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
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Denne historien er fra July 16, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Uncertainty over Trump's stance on AGOA
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Plum pollen study reveals varietal differences in pollination effectiveness
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Study: small cuts to beef production could eliminate years of emissions
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Harnessing wind for cleaner energy
At the Windaba Conference and Exhibition, held in October in Cape Town, Western Cape, Niveshen Govender, CEO of the South African Wind Energy Association, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the state of wind energy in the country and the opportunities that farmers can exploit.
The Cape Grace: a Cape Town icon is reborn, and her new custodians shine
Brian Berkman has had the exceedingly good fortune of spending many nights at the Cape Grace Hotel over the years. He revisits it to find it as impressive as ever.
Cutting-edge tech aiding the agri sector
Toyota Material Handling's innovations conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint of farming operations.
Use the correct growing medium for safe seedling production
Instead of buying expensive growing mediums for seedlings, farmers can make their own mixtures from local resources, such as manure, which are economical and produce excellent results
Optimising cherry production and quality
Growing cherries in a suboptimal climate requires manipulating trees and temperatures. But with a considerable market advantage, it is worth the effort. Lindi Botha visited ZZ2's Toscana farm, which for four weeks of the year takes prime position in the cherry market.
Biosecurity & nutrition: the foundation of pig farming success
JD Mostert, a consulting swine nutritionist at CS Vet, and Dr Stefan Steyn, a veterinarian at Afrivet, shared their expertise with Sinenhlanhla Mncwango, delving into why biosecurity and nutrition are critical pillars in establishing and maintaining a productive pig farm geared for long-term success.
The business of pig farming: practical steps for success
Running a pork farm requires knowledge and expertise. Mosele Lepheane, director of a small piggery in the Free State, spoke to Sinenhlanhla Mncwango about the structured approach needed to succeed, from drafting a business plan and managing cash flow to sourcing equipment and expanding market access.
