Heifer Rearing management guide

ContentsIntroduction pg 2

Calf rearing pg 3

Heifer rearing background facts pg 4

Heifer targets pg 5

Feed plans / TMR Rations pg 6 - 7

The need for minerals pg 8

Top tips for grassland management pg 9 - 10

Parasitic control guide pg 11

Benefits of weighing cattle pg 12

Housing heifers pg 13 - 14

1

IntroductionDairy heifer replacement breeding is an important area in any dairy farm enterprise, but it is often neglected as other more pressing issues take priority on the farm. This means that dairy heifers do not grow at the required rate to hit the expected targets at bulling and calving. The end result is that heifers calve in too old and without the required development to ensure they have long and productive lives in the herd. The hidden cost of this to the dairy enterprise is approximately 3.5ppl across the productive life of the animal.

With a little effort, by producing a heifer rearing plan, then monitoring growth performance against set targets and taking corrective measures where necessary, this can reduce the cost by 1.5ppl or 15,000 on a 1 million litre production unit. This doesnt have to be rocket science to achieve but it will have dramatic effects on the future profitability of the enterprise.

In this guide we will outline the best plan from new born calf through to calving down for the first time with key milestones and targets along the way. There will also be other management advice including grassland, animal health and housing along with the important feed plans.

Heifers are the future of the dairy herd and deserve to have a specialist rearing programme that incorporates all the latest research and management advice. Undoubtedly, they will repay the investment through higher milk production and a longer productive life.

3Calf rearing1. At calving and within the early hours of life, ensure good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of transmission of infection.

2. Ensure navels are dressed properly using a strong iodine solution or other veterinary recommended treatment. This should be done at birth or as soon after as possible.

3. Ensure calves receive colostrum within the first 3-6 hours of life. A typical Holstein Friesian calf requires 3.5 to 4 litres. The old rule of 3 pints in 3 hours, 6 pints in 6 hours is as good today as it has always been. There are no shortcuts or magic potions.

4. Provide calves with a well-bedded laying area on a free draining surface, in a draught free but well ventilated building.

5. When commencing feeding of milk replacers, ensure correct mixing and feeding temperatures, using the mixing concentrations on the bag. Start by feeding small amounts and gradually increase the volume fed. Little and often is more natural.

6. Provide calves with fresh water and concentrate on a daily basis, feeding to appetite to encourage high intakes at weaning. Clean straw should be readily available to provide roughage.

7. Check calves regularly and act on any signs of ill health by observing the calf more closely and checking temperature. If required, notify vet or treat according to recommendations previously agreed with veterinary surgeon.

8. Wean only healthy calves. As a guide, they should be observed to be eating a minimum of 1 kg of concentrate per day over a 3-4 day period prior to commencing weaning. Wean gradually at around 8 weeks of age, ensuring calves continue to consume concentrates.

9. Continue to feed ad-lib concentrates, roughage and water up to approximately 12 weeks of age.

10. Plan rearing diet with your feed specialist to identify the best system and feeding regime. For further information see page 6.

Heifer rearing background facts

Averagetotalcostofheifertopointofcalving-1,160

Thisrepresentsacostof3pplonallmilkproducedbytheherd (see table below)

22%ofheifercalvesbornasreplacementsneverentertheherd

Averageageatcalvingis2years5months

18%offirstcalvingheifersfailtoreachthesecondlactation

Calving age 2 years2 years

5 months (NI avg)

2 years 10 months

Replacements costs (heifer costs - cull cow) 600 850 1,100

Lifetime yield

20,000 litres 3.0 4.3 5.5

25,000 litres (Est. NI average) 2.4 3.4 4.4

30,000 litres 2.0 2.8 3.7

5Heifer targets

Targets must be set for the individual farm. They should consider previous performance and must be simple. The key points are as follows:

TargetDLWGfrombirthtocalvingis0.8kg/day

Growframenotfattopuberty

Serveat15monthsserviceweight55-60%ofmaturecowweight

Maintainframenotfatgrowthincalf

Calveinat24monthscalvingweight90%ofmaturecowweight

Age (Months)

Wither height (cm)

Weight (kg)

DLWG(kg)

%matureweight

3 90 100 0.8

6 102 170 0.8 30

12 121 300 0.8

15 125 370 0.86 55-60

21 135 500 0.7

24 138 570 0.7 90

6Feed plans

Once the targets have been set a feed plan can be made to achieve the targets. A number of different options are outlined below. They are based on recent practical trial work on farm in Northern Ireland in conjunction with the research institute at Hillsborough (AFBI). Forage analysis and the use of the Mole Valley Feed Solutions heifer rationing programme enable individual farm plans to be constructed.

