Setting up heifers for a long and productive life

Calves and heifers represent the future of dairy herds and need careful management to develop into highly productive cows so understanding the key areas to focus on is a good place to start.

Heifers not only determine the quantity and quality of cows in the herd, but also represent a significant cost to farm businesses and are responsible for around a quarter of the carbon footprint.

Two indicators that are key to maximising heifer success, improving productivity and optimising rearing costs are:

Rearing efficiency (% of heifers born alive that calve at or below the target age) which enables you to assess the rearing process.

Heifer effectiveness (% of heifers born alive that calve at or below the target age and complete three lactations) which is a measure of longevity and show you’ve done good job with the rearing process.

Dr Alex Bach covered these measures in a recent webinar and will be speaking at meetings across the UK in March to help you understand the factors to achieve longevity with your heifers.

Meeting dates and locations

• 13 March – Preston
• 14 March – Congleton
• 15 March – Worcester
• 16 March – Exeter
• 17 March – Bristol

Click your preferred location to find out more and book your place.