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Anonymous
I have heard that a lot of people sell all first calve heifers calves. is there any reason for this. do you guys sell your heifers first calves. why or why not. Thanks
plb cattle":sbyzydxk said:I was told that the calves from heifers will not wean as high, or be as healthy as calves from old cows due to lower milk production, and lower quality of colostrum.Dee":sbyzydxk said:I have heard that a lot of people sell all first calve heifers calves. is there any reason for this. do you guys sell your heifers first calves. why or why not. Thanks
Jake":tiruosy6 said:My uncle does that and it is completely stupid in my mind. If you retain your own heifers you are keeping your own genetics in the herd. If you go buy older cows you are really in a be nice shoot for genetics wondering what kind of input they really have. If you buy a $1000 cow/ calf pair during the winter or to put right on grass it will take you 3 years to get all you money back out of her and make a few bucks. Keep your best heifers, breed to a lbw bull or A.I. to the best in the country, and keep your genetics alive. Also with the lighter calves issue, usually the second calf will have no problems in weight comparison. The size and experience of the heifer along with her not going to produce at full milking potential will cause a smaller calf the first time around.
Sorry so long winded,
Jake
Randyman":3vsa5q5m said:Jake":3vsa5q5m said:My uncle does that and it is completely stupid in my mind. If you retain your own heifers you are keeping your own genetics in the herd. If you go buy older cows you are really in a be nice shoot for genetics wondering what kind of input they really have. If you buy a $1000 cow/ calf pair during the winter or to put right on grass it will take you 3 years to get all you money back out of her and make a few bucks. Keep your best heifers, breed to a lbw bull or A.I. to the best in the country, and keep your genetics alive. Also with the lighter calves issue, usually the second calf will have no problems in weight comparison. The size and experience of the heifer along with her not going to produce at full milking potential will cause a smaller calf the first time around.
Sorry so long winded,
Jake
Jake are the cattle prices still low in Kanasas. If you bought a $1000 pair in late winter. and then sold the same pair in the fall after weaning you would probably make a few hundred dollars. right off. However, if you sell the calf and keep the cow the calf will bring at least $500 and if the cow is rebred your breakeven money is in the womb. As far as keeping heifers out of heifers. It works!!!! I have had some of my best calves out of strong genetic heifers and now those calves are good mothers.