Good heifer rearing vital for business

Rearing heifers as replacements is an important component of suckler farm management.

These animals will be the future of the enterprise, good heifer rearing provides a sound basis for a profitable business, whereas failing to rear them appropriately may lead to economic losses. These losses occur either during the rearing period or after the animals join the herd, through mortality, increased disease, forced culls and reduced productivity.

Successful heifer rearing requires attention to detail. A good programme sets defined targets and ensures that these are achieved, through regular monitoring of the animals throughout the rearing period. The ultimate objective is to raise, at least cost, an animal that, once calved, is capable of maximising her genetic potential for production.