Jason Smith, University of Tennessee tackles the fundamentals of first calf heifer management. The first calf heifer is a different beast compared to mature cows or replacement heifers. As such, being proactive can help develop these individuals’ value to a cow-calf operator.
Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, May 16, 2017.
Generally we think of a heifer as being mature once she gives birth to her first calf. Unfortunately it isn’t true. The root issue is those three-year-olds are still growing. And while this age tends to differ a bit depending on growth rate during development and mature frame size, beef females aren’t done growing until they round the corner toward their 4th birthday.
INSIGHTS: Veterinarians, retail associates and sales representatives can use this article to engage cow-calf operators in herd management discussions.