When we think about “making every calf count,” heifer non-completion rate is a key performance indicator (KPI) that should definitely be on producers’ minds. Heifer non-completion rate is defined by the number of heifer replacements that never make it to the lactating herd divided by the total number of heifers born alive.
Heifer non-completion rate among more than 50 CentralStar herds in Michigan and Indiana averages 11%, with a range of 4-25%. A good goal to shoot for is: 10%, with anything higher than 15% being a real cause for concern that should be addressed as soon as possible with the reproductive consultant, nutritionist, veterinarian, and farm staff. The team can then consider the following questions:
- At what age are heifers dying or leaving the herd? Is it within the first few days, around weaning, or at breeding age?
- Are some months or seasons worse than others? Do heifers born at night/on the weekend have worse outcomes?
- Why are heifers dying? Keeping detailed records of body temperature, treatments, observations, etc. helps immensely as we evaluate possible solutions.
- If heifers are transported to a different location for raising, how does that transition go? Are you getting adequately detailed data from your heifer grower?
A growing area of research shows heifers that struggle with scours, respiratory, and other health issues as calves never perform to their full productive or reproductive potential over the course of their entire lives. They are set back permanently.
As far as breeding-age heifers, I like to see at least 90% of heifers getting pregnant within three services. Heifers taking more services than that are usually reproductively inferior and will become reproductively inferior cows. Reproductive culls in heifers should be minimal.
When we think about the future of the herd and design breeding strategies, we must account for the percent of heifers that don’t complete and create additional replacements to make up for them. We have much more flexibility to create an optimal number of genetically-superior replacements, and make greater and faster genetic progress, when we don’t have a high non-completion rate.
I still regularly observe farms continuing to make an excess of heifers housed in crowded facilities. This creates a vicious cycle. CentralStar has tools and resources available to make the optimal number of the best replacements possible and be in the much more-favorable cycle.
Profitable herds are making every calf count by having excellent colostrum management and passive transfer at birth, a solid vaccination protocol, a successful weaning transition, proper nutrition at all stages of growth and development, and a strong reproduction program. These management practices will keep heifer non-completion rates in check and lead to success. Talk with the CentralStar team to help manage your non-completion rate and get more from your program!
Article by Kelly Sporer, Farm Data Consultant