Scientists have discovered what affects the reproductive function of large horned cattle
New Zealand researcher Franzi Weik spent 5 years collecting information from 5 major beef production enterprises and concluded that the physical condition of a cow during estrus and pregnancy affects its reproductive ability in the next mating.
Franzi Weik found out how phenotypic and genetic traits affect the physical condition of cows and also discovered a connection between the physical condition index (BCS) and fertility.
The research process: The animals were examined three times a year during the mating, calving, and weaning periods. Weight and body condition were assessed first. The cows went through a cycle of artificial insemination followed by 2 cycles of natural mating.
The researcher found that for successful conception, the BCS index for breeding cows should be 7 or higher at the time of insemination. According to Franzi Weik, higher scores do not provide additional advantages in analyzing reproductive function, but a BCS below 7 has a significant impact. If a cow is identified with a BCS below 7 and is fed during pregnancy to raise the index to a normal value by the time of calving, it will greatly improve its reproductive ability in the next mating. It will also increase the fertility rate and accelerate conception, allowing for a shorter calving schedule. For Angus and Hereford cows, the BCS increased by one unit with a weight gain of approximately 27 kg.
Franzi Weik added that the heritability of BCS is 27%, which, with a competent approach, will help raise this index by at least 1 point in the entire herd.
Source: Euromeatnews