Joined by special guest Dr. Lee Jones from Boehringer Ingelheim, this episode focuses on effective heifer development as a foundation for long-term herd success, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right genetics and defining clear production goals.
This conversation explores how early-life management—including colostrum intake, vaccination programs, and nutrition—plays a critical role in building immunity and supporting growth. They highlight key health risks such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and stress the value of customized herd health plans developed with a veterinarian. Reproductive efficiency is another major theme, with strategies to ensure heifers reach puberty on time, breed early, and maintain long-term productivity. The group also evaluates whether heifers should calve at 24 or 30 months, weighing economic and logistical trade-offs. Overall, the conversation underscores that thoughtful planning and consistent management are essential to producing productive, profitable cows.
For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
Episode sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download