Replacement Heifer Development

Abstract

Effective replacement heifer development is a critical segment of the integrated management program in an efficient beef cow production system. The main objective should be to develop an adequate number of heifers to a point where they reach puberty and are cycling regularly at the start of the breeding season. However, many associated considerations in a successful development program will be discussed in this fact sheet. In addition, one might consider the first-calf heifer as part of replacement heifer development until she breeds back and weans her first calf. Indeed, she should continue to be managed separately as she has increased nutritional demands through this period.