. Key words: Zeranol, ultrasound, fat deposition, carcass, beef heifer

The influence of zeranol implantation on growth and reproduction of beef heifers

1991 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 1249-1252 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. N. Kirkwood ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen ◽  
B. D. King ◽  
P. A. Thacker
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Growth Enhancement ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Pelvic Area ◽  
Effect Of Treatment ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

Crossbred beef heifers received a 36-mg implant of zeranol at 60 d of age (R1; n = 35) or at both 60 and 197 d (weaning; R2; n = 32) or received no implants (C; n = 35). R2 heifers were heavier and had greater pelvic areas (P < 0.05 for both) at breeding compared with controls. There was no effect of treatment on the calving rates (78.1 vs. 80.0 vs. 74.3%) or on mean pelvic area at the time of calving (261.1 vs. 260.4 vs. 257.6 cm2) for R2, R1 and C heifers, respectively. We conclude that zeranol can be successfully used for growth enhancement from 60 d of age without detriment to subsequent reproductive performance. Key words: Zeranol, heifers, pregnancy rate, pelvic area

scholarly journals EFFECT OF REPEATED IMPLANTATION WITH ZERANOL FROM BIRTH OR WEANING ON GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION IN BEEF HEIFERS

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. H. COHEN ◽  
H. H. NICHOLSON ◽  
E. D. JANZEN
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Skeletal Development ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Pelvic Area ◽  
Group B ◽  
Natural Service ◽  
Growth And Reproduction

Liveweight, pregnancy rate, skeletal development and carcass characteristics were measured on 52 crossbred beef heifers implanted with zeranol at birth then at 110, 204 and 314 d of age (B); at weaning (204 d of age) and at 314 d of age (W); or not implanted (C). At 14 mo of age, the heifers were bred for 6 wk in corrals by natural service. Six weeks later they were slaughtered and their reproductive tracts collected. Height at the withers and pelvic area were measured before slaughter. Mean weaning weights ± SD, corrected to 200 d and for age of dam, were 249 ± 20 kg for group B and 226 ± 22 kg for groups W and C (P < 0.001). At breeding, the heifers weighed 434 ± 24, 416 ± 29 and 392 ± 31 kg for groups B, W and C, respectively (P < 0.001). At slaughter, their liveweights were 531 ± 26, 508 ± 32 and 483 ± 36 kg, respectively (P < 0.001) and carcass weights were 304 ± 17, 286 ± 21 and 270 ± 20 kg, respectively (P < 0.001). Rib eye area was 84.3 ± 8.47, 76.5 ± 8.89 and 72 ± 7.81 cm2, respectively (P < 0.001) but there were no significant differences between groups for cutability (58.2 ± 1.85%), average fat cover (9.4 ± 0.84 mm) or grade (90.3% ± A1/A2 and 9.7% A3/A4). Height at the withers did not differ between groups (46.7 ± 1.61 cm) but zeranol increased pelvic area (186.4 ± 19.54, 178.6 ± 21.84 and 165.3 ± 21.14 cm2 zeranol for groups B, W and C, respectively; (P < 0.05). Pregnancy rate was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in group B (42.9%) compared with groups W and C (84.2 and 77.8%, respectively). However, examination of the reproductive tracts indicated that only one nonpregnant heifer in each of groups B and C was not cycling and no other abnormalities were found. It was concluded that zeranol will increase live and carcass weights, rib eye area and pelvic area of heifers but that four implants given at birth and at approximately 100-d intervals to 314 d of age will reduce reproductive rate in comparison to heifers implanted twice postweaning or not implanted. Key words: Zeranol, heifer, growth, reproduction, pelvimetry, carcass

Reliability of a Single β-Thromboglobulin Measurement in a Diabetic Population : Importance of PGE1 in Anticoagulant Mixture

1987 ◽  
Vol 57 (02) ◽  
pp. 201-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Y Scarabin ◽  
L Strain ◽  
C A Ludlam ◽  
J Jones ◽  
E M Kohner
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Release ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Single Measurement ◽  
Diabetic Population ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Vitro Release

SummaryDuring the collection of samples for plasma β-thromboglobulin (β-TG) determination, it is well established that artificially high values can be observed due to in-vitro release. To estimate the reliability of a single β-TG measurement, blood samples were collected simultaneously from both arms on two separate occasions in 56 diabetic patients selected for a clinical trial. From each arm, blood was taken into two tubes containing an anticoagulant mixture with (tube A) and without (tube B) PGE!. The overall mean value of B-TG in tube B was 1.14 times higher than in tube A (p <0.01). The markedly large between-arms variation accounted for the most part of within-subject variation in both tubes and was significantly greater in tube B than in tube A. Based on the difference between B-TG values from both arms, the number of subjects with artifically high B-TG values was significantly higher in tube B than in tube A on each occasion (overall rate: 28% and 14% respectively). Estimate of between-occasions variation showed that B-TG levels were relatively stable for each subject between two occasions in each tube. It is concluded that the use of PGEi decreases falsely high B-TG levels, but a single measurement of B-TG does not provide a reliable estimate of the true B-TG value in vivo.

