By Blake Jackson
“Proper heifer development is key to a successful cattle herd and profitable operation,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
As herds are rebuilt from drought or aging cows, or when producers are looking to buy replacement heifers, heifer development becomes essential in building a strong cow herd and adding value to cattle operations.
“Nutritional management is important to heifer development,” says Davis.
Davis recommends that heifers reach 55% to 65% of their mature body weight before the breeding season, depending on animal type and environment.
Heifers should have a body condition score (BCS) of 5 to 6, which optimizes pregnancy rates.
For more detailed guidance, Davis refers to MU Extension guides like ‘Selection of Replacement Heifers for Commercial Beef Cattle Operations’ and ‘Body Condition Scoring of Beef Cattle.’
“The pre-breeding exam is important to heifer development,” says Davis.
The importance of having a veterinarian perform a rectal palpation 30 to 60 days before breeding to assess reproductive soundness.
The exam includes pelvic area (PA) measurement and a reproductive tract score (RTS), should score on a 1 to 5 scale, with 1 being infantile and 4 and 5 being mature enough to become pregnant and should be 3 or higher to ensure the heifer is ready for breeding.
Heifers with a PA of at least 150 cm² are preferred, as this indicates the ability to calve without issues.
Heifers that fail these measurements can be rechecked but must meet 180 cm² by the pregnancy check.
"Use genomic testing to retain heifers with optimum genetics for you and your customer’s operation," Davis says.
The MU Extension guide 'Adding Value to Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifers Using Show-Me-Plus,' offers more information.
Artificial insemination (AI) is another method Davis recommends for breeding replacement heifers, as AI-bred heifers typically sell at a higher value and calve earlier, resulting in older, heavier calves at weaning.
Davis advises using a 60-day or shorter breeding season and culling open heifers after pregnancy checks.
He also encourages working with a veterinarian to develop a vaccination and parasite control program to ensure heifers reach their full potential. “These strategies mentioned above have helped the SMS Replacement Heifer Program be successful and provide a reliable source of replacement heifers for over 25 years,” says Davis.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Beef Cattle