Calf rearing system built from scratch carries up to 800 calves at any one time

摘要

Following last month's article on the development of Chantler Farms' high index Charity herd, we now take a look at the heifer rearing system that is geared to converting top genetics into long-lasting, high-performance milkers. Until three years ago,the 900-cow Chantler Farms dairy business near Malpas, Cheshire, carried no youngstock at all. Commercial black and white cows produced beef cross calves for immediate sale, and the primary objective was to produce as much milk as possible for the associated Bodfari food processing operation. Following a remarkable change in policy - initiated with the purchase of several hundred Dutch heifers since 1992 - Chantler Farms now runs a heifer rearing enterprise that is producing some of the highest genetic index cattle in the UK.