The Milk Producer - October 2011 - (Page 42)

REARINGREPLACEMENTS By Mario S. Mongeon Heifer quandary hen industry professionals meet to discuss calf and heifer management, there is usually consensus among the group that many dairy producers invest financial and labour resources into raising too many replacement heifers. A few unknowns are attached to a first-calf heifer. She could have difficulties at calving or may not meet your production expectations. Although heifers generally have better genetic potential than older cows, it is not always the case—genetics is a science of probabilities. There are economic uncertainties, as well. For example, when a young animal takes the place of an older cow, this newcomer will have to produce milk to cover the expense of raising her from birth to first calving. Depending on her productivity, profits may show up only late in her second lactation. Most of you are familiar with the concept of amortization for equipment and buildings, but don’t think to apply this concept to your cows. In fact, it may be highly relevant. You have an acquisition cost, a period when the cow will generate income and a residual value at the end of this animal’s productive life. W Refining your operation’s replacement management program can yield positive financial results Heifer cost less obvious When you buy a cow, you know the acquisition cost. This cost is less obvious when you raise a heifer from birth. With some calculations, you could estimate a cost around $2,500. You can calculate a cow’s productive life by subtracting the number of days from birth to first calving and the number of days dry from the total number of days of life. Factors over 42 | October 2011 | MilkPRODUCER • • • • • Raising a replacement heifer costs $2,500 Calving heifers early pays off Identify your replacement needs Raise only what you need Control your replacement and mortality rate

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - October 2011

The Milk Producer - October 2011
Contents
Editor's Notes
DFO Chair's Message
Provincial Perspectives
Dairy Update
Industry Roundup
DFC Promotion
Cover Story
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Rearing Replacements
Markets
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty

The Milk Producer - October 2011