From Birth to Puberty

摘要

The feeding strategies for young cattle, raised as are more varied than for the dairy cow. Economic and successful milk production is dependent on a healthy heifer who calves at about 24 months old and whose growth demands are nearly fulfilled. This requires different periods of fast and slow growth from birth to calving. Wild ruminants of similar size as dairy cows, need about 8 months before the calves have developed sufficiently so that they stop nursing their mothers completely. In rearing dairycalves this is to be accomplished in 8 weeks. The feeding and care of the calves must be 4 times as effective as in nature. After 8 weeks the calf should be weaned and the rumen developed to the point that the calf can start functioning as a ruminant. Upto five months of age the calves' full potential for growth should be utilized. After that there should be a more controlled growth up to puberty. While there are many important aspects of heifer rearing, especially health, this presentation focuses mostly on feeding strategies to help achieve the desired growth pattern.