Heifer Development

photo: Yearling heifers

Yearling heifers

With the cow herd at the smallest level since 1962, the stage is set for expansion of the national beef cow herd. To assist producers interested in starting or growing their herd, the Iowa Beef Center developed the statewide educational program, “Heifer Development: Rebuilding Our Future” in conjunction with the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.

In this 2012 series, best management practices from weaning to pregnancy-check were outlined. This program curriculum was repackaged into eight short YouTube videos highlighting these best management practices. See the videos and links to sources of additional information Heifer Development 1: Rebuilding our Future.

In the 2014 series “Heifer Development: Maintaining Your Investment”, Iowa Beef Center presented more specific subsequent information for operations with first-calf heifers. Best management practices ranging from pregnancy-checking as a yearling through grazing season as a first-calf heifer are the basis of this series. This content is now available through 10 short YouTube videos and links to sources of additional information Heifer Development 2: Maintaining Your Investment.

We hope you find value in this information for your operations, and welcome all feedback, questions, and comments.

Heifer Development 1: Rebuilding our Future

video title

more information

Lee SchulzvideoRaising vs. Buying  Heifers for Beef Cow Replacement -- Lee Schulz, ISU Extension livestock economist

Raising Versus Buying Heifers for Beef Cow Replacement

Russ EukenvideoNutrition of Developing Beef Heifers -– Russ Euken, ISU Extension livestock program specialist

 

Denise SchwabvideoTarget Weights of Replacement Beef Females -- Denise Schwab, ISU Extension beef program specialist

 

Joe SellersvideoBull Selection and Genetic Considerations for Replacement Beef Heifers  -- Joe Sellers, ISU Extension beef program specialist

Genetic Selection: EPD Basics (IBC video series)

Beth DoranvideoPhenotypic Selection of Replacement Beef Females -- Beth Doran, ISU Extension beef program specialist

 

Chris ClarkvideoHealth Management of Replacement Beef Females -– Chris Clark, DVM, ISU Extension beef program specialist

 

Patrick GunnvideoBenefits of Estrous Synchronization and Artificial Insemination in Beef Heifers -- Patrick Gunn, ISU cow-calf specialist

Estrus Synchronization Planner

Beef Reproductive Task Force

Grant DewellvideoBull Breeding Soundness Exams and Considerations for the Breeding Season -– Grant Dewell, DVM, ISU Extension beef veterinarian

Trichomoniasis in Beef Cattle

Heifer Development 2: Maintaining Your Investment

video title

more information

Lee SchulzvideoNet Present Value of Beef Replacement Females “What can I pay for her today” -- Lee Schulz, ISU Extension livestock economist

Net Present Value of Beef Replacement Females

Denise SchwabvideoPre-calving/Late Gestation Nutrition of the Yearling Beef Heifer Pt. 1 –- Denise Schwab, ISU Extension beef program specialist

Management of First-Calf Heifers

Nutritional Influences of Reproduction

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction: Energy and Protein

Russ EukenvideoPre-calving/Late Gestation Nutrition of the Yearling Beef Heifer Pt. 2 –- Russ Euken, ISU Extension livestock program specialist

Management of First-Calf Heifers

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction: Energy and Protein

Grant DewellvideoCalving Management in First-Calf Heifers and Beef Cows -- Grant Dewell, DVM, ISU Extension beef veterinarian

Calving Time Management for Beef Cows and Heifers

Grant DewellvideoColostrum Considerations in the First-Calf Heifers and Beef Cows -- Grant Dewell, DVM, ISU Extension beef veterinarian

Management of First-Calf Heifers

Chris ClarkvideoNeonatal Scours in Beef Cattle -- Chris Clark, DVM, ISU Extension beef program specialist

Calf Scours: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Calf Scours: Causes and Treatment

Beth DoranvideoEarly Lactation Nutrition in the First-Calf Beef Heifer –- Beth Doran, ISU Extension beef program specialist

Extra Energy of Young Females After Calving

Management of First-Calf Heifers

Nutrient Needs and Impact on Reproduction

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction: Energy and Protein

Patrick GunnvideoBenefits of Estrous Synchronization in the First-Calf Beef Heifer -– Patrick Gunn, ISU Cow-calf specialist

Estrus Synchronization Planner

Beef Reproductive Task Force

Patrick WallvideoGenetic Considerations for the First-calf Beef Heifer –- Patrick Wall, ISU Extension beef program specialist

Udder Scoring I

Udder Scoring II

Joe SellersvideoGrazing Management for First-Calf Beef Heifers- How to Thrive –- Joe Sellers,ISU Extension beef program specialist

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction

Nutritional Influences on Reproduction: Energy and Protein