Show-Me-Select Replacement™ Heifer Program

Dr. Joe Parcell

University of Missouri – Columbia

Why The Program Began....

Effecting change in reproductive management

of the U.S. cowherd will require a fundamental

change in the approach to management

procedures and development practices being

used on heifers retained for breeding purposes

(Patterson et al., 2000).

Since 1997 . . . 493 farms 166 veterinarians 54,652 heifers

Show-Me-Select Replacement™ Heifer Program

Accomplishments and Impacts

The marketing component, since 1997. . . 11,594 heifers sold $10,927,012 in gross sales 3,775 prospective buyers & 1,283 successful buyers

Show-Me-Select Replacement™ Heifer Program

Accomplishments and Impacts

Ownership Bred heifers owned a

minimum of 60 days prior to breeding

Original source identified

Health IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV,

Leptospirosis, Vibriosis, Clostridial

Internal and external parasite control

Horns and scurs removed

What Adds Value?

Inspection of Heifers

Must meet minimum projected frame score of Medium using USDA system for cow grades

Must meet minimum muscle score using USDA feeder cattle scoring system

Screened for general sale acceptability

Pre-Breeding 60 to 65% of mature

body weight

Pelvic measurement

150 cm2 or greater

Reproductive tract score

50% or greater cycling (RTS of 4 or 5)

What Adds Value?

Sire Requirements

Bred heifers must have been serviced by bulls of known ID and breed

All service sires must have complete EPD information with emphasis on birth weight and calving ease

Repro & Condition Complete pre-breeding

exam

Pregnancy examined prior to 120 days gestation

Grouped to calve within 45 day period

Must weigh 800 lbs. or greater and have minimum BCS of 5

What Adds Value?

Sale heifers

Average added value of $75 to $150/animal above commodity bred heifer plus extra costs

Privatization of business

Long-Term Lower cull rate

Higher calving rate

More consistent calves

Overall heard improvement due to better management practices

How Much Value is Added?

Final Thoughts

Process verification can take on many formsAnd, value appears in many forms

May be other cost/value advantages

www.agebb.missouri.edu/select