STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology Review Article

Weaning Age Shaping Puberty in Heifer: Insights from Nutritional, Physiological, Hormonal and Environmental Perspectives

  1. Md. Emran Hossain Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram
  2. Minara Begum Munni Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram
  3. Shilpi Islam Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur

Abstract

The onset of puberty in dairy heifers is a critical determinant of their reproductive performance and overall productivity. This study reviews the influence of weaning age on the timing and quality of puberty, synthesizing insights from nutritional, physiological, hormonal, and environmental perspectives. Early or late weaning can significantly impact heifer development, influencing body weight, fat deposition, and metabolic health. Nutrition plays a vital role in shaping growth rates and reproductive readiness, with optimal nutrient intake during key growth phases facilitating earlier puberty. Physiologically, weaning age can affect hormonal profiles, particularly levels of insulin, leptin, and growth hormone, which are crucial for the initiation of reproductive processes. Furthermore, environmental factors, including housing conditions, temperature, and social interactions, also modulate stress responses that may delay or advance puberty. Understanding the multifaceted relationships between weaning age and puberty can inform management strategies aimed at optimizing heifer development, ultimately enhancing dairy farm productivity and sustainability. This review underscores the necessity for integrated approaches that consider the interplay of various factors in establishing best practices for heifer management.

Keywords

References (52)

