Treat Her Like a Cow: Building Fertile, Profitable Heifers

“The more you treat her like a cow, the better cow she will be.” That was one of the standout messages from the Beef Cattle Research Council’s webinar, Raising Heifers for Reproductive Success. Backed by research and on-ranch results, Dr. Elizabeth Homerosky with Veterinary Agri-Health Services and Stephen Hughes of Chinook Ranch in southern Alberta shared practical strategies to develop efficient replacement heifers that are built for longevity and profitability.

The discussion focused on the economics of raising heifers, research-backed development systems, reproductive management and how producers can apply extensive grazing systems to identify the most fertile and efficient females for their herds.

The Cow Value Curve

Dr. Homerosky opened with the concept of the cow value curve, which illustrates how feed costs and depreciation are the top two effects on profitability. An open heifer that leaves the herd before paying for herself contributes heavily to depreciation. Strategies such as marketing cows before their value declines or extending productive longevity help shift this curve in the producer’s favour.

Post-Weaning Heifer Development
Research shows that heifers can be developed to just 50-55% of mature body weight without negatively impacting health or calving ease. The timing and way in which heifers reach this target is key.  

Three development systems have been studied: 

• Early gain: high-input feeding early, then maintained
• Even gain: steady, moderate gains throughout
• Late gain (extensive systems): early, low-input, compensatory gain on grass