Adolescent Heifer Housing - 3rd in a Series Proper housing for the adolescent management group is crucial to rounding out your replacement rearing facilities

摘要

Once calves reach 5 to 6 months of age, they are ready to graduate from the transition management group and move on to the adolescent management group. Adolescent management group calves range in age from about 6 months to pre-calving (400 to 1,200 lbs.). Their needs are slightly different than those of transition calves. They need to become accustomed to larger animal groups, resulting in increased competition for feed, water, and choice resting space. This limited competition will help prepare adolescent heifers for the atmosphere they will face when they enter the lactating herd. Also, they are entering into the stage of life when initial breeding will take place. This article is the third in a series on housing replacements and focuses on the adolescent management group.