What happens to your dairy heifers between weaning and calving? This question reveals a critical blind spot on many UK dairy farms. While we meticulously monitor pre-weaning calves and track age at first calving, those crucial months in between often become a forgotten period where potential growth, health, and future productivity can be compromised.
Farm veterinarian Emily Linton takes us through this overlooked phase, revealing eye-opening facts about its impact on your bottom line. The financial stakes are significant - rearing costs range from £1,000-£3,000 per heifer, with each day beyond 24 months adding £2.87. More alarmingly, heifers calving at 30 months are five times more likely to be culled within 50 days, creating a devastating financial loss as they never reach their break-even point in the herd.
We explore practical strategies to optimize this period, from tailoring protein levels in feed (avoiding common overfeeding) to implementing disease monitoring tools like lung scanning that can detect subclinical respiratory issues before they impact growth. Emily shares targeted growth benchmarks, emphasizing that heifers should reach 55-60% of mature bodyweight at breeding and 85% at calving, with first lactation yields at approximately 80% of mature cow production.
The podcast concludes with valuable insights on transitioning heifers into the milking herd, including surprising tips like using vinegar to reduce bullying and scheduling introductions during afternoon milking when established cows are less territorial. Whether you're struggling with inconsistent growth rates, delayed calving, or poor first lactation performance, this episode provides the monitoring tools and management practices to transform your replacement heifer program.
Subscribe to ChewintheCud Podcast for more practical insights that challenge conventional thinking and improve profitability in UK dairy farming. How might your dairy business benefit from giving those "forgotten heifers" the attention they deserve?
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