Objective

To reach target heifer size for calving (138 cms at withers and Condition Score no more than 3.0 - liveweight 560-580 kg) by 24 months of age. This implies that all heifers should calve between 22 - 25 months of age. Rearing to heavier weights than 560-580 kg will increase costs and result in animals losing more weight post-calving - poorer fertility and reduced lifetime yield.

December - February born calves are much more difficult to manage, in conventional rearing systems, than Autumn born calves. It is difficult to maintain good performance during their first year at pasture, and poor performance at this stage cripples the entire rearing programme. Many farmers, therefore, retain these animals indoors over their entire first Summer.

The key stages in rearing this heifer are:-

From 12 weeks to 9 Months of age

• Unless grassland management is exceptional, these calves should be retained indoors until at least 16 weeks of age.

• Even at this stage, pasture quality must be first-class and good parasite control in place, otherwise performance from grass will be poor.

• In addition to good pasture, calves must receive concentrates throughout the Summer.

• Adopt a good parasite control programme.

• House in early Autumn to ensure a steady performance is achieved throughout this difficult period.

• Many farmers keep this calf indoors throughout the first Summer - there are fewer management problems and better control of growth rate.

Second Winter

• Ensure animals are quickly settled on to full Winter rations.

• Adopt an appropriate parasite control strategy around housing.

Second Summer period

• These animals must be kept growing at pasture.

• Concentrates should be fed throughout the summer.

• House in early Autumn to ensure animals maintain steady growth during pregnancy.

Pre-Calving Management

• Maintain a steady growth rate throughout the total pregnancy.

• Ensure heifers are of adequate size, but not above Condition Score 3, at calving.

• Acclimatise heifers to the post-calving diet for 3 weeks pre-calving.

• Management around calving, and immediately post-calving, can greatly influence subsequent performance.

Farmers wishing to have better control of growth rates - especially during the first Summer, are increasingly adopting systems based on straw for at least part of the rearing period.

Monitor heifer growth rates, through the Thompson's growth plan, throughout the rearing period.

FEED PLAN TO ACHIEVE 560 - 580 KG AT 24 MONTH CALVING