Heifer Development Program
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The O’Hare Ranch handles between 1500-2000 Angus, Angus/Hereford Cross heifers, through our heifer development program, selling between 1000-1200 head annually, either by private treaty or through various livestock markets. All heifers originate from ranches in Nebraska, Montana, and South Dakota. We, at the O’Hare Ranch, strive to acquire high quality calves straight off the ranch or from livestock markets through out the area. We generally know the background of the herds when we acquire calves. Some ranches have been supplying heifers to us for several years. | |
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Heifers are back grounded on a mixture of alfalfa, hay, silage, corn and a protein supplement through the winter months. They are wintered in large cornfields, as exercise along with nutrition are of utmost importance to develop a sound heifer that will be ready to breed at 12-14 months of age. All of the heifer calves are given vaccinations and poured, upon arrival plus boosted at the appropriate time. In addition, the heifers are all pelvic measured and palpated and given pre-breeding shots in the winter to alleviate most calving problems. We cull the heifers to those that are reproductively sound and large enough to calve a 70# calf unassisted. Heifers are culled for confirmation, size and temperament. We will cull 20 –30% of the heifers at this time.
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| The heifers are synchronized, using the MGA and lutalyse program, and detected in standing heat for a period of 6-8 days. Our detection crew, mostly women, have been working with us for several years, as have our AI technicians . The heifers are bred AM & PM approximately 12 hours after detection. The next group of heifers are bred 2 ½ weeks later (approximately 1 cycle) for 10-12 days. After a two week waiting period, bulls are introduced to the Summer Pasture for 42 days to cover the heifers that did not settle with the AI Breeding. Ultra sound is used to preg check and determine sex at 40-45 days into gestation. | ||
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This program gives us three groups of heifers. The first group will start calving the last part of January, the second group start calving around the middle of February and the third group (pasture bred) will begin the second week of March. WE GUARANTEE THESE HEIFERS TO BE BRED DURING THIS TIME FRAME!! |
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