FEATURE ARTICLE
NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF BOS INDICUS-
Influnced Heifers
by Carson Andersen, University of Missouri-Columbia Graduate Research Assistant and Jordan Thomas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor State Beef Reproduction Specialist, University of Missouri-Columbia
Replacement heifers are the building blocks to a productive and profitable cowherd that will influence the success of your operation for many years to come. Each heifer development program has a multitude of critical management decisions that must be considered when developing successful replacement heifers. Heifers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and breeds and because of this, management styles may vary from operation
to operation to match the animals’ needs. So, let’s talk Bos indicus-influenced cattle (e.g. Brangus). Should Bos indicusinfluenced heifers be managed differently than Bos taurus heifers? Yes and no. Bos indicus-influenced heifers really are different than Bos taurus heifers, in that Bos indicusinfluenced heifers attain puberty at a later age. Although that presents a challenge, and may require different management (continued on page 42)
Photo compliments of GKB Cattle Co. 41
