AS-454
animal sciences dairy
PURDUE UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE WEST LAFAYFTTE, INDIANA 479C
Raising Dairy Replacement Heifers: From Birth to Breeding
R.J. Knutson, R.D. Allrich, and M.D. Cunningham Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University
High-producing dairy cows usually receive the greatest amount of attention on the farm, since maximizing efficiency of milk production will directly lead to higher profits. However, successful rearing of replacement heifers is also an excellent way to increase profits and is an area of management often neglected. It is important to be able to successfully raise all heifer calves born (mortality rates should be less than 5%), since about 30% of the milking herd will be culled each year.
By having a strong replacement program, the dairy producer will be able to replace culled cows with genetically superior heifers. The producer may also be able to cull the milking herd more vigorously, because superior replacement heifers would be readily available. In addition, maintaining a closed herd significantly reduces the chances of the introduction of disease.
Economically, a replacement heifer represents a large investment by the time she reaches 24 months of age. Actual rearing costs range from $1,100 to $1,300. Shown in Table 1 is a budget of rearing costs for replacement heifers. While a great amount of time and money is invested in these heifers, there is no immediate cash outlay for replacements; therefore, rearing costs are spread out over a longer period compared to buying heifers.
General Management Before Birth
To be able to successfully and efficiently raise heifers, the producer must start the replacement program before the calf is born. Proper nutrition of the pregnant cow, especially during the final 6 to 8 weeks of gestation, is essential to assure the birth of a healthy calf. A 6-to 8-week dry period is necessary for several reasons: 1) body reserves of fat, protein, and minerals can be replenished during this non-lactating period, 2) it is an excellent time to treat for mastitis since the
Table 1. Costs of raising replacement heifers.
Cited in Dairy Herd Management, Jan. 1986.
cow is not lactating and milk does not have to be withheld, and 3) it is beneficial to allow the mammary tissue to first involute and then regenerate for the next lactation. Items to consider when designing a dry cow management program
This publication was made possible in part by the Indiana State Dairy Association.