Age at first gestation in bovine influences female progeny post-weaning growth and reproductive development

This study investigated the impact of the age at which heifers conceive for the first time on the growth and reproductive development of their female offspring. A total of seven heifers pregnant at 15 months of age (15M), nine heifers pregnant at 27 months of age (27M) and seven multiparous pregnant cows (Adult) were used in the present trial. All dams were pregnant by AI from a single sire and managed in a single group during gestation, lactation and rearing stages. After weaning heifer calves were stocked on natural pastures. Progeny of heifers that gestated for the first time at different ages did not present differences in growth; however, progeny of 15 and 27M dams had reduced BW, longissimus muscle area and 12th fat thickness compared to progeny of adult dams (P 0.25). These data indicated that the age at which heifers received their first service affects female offspring growth RTS at early ages, but it does not have any impact in organ development after diet with a high energy level.