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Pubertal traits and seasonal variation of the sexual activity in Brahman, Hereford and crossbred heifers

Abstract:

Age and weight at puberty and the pattern of ovulatory activity from puberty to 26 mo of age were studied in a total of 55 Brahman (B), Hereford (H), 5/8B-3/8H (B5H3) and 5/16B-11/16H (B5H11) heifers. The trial was conducted over two years. Heifers were kept during the whole experimental period on a paddock of native pasture at a stocking rate of 0.5 animals per hectare. Vasectomized bulls were used for estrus detection and blood was collected from the heifers twice weekly to monitor ovulatory activity through progesterone level as determinated by RIA. In addition to age and weight at puberty, the weights and dates at the time of cessation and resumption of ovulatory activity were also considered. There were significant effects (P<0.05 or P<0.01) of genetic group (purebreds vs crossbreds) for age and weight at puberty; the difference being 60 d and 18 kg, respectively, favoring the crossbred groups. After puberty attainment, an anestrous period was detected in all Brahman (118.6 d) and B5H3 (113.4 d) heifers; anestrus was observed in only 14% of B5H11 heifers and for a shorter (43.5 days) period. Hereford heifers did not exhibit interruption of ovulatory activity. In Brahman and B5H3 heifers, the pattern of interruption and resumption of estrus and ovulatory activity correlated closely (0.89 and 0.95 for Brahman and B5H3 heifers, respectively) with the photoperiod curve, suggesting the probable influence of this environmental factor on the regulation of estrous cycle activity in heifers with a higher proportion of Bos indicus genes. Thus, the genetic factor needs be taken into account when establishing programs in reproductive management. © 1993.