Edible fibre and protein critical for frame growth
High starch diets in heifers will result in excessive fat deposition in the udder reducing mammary tissue development and subsequent reduced milk production.
So given the above requirements for growth it is critical that there are no prolonged periods of very low growth in replacement heifers. Even with the current good weather it is still critical that heifer performance in both beef and dairy herds is monitored closely.
Heifers that have been inseminated to calf next spring need to be provided with sufficient good quality grass to maintain good growth. If these heifers are on poor quality grass or are tight on grass then they will need to be supplemented with concentrates.
If suckler cows with calves at foot are on restricted pasture quantity or quality then creep feeding should be introduced to keep calves growing. Mineral supplementation is also an essential part of successful heifer rearing as basic macro minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorous, Sodium and Magnesium are essential for digestion of feed and frame growth. Micro-minerals such as Copper is a natural growth promoter while Zinc hardens hoofs and horns. Vitamin E aids the animalâs immune system.