Sand Mountain Elite Heifer Development Program
Extension Education
M. Landon Marks
Regional Extension Agent
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Centre
Abstract
The Sand Mountain Elite Heifer Development Program was established to demonstrate to Northeast Alabama cattle producers recommended methods for replacement heifer development including use of artificial insemination (AI). The objective of this project is to develop a land-grant university-based demonstration program to educate beef cattle producers on the concepts of developing heifers from the yearling phase to conception on cool-season annual and perennial forages. North Alabama beef producers nominate weaned heifer calves from Fall and early winter calving herds in November each year. Heifers are screened for structural correctness and overall quality by Extension personnel prior to delivery at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center in January. Body weights and hip heights are measured monthly and used to adjust nutrition levels and monitor progress. After a pre-breeding exam including pelvic measurements and reproductive tract scores, heifers are synchronized and bred on visual detection of heat to a low birth weight EPD bull. Ten days post-breeding, a low birth weight EPD cleanup bull is placed in the pasture with the heifers until early June. Heifers are pregnancy checked and sent home in mid- to late- June, which is approximately 165 days after delivery. Consignors in the program were surveyed (n = 12; 100% response rate) regarding their perceptions and applications of heifer management information following enrollment in the program. Survey results noted that 92% indicated participating in the program was strongly beneficial or may have been beneficial (8%) to their operation. Participants reported that animal performance data provided by the program was either extremely useful (66%), very useful (16%) or slightly to moderately useful (16%). Producer adoption of practices showcased as part of the heifer development program was high, with 84% indicating they had implemented various management practices after participating in the program. Producers reported that their overall herd management level had increased because of participating in the program (80%), and 60% of the respondents indicated that this program led to new marketing methods for their cattle operation. Eighty percent of consignors reported a return on the investment of consigning heifers to the program.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
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Authors: M. Marks, Kent Stanford , Kimberly Mullenix, Soren Rodning
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Marks, M. Regional Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System , Alabama, 35960-2816
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Stanford , K. Associate Extension Professor , Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 35962
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Mullenix, K. Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Auburn University , Alabama, 36849
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Rodning , S. Extension Specialist and Professor , Auburn University , Alabama, 36849