How you develop heifers makes all the difference in what kind of cows they become, writes Burke Teichert. He shares his perspective on issues that drive good decision making in the development and selection of replacement heifers:
- We should not strive for maximum conception rate in yearling heifers
- Heifers do not need to reach 65% of expected mature cow weight to have acceptable conception rates
- Work toward a very short breeding season for the heifers
- Expose most of the heifer calves that are born
- Only a few calves born as a result of second cycle conception will sell for as much money as those born as a result of first cycle conception
Source: BEEF, October 6, 2019. Link.
INSIGHTS: Teichert takes a pragmatic approach to cows as economic animals. His assertion on average life of a cow in a herd is further supported by his aggressive approach to culling cows and heifers.