4-H Livestock Skillathon Complete Practice Test 2025

Breeding a beef heifer at 15-18 months of age is optimal because this timeframe aligns well with her physical and reproductive maturity. By this age, heifers typically reach approximately 65-70% of their mature body weight, which is crucial for sustaining a pregnancy and supporting healthy growth. Additionally, breeding at this age allows heifers to give birth to their first calf around two years of age, enabling them to maintain a productive cycle while also allowing adequate time for recovery before they are bred again.

Breeding too early can lead to complications such as low birth weights, poor maternal instinct, and stunted growth for both the heifer and her future offspring. Conversely, delaying breeding until later than 18 months may extend the time before she can start contributing to the herd's productivity, making this timeframe the most advantageous for both the heifer’s developmental needs and the overall efficiency of the livestock operation.