Select more heifers to breed than needed for replacments, usually 50 percent more than are needed to replace the cows culled from the herd. Breed heifers for no longer than a 65-day breeding season and sell all open heifers. A 65-day breeding season is equal to three chances for heifers to conceive. Breed heifers to a bull known to sire small calves at birth. There are bulls within each breed that sire small, healthy calves.
Some breeds have larger numbers of bulls that sire small calves.
During the first production cycle, the most important factor is for a heifer to produce a live calf and breed back within 90 days. The third and possibly most neglected aspect of reproductive management is herd health. A total herd health program formulated by the producer and veterinarian is the best solution. The local large animal veterinarian is the most qualified to outline a vaccination program that will protect against the most serious diseases. His expertise in disease diagnosis and vaccine selection is invaluable but frequently overlooked.