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COWS-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 61
should never look empty - that is with hollow sides, and visible ribs. Evaluate the growth and fatness of heifers and feed accordingly. Do not forget the heifers need more feed as they grow and you will have to increase the amount several times over the winter but at the some time be careful not to overfeed.
The rate at which heifers gain weight during their first winter after weaning will have a big influence on their age and weight at puberty, that is when an animal matures sexually as well as their future reproductive potential. Heifers with a high rate of gain are usually heavier and younger at puberty than heifers not fed well enough to gain adequately. When heifers are small and they start cycling, the conception rate might well be poor and there is more chance of embryo death between conception and calving. An embryo is a developing calf in the first 45 days of pregnancy.
The rate at which heifers gain weight during their first winter after weaning will have a big influence on their age and weight at puberty, that is when an animal matures sexually as well as their future reproductive potential. Heifers with a high rate of gain are usually heavier and younger at puberty than heifers not fed well enough to gain adequately. When heifers are small and they start cycling, the conception rate might well be poor and there is more chance of embryo death between conception and calving. An embryo is a developing calf in the first 45 days of pregnancy.