The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body development and reproductive status in prepubertal Brahman and Simbrah heifers maintained under humid tropical conditions. A total of 38 heifers were used: Brahman heifers (n = 19) aged 14.8 months and weighing 242.2 kg live weight, and Simbrah heifers (n = 19) aged 15.0 months and weighing 244.4 kg live weight. Daily weight gain (DWG), body condition score (BCS), and pelvic length and width (PL and PW) were evaluated as indicators of body development. Ovarian and uterine diameter (OD and UD), measured by ultrasonography, were considered indicators of reproductive system development. No statistical differences (P > 0.05) were found in the study variables between the two breeds. Results showed that 89.5 % of Brahman and 94.7 % of the Simbrah heifers reached puberty at 17 months of age, weighing 269.4 kg and 271.4 kg, respectively. The DWB for the evaluated period was 420.2 g/day and 462.0 g/day, and the BCS was 4 and 5 points for Brahman and Simbrah heifers, respectively. The UD at which they ovulated was 14.7 mm and 15.1 mm in both breeds (P > 0.05). Weight at puberty was correlated (P < 0.001) with age, PL, PW and UD. It is concluded that age and weight at puberty are related to BCS and pelvic measurements, which can be used as predictors factors of puberty in Brahman and Simbrah heifers.

Chay‑Canul A.J., Ojeda‑Robertos N.F., Severino‑Lendechy V.H., Peralta‑Torres J.A. (2025). Desarrollo corporal y reproductivo en novillas Brahman y Simbrah mantenidas bajo condiciones de trópico húmedo. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 121(2): 173-182. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2025.003

Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco