Application of longitudinal data analysis allows to detect differences in pre-breeding growing curves of 24-month calving Angus heifers under two pasture-based systems with differential puberty onset.

In longitudinal studies, the power to detect differences between groups increases by exploiting the whole information of repeated measures, modelling the relation between measurements performed on the same individual. Under a proper analysis, valid conclusion can be drawn with fewer animals in the trial, improving animal welfare and reducing investigation costs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.