Selecting the right heifers for your breeding herd is a crucial decision for any beef producer and leads to overall farm success. An expert explores key factors to consider when selecting beef heifers, along with the economic impact of good and bad choices.
Ernest Makua, a beef industry expert at the Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development (RMITED), unpacks why well-selected heifers are more likely to be productive throughout their lives, leading to increased calf crops, better weaning weights, and improved overall profitability for the producer.
Makua emphasises the importance of choosing heifers with specific characteristics. Frame size should complement your desired mature cow size, as overly large or small frames can affect efficiency and productivity.
Good conformation, indicated by proper structure and shape, is linked to efficiency, soundness, and desirable carcass quality. Selecting docile heifers with good temperaments is ideal for breeding and handling, while also potentially improving conception rates during procedures like artificial insemination.
Carcass quality, heifer breed and nutrition
“So good conformation indicates the potential for efficiency, number one. Number two is soundness. Number three is the carcass quality. So the farmers need to know their market,” he explains.
Carcass quality is another important factor; choose breeds known for desirable carcass traits that meet market demands. Maternal ability, indicated by well-developed udders, ensures calves can easily suckle and thrive.
Finally, selecting heifers resistant to common diseases can minimise medication use and maintain a better body condition for breeding.
He adds that a heifer’s nutritional history can significantly impact future performance. Heifers with a balanced diet are more likely to grow well, develop properly, and experience fewer health and fertility issues.
“Evaluating the heifer’s nutritional history helps to ensure proper growth, number one, and development, and it also minimises health and fertility issues. So it’s very important to ensure that you understand that part as well as a farmer,” he explains.
Consider the local environment when selecting heifers. Factors like heat tolerance, cold hardiness, and the ability to thrive on available forage all play a role.
In this episode, he also discusses:
- The importance of record-keeping;
- Balancing short and long-term goals;
- Economic impact of making the right decision and more.
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Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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