Haven’t we all heard that bigger is always better? Unfortunately to popular belief, it genuinely rings true for your heifer program. Sincerely sorry to inform you of such a tragic conclusion, yet if you want to know how to improve the future milk production of your herd, I encourage you read further.
First off, let us assume you already know that the future of your herd is determined by the quality of your heifers. Yes, we understand that it may take time for your heifers to show their true ROI, but who wouldn’t want that ROI to present sooner?
Lets hang on two statements:
“Bigger is always better.”
“The sooner the better.”
Let’s analyze these two statements: we want bigger, stronger heifers (they make more milk) but we want it ASAP. Data will show that bigger heifers produce more start up milk and therefore have better persistency, but data will also show that a younger “heavier” heifer will produce more milk than an older one. Unfortunately, there is no new or simple algorithm or software that can help us get to the “younger bigger” goal that we all should be looking for. Yet don’t fear there is a “sort” of algorithm for this conundrum.
- Amazing startups: from colostrum quality and quantity, your best producing heifer starts at the maternity pen to the hutch. You should strive for double the birth weight by 60 days old…“healthy and big starts”
- Environmental factors: sorry friends, we still need to produce a comfortable, adequate environment for our heifers from hutch to close-up. This means adequate bunk space, lying space and water access.
- Feed: adequate DMI intake/energy intake is essential. Look at individual animals vs as a group: is there adequate bunk and water space for everyone? Are they comfortable? Since we use an excess amount of forage fiber in heifer diets, make sure that the ability to sort is low. We want all animals to get adequate energy.
- Reproduction and energy: Base this off maturity, not off weight. If you are doing everything else right you should get maturity weight at breeding. DO NOT forget to focus on your conception rate of your heifers. Focus on good reproduction protocols, not on weight: this will come if we have an good feed/management protocol.
Heifers are the future of your milking herd. They need your attention and management. Remember, bigger is better, and to achieve that we need good feed management, reproduction and environment. Don’t forget about your future herd.
