Here's a recap of my situation....
All the calves 450# to 550# heifers purchased this fall are Angus to Gelbveih (red and black and smoky) of varying percentages (I do not know the %). Some were backgrounded more than others, I did not buy any "fat" calves and the total of them came from 8 different farms.
I would like to keep for breeding 15 to 20 so that equates to about 1 out of 3 as a keeper. Without much thought I can easily toss out 1/3 to feed out. So that leaves me with choosing about 1 out of 2.
1st I would choose on structure and even at this early stage they are in the 7 to 9 month stage, I can start picking things out on them that I like or dislike.
My question on the structure side of it probably coincides more on the BCS.... I do find some of them are gaining more than others. Should this be a factor in my evaluation process? Does how well or not they are doing their 1st winter off of momma be an indicator of keeping the BCS in following years? And, has anyone tracked this in their own herds?
As always I appreciate everyones input...Thanks!
All the calves 450# to 550# heifers purchased this fall are Angus to Gelbveih (red and black and smoky) of varying percentages (I do not know the %). Some were backgrounded more than others, I did not buy any "fat" calves and the total of them came from 8 different farms.
I would like to keep for breeding 15 to 20 so that equates to about 1 out of 3 as a keeper. Without much thought I can easily toss out 1/3 to feed out. So that leaves me with choosing about 1 out of 2.
1st I would choose on structure and even at this early stage they are in the 7 to 9 month stage, I can start picking things out on them that I like or dislike.
My question on the structure side of it probably coincides more on the BCS.... I do find some of them are gaining more than others. Should this be a factor in my evaluation process? Does how well or not they are doing their 1st winter off of momma be an indicator of keeping the BCS in following years? And, has anyone tracked this in their own herds?
As always I appreciate everyones input...Thanks!