Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Harvey, Kelsey

Committee Member

Lemley, Caleb

Committee Member

Karisch, Brandi

Committee Member

Halfen, Jessica

Date of Degree

8-12-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Agriculture (Animal Science)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Abstract

Developing replacement heifers requires nutritional strategies that support timely reproductive development without compromising future productivity. This work evaluated how restricted gain, accelerated gain, and a stair-step regimen during the post-weaning period influenced puberty attainment, lactational performance, and calf growth. Average daily gain differed among treatments (P < 0.01), accelerated and stair-step programs advanced puberty compared with restricted gain (treatment × day, P < 0.01). Calving performance and calf birth weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.11). Measures of lactational performance, including milk yield and composition, were unaffected (P ≥ 0.50). Milk fat globule mRNA expression of glucose transporter 8 and lactalbumin did not differ (P ≥ 0.22), although stair-step heifers exhibited greater glucose transporter 1 expression than high-gain heifers (P = 0.03). Offspring growth factors through weaning were similar (P ≥ 0.11). These findings show that accelerated and stair-step programs hasten reproductive development without impairing milk production or calf performance.

Sponsorship (Optional)

Strategic Research Initiative

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