Selecting Replacement Heifers

Colorado State University researchers (Gutierrez and Dalsted) conducted an in-depth economic analysis of raising replacement heifers up to 31 months of age, the time at which their first calves were weaned. They calculated break-even values that were based upon all costs, minus the value of the first calf at weaning. Depending upon heifer retention rates and reproduction rates, heifer break-even values ranged from $601-$733 when production costs were normal (expected). If production costs were 15 percent higher than expected, the range was $692-$832. If production costs were 15 percent lower than expected, breakeven values ranged from $407-$634. Depending upon the situation, heifer breakeven values may differ by as much as 100 percent ($832 vs $407). Therefore, it is worth the effort to estimate the cost of producing a replacement heifer in your operation. If you find the cost to be inordinately high, one of two things should be done: (1) examine the total heifer development program and make the changes needed; or (2) consider purchasing replacements, if they can be bought at a price, and level of quality, that makes it economically advantageous to do. Of course, when purchasing replacements, herd health implications must be given serious consideration.