March 2014 Articles

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Replacement Heifer Management-FAQ's

Replacement Heifer Management-FAQ’s Source: Dr. Karl Harborth LSU AgCenter
Replacement heifers have become a major topic of discussion for cattlemen. This is mainly due to the value of the calves we are producing and the cost of keeping them around post weaning. All market indicators drive the desire to expand the herd. The forces working against each other make this a very interesting point in time! The following are questions that are frequently asked involving replacement females. There is not a simple answer or single plan that will work for all operations. Take these points into consideration. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me or your local parish agent.
Should I purchase or raise my own replacements?
This is the most difficult question to answer when dealing with the topic of replacement heifers. Many factors can affect this decision, and the No. 1 factor is cost. Producers need to evaluate their own operations and situations to make this decision.
A budget has been created by the LSU AgCenter’s livestock economist, Dr. Ross Pruitt, to aid in this decision. The budget is at the following Web address:http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/crops_livestock/livestock/beef_cattle/marketing_economics_business/Costs-to-Develop-Replacements-Heifers.htm
Factors such as what you are trying to accomplish genetically or biosecurity may lend themselves to raising your own replacements. Depending on the size of your operation, it may be easier to purchase replacements rather than dedicate the resources and time it will take to get them from weaning age into the herd. Everyone’s situation is different, and all factors must be evaluated before deciding if you should raise your own or purchase replacement heifers.
Purchase vs. Raise Positives and Negatives
Purchase
+ Change genetic of herd faster
- Increase sickness or disease
- At mercy of the market
- “Less” risk
At what rate of gain should I grow my heifers out?
Once again, a question that is hard to answer due to variability in operations. The quick answer is that the rate in which we grow replacement heifers does not matter. What does matter is reaching a target weight of 65% of mature body weight at breeding and ideally approximately 85% of mature body weight at calving. Age and weight will affect when a heifer reaches puberty. If we know the average weight of the mature cow, we can calculate the target weights, as well as estimate what kind of gain we need obtain that weight. Ultimately, we will match it to our available feed resources.
Target Weight Example:
1,200 pounds x .65 = 780 lbs. Current Weight: 550 lbs.
Days to Reach Target: 150 Required Average Daily Gain: (780-550)/150 = 1.53 pounds per day
Replacement Heifer Management Tips
1. Weigh and condition score heifers at weaning, midwinter, pre-breeding and breeding.
2. Feed heifers to gain 1.25 to 1.75 pounds per day from weaning until breeding; Do not forget vitamins and minerals.
3. Sort heifers into light and heavy weight groups at weaning.
4. Use the target weight concept – 60-65% of mature weight by breeding.
5. Include ionophores (e. i. Rumensin, Bovatec) in diets, but avoid growth implants.
6. Measure and use pelvic areas and reproductive tract scores to cull heifers prior to breeding.
7. Feed Melengestrol Acetate (MGA) and/or use hormone programs to synchronize estrus in heifers.
8. Breed heifers to bulls with low-birth-weight EPD.
9. Feed pregnant heifers to calve in body condition score 6.
10. Attend calvings and assist early.
Health Considerations
Be sure to have “health protocols and SOP’s” – Vaccination programs– Local veterinarian contact information