Table 1 Description of the animals used over the different research trial

Beef heifer A

487

496

Non-pregnant

50 % Piedmontese, 35 % Angus 15 % Simmental,

Beef heifer B

453

492

Non-pregnant

50 % Piedmontese, 50 % Simmental

128 Calves

194 ± 21

260 ± 40.2

Weaned

45 % Angus, 40 % Simmental, 15 % Piedmontese;

3 Beef cows

5079 ± 440

689 ± 63.7

Post-partum, nursing

33 % Angus, 33 % Piedmontese, 17 % Simmental, 17 % other breeds

Dairy heifer

738

560

Pre-calving

100 % Holstein