Designing Heifer Systems That Work on Your Farm

摘要

The nutrition and management of the dairy heifer requires a more systematic approach to meeting the targets for both body growth and energy and protein utilization. The system described in this paper provides a basis for a more systematic and mechanistic approach that deemphasizes universal age-weight relationships for dairy replacements. The application of this system should enhance our ability to successfully develop heifers that calve at appropriate size and body condition score, and with optimummilk producing ability. Furthermore, dairy producers and herd service providers can use this system to help evaluate farm-specific goals for age at first calving and also to evolve systems to decrease the age at first calving over time.