Table 5. Key Performance Indicators at key reproductive stages for heifers in both pre-weaning groups.
Mean (95% CI) age, body weight, withers height and body condition score for all heifers at 3 key events in the study; the onset of puberty, first service and conception.
| Ad libitum fed MR | Restricted fed MR | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puberty | |||
| Age (weeks) | 41.6 (39.2–44.1) | 43.8 (41.6–46.0) | 0.167 |
| Body weight (kg) | 292.3 (279.4–305.1) | 287.6 (276.5–298.6) | 0.289 |
| Withers height | 122.4 (120.5–124.3) | 123.7 (122.2–125.2) | 0.145 |
| BCS | 2.92 (2.84–3.00) | 2.90 (2.82–2.98) | 0.371 |
| First service | |||
| Age (weeks) | 62.6 (61.4–63.8) | 65.3 (62.6–68.0) | 0.068 |
| Body weight (kg) | 418.5 (409.3–427.7) | 409.6 (395.7–423.5) | 0.141 |
| Withers height | 133.4 (132.3–134.5) | 133.7 (132.5–134.9) | 0.349 |
| BCS | 3.08 (3.01–3.15) | 3.06 (2.98–3.13) | 0.290 |
| Conception | |||
| Age (weeks) | 67.7 (64.5–70.8) | 70.1 (66.6–73.6) | 0.305 |
| Body weight (kg) | 443.0 (426.9–459.1) | 443.0 (422.4–463.6) | 0.500 |
| Withers height | 135.0 (133.8–136.2) | 135.8 (134.3–137.4) | 0.196 |
| BCS | 3.14 (3.04–3.23) | 3.06 (2.98–3.14) | 0.118 |