Growing great heifers — where it goes wrong and how to get it right

Abstract

The growth rate of dairy heifers determines not only their rearing cost, but also their performance once they join the adult herd. It is therefore essential to ensure that heifers achieve targets throughout the rearing period, particularly doubling birth weight by weaning and achieving 55–60% mature weight at 13–14 months, ready for service. Growth rate should be monitored by weighing or by measuring withers or hip height. Heifers should not get over fat at any stage. Data collected at Synergy Farm Health has shown that the commonest problems with poor growth are: a poor start (particularly inadequate colostrum intake), low intake of milk, growth check after weaning, reduced weight gain of grazing heifers after mid summer, and uneven size at 13–14 months, target time for first service. The causes and potential solutions to these problems are discussed. Although most problems are seen with under performance and inadequate growth, very high growth rates may also be associated with reduced performance.