Abstract

Multiparous cows were used to evaluate how maternal nutrient restriction during early gestation impacted growth performance and carcass traits of progeny at typical finishing endpoints. Control cows received 100 percent of NRC requirements for a gestating beef cow until calving. Nutrient restricted cows received 68.1 percent of NE_m requirements for a gestating beef cow from day 30 to 120 of gestation, then were provided a diet to achieve a similar body condition as control cows at calving. Animal performance data, carcass data, 9-10-11 rib dissection data, and longissimus and semitendinosus muscle weights were collected from steers to determine animal efficiency, muscle characteristics, and body composition. Steers from nutrient restricted dams had greater average daily gains and gain efficiency. Additionally, steers from nutrient restricted dams had greater femur and front feet weights indicating more bone growth. These steers had greater LM of 9-10-11 rib section, and tended to have less fat in the 9-10-11 rib section, and more lean in the 9-10-11 rib section. However, no differences were noted in yield or quality grade traits nor Warner-Bratzler Shear Force measurements between treatments. This would suggest that gestational nutrient restriction would not adversely affect economically viable beef cattle carcass traits.