SECOND WINTER TARGETS: Growth rates of 0.7 - 0.8kg/day are recommended during first pregnancy. Heifers should be 440 - 450kg at housing, or approximately 80% of mature live weight. Heifers must achieve 90% of mature body weight at calving at a Body Condition Score of 3.0 - 3.25.
ANIMAL NUTRITION ● Achieving target weights at calving dictates first-lactation performance, lifetime performance of the heifer and ultimately the milking herd. ● Where heifers are below target weight at the point of calving, growth continues during the first lactation at the expense of milk production. ● Avoid heifers becoming over fat during this period.
● Good quality silage and a high quality pre-calver mineral (GAIN Pre-calver Gold @ 120g/head/day) is generally sufficient during the second winter provided they are housed at target weights. ● Spring born in-calf replacement heifers will eat approx. 1.1t of 20% DM silage/month over the winter period. ● Heifers below target weights should be offered concentrates (GAIN Pre-calver Activator) pre-calving.
ANIMAL HEALTH Salmonella Where heifers have not been vaccinated against salmonella yet, now is the time to start with the primary course of two injections 3 weeks apart to prevent abortions. Rota/coronavirus and E-coli Vaccinate pregnant heifers 3 - 12 weeks before calving to increase colostrum quality and provide additional protection against calf scour for the newborn calf. Parasite control Usually it is not necessary to dose heifers for liver fluke until housing. Bulk tank herd disease screening can be used to gauge the fluke risk in your herd. Based on heifer growth rates and fecal egg count results there may not have been a need to dose late in the grazing season for stomach worms. Dosing at housing will clear any remaining parasites and prevent problems during the winter and in early spring. Pay attention to the products used as not all products are allowed in pregnant heifers. Lice and mites Some anthelmintics will also eliminate lice and mites, however, specific treatments during housing may be required.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY ● Clipping tails over the first winter period is recommended to ensure heifers have a clean, dry udder at the point of calving. ● Training heifers to the parlour & cubicles over this period is also recommended to avoid issues in early spring. 16
GAIN – HEIFER REARING PROGRAMME
● Heifers should be included in the herd’s footbath routine to control mortellaro.
