Growth and development.

Abstract

Beef cattle production systems can utilize the efficiency of young animal growth in the development of muscle, typically measured as animal weight. There are numerous genetic and environmental influences that can contribute to variation in rate and extent of an animal's growth and size at many stages in its life. Many factors affect animal size and weight, and comparisons of only one measure of size or only weight, or only body composition, gives an incomplete picture of the actual value of the animal. The maturing process in cattle takes several years, and to state that cows or bulls are mature when they first begin to reproduce is a gross understatement and non-realistic assumption. There are many potential influences on growth, development and future performance of cattle that may have important programming influences established during fetal development that need further research. There is biological variation in all cattle that have been measured, and it is very important to document known management effects that could contribute to additional variation in animal size or growth that if not documented could be mistaken for genetic differences. Connection of young animal performance with productivity later in life, as with cow and bull performance and longevity, is important to evaluate total production systems and to realize what optimal size and growth levels are needed.