The Heifer Ration and Preparing Her for Breeding and the First Pregnancy
By Saleh Kamal Al-Saleh, dairy farm and cheese factory owner, founder of Lebnara · Last updated:
A heifer is bred when she reaches the right weight, not a certain age. The rule: 55 to 60% of the mature cow weight on your farm. For Holstein heifers that means about 370 to 400 kg at 13 to 15 months, to calve for the first time at 22 to 24 months.
Why 24 months?
Every month the first calving is delayed beyond 24 months costs you a full month of feed with no milk. Conversely, breeding a heifer before she reaches the right weight causes difficult calving, lower first-lactation yield and slower growth.
Growth targets by stage
For breeds other than Holstein, work out the targets as a percentage of the mature cow weight in your herd.
| Stage | Age | Approximate weight (Holstein) | Body condition score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breeding | 13 – 15 months | 370 – 400 kg | 3 – 3.25 |
| Mid-pregnancy | 18 – 19 months | 470 – 500 kg | 3.25 |
| Pre-calving | 22 – 24 months | 600 – 630 kg | 3.25 – 3.5 |
Feeding for two months before breeding
A sample daily ration for a 380 kg heifer before breeding: 4 kg hay, 10 kg corn silage, 2 to 2.5 kg of 16% protein concentrate, 80 g minerals and vitamins, and unlimited water.
- Energy: keep growth at 0.7 to 0.8 kg a day. Slightly higher energy in the 2 to 3 weeks before the breeding season raises conception, provided the heifer does not get fat.
- Protein: 13 to 14% of dry matter.
- Minerals and vitamins matter most for fertility: phosphorus, selenium, copper, zinc and iodine, and vitamins A and E. A shortage shows as weak heat or repeated breeding without pregnancy.
- Treat internal and external parasites a month before breeding.
Feeding during the first pregnancy
A pregnant heifer is still growing, and at the same time feeding a calf. The most common mistake is fattening her.
- From breeding to the sixth month of pregnancy: continue growth of 0.7 to 0.8 kg a day on a roughage-based ration.
- Months 7 and 8: the calf grows fast. Raise ration quality slightly without a large rise in energy.
- The last 3 weeks: treat her like a cow in the close-up phase, introduce her gradually to the milking cow feed, and preferably let her get to know the milking shed before calving.
Warning signs
- A fat heifer before calving (BCS above 3.75): difficult calving and ketosis afterwards.
- A thin heifer with a weak frame: a small calf, weak milk yield and a delayed second pregnancy.
- Breeding 3 times without pregnancy: check minerals and vitamins, and consult the vet.
Track heifers in Lebnara
Record the heifer's weight and breeding date in the farm module, and it works out her calving date and reminds you of the pregnancy check and ration change.
Frequently asked questions
- At what age should I breed a heifer?
- Between 13 and 15 months, provided she has reached 55 to 60% of the mature cow weight.
- How do I know a heifer's weight without a scale?
- With a chest girth tape, which is accurate enough for monthly follow-up.
- Should I raise concentrate for the pregnant heifer?
- Only in the last 3 weeks and gradually. Before that a balanced roughage-based ration is enough.
Calculate your cattle feed ration now
Enter the cow's weight, her yield and your ingredient prices to find the cheapest balanced ration.