26
PRIORITISE FIRST LACTATION FEMALES
Debby Brown Vet nutritionist, Advanced Nutrition
earing heifers to target calving at 24 months has created much discussion in the last couple of years; 24 months is an age which is proven to give the best performance and production return.
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Once calved the next challenge is to make sure these heifers get back in calf again as quickly as possible and in turn have the maximum opportunity of staying in the herd for longer to provide full payback.
PRE CALVING MANAGEMENT Separate group
Managing the pre-calvers in a separate group is by far the preferred option when you have a critical mass and can offer the appropriate environment in terms of housing and/or paddocks.
Mixed herd
When you are running a herd which combines in milk heifers and cows, then considerations have to include when to join. Ideally heifers should join the cows at least three weeks before calving, but the longer the better is preferred. Any closer to calving and this could have negative effects on calving, post calving health and early production. On joining, heifers will reduce their feed intake for at least 24 hours.
Figure 1: Recommended pre and post calving heifer diets
Heifer 600kg at calving Three weeks pre calving
First 30 days post calving M + 28kgs Post 30 days M + 28kgs
DM %
12.5 17 18
Source: Advanced Nutrition ME MJ/kg
105 230 230
CP%
14 16 16
Figure 1
Regardless of herd size, the options for prioritising first lactation animals can be a real challenge. Successful conception is going to be totally dependent on the transition period and minimising both stress and the time for these heifers to return to positive energy balance, in order to optimise follicular health and milk production and after service, to help embryo implantation and maintain pregnancy.
1. Nutrition: Heifers have to continue to grow as well as be expected to milk and get back in calf, so intakes and health are crucial.
(See Figure 1 below)
2. Housing: Ensure every heifer has easy access to feed. Allow 60cm (2’) a head trough width, a maximum 90% stocking density and provide a clean, dry environment.
3. Lameness: Check feet about six weeks pre calving and when modelling is required then it can be carried out, but trimming should not be done when it’s not needed.
4. Mastitis: Optimise the immune system to allow heifers to fight any infections themselves. Reduce infection pressure shortly before and at calving. Reduce stress in the parlour to help milk let down. Ideally, do not introduce intra- mammary infusions pre-calving.
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