# 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.

## Key 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).