Achieving a successful second calving

Almost a fifth of milking heifers fail to reach their second lactation; the point at which they would recoup their rearing costs.

A recent study with Reading University found that 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before their second lactation due to a variety of reasons, which vary from farm to farm.

Decisions you make around fertility, feed, health, housing and grouping will have a big impact on their longevity with the herd.

Heifers feed more slowly, ruminate less, are lower in the pecking order, can be easily chased away from feed space or lying areas so need time to adjust.

In-calf heifers also require extra care since the soft tissues of the sole inside the hoof is thinnest in younger animals and around calving, increasing her risk of sole bruising and ulcers.

Join us at one of our upcoming meetings to learn how to increase a heifer's chances of calving down for a second time.

Meeting dates and locations

• 16 May - Derbyshire
• 22 May - Leicestershire
• 22 May - Bath
• 23 May - Somerset
• 23 May - Northallerton
• 23 May - Penrith

• 23 May - West Sussex
• 24 May - Pembrokeshire
• 25 May - Cardigan
• 30 May - Stranraer
• 30 May - Dumfries and Galloway
• 31 May - Ayr