Avoid delayed onset of heat by proper rearing of your heifer
Proper management of heifers from a young age is key in achieving mature body weight for heat and high milk yield. Our approach at Dairyverse is objective. We advise dairy investors to be focused on achieving the following;
1. The heifer to gain two thirds of mature body weight.
2. Be served at 15 months of age.
3. Get the her first calf at 24 Months of age.
Attainment of 2/3 of mature bodyweight at the appropriate age guarantees you of of timely onset of heat and high milk yield after calving. Also it sets a firm foundation for subsequent calvings at 1 calf per year. This means you’ll reap big through milk sales! Proper feeding and minimizing energy losses helps greatly to achieve the set objectives.
We need to get feeds that are of high quality and offer optimal quantities to our heifers. These feeds include high quality corn silage (preferably full-corn silage), bhoma rhodes, Super napier grass (cheaper and has high protein and energy content) and well grown pastures. It is important to note that a heifer has high demand for energy, protein and minerals at this stage since her body is growing rapidly towards achieving maturity. Do not make a mistake of limiting her feed intake lest you risk delayed onset of heat and exposure to high production cost. Allow them to limit themselves.
In order to enhance reproduction, a heifer needs minerals in sufficient quantities. Calcium is important for physical growth as well as proper muscle functioning. Other trace elements including Selenium, Manganese and Cobalt are important in maturity proper functioning of the reproductive system. You should ensure that you use a well formulated mineral lick for heifers. A good mineral lick for heifers should be introduced to the heifer from the age of 12 Months regularly till she is 7 months incalf. At 14 months and 1 week of age, you should introduce Fertility+®️ to your heifer for 36 days. This will help her sow clear heat signs at exactly 15 months of age and also improve conception rate. It contains protein, energy and trace elements that are important in reproductive health.
Proper feeding that is, provision of high energy and protein feeds, sufficient minerals and low stress to your heifer will work along way towards achieving your goal of building a profitable dairy empire.
