Univ. of Nebraska researchers conducted a 3-yr. study to determine the effects of nutrition of dams on growth and reproductive performance of their heifer calves. During the last trimester of gestation (Dec. 1-Feb. 28), cows received either 1 lb/head/day of a 42% CP supplement fed three times/week or no protein supplement. During calving season (Mar. 1-Apr. 30), cows were managed as a single group. For one month (May 1-May 31), half the cows were fed cool-season grass hay while the other half grazed sub-irrigated meadow. On June 1, cows were recombined and managed as a single group throughout the breeding season.

1. Supplementing cows with protein during late gestation resulted in heifers that were heavier at weaning and breeding, had higher pregnancy rates, and earlier calving dates.
2. Cows grazing meadows after calving had heifers with heavier weaning wts. than those fed hay. However, there were no differences in heifer reproductive performance.
3. Dam nutrition had no effect on heifer body condition score or gain/feed. However, residual feed intake (actual minus predicted feed intake) was improved in daughters of cows fed hay.