Maximizing Reproductive Efficiency in the Cow Herd

Maximum reproductive efficiency in a cow herd will not often be achieved accidentally. Every producer must set for himself a goal of the level of reproductive efficiency that he desires to achieve in his herd. A goal that I believe is realistic for South Dakota cattle producers is to have 95 to 100% of his cow herd calve every 12 months and wean a 500 to 600 pound calf. Whatever the goal is, it seldom will be achieved by chance alone. We can\u27t hope a group of heifers into reaching puberty by 14 months of age, we can\u27t hope 95% of our cows into conceiving in a 45-day period nor can we hope them into weaning 600 pound calves. These objectives can only be achieved by following a carefully planned management system