Achieving target weights is important for replacement heifers. Those that fail to reach target before breeding and calving will produce less milk in their first lactation and struggle to go back in-calf.
In addition, underweight maiden heifers are harder to get in-calf.
Studies have shown that early spring grass can support live weight gains of up to 1kg/head/day. Make sure that the lightest animals have priority access to the best grass, as they have the most ground to make up.
- Weigh heifers before turnout;
- Separate underweight heifers from those at or above target weight. There is less competition in a smaller group, which will benefit the smaller replacement heifers;
- Give priority grazing and concentrates to the underweight group.
Early turnout
While underfoot conditions are generally still challenging at the moment, this could change quickly as day length increases throughout March.
If grass becomes more scarce during March, supplementing 1-2kg of a cereal such as rolled barley will help to sustain continued growth.
Target weights at breeding are 315-330kg live weight for Holstein Friesian heifers and approximately 300-315kg and 290kg respectively for British Friesian and crossbred heifers.
Holstein Friesian heifers weighing less than 275kg should be prioritised this spring, while British Friesian and crossbred heifers weighing less than approximately 265kg and 250kg respectively should also have priority.