With cattle prices at record highs, ranchers looking to build back beef cattle herds need to take careful consideration of the composition of replacement heifers to yield top-quality calves.  We are at a unique time right now, where we are making some serious decisions about the quality of stock we are purchasing to restock or what we are raising as replacements.

Ranchers must select animals with a good body that will nurse a calf until weaning, specialists say

Beef producers should look at a number of criteria when selecting good replacement heifers. Skeletal soundness and length of stride are among those to consider. Possibly also observe things not commonly thought of.

Look for weird things, such as width of mouth.  A wide-mouth cow will eat more and perform better. Good traits of a cow also include having a good body. She should also be a cow that cares for and can nurse her calf until weaning. If the cow can’t pay that rent check, she’s a freeloader and get rid of her.

Extension Specialists say structure is important, and don’t select females that are post-legged or stand too straight up and down.

Cattle that are straight, their joints start to wear out sooner. That is a trait you do not want.

Beef producers should watch a cow’s stride. Cows that take shorter strides require more steps and can have reduced longevity. Width of pin bones is another thing to consider. Cows that are wide between their pin bones tend to have more calving ease than those with narrow openings.