Raising Heifers for Reproductive Success
January 17, 2024, 7:00 PM MT
The management and development of heifers prior to breeding and before, during and after their first calving will set the tone for a female’s entire productive lifetime. This webinar will address key strategies to getting heifers started on the right hoof to ensure they remain productive as valuable mothers in the herd for years to come.
This webinar is available for one CE credit for RVTs and DVMs across Canada. After watching the entire webinar recording, you may take the quiz to receive a CE credit.
SPEAKERS:
- Elizabeth Homerosky, DVM, Veterinary Agri-Health Services
- Stephen Hughes, Chinook Ranch
Key Messages:
- The more you treat her like a cow, the better cow she will be. Extensive management systems can reduce feed costs and improve conception rates.
- Sort at the bottom, rather than the top.
- Breeding heifers for 30 days to calve in the first cycle means better reproductive momentum, greater longevity and increased profit.
- Don’t keep heifers from problem cows.
- Keep heifers on a rising plane of nutrition into breeding.
LEARN MORE:
- Heifer Development (BCRC topic page)
- Replacement Heifer Calculator (BCRC decision tool)
- Treat Her Like a Cow: Building Fertile, Profitable Heifers (BCRC post)
- Raising Replacement Heifers: What Does It Cost (BCRC post)