Devon: optimum grazing systems for dairy youngstock

Using rotational grazing techniques on a replacement heifer grazing platform not only helps train replacements for herd life, but also creates the quality leafy grass necessary for rumen development and daily liveweight gain.

Just as on the milking platform, managing youngstock grazing requires good infrastructure, knowing what your feed value of the forage in front is and an eye on residuals behind.

Turning heifers out what ever time of year without measuring and monitoring won't achieve cost savings, nor hit target growth rates, so it's important to make sure you monitor throughout the season.

Join consultant Chris Coxon and nutritionist Karen Wonnacott for an on-farm meeting, in conjunction with Crediton Milling Company, looking at the key factors in ensuring the success of the next generation of your herd, from managing grass allocation, maintaining consistent DLWG to achieve bulling targets, and transitioning diets in the autumn/winter months.

This meeting is aimed at anyone wanting to maximise their use of grass in the heifer-rearing stage, whether from an all-year-round system or block calving herd.

This meeting will cover:

• Differences between spring- and autumn-born calves and feed requirements
• Assessing autumn grass values and adapting grazing strategies accordingly
• Rumen development of dairy calves and transition success to avoid growth checks
• Targets for heifers and feed conversion efficiency
• Rotational grazing strategies and infrastructure required

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By kind permission of the Quicke family.