TAR Brangus Stud
After years of walking the fine line of the cow/calf production profitability I have found that growing out my replacement heifers has led to a younger and more productive herd and this article briefly covers the simple, practical ways in which I achieve this. When growing out heifers there are many things to consider such as the genetic foundation and fodder flow throughout the seasons, however each system will warrant different management strategies. I do feel that the time, management and costs that are expended in getting the heifers well grown and fertile by the time of bulling and 1st calving have proven worthwhile.
The genetic building blocks
The building blocks of getting these productive replacement heifers is in the selection of the cows. I have spent years selecting for birth weight, breed characteristics, milk and weaning weights, whilst keeping a medium framed animal. Breed characteristics such as depth, capacity and femininity are good qualities in all herds as they play a part in a fertile herd with heavy weaners.
The milk production, growth and weaning weights are all attributes that are closely linked to each other and giving calves a good foundation. When selection occurs at weaning, which is between 7 and 9 months, both calves and cows are weighed. The calves must be 50% of the weight of the cow in order for the cow to be considered productive. In studying the cow and the calf combination carefully when selecting stock for future breeding, the above-mentioned qualities can greatly improve a herd over time.
Winter fodder flow
The real management of the heifers begins at weaning. The stress and abrupt change in diet can lead to weight loss. In my system, the weaning happens towards the end of summer which means that the first winter is an important time to make sure these heifers remain in condition with the correct roughage and a production lick. My aim is that the heifers put on some weight, but they must at the very least retain their weaning weight by the end of winter. This can be monitored by weighing and visual inspection.
In order to have good fodder flow some grazing camps are rested from mid-summer. These camps are carefully chosen because they have more palatable, often shorter, grass species which are easier for heifers to graze and get enough good roughage. Long, dry winters can create times when there is a shortage of grazing and bales can be fed. It is best to choose good quality bales cut from pastures for heifers. Bales made from a fertilized pasture that was cut when there was a beneficial balance between protein and bulk are usually a better quality.
Along with this roughage, a production lick is necessary soon after weaning. I use a production lick made from Molatek Lick Mix, salt, crushed maize, P12 and a natural source of protein such as an oil cake or bypass. Ensuring the intake, of between 800g and 1000g a day, is important as they need essential nutrients, energy and natural protein. This varies because all heifer groups, from weaner heifers to in-calf heifers, are given a production lick and their weights are considerably different. Protein from urea in a winter lick is cheaper and a sufficient source to keep mature cows maintained however, in my experience, natural protein definitely has a superior impact on the growth and development on younger animals. On a more practical note, the effort in feeding the production lick to the heifers is of little rewarded if there is not enough trough space or if inadequate quantities are being put out regularly. I also keep different ages of heifers in their own herds to minimize the impact of bigger, older and more dominant animals controlling the trough space.
“My aim is that the heifers put on some weight, but they must at the very least retain their weaning weight by the end of winter.”
Summer fodder flow
When the respite of summer rain does finally arrive there are changes that will happen with my heifer management once again. The heifers’ intake of the winter production lick will decrease, and a phosphate lick is then required. Yet again, the camps where heifers graze is the better grazing. Camps with fresh new grass growth, that have palatable grass species, will allow for them to grow and hopefully flourish. Although it is not ideal as there is extra cost involved, if there is a year where the heifers haven’t grown well and aren’t in the condition they should be, a summer production lick with extra protein and energy such as Molatek Master 20 may be given to bridge the gap.
When it gets to the time for the first bulling, I aim to have the heifers at two-thirds of the mature cow weight. Heifers can be well grown but in poor condition so it is important to note that all cattle must be in good condition, with not too little or too much fat covering, in order to cycle. For my system, the bull goes in at the end of the summer season, which is earlier than the rest of my herds. By having well grown heifers I can bull a little earlier and allow them to have a few extra months of rest before getting back in calf as their first calves take a lot from them. They are also kept in herds on their own until weaning their first calf as they will be dominated by the mature cows and struggle to maintain reasonable condition. These few management practices keep good heifers in the system.
A stockman’s final word
In conclusion, the selection of breeding stock and management of fodder flow are the two main aspects that must be highlighted. Well grown heifers become valuable cows that potentially can produce heavy weaners and we all know that heavy weaners pay the bills. As a cattle farmer I have come to realize that cattle farming changes from season to season, year to year, area to area and even farm to farm. I can only speak from what I have experienced and what has worked for me through trial and error when it comes to growing out heifers and keeping my herd fertile, productive and profitable.
“I aim to have the heifers at two-thirds of the mature cow weight.”