Critical Control Points in Beef Heifer Development

Abstract

Critical control points (CCPs) are the important thresholds that provide opportunities to measure the success of a process. The appropriate application of CCP in a heifer development program will provide insight as to the success or failure of management's efforts to introduce productive females into the herd. The first CCP occurs at breeding and reflects how appropriately the heifer's growth and phenotype have satisfied the physiologic demands of reproduction. Breeding management and breeding efficiency rates are examined at the second CCP, which is measured at the first pregnancy examination. The third CCP, measured at calving, gives an indication of the success of the nutritional plan and losses associated with pregnancy and the perinatal period. The fourth CCP, measured at the second season pregnancy exam, is a critical evaluation of how the heifer has fared with the cumulative stress of reproduction and lactation.