<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3BozVb_10X9n7fd00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3BozVb_10X9n7fd00" width="900" height="675" ><figcaption>Measuring pelvic area on heifers helps to mitigate calving difficulties in the future.</figcaption></figure>When it comes to making decisions regarding heifer retention, producers must be diligent in their selection to ensure they are keeping the right females to build and/or sustain their herd. While phenotype evaluation has long been the gold standard for selecting heifers, pelvic exams may be another data tool for ranchers to consider before putting the final seal of approval on their kept females.Pelvic measuring heifers really is as straight forward as it sounds, and while there are a couple of different methods used by veterinarians, the purpose is to measure the height and width of the pelvis, giving an overall pelvis “area” measurement. That measurement gives insight into what size of calf that heifer should be able to deliver without any difficulties as a two-year old.However, pelvic measuring heifers can provide ranchers with more information than just pelvic area, according to Dr. Megan Igo of Southwest Montana Vet Services.“We also do a reproductive tract score. We check to see if they are reproductively sound and if they are cycling, so it is a pretty comprehensive exam,” she explained.Pelvic measuring heifers is not unlike taking a car to a mechanic for a pre-purchase exam. Sure, the heifer may physically look mature enough to breed, but what is really going on “under the hood?”Moreover, by pelvic measuring heifers, a producer can still keep moderation front of mind when selecting replacements. It is common to key in on physically bigger, more mature-looking heifers as replacements, but bigger heifers often produce bigger calves, not to mention they can take more feed to maintain. By pelvic measuring, a more moderate-framed heifer with an adequate pelvis area could be considered without fear of calving complications.Igo also pointed out that research has proven pelvic area on females is highly heritable, so retaining heifers with good measurements now could benefit the herd in the long run.<h2>People are also reading…</h2>Missy and Bob Thielen, who ranch outside of Plevna, Mont., pelvic measured their heifers this year. The couple raises seedstock bulls, and like many producers, they aspire to maintain a herd of females that are moderate framed without sacrificing growth potential in their calves.“In order to keep our herd at the size we wanted them to be and to be more uniform, this is a step we needed to take,” Missy said.Calving ease is also front of mind for the Thielens. Missy keeps articulate records on their females, and she began to notice that often heifers who have difficulty calving don’t breed back well, if at all, their three-year old year.Missy said they ended up culling heifers this year whose pelvic openings did not fall in the desired range, confirming the notion that picking heifers strictly on outward appearance may not be foolproof.“There were a couple heifers this year that were in that 700-pound range. They looked big, they looked great, and their EPDs were what we wanted, but their pelvis openings were not in the range we wanted to see. Sometimes it hurts to cull, but in the long run, I am going to be more comfortable calving out this bunch of heifers,” she stated.Every operation is unique, and producers are encouraged to consult with their herd veterinarian to determine if pelvic measuring heifers would be worthwhile.“If you want to get a good night’s rest during calving season, take the extra step and do it,” Missy said with a chuckle.In addition to calving peace of mind, Igo said pelvic measuring heifers gives vets one more opportunity to interact with a rancher and their herd.“A lot of times we will bangs vaccinate those females and then we don’t see them again for quite a while. Pelvic measuring gives us vets another chance to work with ranchers and help them accomplish their goals,” she concluded.</div></body>

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When it comes to making decisions regarding heifer retention, producers must be diligent in their selection to ensure they are keeping the right females to build and/or sustain their herd. While phenotype evaluation has long been the gold standard for selecting heifers, pelvic exams may be another data tool for ranchers to consider before putting the final seal of approval on their kept females.

Pelvic measuring heifers could help make selection decisions

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When it comes to making decisions regarding heifer retention, producers must be diligent in their selection to ensure they are keeping the right females to

Pelvic measuring heifers could help make selection decisions

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