Reproduction and Physiology
Authors: Jennifer A. Minick (Iowa State University) , Doyle E. Wilson (Iowa State University) , Gene H. Rouse (Iowa State University) , Abebe Hassen (Iowa State University) , Mel Pence (Iowa State University) , R. Sealock (Iowa State University) , Steven Hopkins (Iowa State University)
Carcass and reproductive data including scan weight, ribeye area, rump fat, 12-13th rib fat and percentage intramuscular fat and reproductive tract scores (RTS) at 344 days were collected on 180 1998-born and 70 1999-born Angus heifers to determine the relationship between these traits. 1998-born heifers with higher RTS tended to be heavier and have more rump fat at 405 days (P < .05). Heavier heifers and heifers with more rump fat had higher RTS when adjusted to 395 days (P < .05). 1999-born heifers showed a similar pattern, with heavier heifers having higher RTS (P < .05). Rump fat was not as significant for 1999-born heifers compared with 1998-born heifers. Heavier heifers with more rump fat are more likely to have more mature reproductive tracts at breeding.
Keywords: ASL R1769
How to Cite: Minick, J. A. , Wilson, D. E. , Rouse, G. H. , Hassen, A. , Pence, M. , Sealock, R. & Hopkins, S. (2002) “Relationship between Body Composition and Reproduction in Heifers”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 1(1).