The role of strategic supplementation and weaning in the control of fertility of range-fed beef cattle

Abstract

The effects of supplementation, weaning age and weaning month on calving interval of beef cattle in a semi-arid area of Kenya, were evaluated. The effect of supplementation was significant but was modified by several factors such as dam's age, year of first calving and the previous parity. Young females were particularly sensitive to calving month and were more vulnerable to nutritional conditions post-partum.