Identifying Replacements at Weaning

Replacement heifers represent the future profitability and genetic improvement of the cow herd. Beef producers need to carefully identify heifer calves to retain as replacements. The following list indicates a few rules of thumb to follow when determining which heifer calves will be retained as replacements:

1. Producers need to determine which traits are economically important to their herds. They should then select heifers at weaning that are ranked in the top 2/3 of the group and cull the bottom 1/3 based on the traits of emphasis.
2. Select females from cows that are identified as above average producers within the herd.
3. Cull females from cow families that require assistance at calving, have bad eyes, unsound udders and other structural problems.
4. Cull heifers from the top 2/3 that are:
   • structurally unsound
   • unfeminine
   • small framed
   • over conditioned
   • late born calves

More heifers than the number needed should be kept through pregnancy check time. Heifers can then be selected on basis of early pregnancy. These rules of thumb should provide a good basis for selecting young females to be retained as replacements.

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