Management
while nature will always ensure that
some will be open or late to breed.
Ideally, a large part of the selection
of replacement heifers should start
with the sire. Consider the genetics of
that choice as there is always available
maternal EPD data to assess when it
comes to herd bulls. There are plenty
of solid Limousin bulls with top notch
maternal traits active in all areas of
the country. Groupings of purebred or
cross-bred daughters from these types
of sires are the perfect options to begin
or expand your search. Remember
that sires can produce anywhere from
25 to 35 offspring per breeding season
while a dam produces only one calf
per year, making it much easier to
draw conclusions from the daughters
of a desired sire than only looking
at the dams of potential candidates.
Look specifically at the maternal EPD
numbers of the potential replacement
heifer’s sires if possible and don’t ignore
the possibility that your herd bull may
not be optimal in this situation. If your
main consideration when selecting your
own herd sire is weaning and finishing
weight, perhaps his daughters are not
the best choices for replacements.
Ultimately, know that there are options
to consider. You can raise your own
heifers for replacements, sell the calves
with the option to buy the heifers back
if so desired, contract with a reputable
breeder of replacement heifers or buy
them all out right from other producers.
Remember this is your best chance
to gradually improve your cow herd
over time. Replacement heifers are not
insignificant pieces but will become
essential contributors to the foundation
of any purebred or commercial cow calf
operation. Don’t settle for the status
quo. Step out and be willing to make the
slightly tougher but better choice. I
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