Getting the heifer rearing process right

Researchers Emer Kennedy and Hazel Costigan join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss the importance of getting the heifer rearing process right.

Emer explains that there are target growth rates throughout the heifer rearing period: 30%  of mature BW at 6 months, 60% of mature BW at 15 months and 90% of mature BW at 24 months. Regular weighing will ensure that heifers are on target.

Hazel adds that the target will vary across herds depending on the cow type and to identify the exact target for your herd, you should weigh lactation 3 cows or older in month of May or June.

Emer explains that for heifers that fail to reach target weight or are too heavy, evident negative effects include delayed cyclicity, extended calving interval, lower milk solids production and reduced longevity.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/dairy/ReplacmentHeiferManagement.pdf

For more episodes and information from the Dairy Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/