Beef cattle production and management
Evaluation using scrotal circumference
Practical Action
a) Selection of bull using scrotum circumference
b) Measuring the circumference of the scrotum
Heifer management and selection
Replacement heifers have been called the "backbone" of our future cowherds. Heifers need to be
fed in such a way that their mammary systems develop in preparation for lactation. They need
not be fed with a lot of concentrates so that they would not become too fat since this would
adversely affect their reproduction. Their body condition has to be maintained at 3-3.5 and high
live weight at calving. Heifers of large breeds usually reach puberty at 270kg and smaller ones at
240kg.
A heifer in good condition
Traits of economic importance in heifer selection
Age at puberty is most important as a production trait when heifers are bred to calve as two year
olds and in systems that improve restricted breeding seasons. The main aim of selection is to
identify superior animals and to use them for breeding, so that efficiency and profitability of the
herd are improved. Therefore, a breeding cow should meet the following criteria:
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