First-calf heifers are demanding not only due to potential calving difficulties but also because they have the greatest nutrient needs in the herd, and their reproductive performance has long-term effects on herd success.

When it comes to breeding heifers there are several questions that often come up. Should they be bred to calve at 24, 30, or 36 months of age? Should they be bred to calve a month earlier than the cow herd? How long should the breeding season be?

Preparing dairy heifers for a successful first lactation can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Use the team around you to focus on proper management and nutrition to get your heifers off to a great start.

The current trend in the dairy industry is to decrease age at conception, thereby decreasing age at first calving (AFC) to decrease raising costs by generating income from milk production sooner.

The reproductive efficiency of cow-calf operations is one of the most important factors affecting the potential profitability of herds. The ideal cow calves early in the calving season every year, breeds back early in the breeding season and weans off a heavy calf year after year.