Nutritional Management of the Dairy Heifer to Maximize Growth and Productivity

Abstract

The dairy replacement heifer has historically been considered to be only a cost to the dairy operation and not a potential profit center. Dairy heifers have a tremendous genetic capability to utilize nutrients in their diet to maximize growth and reach puberty at a much earlier age than previously thought. If heifers are provided with sufficient amounts of protein and energy in the right ratios, they can reach puberty and breeding height and weight by 11 months of age without adverse affects on ease of calving, reproductive efficiency or milk production. Heifers on this higher plane of nutrition also have a lower incidence of morbidity and mortality, thus increasing the number of heifers available as replacements on the dairy. This allows the dairy to expand internally without the purchase of outside animals for replacements, as well as increase the rate of voluntary culling.