Raising Holstein Heifers: Growth Targets, Age at First Calving and Cost

Every cow in a dairy herd was once a heifer, and every heifer represents two years of feed, labor and housing before she earns a dollar of milk income. That makes heifer rearing one of the largest and least visible costs on a dairy. Heifers raised well join the milking herd on time, calve easily and produce well in their first lactation. Heifers raised poorly arrive late, small, sick or overconditioned, and they cost more than they should.

This guide covers general principles of raising Holstein heifers. Targets differ by herd and region, so work with your veterinarian, nutritionist and extension office. If you want to find heifer management workshops near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

The Basic Goal

The usual goal is to breed heifers at a target size and age, so they calve around two years old, grown enough to have an easy first calving and produce well. Holstein heifers are commonly bred at around 13 to 15 months of age, at roughly half to 55 percent of their expected mature body weight, and calve at around 22 to 24 months, at around 85 percent of mature weight. These numbers are widely cited in dairy extension materials, but programs vary, so ask your advisor for targets that fit your herd. The Holstein Association USA and university programs like University of Wisconsin Extension publish growth guides.

Why Age at First Calving Matters

A heifer that calves much later than necessary costs extra feed and housing for months, and a heifer that calves too young and too small may have trouble calving and lower first lactation production. Many dairy economists estimate that going from, say, 26 months to 24 months at first calving saves real money per heifer. The aim is neither as early as possible nor as late, but on target.

Growth Is Not Just Weight

Skeletal growth, shown by height at the withers and hip, and mammary development both matter. A heifer that is fed to grow too quickly can lay down fat in the developing udder, which may reduce milk production later. Aim for steady, moderate growth with good frame, not a fat heifer. Measure with a scale or a weight tape, and a height stick, and record. Our guide to feeding a show heifer and a milking cow discusses the risks of overconditioning.

Nutrition by Stage

• Calf stage (birth to weaning). Colostrum, milk or milk replacer, clean water and starter grain. Our colostrum guide explains the critical first hours.
• Growing heifers. Good forage and a balanced grain or supplement. Protein and energy should support steady growth.
• Prebreeding and breeding. Maintain growth and condition, avoid getting fat.
• Pregnant heifers. Gradually adjust the diet. Close-up heifers should be on a ration that prepares them for lactation.

Resources from University of Minnesota Extension dairy and Penn State Extension dairy include heifer ration guidance.

Housing and Grouping

Group heifers by size, so smaller animals are not bullied at the feed bunk. Provide clean, dry bedding, adequate bunk space and good ventilation. Overcrowding raises disease risk and slows growth. Heifers on pasture need shade, water and parasite management.

Health

• Follow a vaccination program recommended by your veterinarian.
• Control internal and external parasites.
• Watch for respiratory disease, scours and lameness.
• Keep records of treatments and growth.

The Merck Veterinary Manual describes dairy cattle diseases.

Breeding Heifers

Heifers are bred when they reach target size and show signs of heat, not just by age. Many herds use AI, with semen chosen for calving ease. Our article on breeding systems for Holsteins explains the options. Confirm pregnancy with a veterinarian, and keep track of due dates.

The Cost of a Heifer

The cost of raising a heifer is the sum of feed, labor, housing, health care, breeding costs and the interest or opportunity cost of money tied up for two years, plus the value of the calf. Estimates vary widely by farm and year, which is why you should calculate your own. A simple way is to track feed per day by stage, multiply by feed cost, add labor and other costs, and total across the rearing period. Then compare your cost to the going price of a bred heifer. Some dairies find it cheaper to buy or contract raise heifers, while others find home-raising pays. Our enterprise budget guide covers cost per cow.

Culling and Surplus Heifers

Not every heifer should enter the herd. Cull poor performers, slow growers and heifers with health or conformation problems early, before you have spent two years feeding them. If your herd produces more heifers than you need, selling surplus heifers or breeding more cows to beef can offset costs.

Records That Help

1. Birth date, dam and sire.
2. Weights and heights at set ages.
3. Breeding and pregnancy dates.
4. Health events and treatments.
5. Age at first calving and first lactation performance.

Common Mistakes

• Overfeeding heifers. Fat in the udder hurts production.
• Underfeeding and breeding late. It adds cost.
• Not measuring growth. Use scales and tapes.
• Ignoring costs. Calculate your own.
• Keeping poor heifers. Cull early.

Farm.fm's page on dairy farmers making more milk and less money is a humor piece on the economics, and for another, see farm.fm's piece on dairy farm regulations multiplying faster than the herd.