Dairy Herd Management Articles:
New heifer management program
This veterinarian-verified program is designed to simplify heifer development while providing long-term value to dairy producers.
Less mud in heifer pens saves feed cost
The amount of mud that heifers must wade through to reach the feed bunk can sharply increase their energy intake.
Heifer heat stress studied
Heifers benefit from shade.
Expansion on a budget
Expansion is still possible in hard economic times; you just have to be creative.
Spend time with pre-fresh heifers
As little as five minutes per week with pre-fresh heifers can make the transition to milking easier on them.
Long-day lighting enhances heifer growth
Giving heifers 16 to 18 hours of supplemental lighting in a 24-hour period appears to benefit their performance prior to puberty and later on in their first lactation.
Flexible contracts required
Spiraling input cost puts the squeeze on everyone.
Heifer management tools
Dairy specialists at
Updated heifer-rearing-cost spreadsheet
Researchers at
9 things to put in a heifer-grower contract
If you decide to send your heifer calves to a professional heifer grower, make sure that you sign a contract at the outset of your relationship.
6 things to ask a heifer grower
Use this veterinarian’s advice to help select a top-notch heifer grower.
Death warranty provides accountability
Custom heifer growers can use this idea to help encourage their clients to provide calves with sufficient quantities of colostrum at birth.
Producers turn to heifer growers during expansion
Survey reveals the top reasons why dairy producers turn to custom-heifer growers.
Keep contracts up-to-date
This heifer grower recommends that you periodically review any contracts used and keep them current.
