FEEDING FACTS
HEIFER DEVELOPMENT FROM WEANING TO BREEDING B Y J I M M Y PA R K E R With today’s economic and environmental factors, we have seen or are seeing a significant selloff of the cow herd nationally and we should see a significant build back within the next couple of years. This makes heifer development a topic that should be discussed. Growing heifers correctly is a key to long term success in a normal cow herd cycle and as we trend toward restocking the brood cow herd, it becomes even more critical. So, what is meant by the term heifer development? It refers to growing heifers from weaning until at least breeding but more often until they are bred back after having their first calf. Many things
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Cooperative Farming News
during that period are important and will help determine how productive they will be as mature cows and how long they stay in the cow herd. It does cost a significant amount to raise a heifer so doing the small things to maximize their longevity makes a great deal of sense. A heifer needs to be 65 to 70% of her mature weight at breeding and at least 85% of mature weight at calving. They have to be grown at a healthy rate to achieve these goals without getting the heifer too fat or not supplying enough nutrients to cause calving issues. The easiest way to formulate a plan is to do
