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.

Heifer growth rates should be checked monthly but first you need to have calculated the required daily rate of gain. If you do not know how to do this, there is an article in the “resource” section of the website which gives step by step instructions.

The photo at the bottom of the page shows heifers which are not growing well. These calves are “gutty”, have ringworm, a low body condition score and harsh, stary coats. They were on un-improved pasture which had almost dried off, there was no supplementation, and it appears that they are suffering from a high intestinal parasite load and/or coccidiosis. These well bred heifers are not going to produce to their genetic potential when they enter the dairy. Contrast these heifers with the ones in the top photo, which will go on to be productive members of the herd.