Ohio Heifer Development Program Now Accepting Consignments

Nov 29, 2006 1:30 PM

The recently created Ohio Heifer Development Program is now accepting heifer consignments. This program is being provided by The Ohio State University Extension Beef Team and the Ohio Cattlemen's Association, with support from the Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Foundation. Consignment forms can be found online at http://www.ohiocattle.org, or by calling OCA at 614-873-6736. Consignment deadline for the program will be Friday, January 5, 2007.

The upcoming Ohio Heifer Development Program can provide a potential solution to the challenge of raising replacement heifers from both an economical and management standpoint. This program allows producers to bring their replacement heifers to a central location to be developed. Producers will retain ownership in the heifers and pay a daily fee that covers the cost of feed, medicine, reproductive associated costs and labor. Heifers will be provided proper nutrition to meet their growth requirements.

It is critical to have heifers through their first estrous cycle prior to the breeding season. This is highly correlated to having the heifers reach proper weight ranges. Ideally, heifers should be fed to reach approximately 60-65 percent of their mature body weight at breeding time.

Heifers in the program will be artificially bred to bulls with proven genetics, focusing on calving ease and balanced traits. Once confirmed pregnant, heifers will be available for pickup. Ultimately, this program will be a hands-on educational tool as well as a vehicle to help create a statewide heifer development program patterned after other successful state programs.

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