Eighteen pre-pubertal Saladi heifers were used to determine the effects of
varying feed level during pre- and post-puberty period on subsequent growth and
reproduction. Heifers were randomly allotted to receive 80, 100 or 120% of National
Research Council (NRC) requirements for energy, protein and dry matter intake until
conception. Heifers were fed their respective diets in groups. Heifers were observed
for estrous behavior. The average monthly weight gains during the experimental
period differed among groups and were 16.2.20.88 and 22.5 kg for the heifers fed 80,
tOO or 120% of the NRC requirements. respectively. Feeding heifers 80% of NRC
requirements prolonged age at puberty and sexual maturity and caused lower second
service conception rates. Average serum progesterone concentration as indicated by
the area under progesterone curve over the second estrous cycle tended to be
Significantly low in the low-fed group. The present results indicate that energy and
protein intake offered during pre- and post pubertal period have an effective role on
growth and ovarian activity in Saladi heifers.