Primarily you want to look for the obvious in the dairy environment. Average to aabove average for size for their age. Depending on their age, bangs vaccination, dehorned, extra teats removed, good solid feet and legs, and the body ideally will be more wedge shaped then a beef cow. Of course the shape is dependent on age, but feet and legs are vital at any age. DHIA records on the dam will also help to boost the price and value a bit.
The attached, although dealing with adults will also be prsent in calves, just not to as great a degree.
http://www.leblink.com/~dunmovin/structure.html
I still look for the same traits on beef heifers/cows.
dun
carla":3jholpco said:
Wasn't trying to suggest that I was getting a bargain. I believe that the guy is going to retire, therefore will not need anymore replacement heifers. I expect to pay the going rate. I mainly wanted to know if there was anything special that I needed to know raising holsteins heifers. Anything to look for as far as good quailty goes. I might also pick up a few at the local auction if I know what to look for. Thanks for your replies.