BEEF CATTLE REPRODUCTION IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT'? H. T. FREDEEN?, G. M, WEISS?, G. W. RAHNEFELD', J. E, LAWSON', J. A, NEWMAN®, and DOUG WARD* 2 Vanag Consulting Lid., Box 1810, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada TOC 180; ‘Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 527; “Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1: and “Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada TOC 180. Received 20 Aug. 1987, accepted 24 Nov. 1987. FREDEEN, H. T., Weiss, G. M., RAHNEFELD, G. W., LAWSON, J. E., NEWMAN, J. A. AND Warp, D. 1987. Beef cattle reproduction in relation to the environment. Can. J. Anim, Sci. 68: 15-28. Results are reported from a 10-yr study of lifetime reproductive performance of beef ‘cows maintained under two contrasting environments. The data comprised records for 8160 cow years. The breeding herds were maintained for 6 yr in accordance with the management practices conventional to each location with winter management changed (to drylot feeding) for the final 4 yr. Location differences in cow performance favored the herd maintained under semi-intensive management (Brandon, Manitoba). Concep- tion rates were higher, calf mortality lower, and calf gains preweaning greater than recorded for the contemporary herd maintained under extensive range management (Manyberries, Alberta). These differences in performance gave Brandon a 16% ad- vantage in weight of calf weaned per mating exposure. Cows at Manyberries, in the fall of 1977, the seventh year of study, were lighter (15%) and had less fat (60%) than their Brandon contemporaries. These differences increased to 19 and 80% during the first winter in feedlot confinement even though the daily feed energy allowance was 20% above requirements (National Research Council-National Academy of Sciences, NRC-NAS). Conception rates at Manyberries were seriously affected by mortality, both cows and calves, inversely related to cow fat at calving. An increase in feed in- puts at Manyberries (42% above NRC-NAS) the following winter, coupled with the ‘opportunity for tissue restoration provided by a barren year, reversed the downward tends in weight and fat and weight equivalence of the two herds was achieved by 1980. Milk yields from pastured cows during the last 4 yr were generally higher for the Brandon herd, but calf growth rate from birth to 2 mo of age was greater at Manyberries, Key words: Beef cows, reproductive performance, lifespan, environment [Effet de environnement sur la reproduction de bovins de boucherie.] Titre abrégé: Reproduction de vaches de boucherie et environnement. Les auteurs présentent les résultats dune étude de 10 ans sur la performance de repro- duction de vaches de boucherie soumises a deux environnements différents. Les années couvrent 8160 années-vaches. Les troupeaux d’élevage ont été maintenus pendant siz ans selon les régimes de conduite classiques & chaque endroit, la conduite en hiver tant modifiée (en faveur d’un engraissement en parc) pendant les 4 derniéres années. Les différences entre les endroits sur la performance des vaches ont favorisé les trou- eaux maintenus en régime de conduite semi-intensive (Brandon au Manitoba). Les "Presented atthe Canadian Society of Animal Science (Western Branch) Biennial Meeting Sympo- sium entiled: Reproductive Management of Beef Cattle and Swine. 17 June 1987, Brandon, Manitoba Research funded in part by the Canada-Manitoba Agri-Food Development Agreement. Can, J. Anim. Sei, 68: 15-28 (Mar. 1988) Is