Impact of Pre- and Post-breeding Supplementation on Performance of May-born Heifers

Summary with Implications This 3-year study compared growth, reproductive performance, and economics of May-born yearling heifers that either received 2.00 lb/ heifer/ per d of a dried distillers grain supplement from pre-breeding (July) through breeding (August) or no supplement. Supplementation was offered approximately 24 days before breeding, averaging 55 days total. Heifer body weight was unaffected by supplementation. Supplementation increased average daily gain until pregnancy diagnosis, but no differences were noted after pregnancy diagnosis. Providing dried distillers grain increased the percentage of heifers that were cycling before breeding; however, no differences in pregnancy rates, percent that gave birth in the first 21 days, calving date, or calf body weight at birth were observed. Heifers without supplementation had a $17.38 greater net return than supplemented heifers. This study implies providing dried distillers grain during the pre-breeding and breeding period increases pre-breeding attainment of puberty and average daily gains with no impact to other reproductive measures or body weight gains.