A12 (1). Feeding and Nutrition of Dairy Heifers

Question 1

Onset of the first insemination, BW,

Answer 1

Sexual determity; determined by age, the fat % and the BW

goal;
13 – 15 months
Min 350kg
110 – 120 cm

Question 2

BCS of dairy and beef heifers at calving,

Answer 2

24 – 25 month (2 year)
520 – 550kg
130 cm
BCS 3.5

Question 3

possible rearing intensities,

Answer 3

1. Very slow (low BW gain and late start breeding – after 18 months. Weight less than 500kg at calving)
2. Moderate (Small frame 700g BW/day gained; breeding before 18 months)
3. Intense (DWG: 800 – 900 BW/day gained, breeding before 18m: improved milk yield but over fattened)
4. • Physiologically intense (Moderate raising + 15% above maintenance level)
5. Combined

Question 4

Recommended rearing intensity

Answer 4

Moderate raising (+ 15% of energy & nutrients above maintenance level) For proper development.
(“Physiologically intense”)
 Gain: 1 – 1.2kg/day
 Insemination age: 12 – 13 months

Question 5

Expression of protein and energy requirements,

Answer 5

Energy requirement: NEm + NEg
Protein requirement: MP (maintenance + gain)

Microbial protein + UDP = will make the total protein supply of the animal.

Question 6

Feeds,

Answer 6

Roughages (mazie)
Small quantity of concentrates (0.5 – 1kg/day)
NPN – supplement (Urea) when we have a negative MP

Question 7

Phases of feeding (3) weight gain

Answer 7

Phase 1. (up to  1 year)
daily body weight gain: 800g/day
want to reach 50% of their adult body weight  300 – 320kg
good meadow (+ 1,5 conc),  
inside --> 10 kg rough, + 3 kg conc

Question 8

Phase 2

Answer 8

phase 2 (1 year –> 22months) (ins)
Growth rate decrease  Give 600g/day
Age 15 – 16 months reach 75% of their adult body weight. (Ca 350 – 400kg body weight)
Good quality meadow grass + 0.3 – 0.5kg concentrate
Inside; silage up to 15-25kg, hay (1-4kg) conc 0.5-1,5kg

Question 9

Phase 3

Answer 9

Phase 3 (22months –> partuation)
In the last 2 months of pregnancy
fetal development highest in the last 2 – 1 month of pregnancy.
Concentrates
o 8 – 4 weeks before parturition: Increase up to 2kg
o 4 weeks before parturition: Increase up to 4kg
o Give 4 kg of hay in daily ration