This episode “Feeding Management of Heifers” was recorded at the 2025 Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Episode 167: Feeding Management of Heifers
Timestamps:
Dr. Carpenter gives an overview of her presentation. She summarizes an Extension risk management project regarding heifer development, assisting dairies in benchmarking their heifer growth and development. Key focus points include reducing morbidity and mortality and timely breeding to achieve goals for age at first calving. Dr. Carpenter also emphasized heat detection and conception, as well as recordkeeping as important considerations for success. Ideas for enhancing feeding management specifically for heifers were discussed. (4:10)
Dr. Carpenter shares findings from a beef-on-dairy feeding experiment where any calf that had two or more lifetime respiratory events had lower carcass weight and lower return on investment. The panel discusses industry uptake of using lung ultrasounds to evaluate respiratory events. Their approach reinforces the importance of feeding management strategies for heifers. (11:53)
Guests talk about different feeding concepts in heifer development and trends in age at first calving over time. Effective feeding management is crucial in these developmental stages. (14:31)
The panel dives into home-raising versus custom-developing heifers. Dr. Carpenter notes Penn State has great resources regarding custom rearing of dairy heifers. Pros and cons of both systems are discussed, and the panel also touches on rearing of beef-on-dairy calves as well. Feeding management of heifers plays a significant role in determining the best approach. (19:17)
The group returns to the topic of age at first calving. Reducing variation at age at breeding is important, and producers should consult with their nutritionists and veterinarians for a team approach to success. Feeding management strategies also contribute to these efforts. (24:44)
Dr. Carpenter and Dr. Tebbe talk about how producers are dealing with replacement heifer shortages. Feeding management can help optimize the available resources for heifers. (27:24)
Panelists share their take-home thoughts, emphasizing the significance of good feeding management in the development of heifers. (31:48)
Conclusion
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