Guests:
Dr. Gavin Staley, Diamond V; Dr. Al Kertz, ANDHIL LLC
Co-host: Dr. Glen Aines, Balchem
Episode 41: Why Heifer Maturity Matters
Timestamps
Dr. Staley noticed in data there is a correlation between 10-week milk and the average annual herd of the whole dairy. (12:25)
Dr. Kertz spoke on the importance of height in addition to the weight of a calf. Height is the best indicator of the frame that weight will be deposited on and there are some consequences to heifers and cows with too much weight. (20:10)
Dr. Staley said it is worth the time to measure your dairy animals, somewhere in mid-lactation, to establish the genetic makeup and the genetic body condition score to know what you are aiming for. (31:46)
Dr. Kertz closed by saying it’s important to measure birth weights, weaning weights and heights periodically. By looking at those numbers a few times a year, you’ll have a good idea of where your dairy is at and what may need to be fixed. (56:47)
If you’d like to find Dr. Al Kertz’s book, you can find it here: https://outskirtspress.com/dairycalfa…
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This podcast is sponsored by Balchem Animal Nutrition and Health.
