Early Calvers Add Dollars

Early Calvers Add Dollars

I’m KayDee Gilkey with today’s Open Range.

Females that calve earlier in the season net more profit for their owners. Research from across the country proves it. Animal scientist Eric Mousel says over their lifetime - early-calving heifers will earn around $1100 above salvage value. Those that calve later in the season cut that number in half -- which can really drag down a herd’s profitability.

Mousel: “So that is probably one of the real focal points of the research is that it is interesting that you see more longevity and productivity out of those early heifers but it really makes a difference on the bottom line.”

More incentive to keep early calving females - they produce better carcass cattle.

Mousel: “Carcass quality is really tied to longevity. It is really tied to early calving females so I think that is something that we will see a lot more of in the future is a little more research and a little more implementation of selecting for these early females if for nothing else for the carcass quality.”

Mousel says that’s something that any producer can benefit from - regardless of marketing.

Mousel: “Grades -- if they don’t meet grade than they are really not worth feeding right now. So having the carcass quality bred-in is really important -- whether you feed them out for yourself or if it is simply by reputation.”