Managing heifers and cows: Part 3

Heifers and first calvers need good nutrition and extra care, such as keeping them in separate herds, if you want to have mature cows that grow out to their full genetic potential for size.

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Heifers can be mated when they reach at least 60% of their mature weight. The age at which this occurs is determined by the quality of their feed, the type of breed and other factors. FW ARCHIVE

Heifers are usually mated at either 15 or 27 months to calve down for the first time at two or three years respectively. They can be brought to a bull when they reach at least 60% of mature weight. The age at which a heifer reaches this target will depend on the level of nutrition (amount and type of feed available), the breed, the age at which she cuts her teeth, and the time of year she was born.

First-calf cows (cows that have calved only once and are brought to the bull for the second time) have notoriously low conception rates. Worldwide, the inter-calving period (ICP) between the first and second calf has been shown to be longer than subsequent ICPs. Inadequate nutrition may also contribute to this.

BREEDING HEIFERS EARLY