Performance and Economics of Winter Supplementing Pregnant Heifers Based on the Metabolizable Protein System

In 1997-1998 and 1998-99, pregnant, March-calving heifers (2,375 head) at two locations of a ranch in Nebraska were used to evaluate the production and economic responses of winter supplementation (September to February) to meet metabolizable protein or CP requirements. Net present value was used to determine the economic benefits of supplement treatments. In 1997-98, metabolizable protein heifers had higher pregnancy rates and expected profitability than CP heifers at one of two locations. In 1998-99, metabolizable protein heifers had higher pregnancy rates and expected profitability at both locations