What is the proper strategy for heifer development for my cowherd? Many producers have asked themselves how to do heifer development right. Developing a replacement heifer is one of the most expensive management decisions a producer will make. Making this decision can have long-term impacts on your herd’s profitability.
You should consider the expenses involved in developing heifers when deciding if you should buy or raise them. Look at your specific production environment to determine your most cost-effective system. Both of these are important for those females’ long-term profitability and longevity. A producer should also look at the ages and production of the cows that they currently have in their herd.
Developing a heifer to replace a future cull cow is one of the most expensive management decisions you can make. What you decide here can have significant implications on long-term profitability. Here are some things for you to consider when going over this.
Traditional thinking of heifer development
The recommendation that we have always heard is that heifers need to reach about 65% of their mature body weight before breeding. This percentage is the general rule of thumb to maximize the cow’s pregnancy rate. However, multiple studies have shown that the heifer can be developed to as low as 48 to 50% without negatively affecting pregnancy rates.
The timing of gain from weaning to pre-breeding has shown to have minimal impact on overall reproductive performance. This means that the heifers can be grown at a consistent rate of gain. Now, this can be at a low rate of growth followed by a high rate or the reverse. Providing the right amount of nutrition just before breeding and through calving is what will determine reproductive success. On the reverse side, overfeeding them can be costly and negatively affect future fertility. I talk about the importance of nutrition during this time in a previous post, “How to get the most out of your breeding season“.
To determine her average daily gain, you must first decide what her target body weight will be. Let’s say that the target is 60% of her mature body weight. If the estimated mature weight is 1,200 lbs, then a 500lb weaned heifer will need to be 720 lbs at breading *1,200 X 0.60= 720). If a producer weaned her on October 1st and you plan on breeding her on May 1st, that gives you 210 days to reach the target weight. So the difference of 720lbs- 500lbs is 220lbs. To meet the goal in 210 days, divide both of those numbers to get an average daily gain of 1.05 lbs per day.
Heifer development done right.
Since replacement heifers will remain in the production herd, the cost of developing them falls entirely on the producer. This cost makes it essential to consider keeping costs low while ensuring the heifers’ health and productivity. Raising heifers in a low-input, forage-based system is an intelligent approach. Studies show that heifers raised on forage have conception rates similar to those raised in more expensive drylot systems but at about half the cost. This difference can make a big difference in profitability over time.
When developing heifers, focusing on more than just maximizing pregnancy rates is essential. While getting them bred is crucial, increasing the heifer’s overall value in the long run is even more critical. Heifers that are raised in a low-cost system, like a forage-based one, tend to be more efficient and flexible. This means they are not only good for breeding but also have more potential when it comes to marketing and sales. Keeping costs low without sacrificing productivity increases the overall value of the heifer.
A forage-based feeding system is one of the best ways to create more valuable and cost-effective heifers. Not only does it cut down on feeding expenses, but it also makes the heifers more adaptable and marketable in the future. A heifer raised efficiently and performing well on forage is an asset in a low-input system, making it a strong candidate for either keeping in the herd or selling if needed. This balanced approach helps producers get the most out of their investment.
Benefits of forage raised heifer development.
As I mentioned earlier, one benefit of raising heifers on forage is the reduced costs. When breeding, forage-raised heifers reach breeding age at about 80 to 100 lbs lighter than the others. And they will be in better body condition because they have already gotten used to eating forages.
You may be asking, “But what about the break-even point?“. According to these studies, the forage-raised heifers became profitable at 3 to 4 years of age. The heifers developed conventionally paid for themselves 9 to 10 years ago.
Another advantage to low-cost development is that these heifers will last longer in the cowherd. Research from New Mexico and Montana showed that 30 to 60% of these heifers were still in the herd after five years of age. They pay for themselves quicker, and they are still producing longer.
Pick the right heifers.
When choosing a replacement heifer, it’s important to remember that not every heifer will be a good fit. While how the cow looks, or phenotype, can be a factor, it shouldn’t be the only thing you rely on. You want to select a cow that can breed early in the season and deliver a healthy calf. While you can still consider the heifer’s genetic pedigree, using a combination of traits will help you make a more informed choice.
When selecting a replacement heifer, early breeding in the season is a key trait to look for. Studies have shown that cows that breed early tend to be more productive throughout their lives. They are more likely to wean heavier calves and breed back more consistently, which can significantly boost your herd’s overall performance. Early breeders also tend to be healthier and have better reproductive success, ensuring the future productivity of your herd.
Having a clear idea of the qualities you’re looking for is helpful in ensuring you pick the right heifers. Make a list of traits that are important for your operation, such as early breeding, calving ease, and good health. By focusing on both phenotype and key performance indicators like breeding time, you can select heifers that will contribute to a productive, profitable herd.
The hiring process
Some of the things you should be selecting:
- No freemartins ( infertile females born with a twin male)
- A minimum body weight
- A minimum age
- Structural soundness
- Not out of any terminal sires
- Pelvic area
- Whatever additional requirements you may have
Throughout your development process, you should include various checkpoints along the way. These checkpoints will allow you to monitor the performance of your heifers along the way. It is necessary to cull heifers that are consistently underperforming. If she is a low performer now, she is likely to be that way for the rest of her production life.
When making these decisions, it is best to look at them in a more pragmatic and business way. Think of it like a hiring process for a job. You’re hiring them for a job at your ranch, so you should only hire the best. Your “job description” should lay out the minimum requirements that she will need to meet for you to choose her to stay in the development process. These girls are going to be an investment in your future, so you should select the ones wisely.
