HEIFERMAX

Now that green feed has mostly disappeared from paddocks, even in the wetter parts of Tasmania, it is time to consider the diet of weaned heifer calves. All too often spring calved heifers are left in paddocks with no green feed and no supplementation of the dry feed.

Young heifers, particularly those under 6 months of age, have high nutrient requirements in relation to their rumen size. This means that they need to be eating high protein, high energy feed to be meeting target growth rates.

Short, lush, actively growing pasture is great for heifers over 6 months. Heifers under 6 months may still need some supplementation, particularly when pastures start to senesce. The low nutrient levels and high NDF in older pastures means calves will have trouble eating enough to be growing at the required rate. Once heifers reach 6 months, they will be able to take in enough green pasture to be actively growing; if pastures have dried off, these heifers will also need some supplementation. 1 kg of 14-16% protein pellets will make a big difference to growth rates.

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