Heifer Development Flashcards
How does optimizing pregnancy early in the breeding season develop help with replacement heifers?
Makes sure they are highly fertile at the lowest cost possible
Why is heifer development important?
Future of the herd, genetic merit, express best genetic potential, lowest cost possible, long term investment (4-6 years to pay off)
What are some advantages that a cow gets when she calves early in the breeding season?
Heavier weaned calf, longer time to recover before breeding, higher BCS/time to regain condition
When does a heifer need to get pregnant by to be considered “early” in the season?
1st 30 days
When should the heifer be pregnant by in order to have her first calf at 24 months?
14-15 months
How does temperament related to fertility?
Handled more = More calm, more mature (hit puberty earlier) = less stress and cortisol = more fertile
What are reproductive tract scores?
A scale of 1-5 that a heifer is judge on to say where she is in relation to her ability to cycle (0 not even close, 5 cycling and ready to go)
Why are people doing less pelvic measurements on their heifers?
Using RTS and EPDS (calving ease)
If your heifers have a RTS score of 1-2 what should be done with them?
Cull
Do higher RTS do better at later calvings as well, not just their first?
Yes, the do better at later pregnancies
What effect can growth implants have on pregnancy rate in beef heifers?
If given at birth or less than 30 days then can have detrimental effects on pregnancy, should be selling these heifers
If given after 3 months or 90 days, then beneficial - heavier wean, year and breeding
-Will decrease pregnancy weight but not significantly
What is the target BW of heifer at breeding?
55-65% mature weight
Who is the most vulnerable cow and why?
1st calf heifer because she is growing herself while feeding a baby and trying to get pregnant again
What determines your ADG?
Mature cow weight you want to achieve, when you want to achieve it and what the cow is willing to take in.
What are your two options for feeding heifers and why is each beneficial?
Feed heifer early (Even gain)
Feed heifer more later - if drought allows you to catch up (Feed less 1st 112 days then more last 50 days) - 5% less feed (Hit puberty at lower weight, later puberty, higher AI pregnancy but same overall pregnancy
