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Precision-feeding heifers until 30 to 45 days before calving has no adverse effects on calf birth weight, dystocia, metabolic problems, early lactation intakes, or first lactation milk production
Researchers have shown that precision-feeding heifers up to 30 to 45 days before calving is safe and has no impact on calf birth weight, early lactation intakes, or first-lactation milk production. However, the study’s design has limitations, including only one farm. This limits the study’s replication, but the consistency of record-keeping among the farmers on the farm was exceptional.
The study enrolled 310 pregnant heifers and used a two-pronged approach. One group received pasteurized colostrum; another group received non-pasteurized colostrum. In both groups, maternal, reproductive, and health parameters were recorded throughout the 305-day milking period. The study also included a follow-up period to monitor milk production.
Straw or other high fiber forages can be incorporated into heifer feed rations
Using straw as a supplemental forage can provide benefits beyond just a higher feed value. Straw has several benefits that will not be lost by replacing grains in a heifer’s diet. Straw is an inexpensive forage that also stimulates rumen development in heifers.
Straw can be used to replace hay in dairy heifer feed rations, particularly for older heifers. Straw can contribute up to 25 percent of a heifer’s daily feed intake. Straw can also be used to reduce the rate of gain in ground rations. However, straw is not as palatable as good quality hay.
Straw or other high fiber forages are another good option for heifer diets. These forages can be blended with other forages to reduce the overall energy content of the ration. They are also easy to digest, which is a major benefit for farmers.
Energy content of heifer feed rations
The energy content of heifer feed ration composition is an important consideration for optimum dairy heifer health and production. There are many different factors that influence dietary energy, including the nutritional system, feed ingredients and housing. Increasing the proportion of concentrates in the ration can help control daily ration costs and ensure that heifers receive an adequate amount of energy. The concentration of crude protein should be between fourteen and fifteen percent, with about 13 to 14% of soluble protein.
In calculating the energy content of a ration, the energy content of roughages and concentrates is calculated. Using a net energy system, net energy of feeds is divided into net energy for maintenance, gain, and lactation. This system requires careful predictions of feed intake. The energy content of concentrates is often overestimated because of the high fat content, which has a higher energy density than carbohydrate.
Supplementation
A comprehensive nutrition program for heifers is important for timely breeding back. It must be planned so that forage intake is optimized. It should begin 30 days before breeding season and continue into it. This will put the female on an upward trajectory for nutrition going into breeding season. Ideally, the ration should contain 11 MJ ME per kg dry matter and adequate crude protein for the heifer’s nutritional stage.
Heifers’ feed rations can be enriched with supplemental minerals. The mineral content of forages depends on the soil mineral content. If minerals are excessive, they may inhibit absorption of other nutrients. However, mature forages can contain less minerals than younger forages. Mineral supplements are usually supplied in free-choice mineral mixes or force-fed as part of the total mixed ration. Beef cattle require specific amounts of certain nutrients in their daily diet. However, a large part of this requirement is met by body stores. The signs of deficiency do not usually show until the body stores are depleted.
Transition to precision-feeding heifer feed ration
Precision-feeding of dairy heifers is a practice that improves feed efficiency and reduces manure production. The main cost in heifer production is feed, so improving ration efficiency is essential. Efficiency depends on a variety of factors, including feed type and ration energy density. For optimum performance, the protein content in the ration must be balanced between crude and soluble proteins. Currently, the recommended level of crude protein for pre-pubertal heifers is 14% to 15% CP, based on a DMI of 2.15% BW/day.
During the time between weaning and breeding, heifers gain about 1.5 lb per day. Achieving this target requires feeding a ration that contains 12.5% crude protein and 65% of total digestible nutrients.
