Heifers
Heifers represent the future of your dairy herd. This section highlights some of the key aspects of rearing heifers from weaning through to first lactation.
Total results 8
Total results 8
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Featured
Contract GrazingContract heifer growing involves the collaboration between a dairy farmer and a grazier. This page emphasises the significance of clear communication, mutual benefits, and solid health programmes with steps to develop a contract grazing arrangement.
Animal•15 min read
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Featured
Liveweight targetsHeifer liveweight at first mating and calving influences reproductive performance and milk production potential. Achieving liveweight targets is crucial; otherwise, first calving may delay, and fertility may decrease.
Animal•4 min read
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Considering Grazing
Heifer grazing involves estimating your farm's ability to support the growth of dairy heifers to meet their target weights. It's important to evaluate the number of heifers your land can sustain based on the amount and quality of pasture.
Animal•4 min read
Considering Grazing
Heifer grazing involves estimating your farm's ability to support the growth of dairy heifers to meet their target weights. It's important to evaluate the number of heifers your land can sustain based on the amount and quality of pasture.
Animal•4 min read
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Heifer Nutrition
Feeding and nutrition play a critical role in a young heifer's development. A well-fed heifer grows more, produces more milk, and competes better with mature cows. Your heifer's diet needs sufficient energy and protein for optimal growth.
Animal•5 min read
Heifer Nutrition
Feeding and nutrition play a critical role in a young heifer's development. A well-fed heifer grows more, produces more milk, and competes better with mature cows. Your heifer's diet needs sufficient energy and protein for optimal growth.
Animal•5 min read
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Related tools
Heifer Development Plan
Growing heifers well, so that they meet their liveweight targets, can improve farm productivity and profitability. Use this tool to set a plan for the first two years of a heifer's life.
Tools
Animal
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Heifer health
A heifer's health plan needs to adapt to her age and grazing farm, especially if she moves farms in her first two years. It should cover 5 areas: biosecurity, vaccinations, parasite management, trace elements and minerals, and region-specific issues.
Animal•5 min read
Heifer health
A heifer's health plan needs to adapt to her age and grazing farm, especially if she moves farms in her first two years. It should cover 5 areas: biosecurity, vaccinations, parasite management, trace elements and minerals, and region-specific issues.
Animal•5 min read
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Mating
Successful heifer mating is essential for their productive future. Targets include reaching puberty at 12-13 months, conceiving by 13-15 months, and being of adequate weight at calving.
Animal•5 min read
Mating
Successful heifer mating is essential for their productive future. Targets include reaching puberty at 12-13 months, conceiving by 13-15 months, and being of adequate weight at calving.
Animal•5 min read
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Heifer Weighing
Heifer growth, best measured by liveweight, is a vital aspect of dairy farming. Consistent weigh-ins, ideally every 4-8 weeks, help monitor growth and spot issues early on.
Animal•3 min read
Heifer Weighing
Heifer growth, best measured by liveweight, is a vital aspect of dairy farming. Consistent weigh-ins, ideally every 4-8 weeks, help monitor growth and spot issues early on.
Animal•3 min read
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Rearing Options
Heifer rearing is essential for your dairy farm's success. The page discusses three basic methods: rearing stock on your dairy farm, contract grazing, and purchasing grown replacements.
Animal•3 min read
Rearing Options
Heifer rearing is essential for your dairy farm's success. The page discusses three basic methods: rearing stock on your dairy farm, contract grazing, and purchasing grown replacements.
Animal•3 min read