scholarly journals Beef heifer fertility: importance of management practices and technological advancements

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Moorey ◽  
Fernando H. Biase
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Transcript Abundance ◽  
Antral Follicle ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Fertility Potential ◽  
Cow Calf

Abstract The development of replacement heifers is at the core of cow-calf beef production systems. In 2020, the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 5.771 million beef heifers, 500 pounds and over, are under development for cow replacement. A compilation of data from several studies indicate that between 85% and 95% of these heifers will become pregnant in their first breeding season. Several thousands of heifers being raised for replacement may not deliver a calf on their first breeding season and result in economic losses to cow-calf producers. Many management procedures have been developed to maximize the reproductive potential of beef heifers. Such approaches include, but are not limited to the following: nutritional management for controlled weight gain, identification of reproductive maturity by physiological and morphological indicators, and the implementation of an estrous synchronization program. The implementation of management strategies has important positive impact(s) on the reproductive efficiency of heifers. There are limitations, however, because some heifers deemed ready to enter their first breeding season do not become pregnant. In parallel, genetic selection for fertility-related traits in beef heifers have not promoted major genetic gains on this particular area, most likely due to low heritability of female fertility traits in cattle. Technologies such as antral follicle counting, DNA genotyping and RNA profiling are being investigated as a means to aid in the identification of heifers of low fertility potential. To date, many polymorphisms have been associated with heifer fertility, but no DNA markers have been identified across herds. Antral follicle count is an indication of the ovarian reserve and is an indicator of the reproductive health of a heifer. We have been working on the identification of transcriptome profiles in heifers associated with pregnancy outcome. Our current investigations integrating protein-coding transcript abundance and artificial intelligence have identified the potential for bloodborne transcript abundance to be used as indicators of fertility potential in beef heifers. In summary, there is an ongoing pressure for reducing costs and increasing efficiency in cow-calf production systems, and new technologies can help reduce the long-standing limitations in beef heifer fertility.

scholarly journals Effect of Diet on Replacement Beef Heifer Growth and Reproductive Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Janice G. P. Bowman ◽  
Bok F. Sowell
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Roller Mill ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Alfalfa Hay ◽  
Grass Hay ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Daily Gain

One hundred-one crossbred beef heifers (average weight 256.1 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of diet during an 84-day period, on growth and reproductive performance. The four treatments were: 1) grass hay; 2) grass hay + 0.9 kg/day barley; 3) grass hay + 1.8 kg/day barley; and 4) alfalfa hay. Heifers were assigned randomly to 12 pens by weight (three pens/treatment). Prior to feeding, barley was cracked through a roller-mill. Heifers consuming alfalfa hay or grass hay + 1.8 kg barley gained 39% faster (0.68 and 0.74 kg/day, respectively; P = 0.01) than heifers consuming grass hay alone (0.51 kg/day). Heifers consuming grass hay + 0.9 kg barley were intermediate in average daily gain (ADG; 0.63 kg/day). Hay intake was 16% greater (P < 0.10) by heifers consuming alfalfa hay, grass hay, and grass hay + 0.9 kg barley compared with those consuming grass hay + 1.8 kg barley (average 8.1 vs 7.0 kg/day). Using costs (USD) of $0.066/kg, $0.099/kg, and $0.0935/kg for grass hay, alfalfa hay, and barley, respectively, feed cost/day was greatest (P < 0.01) for alfalfa hay ($0.81/day), intermediate for the grass hay + barley diets (average $0.63/day), and lowest for grass hay ($0.53/day). Cost/kg gain was less (P < 0.10) for grass hay + 1.8 kg barley compared with alfalfa hay. No diet differences (P > 0.70) were found in reproductive performance of the heifers. Feeding replacement heifers alfalfa hay resulted in performance equivalent to feeding grass hay + 1.8 kg barley, but the alfalfa hay diet had a higher cost.

scholarly journals Repeatability and Phenotypic Correlation Among Semen Quality Traits in Holstein Bulls

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Argi Argiris ◽  
Siswanto Imam Santoso ◽  
Yon Supri Ondho ◽  
Edy Kurnianto
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Insemination ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Method ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Holstein Bulls ◽  
Fresh Semen ◽  
Selection Of

