SECOND SEASON AT GRASS

TARGETS: 60% of mature body weight at breeding at 15 months of age (e.g. 600kg mature cow = 360kg target breeding weight).

ANIMAL NUTRITION

● Turn heifers out to pasture in early spring, at least 6 weeks before breeding occurs. ● Weight gains of more than 1kg/day are achievable in early spring at pasture. ● Heifers should be offered an all-grass diet throughout this period. ● Heifers below target weights should be prioritized, separated and offered concentrates in early spring if required.

ANIMAL HEALTH

Early pregnancy scan To monitor conception rates and predict accurate calving dates.

Parasite control plan Second season grazers are not fully immune to stomach worms and lung worm and can experience production losses and occasionally disease. Lack of exposure to infection during the first grazing season, as seen in late-born calves or under intensive anthelmintic treatment protocols may result in lower levels of immunity at the start of the second grazing season. Use the FEC testing service to determine the need for dosing and to check the effectiveness of the products used. Treat against lungworm when signs of coughing appear. Keep in mind that many products used for dosing calves cannot be given to pregnant heifers. Always read product labels or check the GI Anthelmintic Usage Guide.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Treat heifers on a group average basis, there can be up to 100kg difference in genetic mature live weight in the same herd. In an un-uniform herd, this must be taken into account when selecting a target 15 month breeding weight.