The discussion has been around for some time eon whether one should buy or raise replacement heifers. As more people specialize in heifer development, there are more options available to those considering buying replacements. So producers who have traditionally raised their own heifers may want to re-evaluate the current options to see if that is still the best option. this may be particularly true for smaller producers.

Reduce Inefficient Bull Usage
For a herd of 100 cows, an average producer would save 15 replacement heifers. A cost of $39 per pregnancy is estimated assuming a different bull is used on heifers than cows, a bull-to-heifer ratio of 1:15, a $1,500 purchase price, and four years of use. The cost is reduced to $20 per pregnancy if the bull is used on 30 heifers. Since a mature bull could easily service 30 or more heifers, cost/pregnancy is rather high for smaller producers in this type of situation.

The bulls that you do maintain can all represent one genetic plan or target. Changing the bulls could change the marketing target without having an impact on replacements. This may provide improved marketing opportunities for the calf crop. The option now exists to keep a herd bull for more than four breeding seasons since father/daughter matings are not an issue.

Consider Management Issues

Buying replacement animals as heavy springers reduces the amount of time you have an additional management group of first-calf heifers. Producers may have more flexibility to alter proportions of grazing resources allocated toward cows or stockers based on market conditions, if replacement heifers are purchased as heavy springers. Depending on your ability to manage first calf heifers and reach target weights, reproductive performance of young cows may improve.

Purchasing replacement heifers meeting certain genetic and management requirements may allow you to participate in certain alliances or marketing groups. During the grazing season you should be able to carry more mature cows (7-10 more pairs for a 100 head herd needing 15 replacements).

If you are purchasing replacement heifers, the knowledge and integrity of the developer will be critical to your success. Make sure to have a complete understanding of the entire development program. Don't just assume they have what you need. Get details on the genetic, nutrition, health and biosecurity programs and selection and culling practices for traits such as mature size, pelvic area and temperament. Talk to others who have used this source of replacements.

Knowing your own costs of production and considering some of these other management factors are key to making the best management decision on a source of replacements for your operation. ©