Arginine supplements improve beef cattle reproduction, diet and growth

Beef cow longevity is directly tied to producer profitability. Additionally, the main reason cows are removed from the herd is due to reproductive failure. Ovarian function appears to be heightened in heifers developed on native range, providing evidence that reproductive success may be improved compared to heifers managed in the dry lot. Researchers in the New Mexico State Agricultural Experiment Station found that a stair-step compensatory growth development program positively impacted primordial follicle numbers, increasing the size of the ovarian reserve and potentially resulting in greater reproductive longevity.

Feedlot receiving programs combine nutritional and management practices to improve animal health and ensure a safe and adequate food supply. Beef cattle nutritionists are able to adjust diet formulation to optimize immune response that will increase efficiency in the U.S. feedlot beef industry.

When mothers are properly supplemented with arginine during early pregnancy, subsequent offspring become more resilient to dietary changes throughout life and, therefore, are better able to adapt to environmental changes. This keeps them in the herd longer. This project generated results that have clear application to the improvement of animal health and growth performance.