No. A heifer would only be sterile if she was twinned with a bull calf.
No, twin heifers born from a cow are not necessarily sterile. Twinning in cattle can sometimes result in one of the twins being sterile due to fertility issues, but it is not a guarantee for all cases. It would depend on various factors such as genetics, health, and individual development.
The common rule of thumb is that 10% of heifers born with a twin brother are fertile, leaving only 90% of heifers in a brother-sister twin combination sterile as freemartins or hermaphordites.
Fertility or sterility is not determined by birth circumstances. That is, just because an animal is born a twin, doesn't mean it will be sterile, or fertile. Being a twin has nothing to do with it.Another opinion:When twin bull calves are born neither are sterile, they're both fertile. The issue comes when the twin bull is born with a twin heifer, where there's a chance that she may be a freemartin and have a 90% chance of being sterile.
Neither. Both calves will be fertile. You will only get a sterile female calf if she's born to a twin bull brother.
No. Heifers are female, bulls are male. Heifers cannot change their sex like some other creatures can. However, heifers that were born with a twin brother and shared the same placenta with her twin brother can develop bull-like characteristics. These are called Freemartins or Hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites are 100% sterile, and a hermaphrodite heifer is a heifer that has both male and female sexual characteristics but can not fully become a bull like REAL bulls are.
No, twin heifers born from a cow are not necessarily sterile. Twinning in cattle can sometimes result in one of the twins being sterile due to fertility issues, but it is not a guarantee for all cases. It would depend on various factors such as genetics, health, and individual development.
The common rule of thumb is that 10% of heifers born with a twin brother are fertile, leaving only 90% of heifers in a brother-sister twin combination sterile as freemartins or hermaphordites.
It is not common for one male twin to be sterile while the other is fertile. However, if one twin has a specific health condition or genetic disorder that affects fertility, it is possible for them to be sterile while their twin is not affected.
Fertility or sterility is not determined by birth circumstances. That is, just because an animal is born a twin, doesn't mean it will be sterile, or fertile. Being a twin has nothing to do with it.Another opinion:When twin bull calves are born neither are sterile, they're both fertile. The issue comes when the twin bull is born with a twin heifer, where there's a chance that she may be a freemartin and have a 90% chance of being sterile.
Neither. Both calves will be fertile. You will only get a sterile female calf if she's born to a twin bull brother.
This really isn't a matter of "pros and cons", it's more a matter of personal choice. Most twin heifers are born small to begin with, and you may end up with heifers that are too small to meet requirements as replacement heifers, unless the dam or a serrogate cow can give them lots of milk that equals what a cow can raise one calf with. You may end up choosing just one of the twins to keep back and have that twin on her dam and you raise the other via bottle.
No. Heifers are female, bulls are male. Heifers cannot change their sex like some other creatures can. However, heifers that were born with a twin brother and shared the same placenta with her twin brother can develop bull-like characteristics. These are called Freemartins or Hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites are 100% sterile, and a hermaphrodite heifer is a heifer that has both male and female sexual characteristics but can not fully become a bull like REAL bulls are.
A freemartin.
It is called a freemartin.
Not all twin bull calves will be infertile. However, some may have reduced fertility due to developmental issues or abnormalities associated with being a twin. It's important to consult with a veterinarian for a proper assessment and guidance.
A yearling bull, which is best used on heifers, can breed from 10 to 20 heifers in a breeding season.
Only if the twin is a heifer and if that twin has been tested negative for being a freemartin (IF she had been twinned with a bull calf). Twin heifers are both highly likely to get pregnant when they reach puberty.