Fertility and parturition parameters in beef type heifers

TL;DR

This study compared fertility and birthing traits in Limousin and Charolais heifers to determine which breed is better for beef production.

Contribution

The study provides breed-specific insights into reproductive efficiency and parturition ease in beef heifers.

Findings

Charolais heifers required more inseminations to conceive compared to Limousin heifers.

Charolais calves were significantly heavier at birth than Limousin calves.

Limousin heifers experienced greater parturition ease compared to Charolais heifers.

Abstract

This study compared fertility and parturition parameters in Limousin (L) and Charolais (C) heifers to identify the breed most suitable for beef production. A total of 234 L and 76 C Hungarian-origin heifers, aged 9–11 months, were managed under standardized housing and feeding conditions at Dogan Farm. Parturitions were categorized based on the time of day (day: 07:00–19:00; night) and season (cold, cool, hot). Statistical analyses were conducted using ANOVA and Chi-square tests Results showed that C heifers required significantly more inseminations to conceive (C: 3.39 ± 0.22, L: 2.32 ± 0.10, P < 0.0001), indicating lower reproductive efficiency. Additionally, C calves were significantly heavier at birth than L calves (C: 46.1 ± 0.8 kg, L: 40.2 ± 0.3 kg, P < 0.0001), with male calves being generally heavier than females (M: 43.7 ± 0.5 kg, F: 39.5 ± 0.3 kg, P < 0.0001). The incidence of dystocia was higher in C heifers (63.16%) compared to L heifers (41.88%), while L heifers experienced greater parturition ease (58.12% vs. 36.84%; X2 = 10.4244, P < 0.0054).