Heifers reach puberty at twelve to fifteen months of age. Early maturing breeds (Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Simmental, Gelbvieh) begin to have estrous cycles at twelve to thirteen months of age while later maturing breeds (Limousin, Charolais, Maine Anjou, etc.) don't begin to have estrous cycles until fourteen to fifteen months. Heifers of Brahman (Bos indicus) breeding do not reach puberty until fourteen to twenty-four months of age. Crossbreeding greatly reduces age at puberty by at least one month.

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