REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- When selecting heifers to keep as replacements in the herd, keep several factors in mind, according to university experts.

"The trend of downhill cow inventory numbers has been upon the cattle industry for several years, most recently due to higher cattle prices. Many ask if we can expand profitably without seeing a dip in cattle prices again," said Chris Clark, Iowa State University Extension beef specialist.

With over 50 million heifers and cows going to slaughter in the past three years and 2025 replacement heifer numbers down 3%, Clark said the regrowth isn't starting yet. He said producers should ask themselves many questions.

-- Can you afford to buy replacement heifers?

-- Can you afford not to sell heifers?

-- Can you feed out the heifers?

-- Can you breed the heifers?

-- Can you graze the heifers on grass?

-- What's the best way to expand -- bred heifers, bred cows or replacement heifers?

LOOK FOR PRODUCTIVE HEIFERS

Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Specialist Parker Henley said it is important to make sure replacement heifers fit the production environment, breed early, calve unassisted, and remain productive for years to contribute to the herd's long-term profitability. Clark agreed, "Producers need to know what it will cost to get a heifer in their herd to a bred heifer." Heifer value, feed availability and breeding input costs all play a part in that cost.

Henley said heifers that reach puberty early are more likely to conceive during their first breeding season and calve by 24 months of age. These are the heifers that will also rebreed faster. Heifers must grow to reach target weights and reproductive readiness, weighing approximately 65% of their projected mature weight at the start of breeding season. "A heifer expected to mature at 1,400 pounds, should weigh around 910 pounds at breeding," he said. "Reproductive tract scoring is a valuable tool for assessing reproductive maturity."

Herd fertility and longevity increase with pregnancy rates being higher at first service and within a 60-day breeding season. Fertility has a low heritability, as does milking ability, but looking at the appropriate expected progeny differences (EPDs) for these traits helps get these heifers to the set goals.

"Phenotype evaluation remains a cornerstone of replacement heifer selection," said Henley. He suggested avoiding extremes in size to help ensure longevity. Other traits to look for are adequate rib shape, depth of body and muscling to help maintain a good body condition score. Structural soundness, hoof integrity and a calm disposition are also important.

While the pelvic area can help predict calving ease, Henley also suggests knowing the bull's genetics that will be used on heifers. Look for bulls with low birthweight and high calving ease direct EPDs in the breed selected.

Clark said while making decisions, it's important for the producer to keep to their herd goals. Whether that is keeping replacements, buying replacements, or buying bred females, it's important to find what will work in their herd and do everything in their power to keep that female productive for as long as they can.

"It's an interesting time in the beef industry," Clark said. "On one hand, we all would like to have as many females as possible producing calves right now. On the other hand, replacement females are really valuable. Simply put, can we afford to expand? And if we do, how do we make the most of that investment?"

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

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