Show-Me-Select Replacement

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Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program

• Dr. Joe Parcell
• University of Missouri Columbia

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Why The Program Began....

• Effecting change in reproductive management of
  the U.S. cowherd will require a fundamental
  change in the approach to management procedures
  and development practices being used on heifers
  retained for breeding purposes (Patterson et al.,
  2000).

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Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program
Accomplishments and Impacts

• Since 1997 . . .
• 493 farms
• 166 veterinarians
• 54,652 heifers

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Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program
Accomplishments and Impacts

• The marketing component, since 1997. . .
• 11,594 heifers sold
• 10,927,012 in gross sales
• 3,775 prospective buyers 1,283 successful
  buyers

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What Adds Value?

• Health
• IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, Leptospirosis, Vibriosis,
  Clostridial
• Internal and external parasite control
• Horns and scurs removed

• Ownership
• Bred heifers owned a minimum of 60 days prior to
  breeding
• Original source identified

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What Adds Value?

• Inspection of Heifers
• Must meet minimum projected frame score of Medium
  using USDA system for cow grades
• Must meet minimum muscle score using USDA feeder
  cattle scoring system
• Screened for general sale acceptability

• Pre-Breeding
• 60 to 65 of mature body weight
• Pelvic measurement
• 150 cm2 or greater
• Reproductive tract score
• 50 or greater cycling (RTS of 4 or 5)

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What Adds Value?

• Sire Requirements
• Bred heifers must have been serviced by bulls of
  known ID and breed
• All service sires must have complete EPD
  information with emphasis on birth weight and
  calving ease

• Repro Condition
• Complete pre-breeding exam
• Pregnancy examined prior to 120 days gestation
• Grouped to calve within 45 day period
• Must weigh 800 lbs. or greater and have minimum
  BCS of 5

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How Much Value is Added?

• Long-Term
• Lower cull rate
• Higher calving rate
• More consistent calves
• Overall heard improvement due to better
  management practices

• Sale heifers
• Average added value of 75 to 150/animal above
  commodity bred heifer plus extra costs
• Privatization of business

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Final Thoughts

• Process verification can take on many forms
• And, value appears in many forms
• May be other cost/value advantages
• www.agebb.missouri.edu/select