When purchasing cattle of unknown origin, predicting their genetic potential is difficult. Their ability to gain, cycle, conceive and deliver is unknown, not to mention their ability to rebreed, maintain body condition, and milk sufficiently to wean an acceptable calf. Purchasing cattle from a known source over an extended period of time can also help in achieving some level of predictability. These relationships should be sought when the decision to purchase replacement heifers is made. The potential for longevity in the herd is an important consideration in purchasing decisions.
Potential longevity is difficult to predict in cattle from an unknown origin.
The longer a female stays in the herd, the greater the opportunity for her to be profitable. These females must be bought realizing they will not remain in the herd for any extended period of time. As such, their purchase value must be nearer to their cull value than in the case of purchasing younger cattle. Similar to genetic potential, ranchers must know why these cattle are being sold. The exception might be small cows bred to high birth weight bulls.