Heifers needed to maintain herd size, but do you raise ‘em or buy ‘em?

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Dr. Jason Cleere, Extension beef cattle specialist, goes through the “pros” and “cons” of heifer strategies at the recent South Central Texas Cow/Calf Clinic. -- Staff photo by Taylor

Nov. 11, 2005 - At the 34th annual South Central Texas Cow/Calf Clinic, trade show and cattlemen’s hay show, conducted in Brenham on Oct. 21, Dr. Jason Cleere, assistant professor and Extension beef cattle specialist, presented a lecture on “buying versus raising replacement heifers.”

While this is not a new debate, there are a number of things producers should consider, according to Cleere. He noted there is no “right or wrong” answer, but several factors which should influence a producer’s decision.

Those factors include the current and future market prices; economics; herd size; management level; and crossbreeding system. Also important considerations are pastures and facilities; available replacement female source; current herd quality and size; health concerns; available labor; and management levels.

Many of the factors tie in together, such as economics (current prices and cash available), available pastures (owned or leased), facilities (adequate or need to be upgraded), and labor (hired or self). And, if a producer is going to be the chief source of labor and management, what is his or her level of skill and knowledge?

To maintain herd size, most producers need buy or retain 30 percent of the number of females in the herd. Cleere said that it is sometimes more economical for smaller producers (30 head of cattle) to purchase heifers than to raise them, while larger producers (100 plus head) may want to consider raising their heifers.

One thing Cleere warned against, especially in smaller herds with a single bull, was the chance for “inbreeding” of heifers with their sire.

The specialist also pointed out labor costs for raising heifers are more, and time for management is more demanding. He explained that young heifers need a lot of “TLC” (tender, loving care) in the first 14 to 21 days after weaning … when they are more likely to have an increased risk of sickness. Heifers of this age are also great “escape artists,” so good fencing is a necessity, then, as well as in breeding season.

Cleere recommended keeping 30 to 40 percent more heifers than needed to maintain herd size. This is so producers will have some leeway in case further culling becomes necessary because of reproductive problems, structure, poor weight gain, to mention a few.

Budgets should address several costs, including feed, interest, labor, facilities, tax advantages, and conception rates. Cleere noted that costs vary from one producer to another because of available resources. Producers can often find assistance with budgeting matters from their county’s Extension agent.

Another important consideration, according to Cleere, involves biosecurity and herd health. With agricultural security being increased in the recent years, producers can’t be too careful when purchasing heifers from another herd. It is suggested that producers purchase animals from reliable sources, and consult with local veterinarians concerning requirements in the area. Quarantining new cattle for a time period before introducing them into the ranch’s herd, and a good vaccination program, helps protect cattle and producers from unexpected costs and losses.

Cleere explained crossbreeding should be considered “to take advantage of heterosis and genetic improvement.” Again, county Extension agents can assist with information on this topic.

Another time and labor factor for producers to consider is calving difficulties often associated with heifers. Studies have shown a bull contributes to a female’s calving ease. So, a producer knows the sire of the heifers he or she has retained, while sometimes knowledge of the sire of purchased heifers is not accessible. 

Still, some heifers suffer calving problems because they have not reached full maturity at calving, among other problems.

If a producer decides to purchase heifers, Cleere said another thing is to look for heifers that are born in the first 30 to 60 days of calving season. These older heifers will produce heavier weaning-weight calves and will be more fertile mothers. 

And on the subject of fertility, if a heifer doesn’t breed the first time around, Cleere noted it was a bad sign. “If they don’t start out fertile, they won’t be fertile in the long run.”