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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Lucknow Sentinel, 1982-04-07, Page 3314 h The Fatales., Week at Apra 'i, 1982 Feed holstein heijrswe1i to breed at 15months A recent. Penn State study concluded fromD.HI.A. re- cords that there wasno increase in milk or fat prod- uction , for Holstein heifers' calving, beyond 27 months. There was, however, a re- duction among heifers calx- ing at less than 23 months. This data suggests .that we need to continue to empha- size that heifers can, .and should,be bred to calve t' of Int, (lbs.) around 24 months of age. concludes Dennis' McKnight, Head of the Livestock Section, at Centralia College of Agri- cultural Technology. Delayed calving only increases rear- ing costs without a corres- ponding increase in first lactation production. Some; dairymen are reluct- ant to breed heifers at . 15 months =- the recommended time -- so they calve at. 2 years says Mr McKnight. The 15 -month figure is the one to • shoot for if heifers are well fed. In addition to age,. the weight should be 750-850 pounds (340-390 kg) and ,the height at the withers , from 50-52 inches (127-133 cm). Failure to meet these weight or height criteria 'at 15 months of age:. indicates a management problem. Be- sides genetics, the main factors which influence growth are, nutrition, envir- onment and disease. A recent survey of Ontario dairy herds by extension specialists found that most of the heifers were meeting the weight target at 24 months, but few weretall enough. It seemed ' that most of the growth . setbacks occurred during the first 15 months. Further observations pointed �!•S�•{ite..firs 13r,17.,!-; C1.cJ.i g.o.g1.lr r4.1-.11-1 •t;... 11 _. _T- ., I. [ 1 ' I �L i 1 a• •1 ! I I. I I. j r P '�„ .. 1 ... r. 1-• 1 i ti . , it 1 1 t • i • i • 1 1 •1 I . � ; H 1. /ivu pit ;TIGrvliltz -_ 1 • to overcrowding and under- feeding, particularly protein. Most farmers appear to be. meeting heifer energy re- quirements because they are meeting the weight targets, but they are short on nutri ents (protein), minerals and vitamins) that increase stat- ure. These nutrients are as- sumed to be in the forage but forage quality would have to. be excellent to avoid the need for supplemental grain. To be onthe safe side, grain mixtures should contain 16- 18% protein, 0.75-1.0% phosphorous and Vitamins A, D, and E. The quantity of grain required will vary with quality of forage,, season of the year and type of housing. The only way to know for sure if you're feeding enough is to monitor heifer growth, adds Mr. McKnight. If they are not keeping pace with the followinggrowth chart you need to change your manage- ment. Custom Seed Cleaning AND TREATING (Bulk or Bag) TAKING ORDERS FOR Clover & Grass Seeds Seed Grain Elliott's Seed Mill and Trucking Lucknow _ 528-3500 4 v • ;.'i ,l h• 'i, • Stove Henan 78 HAMILTON ST. OODERICH When It Cornea to Buying or Selling Farm Properties LOOK TO teve Buchaiurn KAY. e'er ..s "A good Man In the Field' When 1t comes to the purchase or sale of farm pr'operty, Steve Buchanan Is the man to call: • Speclallies In Farm Real Estate—Full Time! • Steve knows Far ming) He uses his knowledge.of all farm operations and products putting It to good use for you. • Steve treats every listing as If It were his own with personalized urylce. • Steve works as hard In his field [Far, m Real Estate] as you do In yours! . • Easy to talk to and understands your needs! Buying or Selling a Farm? Put Steve Buchanan to work for You To -Day. ! for a FREE evaluation of your property or a lin of Properties currently on the market GIVE STEVE A CALL OFFICE 524 9097 EVENINGS 524-4478 TO HAMILTON ST. OODERICH.