  1. de Paula C, Rennó LN, Ferreira MFDL, Silva ÁEMD, Moreira SS, Assis GJDF, et al. Effect of pre- and post-weaning supplementation on performance, nutritional, and metabolic characteristics in Nellore heifers under grazing. Animal Production Science. 2022;62(17):1706-1719. doi:10.1071/an22025
  2. Khan MA, Bach A, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Invited review: Transitioning from milk to solid feed in dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science. 2016;99(2):885-902. doi:10.3168/jds.2015-9975
  3. Lorenz I. Calf health from birth to weaning - an update. Irish Veterinary Journal. 2021;74(1). doi:10.1186/s13620-021-00185-3
  4. Schwarzkopf S, Kinoshita A, Kluess J, Kersten S, Meyer U, Huber K, et al. Weaning Holstein Calves at 17 Weeks of Age Enables Smooth Transition from Liquid to Solid Feed. Animals. 2019;9(12):1132. doi:10.3390/ani9121132
  5. Mac SE, Lomax S, Doughty AK, Thomson PC, Clark CEF. The Impact of Abrupt and Fenceline-Weaning Methods on Cattle Stress Response, Live Weight Gain, and Behaviour. Animals. 2024;14(11):1525. doi:10.3390/ani14111525
  6. Bhatti SA, Ahmed MF, Wynn PC, McGill D, Sarwar M, Afzal M, et al. Effect of diet on preweaning performance of Sahiwal calves. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 2011;44(4):819-826. doi:10.1007/s11250-011-9973-3
  7. BASARAB JA, NOVAK FS, KARREN DB. EFFECTS OF EARLY WEANING ON CALF GAIN AND COW PERFORMANCE AND INFLUENCE OF BREED, AGE OF DAM AND SEX OF CALF. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. 1986;66(2):349-360. doi:10.4141/cjas86-036
  8. Rasby R. Early Weaning Beef Calves. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. 2007;23(1):29-40. doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2007.01.002
  9. Enríquez D, Hötzel MJ, Ungerfeld R. Minimising the stress of weaning of beef calves: a review. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. 2011;53(1). doi:10.1186/1751-0147-53-28
  10. Ockenden EM, Russo VM, Leury BJ, Giri K, Wales WJ. The Preservation of the Effects of Preweaning Nutrition on Growth, Immune Competence and Metabolic Characteristics of the Developing Heifer. Animals. 2023;13(8):1309. doi:10.3390/ani13081309
  11. Akins MS. Dairy Heifer Development and Nutrition Management. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. 2016;32(2):303-317. doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2016.01.004
  12. Xiao J, Alugongo GM, Li J, Wang Y, Li S, Cao Z. How forage feeding early in life influences the growth rate, ruminal environment, and the establishment of feeding behavior in pre-weaned calves. Animals. 2020;10(2):188.
  13. Fantuz F, Fatica A, Salimei E, Marcantoni F, Todini L. Nutrition, Growth, and Age at Puberty in Heifers. Animals. 2024;14(19):2801. doi:10.3390/ani14192801
  14. Schwartzkopf-Genswein K, Beauchemin KA, Gibb DJ, Crews Jr. DH, Hickman DD, Streeter M, et al. Effect of bunk management on feeding behavior, ruminal acidosis and performance of feedlot cattle: A review. J Anim Sci. 2003;81(14 suppl_2)::E149–E158. doi:10.2527/2003.8114_suppl_2E149x.
  15. Archbold H, Shalloo L, Kennedy E, Pierce KM, Buckley F. Influence of age, body weight and body condition score before mating start date on the pubertal rate of maiden Holstein–Friesian heifers and implications for subsequent cow performance and profitability. Animal. 2012;6(7):1143-1151. doi:10.1017/s1751731111002692
  16. Moelles J, Riese R. Nutritional causes of infertility in dairy cows. Iowa State Univ Vet. 1988;50(2):5.
  17. Hidiroglou M. Trace element deficiencies and fertility in ruminants: A review. J Dairy Sci. 1979;62(8):1195–1206.
  18. Broucek J, Uhrincat M, Kisac P, Hanus A. The effect of rearing conditions during the milk-fed period on milk yield, growth, and maze behaviour of dairy cows during their first lactation. Archives Animal Breeding. 2021;64(1):69-82. doi:10.5194/aab-64-69-2021
  19. Pokhrel B, Jiang H. Postnatal growth and development of the rumen: Integrating physiological and molecular insights. Biology (Basel). 2024;13(4):269.
  20. Meale SJ, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Berends H, Steele MA. From pre-to postweaning: Transformation of the young calf’s gastrointestinal tract. J Dairy Sci. 2017;100(7):5984–5995.
  21. Estill CT. Initiation of Puberty in Heifers. Bovine Reproduction. 2021:258-268. doi:10.1002/9781119602484.ch23
  22. Khan MA, Weary DM, Von Keyserlingk MAG. Invited review: Effects of milk ration on solid feed intake, weaning, and performance in dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(3):1071–1081.
  23. McCoard S, Heiser A, Lowe K, Molenaar A, MacLean P, Johnstone P, et al. Effect of weaning age on growth, mammary gland development, and immune function in Holstein Friesian calves fed conserved alfalfa (FiberStart). J Dairy Sci. 2019;102(7):6076–6087.
  24. Amjad M, Hameed N, Khan MIUR, Ullah F, Sattar A. Effect of weaning method on body weight, testicular growth, sexual behavior, age of puberty, and testosterone concentration of Beetal bucks. Animal Science Journal. 2021;92(1). doi:10.1111/asj.13520
  25. Weary DM, Jasper J, Hötzel MJ. Understanding weaning distress. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2008;110(1-2):24-41. doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2007.03.025
  26. Garnsworthy PC. Body condition score in dairy cows: Targets for production and fertility. Recent Adv Anim Nutr. 2006;40:61.
  27. Ibtisham F, Nawab A, Li G, Xiao M, An L, Naseer G. Effect of nutrition on reproductive efficiency of dairy animals. Med Weter. 2018;74(6):356–361.
