Heifers

The Maryland Milk Moos (June 16, 2022, Vol. 3, Issue 2) is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

This goal of this pilot study was to examine the effect of making moderate improvements to pasture management on dairy heifer performance. Producers looking to improve grazing systems on their farm should begin by exploring simple management changes such as fertilizer application and the implementation (or increased intensity) of rotational grazing practices. Incorporation of an annual forage into the grazing system may also help improve performance by offsetting the reduced summer growth (i.e. summer slump) in perennial pastures and mitigating palatability and forage intake issues associated with endophyte-infected fescue pastures during the summer.

Most dairy producers are aware that providing calves with 3-5 quarts of high quality (>50 mg IgG/L) colostrum as soon as possible after birth is critical for ensuring transfer of passive immunity to get calves off to a good start. After the first 24 hours, many producers switch their calves to either a milk replacer or whole milk feeding regime. However, recent research suggests that there may be some benefits of feeding colostrum or transition milk for a longer period of time, even after the critical 24-hour window has passed. Title: Transition Milk May Benefit Dairy Calves; Author: Sarah Potts, Ph.D.

Many dairy producers grew up during a time when all heifer calves born on the farm were retained and reared as replacement candidates. However, improvements in pre-weaned calf management, heifer nutrition, and reproductive management have enabled dairy producers to maintain herd size while raising fewer replacements.

The Maryland Milk Moos is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

This past spring, we initiated a study at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center Clarksville Dairy farm to investigate the effects of improved grazing management on bred heifer performance. The objectives were to determine the effect of improved grazing management on heifer growth characteristics and first lactation performance, as well as the economic feasibility of a using a grazing system to mitigate costs associated with the replacement program.

The Maryland Milk Moos is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

There is no question that heat stress can negatively impact animal performance. Exposure to heat stress reduces daily gains, milk production, and reproductive efficiency, though specific impacts on production varies depending on the magnitude and duration of heat exposure. Prolonged exposure to heat stress is much more detrimental than short-term heat stress and its effects linger long after temperatures drop back below the heat stress threshold.

Winter cover crops can be a good forage source for dairy cattle. Harvesting in the early boot stage will generate a quality forage that can be incorporated into the lactating cow diet. Here we will compare the nutrient profile for various silages produced from winter annuals with the more traditional corn and alfalfa silages.

Topics include the cost of production, heifer benchmarks, fly control, and pasture management.