Replacement heifers represent the future of the cow-calf
operation. These females are the genetics behind the next
generation of farm offspring. Efficient development is critical
as raising a replacement heifer represents a significant asset
that does not generate a return until the first calf is sold.
Beef herd productivity is increased when a high percentage of
the heifers are bred early in the season. Heifers have higher
rates of calving difficulty when compared to mature cows. Yet,
there are some management tools that can be used to identify and
minimize risk factors for dystocia. Lifetime productivity is
also an important consideration in planning the female
development timeline. Heifers calving at 24 months of age
produce an earlier return on investment and potentially have
more calves than females who are older at calving. Targets for
the beef replacement heifer program are: increase / maintain a
high conception rate early in the breeding season, minimize
dystocia rate, promote good post-calving concep