By Blake Jackson
With favorable cattle prices, producers are looking to invest in replacement heifers to expand their herds. University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist Patrick Davis advises careful consideration when purchasing these heifers to ensure their success.
"Consider nutritional management and energy status when buying bred replacement heifers," Davis states. Davis emphasizes the importance of body condition score (BCS), recommending a BCS of 6 for heifers at purchase and prior to calving, indicating a smooth, well-conditioned appearance.
"Any bred heifer that you purchase should have met a minimum pelvic area measurement during their pre-breeding exam," Davis adds. Pelvic area (PA) measurements ensure heifers are adequately sized for calving ease.
According to the Missouri Show-Me-Select (SMS) Replacement Heifer Program, a minimum PA of 150 cm2 is required at pre-breeding, increasing to 180 cm2 at pregnancy check if remeasured. Heifers failing these measurements should be culled.
Genomic testing is another crucial factor. "Consider buying bred heifers that are genomically tested," Davis suggests.
Davis also recommends heifers bred through artificial insemination or natural service to genomically tested sires with high accuracy expected progeny difference numbers for calving ease and other desirable traits. Structural soundness is also essential for long-term productivity.
Davis advises ensuring heifers have been "pregnancy-checked within 90 days after the beginning of the breeding season as well as within 30 days prior to sale." This provides accurate calving date estimations and confirms the heifer's current pregnancy status.
"Finally, it is important that heifers have followed a proper vaccination and parasite control program during the development process," Davis says.
Davis recommends consulting with a veterinarian to develop a suitable program and isolating purchased heifers for 30 days to prevent disease introduction.
Davis highlights the SMS program as a reliable source for bred replacement heifers. The 57th Southwest Missouri SMS Replacement Heifer Program sale, scheduled for May 16th, features 119 heifers calving from August to November, including various breeds and composites.
For more information, interested buyers can contact Davis davismp@missouri.edu, Andy McCorkill mccorkilla@missouri.edu, or Ian McGregor ian.mcgregor@missouri.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-diane-kuhl
Categories: Missouri, Livestock