callmefence
Keyboard cowboy
Margonme":2usgv6ci said:Ebenezer":2usgv6ci said:Margonme":2usgv6ci said:Fat heifer= worthless heifer.
That is a generalization.
I don't disagree with that generalization.
Nevertheless, one would be best served to try to quantify that generalization? In example, how fat is too fat? To what extent are they "worthless"? Is every fat heifer worthless? What percentage are worthless?
These questions are rhetorical, of course. But they are intended to cause one to be critical of over-generalization. I try to maintain ideal condition on my heifers. I confess some exceed what is ideal conditioning. Some appeared to have fat in their udder. I am a couple years into a few heifers that were too fat. They all calved without assistance. Raising good calves, etc.
Maybe another generalization? Just use a BSC and call it good.I try to maintain ideal condition on my heifers.
Fat in the heifer's udder stays there. Plenty of old research that milk production will be lower than should be genetically: beef, dairy, .... If you keep your own replacement heifers year after year it makes more difference: an opinion. I think the fat heifer issue creates yo-yo generations of low milk/high milk. I also think that fat heifers have more calving troubles. Just to be clear: feed is the #1 cost of production. Sales - cost = profit. I am not interested in lifestyle, herd prefixes, social agenda, ...
I want livestock to fit and not just exist. Fat heifers "tell" me that they are quicker maturing than I need in my environment if it happens on normal feeding. Opposite end: late breeding heifers tell me that they are too big or I made a bad choice on selecting parents. These are generally in the top 1/3. I know that I look at it differently with population genetics and linebreeding. I do not care for corrective breeding. I prefer type to type for outcross and selected bulls from outside should be able to sire cattle that do not vary in size or function from home raised cattle. My quirk.
Middle third: most would use either weaning weight, frame score or something along those lines. No hard and fast rule. High growth heifers (top third) will add additional size to the herd if retained as a rule. If you do not judge on type, some of the heavier calves can be more fatty and tend to add that trait to your herd long term. Small calves (bottom third) are (generalization) late calves, lack growth, are out of old cows or cows that have lost milking ability, first calf heifers, had a health issue, were more susceptible to worms, ... My exceptions are acceptable calves from first calf heifers or old cows that are a good fit.
Social agenda? How does that relate to fat heifers?
The Yo-Yo concept. A fat heifer does not pass on her condition! If you start with a fat heifer how does that course run through future generations?
Your new here so I'll go ahead and let you know. Ebenezer is a genius.....he told us so
