MANAGEMENT REPLACEMENT HEIFERS FOR PROFITS
Pat Whidden, PAS
 The most significant factor influencing profitability is reproductive performance.
Percent calf crop = number of calves weaned - number of cows in the breeding herd at the start of breeding season. Another measure to consider using is pounds of calf weaned per cow in the breeding herd.
Here's an example of a 100 cow herd with an 85% calf crop and an average weaning weight of 550 lbs.
- (85 calves x 550 lbs./calf) - 100 cows in the breeding herd = 467½ pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed.
This is useful to better calculate the break-even price of calves sold. For example, if annual cow costs are $325, then break-even is 70¢ per lb. In order to lower the break-even, the factors are lower cow costs, higher percent calf crop and heavier weaning weights.
Cows calving early in the calving season improve the profitability in two ways: their calves are heavier at weaning and they tend to have better rebreeding rates. 
This clearly relates to heifers because good heifer management produces a uniform group of heifers that tend to conceive early in the first breeding season, will calve early in their first calving season and tend to remain early calvers the rest of their lives, weaning the heaviest calves.
GMP's:
Good Maintenance Practices
Randy Samko
Another summer is here! As you list the projects that need done, be sure you include taking care of your liquid supplement equipment. As you know, with any equipment, good maintenance can increase its longevity as well as help with product performance.
Feeders
Clean out your feeders for storage until next fall. Lick wheel feeders should have the lids taken off (if your type has removable lids) and thoroughly washed out. The wheel assemblies should be inspected for damage to be repaired or replaced. Store feeders upside down to prevent rainwater and other debris from falling into them and contaminating that first load in the early fall.
Storage Tanks
Storage tanks also need to be cleaned. Whether your storage tanks are metal or poly, yearly cleaning is essential. Suga-LikTM molasses-based supplements contain a lot of dry matter, over 75% in some products. When a molasses-based product sits for a period of time (i.e., over the summer) without agitation, the dry matter can settle and the small amount of moisture can evaporate, which may make the product difficult to handle when you pump it for the first time next feeding season. The material removed from the storage tank can be fed to your cattle rather than disposing of it. Try to avoid feeding metal/rust flakes, as it can cause
"hardware disease." After cleaning your storage tank, inspect it for wear or damage, then repair while the tank is empty. Check that your valves are working properly, now is the time to replace them if needed. This same process should also be applied to your delivery tanks as well.
Pumps and Motors
Pumps and motors can be expensive to replace, and should be maintained properly. If your pump has been leaking or running slow, have it rebuilt or replaced. Check with your pump suppler for parts and help in rebuilding it. The best way to store your pump for the off season is, first, run some water through it. Then to avoid rust, while not running, pour some vegetable oil into the inlet port and turn the shaft by hand to get ample oil coating on the gears.
With just a little time invested this summer, you can save a lot of aggravation next feeding season. You can look forward to your next load of Suga-LikTM Liquid Supplement in September.
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