There are a lot of important decisions to be made when it comes to selecting the right replacement heifers for your herd.
Ranchers should look at a number of criteria when making the decision.
“Skeletal soundness and length of stride are important to consider as cows that take shorter strides require more steps to cover the same ground and may have reduced longevity,” Dr. Bob Judd, host of Texas Vet News on the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network, said.
Looking at a cow’s mouth can also be beneficial.
“A wide-mouthed cow can eat more and perform better,” Dr. Judd said.
Width of the pin bones at the pelvis should also be considered because cows that are wide at the pin bones may be able to calve easier than those that are narrow.
A straight-legged or post-legged cow is not desirable as it places more strain on the heifer’s joints, making them wear out sooner.
A heifer’s ancestry and genetics should also be considered.
“Look for heifers with a good disposition because not only are they easier to work, they’re also more reproductively efficient. Milking and calving ability are also important in selecting heifers,” Dr. Judd said.
Dr. Judd’s full report from the TFB Radio Network can be heard here: http://bit.ly/1NM8CWb.