1. Beef Cattle: Beef cattle breeds, such as Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn, typically reach puberty between 12 to 18 months of age. However, some larger breeds, such as Charolais and Limousin, may reach puberty closer to 24 months of age.
2. Dairy Cattle: Dairy cattle breeds, such as Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey, generally reach puberty earlier than beef breeds. On average, dairy heifers can display signs of puberty between 10 to 15 months of age.
It's important to note that these are approximate ranges, and the actual age at which a cow reaches breeding age can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, environment, and overall health. Proper management and nutrition play crucial roles in ensuring that heifers (young female cows) reach puberty at an appropriate age and are in good condition for breeding.
Furthermore, the age at first breeding, which refers to the age when a cow is first bred for reproduction, may be different from the age at puberty. In modern farming practices, heifers may not be bred immediately after reaching puberty, but rather at an optimal age that considers their growth, development, and the desired breeding season.