Heifers

Heifers represent the future of your dairy herd. How well heifers are grown and their body condition at first calving has a big impact on their reproductive performance and milksolids production in their first season.

Well grown heifers

Have improved milk production
Heifers reaching target liveweight will produce 8.5kgMS more in their first lactation than if they are 10% below target liveweight.
Have greater lifetime productivity
Heifers reaching target liveweight will have 5% better 6wk in-calf rates and 1.5% lower empty rates. This equates to $35 economic benefit per heifer compared to heifers 10% below target liveweight.
Have reduced replacement costs

Using InCalf data for a mob of 50 heifers, the potential gain to move them from 10% under target liveweight to achieving targets is $3875 at a $5/kgMS milk price.

This section highlights some of the key aspects to rearing heifers from weaning through to first calving. It will help you choose a heifer replacement strategy, set relevant growth targets, monitor performance and manage relationships.