  28. van Niekerk JK, Fischer-Tlustos AJ, Wilms JN, Hare KS, Welboren AC, Lopez AJ, et al. ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: New frontiers in calf and heifer nutrition—From conception to puberty. Journal of Dairy Science. 2021;104(8):8341-8362. doi:10.3168/jds.2020-20004
  29. Hafez ESE, Jainudeen MR, Rosnina Y. Hormones, growth factors, and reproduction,” Reprod Farm Anim. 2000:31–54.
  30. Patterson DJ, Smith MF. Management Considerations in Beef Heifer Development and Puberty. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Food Animal Practice. 2013;29(3):xiii-xiv. doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2013.07.014
  31. Rincker LED, VandeHaar MJ, Wolf CA, Liesman JS, Chapin LT, Nielsen MSW. Effect of intensified feeding of heifer calves on growth, pubertal age, calving age, milk yield, and economics. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(7):3554–3567.
  32. Santos J, Bilby T, Thatcher W, Staples C, Silvestre F. Long Chain Fatty Acids of Diet as Factors Influencing Reproduction in Cattle. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2008;43(s2):23-30. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01139.x
  33. Chen YH, Chen YM, Tu PA, Lee KH, Chen JY, Hsu JT. Effect of Supplementing Vitamin E, Selenium, Copper, Zinc, and Manganese during the Transition Period on Dairy Cow Reproductive Performance and Immune Function. Veterinary Sciences. 2023;10(3):225. doi:10.3390/vetsci10030225
  34. Maquivar M, Galina C. Factors Affecting the Readiness and Preparation of Replacement Heifers in Tropical Breeding Environments. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2009. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01348.x
  35. Duittoz AH, Tillet Y, Le Bourhis D, Schibler L. The timing of puberty (oocyte quality and management). Animal Reproduction. 2016;13(3):313-333. doi:10.21451/1984-3143-ar874
  36. Trenkle A. Relation of Hormonal Variations to Nutritional Studies and Metabolism of Ruminants. Journal of Dairy Science. 1978;61(3):281-293. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(78)83595-4
  37. Das R, Sailo L, Verma N, Bharti P, Saikia J, Imtiwati, et al. Impact of heat stress on health and performance of dairy animals: A review. Veterinary World. 2016;9(3):260-268. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2016.260-268
  38. Khan I, Mesalam A, Heo YS, Lee SH, Nabi G, Kong IK. Heat Stress as a Barrier to Successful Reproduction and Potential Alleviation Strategies in Cattle. Animals. 2023;13(14):2359. doi:10.3390/ani13142359
  39. Rao TKS, Chauhan IS, Fulsoundar AB, Gamit VV, Parveen K. Improving comfort and welfare to mitigate stress in dairy animals- A review. Wayamba J Anim Sci. 2014;6(1419152024):1070–1084.
  40. Patterson DJ, Perry RC, Kiracofe GH, Bellows RA, Staigmiller RB, Corah LR. Management considerations in heifer development and puberty. J Anim Sci. 1992;70(12):4018–4035.
  41. Schillo KK, Hall JB, Hileman SM. Effects of nutrition and season on the onset of puberty in the beef heifer. Journal of Animal Science. 1992;70(12):3994-4005. doi:10.2527/1992.70123994x
  42. Small JA, Glover ND, Kennedy AD, McCaughey WP, Ward DR. Photoperiod effects on the development of beef heifers. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. 2003;83(4):721-730. doi:10.4141/a03-005
  43. Toledo IM, Dahl GE, De Vries A. Dairy cattle management and housing for warm environments. Livestock Science. 2022;255:104802. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104802
  44. LeBlanc SJ, Lissemore KD, Kelton DF, Duffield TF, Leslie KE. Major advances in disease prevention in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci. 2006;89(4):1267–1279.
  45. Bova TL, Chiavaccini L, Cline GF, Hart CG, Matheny K, Muth AM, et al. Environmental stressors influencing hormones and systems physiology in cattle. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2014;12(1). doi:10.1186/1477-7827-12-58
  46. Collier RJ, Dahl GE, VanBaale MJ. Major Advances Associated with Environmental Effects on Dairy Cattle. Journal of Dairy Science. 2006;89(4):1244-1253. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(06)72193-2
  47. McNamara JP, Shields SL. Reproduction during lactation of dairy cattle: Integrating nutritional aspects of reproductive control in a systems research approach. Animal Frontiers. 2013;3(4):76-83. doi:10.2527/af.2013-0037
  48. Phillipson J, Proctor A, Emery SB, Lowe P. Performing inter-professional expertise in rural advisory networks. Land Use Policy. 2016;54:321-330. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2016.02.018
  49. Wathes DC, Pollott GE, Johnson KF, Richardson H, Cooke JS. Heifer fertility and carry over consequences for life time production in dairy and beef cattle. Animal. 2014;8:91-104. doi:10.1017/s1751731114000755
  50. Steele N, Stephen M, Kuhn-Sherlock B, Hendriks S, Meier S, Phyn C, et al. Animal- and herd-level factors associated with onset of puberty in grazing dairy heifers. New Zealand Veterinary Journal. 2023;71(5):213-225. doi:10.1080/00480169.2023.2224763
  51. Kenny DA, Heslin J, Byrne CJ. Early onset of puberty in cattle: implications for gamete quality and embryo survival. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 2017;30(1):101-117. doi:10.1071/rd17376
  52. Moorey SE, Biase FH. Beef heifer fertility: importance of management practices and technological advancements. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 2020;11(1). doi:10.1186/s40104-020-00503-9
Support