Age (months) 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

Height (cm) 90 102 114 121 125 132 135 138

Wieght (kg) 100 170 240 300 370 430 500 570

Autumn born Aug-Nov

Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer

Rearer

Grass+1kgLifetime Heifer

Rearer

Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer

RearerGrassonly

Winter born Dec-Feb

Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer

Rearer

Grass+1.5kgLifetime Heifer

Rearer

Grass+1.5kgLiftime Heifer

Rearer

Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer

Rearer

Housed based system - straw

Ad-lib straw + 3kg

Lifetime Rearer

Ad-lib straw + 4kg

Lifetime Rearer

Ad-lib straw + 5kg

Lifetime Rearer

Grass+2kgLifetimeHeiferRearer

Housed based system - silage

Silage + 2kg Lifetime Rearer Grass+2kgLifetimeHeiferRearer

7Feed plans

There are some farmers who are looking to feed heifers with a total TMR ration and have one ration for all sizes of heifers. This is possible to do by formulating the diet to the average middle size of heifer (around 300kg) and then feed for fewer animals to the smaller ones and more for the larger animals. However, always keep the ration ingredients in proportion. Around this basic principle there may still need to be additional concentrate fed to younger 3-6 month heifers and for heifers at bulling to ensure performance targets are met.

All TMR diets can be specifically formulated using the Mole Valley Feed Solutions heifer rationing programme and the latest straights or blends and mineral prices. Contact your local feed sales specialist for assistance.

TMR RationsHeifer TMRGrasssilage 680kgMaize silage 210kgStraw 21kgHeifer blend 85kgNutri-LINK Cattle IF 4kg

NutrientsME (MJ/kgDM) 10.6CP(%DM) 13.8Starch(%DM) 10.2

8The need for minerals

Grasslandmanagementsystemshavechanged over recent years. Increased levels of slurry and manure applied to pasture have altered the mineral balance in forages.

Accurate mineral nutrition has become increasingly important with improvements in genetics and a greater dependence on forages and straights. New advances in ruminant mineral nutrition have revised some traditional thinking on animal requirements. MVF forage mineral profile analysis helps to identify the specific situation on a farm. Detailed ration programmes then enable the appropriate mineral supplement to be formulated in order to optimise performance. This attention to detail is appropriate across a range of dairy production systems.

Correctmineralsupplementationhas been shown to help improve liveweight gains and forage utilisation.

Astheskeletalframeoftheanimaldevelops, critical nutrients such as calcium assist in the development of a strong skeleton.

Vitaminsarerequiredtohelpboost immunity status.

Duetotheinabilityofaruminantto store some of these critical nutrients, a daily supply is required in order to meet optimum performance.

Modernhighgeneticlivestockhave a greater need for optimum nutrition.

Heifer Mineral Requirements and Supply

400kg animal eating 7kg DM grass silage and 2kg cereal/protein blend

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Supp

ly a

s %

of R

equi

rem

ent

Ca P Mg Fe Cu Mn Co Zn I Se

3. Sward assessmentAfter assessing the soil it makes sense to assess the sward. If there is less than 50%perennialryegrassinthesward,atotal new reseed may be the option. The assessment may show some fields could be improved by overseeding or are in need of weed control.

4. Reseeding programmeWhere the farm is growing arable crops, a rotation involving regularly reseeding grass is relatively easy. However, on most dairy units the grass may be more permanent. For help, please ask for a Mole Valley Farmers Premier Leys Catalogue. This booklet includes sections on the 10 benefits of reseeding and a 10 point plan for establishing a new ley.

Top tips for grassland management

1. Soil testingA healthy, high productive sward depends on a healthy soil. A complete soil test, looking at pH, phosphate and potash should be carried out on each field on a 4 yearly cycle.

2. Lime and fertiliserThe average pH of UK grassland is approximately 5.5. Lifting the pH to 6.0 will increase nutrient availability from the soil, slurry and bagged fertilisers by approximately25%.Thehigherlimelevel will also increase palatability and clover content in the sward. Careful use of slurry and bagged fertilisers is essential. 35 F.A.C.T.S. qualified advisers are available from Mole Valley Forage Services to help dairy farmers produce quality grass for their individual systems.

9

5. Clover establishmentUp to 100 units / acre of nitrogen canbefixedbyaswardwith20%to30%clovercomposition.Varietiesare categorised by leaf size. Medium leafed varieties are most suited for dairy grazing, whilst large leaf varieties for silage management.

6. OverseedingOld pasture and leys that have become thin in the bottom can be rejuvenated by either broadcasting seed on to them or slot seeding.

7. Weed control in grasslandThere are two main areas of weed control.

a) In the establishment phase of a new ley. Chickweed, seedling docks and thistles can drastically reduce the percentage of sown species which establish and will usually require chemical treatment.

b) In established grassland, docks, thistles, dandelions, buttercups and plaintain can make up a high percentage of a sward.

Mole Valley Farmers have B.A.S.I.S. qualified agronomists who can advise on all aspects of reseeding and weed control.

8.GrazingmanagementOnce a farmer has established the soil nutrition and sward composition is good, grazing management is the key to realising the potential of the grass. The skill is to ensure a plentiful supply of grass for the entire grazing system of equal nutritional quality and

not allowing surplus grass to go under utilised.Grassshouldbegrazedatapproximately 75 D-value when the grass is about 4 inches (10cm) high. Long, stemmy grass will reduce intakes and result in a rapid drop in feed value.

