Feeding programme for heifers from birth to calving
A pioneering strategy: developing the dairy conformation of heifers
The aim must be not only to optimise the growth of heifers, but also to promote their dairy morphology. The feeding programme proposed by DELTAVIT therefore aims to improve feed intake capacity and develop the skeleton and secretory tissues of the udder, to the detriment of fat deposition.
Weight/height at the withers growth curves for high-potential heifers have been drawn up, based on analysis of breeding data, regularly updated by field surveys (measurements of 1,200 heifers, 2012).
To monitor the proper development of heifers on the livestock farm, a specialised software for measuring the development of dairy heifers has been developed by the CCPA Group’s R&D department: GALASCORUS.
This tool, which can be used by technicians during farm visits, won an INEL d’OR award (a prize organised each year to reward the innovations of the companies dedicated to livestock farming) in 2013 for its innovative, useful and educational features for dairy farmers, with a highly visual presentation of the morphological profiles of the heifers in each herd.
A high-performance feed programme adapted to rearing
There are 3 key periods in heifer rearing, during which control of feed is crucial:
- from birth to weaning
- from weaning to 6 months
- from 6 months to calving
For each of these stages, DELTAVIT and the CCPA Group support breeders and technicians with a breeding programme based on:
- A dietary feed to help calves make a good start-up: Argivo, a palatable feed for early consumption.
- Specific feeds for the 0-6 months stage, incorporating the new VivActiv’®Junior technique: a milk replacer, Croustivo® starter feed and a high-protein second-age feed.
- Programmes after 6 months, adapted to the basic ration (maize, straw or hay).
- An original ration plan richer in protein and lower in fat to develop dairy conformation.
VivActiv’® Junior supports the growth of young heifers
In calves, digestive enzymes are scarce, which limits the digestion of solid feed. VivActiv’®Junior contains natural plant extracts which boost enzyme secretion, improving feed assimilation.
In addition, by containing tannins and metal salts, VivActiv’®Junior also has a protective effect on the proteins in the feed, resulting in better feed value. When added to milk replacer, to Croustivo® starter feed and 2nd stage feed, VivActiv’®Junior improves growth (which determines the career of future dairy animal) while ensuring greater digestive safety and enabling earlier weaning and calving. VivActiv’®Junior therefore improves the zootechnical and economic performance of heifers.
An approach that meets the expectations of dairy heifer breeders
This feeding programme meets breeders’ concerns in terms of:
- Dairy career: optimising the dairy potential of heifers from the very first months.
- Profitability: calving at 24 months that lowers the cost of the heifer (€40 per month of calving saved per heifer, on average) and therefore the cost of renewal.
To find out more: