Mature weight is a term that is often used in the beef industry, especially in terms of heifer development. It is also important when estimating nutrients requirements, animal performance, and ranch efficiency.
From a physiological perspective mature weight can be defined as the weight of an animal at which point additional weight gain consists mostly of fat with limited additional protein gain. From a practical standpoint, mature weight is the weight of cows and bulls that are 5 years old or older and are in a body condition score of 5. Cows should also be open or in the first trimester of pregnancy.