The purpose of this research was to analysis the value of repeatability and correlation among the traits affecting the production of frozen semen from Holstein’s bull in Indonesia. Repeatability and correlation were calculated based on the data of frozen semen production of 15.699 records from 44 Holstein bulls at Singosari Artificial Insemination Center (SAIC) and 8.935 records from 39 Holstein bulls at Lembang Artificial Insemination Center (LAIC). Repeatability for volume, motility, fresh semen concentration and frozen semen production was evaluated by intraclass correlation method. The repeatability values of LAIC for volume, motility, fresh semen concentration and frozen semen production were 0.60; 0.54; 0.37 and 0.47. The repeatability values of SAIC for volume, motility, fresh semen concentration and frozen semen production were 0.54; 0.30; 0.43 and 0.29. The linear correlation value between volume, motility and fresh semen concentration with the amount of semen produced per collections were 0.41, 0.36, and 0.58. Concentration was the most factors influencing the number of frozen semen produced. The effectiveness of the selection of Holstein's frozen semen producing could be determined by the value of repeatability and the phenotypic correlation among semen quality traits such as volume, motility, concentration and frozen semen production.

Resistance to the tick Rhipicephalus microplus and Babesia bovis infection levels in beef heifers raised in an endemic area of Sao Paulo state, Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 938 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Maiorano ◽  
R. Giglioti ◽  
M. C. S. Oliveira ◽  
H. N. Oliveira ◽  
J. N. S. G. Cyrillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Rhipicephalus Microplus ◽  
Babesia Bovis ◽  
Phenotypic Variance ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Animal Blood ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Bos Taurus Indicus ◽  
Tick Resistance

Repeatability coefficients (r) for tick resistance and Babesia bovis infection levels and the correlation (ρ) between these traits were estimated in beef heifers, using artificial infestations and short intervals between measurements. Forty heifers, including 20 Bos taurus taurus (Caracu) and 20 Bos taurus indicus (Nelore) animals, were submitted to three artificial infestations with Rhipicephalus microplus larvae at intervals of 14 days. The number of standard female was counted from the 19th through the 23rd day after each infestation, considering only the left side of each animal. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 6, 20, 34 and 48 after the first infestation. The number of copies of B. bovis DNA (CN) was estimated from blood samples through the quantitative PCR technique to evaluate the level of infection in the animals. Total tick count (TTC), the percentage of return (PRij) and CN were analysed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS program. The r of the variables were estimated by intraclass correlation between measures of the same animal, with the variance component of the animal being divided by the phenotypic variance (residual + animal), using models with a CS structure matrix. Additionally, ρ among variables were estimated using the CORR procedure. The following results were obtained for Caracu and Nelore animals, respectively: 1.83 ± 0.37 and 0.63 ± 0.40 for TTC, 1.10 ± 0.23 and 0.47 ± 0.23 for PRij, and 2.29 ± 0.64 and 2.32 ± 0.58 for CN. The r was moderate for TTC (0.62) and PRij (0.53) and low for CN (0.10). The ρ between TTC and CN obtained in the same measurement day was not significant in either breed (P &gt; 0.05; –0.07 for Caracu and 0.19 for Nelore). Results showed both breeds were able to develop resistance against B. bovis; however, Nelore exhibited higher tick resistance. The r obtained for CN and the weak association with tick resistance indicate that it is not possible to recommend the use of CN as a trait to predict tick resistance in these two breeds.

Plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone during the period of reproductive development in beef and dairy heifers

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. C. Rawlings ◽  
J. P. Kastelic ◽  
A.C. O. Evans ◽  
P. M. Bartlewski ◽  
A. P. Beard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Handling Stress ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Parallel Increase ◽  
Beef Heifer ◽  
Cortisol Release ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Heifer Calf

AbstractThe plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone during reproductive maturation in the heifer calf were examined. Six beef heifer calves were handled and bled every 2 weeks (control), 30 were left unhandled (naive). At 13, 21, 30, 39 and 47 weeks of age, a different group of naive heifers and the control heifers were bled every day for 5 days (puberty seen at 57·4 (s.e. 1·3) weeks). Thirty-nine dairy heifer calves were allocated to seven groups to receive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at either 4, 7, 9, 16, 26, 36 or 46 weeks of age (puberty expected around 43 weeks of age). Plasma concentrations of cortisol increased at 21, 30 and 39 weeks of age in frequently handled and naive beef heifers; the increase was greater at these ages in the naive beef heifers (age and treatment P < 0·01). No age trend was apparent for plasma concentrations of cortisol and progesterone prior to ACTH injections (t = 0) in frequently handled dairy heifers. Adrenal progesterone secretion did not change with age in beef heifers, but naive beef heifers had greater plasma concentrations than frequently handled beef heifers. ACTH induced cortisol release in dairy heifers as early as 4 weeks of age (P < 0·05), but the response was greater in dairy heifers 16 weeks old and older (P < 0·05). A progesterone response to ACTH in dairy heifers was not seen until animals were 9 weeks old. It is concluded that as heifers mature reproductively, there is a parallel increase in the sensitivity of the adrenal gland to ACTH and handling stress.

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