It’s replacement heifer selection time!
Every year I spend quite a lot of time looking over the heifers born the previous year as potential replacements for the herd. Now, you might think I mean that I am in the pen looking at their physical characteristics and you would be correct, partially. Phenotype (the observable characteristics or traits of an organism that are produced by the interaction of the genotype and the environment : the physical expression of one or more genes) is an important part of the selection process. Cattlemen have different opinions about the phenotype they prefer. Some of my considerations are femininity, leg and foot structure, head type, length and depth of body, and overall impression. Phenotype is a weighty portion of my process, but there is so much more!
What other information is available?
There is a virtually endless amount of other information available for me to look at as a breeder of registered Angus and Red Angus cattle. Most of my cows and all of my bulls have a DNA profile within their breed association. We have used EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) for decades, but the information included continues to increase. For example, I can use the EPDs generated for a particular heifer to see whether her calves will be close to average weight at birth, or smaller or larger than average. A calf predicted to be much larger than the average of the breed could potentially cause a heifer difficulty when calving. Here is an example of the information on one animal which can be used.
Cow Family
What I know about the dam/grand-dam/great-grand-dam/etc. of the heifer is also of utmost importance. If a heifer has a history of cows that have succeeded in producing a calf every year, are unfailingly maternal, maintain their weight well while nursing, and have a gentle temperament, then she has a leg up to being selected to stay in the herd as a broodcow. Longevity, production, condition, and disposition are very important traits for a cow to possess.
Am I a Keeper?
You might be wondering why I am telling you all of this. Well to begin, I love every minute of every day being a cattleman. I love my cows. I love the science of genetics. I love watching the magic of every year; starting with calving in April, a Summer on pasture as the calves grow, weaning time which reveals potential, harvesting beef from the previous year’s calves, and selecting the next group of mama cows. But this process makes me wonder if I’m also a keeper? Physically I would be a ‘keeper’ in my herd. I have no trouble maintaining my weight, for one thing! But does God think I’m a keeper?
God loves us as we are.
The good news is that God loves us as we are. He created us in His image. He watches over our lives always; guiding, loving, urging, admonishing. All our needs are met, even during trials, if our hearts, minds, souls, and spirits are open to Him. And almost constantly I close my mind and forget to open my concerns and needs to my gracious Father. There are countless reminders in His Word, so let me share just this one:
Psalm 23: 1 The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want;
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters;
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil;
for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.