9. Silage managementA plan at the start of the year is key to ensuring that enough silage of the right feed value is produced. A 67 to 72 D-value silage with an ME of 10.8 to 11.5 should be the aim. If grazing land produces too much grass at periods of rapid growth in favourable seasons then surplus grass should be taken as big-bale silage to avoid the down sides of under utilised grazed grass. A proven additive on silage grass for heifer production should be considered. Both the MVF and Ecosyl range of silage additives have scientific trials demonstrating a financial benefit over untreated silage.

10. The limitations of grass - correct supplementationThe heifer rearer must be aware of the limitations of grass to reach the desired levels of animal performance. Mole Valley Feed Solutions have specialist feed and mineral nutritionists who can offer advice on supplementation during the grazing and housed periods.

10

11

Parasitic control guide

Worms and fluke in cattle Basic tips: Seekexpertadvice Knowtheweightoftheanimals Calibratewormingequipment Planacontrolprogrammethatfits

your system Avoidgrazingwithyoungstock

where known worm problems exist Avoidwetpastureswherehistoryof

fluke in all ages of cattle Historyoffarmiscriticaltohelp

design an effective worm programme

Cattle worms Cattleunder2yearsmost

susceptible Roundwormscancauseparasitic

gastroenteritis(PGE) Lungwormscausehuskoftenfrom

late summer Cattledevelopnaturalimmunity

from two years where exposure to worms has occurred

Goodlungwormcontrolrequiresuseof vaccination and pasture control

Usecorrectwormersathousingtokillinhibited worms (not all do!)

Fluke Growingprobleminmanyareas Thereare3mainagesoffluke-early

immature, immature and adult Knowwhatyourflukicidekills Latertreatmentsmayberequiredto

kill missed fluke Broadesttreatmentsarenotoften

the simplest

Ectoparasites Licecausehidedamageand

problem in housed cattle Fliesspreaddiseasese.g.NewForest

eye, summer mastitis Varioustreatmentsavailable

For further information and advice, please contact your local branch where a fully qualified member of staff can advise on best practice and recommend the most economic and most effective products for your business.

Benefits of weighing heifers

Weighingcanbedonewithweighcells under a cattle crush, or by simple weigh band measurement. Both give good levels of accuracy.

Providesinformationongrowthrates and performance to target

Allowsfeedingplanstobeadjusted to keep growth performance on target

Ensuresheifersareputtobullatthecorrect size (not just age)

Weighingenablescorrectdosingwith anthelmintics for best effect

Weighinggivesmorecontrolofthewhole heifer rearing programme and provides valuable information for changes to the rearing programme in the future

13

Housing heifers

HousingIt is important to measure any livestock building to ensure that floor space and air volume are adequate for the animals you intend to house.

Assessing your roof volume = roof height x roof area x 0.5

Assessing your main building volume = height x floor area

Assessing your floor area = length x width of the building.

Understanding the volumes of air in buildings is critical to meeting welfare standards and assessing the ventilation needs of the building.

Height is important in providing adequate volumes of air. Ideally the height of the eaves in buildings for dairy heifers should be at least 4.5m. This also ensures good access for modern farm machinery.

Check that the ridge opening is adequate for the width of the building. Ensure the inlet opening below the eaves is at least four times more than the ridge space to ensure a steady supply of fresh air.

Rules of Thumb Air SpceCalf up to 90kg = 10m3

Calf 90 -150kg = 13m3

Larger animals = 15m3

Check that heifers are grouped according to size and are housed in appropriate group sizes. Check that there is adequate access to feed and that any wastage through poor trough or barrier design is minimised.

Check that lighting sufficient to ensure all heifers can be inspected day or night.

Check that bedding is adequate to keep floors dry throughout the winter.

VentilationHow well air flows through the buiding is critical to protecting against disease and respiratory disorders. An open ridge will always be an outlet for stale air. This is why it is vitally important to have a generous opening.

Testing can be conducted using smoke pellets, which are inexpensive and can be easily obtained.

Check how quickly smoke clears from a building and whether there are areas where smoke lingers. An early muggy morning is best for smoke testing. This is when the worst conditions can be observed.

If smoke clears completely within 2-3 minutes and there are no corners where it lingers, the building can be considered fit for purpose as far as ventilation is concerned.

Wherever and whenever smoke lingers in a building it indicates areas where the organisms causing pneumonia and respiratory diseases will also linger and spread from heifer to heifer. The removal of roof ridges will often remedy the problem.

Rules of thumb Ventilation ridge opening Calf up to 90kg = 5m2/100 animals Larger animals = 8m2/100 animals

Mole Valley Feed Solutions Ltd Head Office, Station Road, South Molton, North Devon EX36 3BH

Tel: 01769 573431 Fax: 01769 573821 Email: info@molevalleyfarmers.com

For more information, please visit www.molevalleyfarmers.com

ContactsFeed Line 01278 444829 Mineral Line 01278 420481

MVF Farm Services CentresBridgwater 01278 424240Cullompton 01884 836204Dorchester 01305 753914 Frome 01373 852352Holsworthy 01409 259502Liskeard 01579 340010Newton Abbot 01626 837805South Molton 01769 575603St Columb 01637 881827Yeovil 01935 848201