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Heifer Rearing

HEIFER REARING

It is of major importance that heifers obtain a successful rearing program. Various studies have shown where farmers have carried out a successful rearing program:

  • Cows remained in the herd for longer (≥ 5 lactations)
  • Cows showed lower incidences of calving problems
  • Cows produced more milk per subsequent lactations

NB. That calving down at 24 months is a main driver of the above points and similarly, nutrition has a major role on achieving this target. Therefore, in order to get heifers calving down at 23 – 24 months of age they need to be growing at certain weights through their life.

Below is a table of what weight heifers should be at different ages up to 24 months of age.

*Target Breakdown:
HF
HF*
3 month heifer BW (kg) 116 100
3 month heifer BW (kg) 116 100
6 month heifer BW (kg) 175 150
12 month heifer BW (kg) 290 250
15 month heifer BW (kg) @ breeding 350 300
Pre‐Calving BW (kg) approx. 24 months 525 400
Mature BW 580 500
*To be used as a guide only
*Assumes proper parasite control programme is in place
To help farmers achieve these weight targets Kiernan Milling have a 22% Heifer Development Nut designed and formulated to ensure farmers achieve optimal performance from their heifers. For further information or any enquires on any aspects of heifer rearing ring our nutritionist

NDL678: HEIFER DEVELOPER NUT

  • High Spec 22% Crude Protein heifer developer nut aimed at heifers from 12 weeks of age right through to calving down
  • Research has shown that high levels of protein prevents fatty tissues depositing in the mammary gland, hence, reducing future milk yield
  • High in quality ingredients and balanced energy sources
  • Driven by soya bean meal to obtain high growth rates
  • Contains full fat soya to maximise the available protein & energy density of the nut
  • Moderate starch content to drive frame growth without laying down excessive fat in the developing udder
  • Contains high spec calf minerals & vitamins (*see page 14)
  • Fortified with high levels of Calcium and Phosphorous for bone and growth development

CBF790: WEANLING CHAMPION

  • 16% Crude Protein, high energy, palatable blend designed to give optimal performance to your young growing stock
  • Good follow on ration from an 18% nut/blend
  • Very suitable for feeding at grass or as a supplement to grass silage
  • Formulated using a high level of cooked flaked maize and rolled barley
  • Balanced with soya bean and beet pulp to help promote high growth rates
  • Fortified with premium minerals and vitamins – high levels of zinc, copper & phosphorus
  • Enhanced texture to promote
  • Can be fed from 12 – 14 weeks of age

CBG075: WEANLING EXTRA

  • An ideal weanling diet for young beef and dairy cattle
  • Can be fed from 12 – 14 weeks of age
  • Highly palatable and crunchy coarse ration
  • Contains a high level of cereals combined with carefully chosen protein ingredients
  • Contains a premium mineral package to help maximise growth rate and similarly, supplying the full spectrum of essential elements the animal needs
  • Not suitable for adlib feeding

*Hi Spec Calf Mineral & Vitamin Package contains the perfect blend of live yeast and essential Minerals & Vitamins designed to optimise thrive in young, growing cattle. High levels of Copper, Cobalt and Selenium combined with a unique blend of Vitamins E, B12 & D3 are standard in this mineral pack.