Weaning Age Shaping Puberty in Heifer: Insights from Nutritional, Physiological, Hormonal and Environmental Perspectives

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 19 31
    By

    Md. Emran Hossain,

  • Minara Begum Munni,

  • Shilpi Islam,

  1. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, , Bangladesh
  2. MS Student, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, , Bangladesh
  3. Professor, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Salna, Gazipur, , Bangladesh

Abstract

The onset of puberty in dairy heifers is a critical determinant of their reproductive performance and overall productivity. This study reviews the influence of weaning age on the timing and quality of puberty, synthesizing insights from nutritional, physiological, hormonal, and environmental perspectives. Early or late weaning can significantly impact heifer development, influencing body weight, fat deposition, and metabolic health. Nutrition plays a vital role in shaping growth rates and reproductive readiness, with optimal nutrient intake during key growth phases facilitating earlier puberty. Physiologically, weaning age can affect hormonal profiles, particularly levels of insulin, leptin, and growth hormone, which are crucial for the initiation of reproductive processes. Furthermore, environmental factors, including housing conditions, temperature, and social interactions, also modulate stress responses that may delay or advance puberty. Understanding the multifaceted relationships between weaning age and puberty can inform management strategies aimed at optimizing heifer development, ultimately enhancing dairy farm productivity and sustainability. This review underscores the necessity for integrated approaches that consider the interplay of various factors in establishing best practices for heifer management.

Keywords: Dairy heifer, environmental factors, hormonal regulation, management practices, nutritional strategies, puberty onset, sustainability, weaning practices

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Md. Emran Hossain, Minara Begum Munni, Shilpi Islam. Weaning Age Shaping Puberty in Heifer: Insights from Nutritional, Physiological, Hormonal and Environmental Perspectives. Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2025; 14(01):19-31.
How to cite this URL:
Md. Emran Hossain, Minara Begum Munni, Shilpi Islam. Weaning Age Shaping Puberty in Heifer: Insights from Nutritional, Physiological, Hormonal and Environmental Perspectives. Research and Reviews : Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2025; 14(01):19-31. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjovst/article=2025/view=193492


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 27/12/2024
Accepted 09/01/2025
Published 11/01/2025
Publication Time 15 Days
353

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