FAQ #28742

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

What should I consider when selecting replacement heifers?

Related resource areas: Beef Cattle

As you are well aware, the process of selecting replacement heifers is very important in a commercial cow/calf operation. These females represent the future factory. Because puberty is related to weight, it is important that weaning weight be part of your selection criteria. To start, we would suggest culling the upper 1% of the heaviest and lightest 25%. The heaviest heifers at weaning may represent big, growthy heifers that may not fit your environment. Make the selection on actual weaning weight because that's the weight you will be using to develop a feeding program so that they reach puberty (about two-thirds of their mature weight) before the start of the breeding season. Then make selections on conformation (body type, feet, and legs) and apparent disposition. Of the heifers that are remaining, look at their dam. If their mother is old, meaning she has been part of the herd for many years, this is a heifer that you might consider keeping because her mother has been a productive part of the herd for many years and therefore must be adapted to the environment (forage resources, management, etc.). You might expect similar performance from her offspring.

Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.

Comments

Post a comment about this topic

Please keep comments on topic. To ask a question, please use Ask an Expert. All comments are held for moderation. Comments that include profanity, personal attacks or other inappropriate material will not be posted to the site.

Did you find this page useful?

No one has rated this article yet. Why not be the first? what is this?
not useful
very useful
 1  2  3  4  5