It is vital that you check that your maiden heifers are still on target to reach their target weights for the breeding season.
Breeding season is just around the corner and the maiden heifers on your farm, should be the best genetics you have and are the future of your milking herd.
The challenging weather conditions mean that heifers in the majority of cases remain in the shed and have not been able to obtain the compensatory growth from going to grass.
With breeding season now around a month away it is vital that you ensure that your heifers are on target.
If your heifers are below target something needs to be done to get them back on target or as close to their target weight as possible.
Maiden heifers
The aim on farms will be that the maiden heifers are served in the next few weeks and this time next year will be part of the milking herd.
These heifers should have certain targets to achieve ahead of breeding, particularly around liveweight.
Failing to reach target weights may result in lower conception rates, lower production during first lactation and may make it harder for cows to get back in-calf.
Replacement heifers are most likely the best genetics on your farm that will be bred this year. These animals are the future of your herd and if they fail to go in-calf, it could result in a major financial blow to the farm.
Because of this, it is important that replacement heifers are monitored and that targets are reached ahead of the breeding season
Mature cow weight 500kg 550kg 600kg 650kg Maintenance sub-index €30 €20 €10 €0
Based on the economic breeding index (EBI) maintenance sub-index figure, a calf’s mature cow weight can be determined.
Using this figure you can determine the weight that your yearling heifers should be at breeding.
Age Percentage of final weight €30 €20 €10 €0 Six months 30% 150kg 165kg 180kg 195kg 15 months 60% 300kg 330kg 360kg 390kg 24 months 90% 450kg 495kg 540kg 585kg
Management
Normally getting heifers out to grass early will help to get them back on track or catch up if they are behind target.
However, that has not been possible on the majority of farms so farm this year, meaning the compensatory growth from grass has not occurred.
Instead you will have to begin feeding heifers that are behind target to try and get them back on track or as close to target as possible before breeding.
A kilo of soya between four heifers could be enough to get heifers back on track depending on how far behind they are.
You should speak with your advisor or a nutritionist to determine the best course of action for your heifers.
Grouping may need to occur, with different groups being on different feeding regiments.