Heifer growth and subsequent production

Abstract

Dairy and suckling heifer rearing, from birth to first calving at 2 or 3 years, needs optimal feeding and growth conditions according to their genotypes and production potential. To obtain normal fertility, the age at puberty of the heifers should coincide with the expected breeding date. However a too high or too low prepubertal live-weight causes decreased mammary development and milk production in first or subsequent lactations. High live-weight at first calving and postpubertal live-weight gain increased fertility and milk production of first calving cows. Their body stores increased and their requirement for growth during lactation decreased. Body size or fat content of the cow did not affect the already low feed intake in early first lactation, nor ease of calving, nor the cow’s life expectancy.