Your statement that "selection for earlier maturity" would be a more profitable way to maintain body condition is mostly correct. At least it fits my thinking. The qualifier is that it matters much more from what point a herd is starting from in regard to frame score, earliness of maturity, body condition and the level of genetic milk production in the herd. In many herds the average frame score is large enough that some downward selection would be helpful to maintaining body condition. Typically, when plotting the distribution of replacement heifer yearling frame score, then considering culling the largest frame 10 percent of heifers or heifers that are more than two standard deviations above the average. If some downward pressure is not placed on replacements, the mature size of the cow herd will certainly increase over time. High milk production can dramatically lower body condition, especially in 2- and 3-year-old cows and can be too much for many feed environments. Thus, milk level and frame size need to be evaluated. A quick scan of body condition scores by age group of cows can point up a problem -- for example, in thin 3-year-olds that have low or late re-breeding percentage. In summary, some down selection on frame score in replacements would be helpful but should be coupled with some culling of poor body condition in 2- and 3-year-old cows.

Browse related Faqs by tag: beef cattle, body condition, frame score, cow maturity