PUBERTY INDUCTION IN BEEF HEIFERS: LITERATURE REVIEW INDUCCIÓN DE LA PUBERTAD EN NOVILLAS DE CARNE: REVISIÓN DE LITERATURA

Abstract

The age of puberty directly affects animal productivity and farm profitability. The period is marked by the beginning of regular estrous cycles and involves the maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which is dependent on both an adequate metabolic state and body weight, as well as the minimum age required. The age at which heifers reach puberty is an important factor, because when this occurs, heifers will calve at two years of age, generating a direct impact on the production system. However, this is a challenge in Bos indicus heifers, which tend to reach puberty later than Bos taurus heifers and generally between 16 and 40 months. In this context, the implementation of reproductive strategies such as puberty induction and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols can be used to optimize the reproductive potential of these females. Thus, the main objective of ovulation induction protocols prior to TAI is to accelerate the onset of reproductive activity in heifers. However, despite the benefits, the costs related to the use of biotechnology and drugs to increase pregnancy rates are challenges to be faced. The economic analysis of these practices allows producers to assess the financial impacts and make more assertive decisions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on puberty induction in beef heifers.