Smaller replacement females?
In his Beef & Business column, University of Idaho Extension beef specialist Jason Ahola digs into new research that suggests it may be more economical and efficient to develop replacement heifers to smaller weights. Rather than 65% of their mature body weight, which is the traditional rule, studies indicate 53-58% of mature body weight may be sufficient.
At the Padlock Ranch in Wyoming Trey Patterson has been experimenting with this for the last few years and believes it builds better, more efficient range females.
In this age of expensive corn - and even rising pasture rents - perhaps smaller is better.
Related Topics: Small Producer Challenges
November 28th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
I don’t know how large a sample size the data is based on, but if these results are correct, AND if the resulting calf weaning weights are not negatively impacted, AND the longevity and productivity of the resulting cow is not impacted, it’s a no brainer.
I didn’t see any data on these latter points in this article. I think researcheers need to address the life cycle impacts on the resulting cow due to these type of changesin the heifer development program to have the complete answer to this question.
I don’t think I will change anything I’m doing based of these results but I am intrigued by the possibilities
November 28th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
This is not all that new. I have been developing cattle on decent hay and little if any grain for several years. I am far from being the pioneer. I calve in late April so I turn out bulls in mid July. This gives my heifers at least three months to gain weight and flush on good grass. I suspect genetics might play a part in how succesful it is.
January 10th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Breeding hiefers to Jersey bulls helps. Reason is the hiefer calves saved off that, then say breed those back to Angus…end result over time becomes a 1/8th to 1/4th percentage Jersey herd.
Calves with a shot of Jersey CAB better than strait Angus too.
Also works with Longhorn, Corriente etc. 1/4 Longhorn type cows have thee longest lasting tooth and mouth structures ( 5 years longer than other cows ).
Cow weight to Calf weight raised ratio is one of the better Great cow line indicators ( cow efficiency and profit ).
Same range will run 3 head of 1,000 lb cows but only 2 head of 1,500 lb cows.
Smaller cows do not have to travel as far to keep fed thus allot less wear and body tear over time. That’s why they last longer.
April 26th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
We’ve been developing our heifers on good crested wheat grass hay and 20% all natural lick tubs for about 4 years now. Before that it was 3 lbs of 20% cake and the hay. We have 90%+ conception in 45 days and cull the 10 year olds as pairs in late May. Mature cow size is about 1150 lbs, with March nd April calves selling in mid October at 600 lbs. Those heifers go out to the breeding pasture the first year at about 700 lbs. it’s working for us.
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