AGRICULTURAL
THE ROLE OF YOUR VETERINARY
SURGEON
The role of your veterinarian and the
establishment of a focused innoculation
and deworming programme, cannot be
over-emphasised. Heifers have to receive
their most important innoculatons even
before weaning. Regard innoculations as
a long-term investment in your heifers and
act proactively.
Actions are often taken too late, which
then makes it necessary to play fireman
and put out fires. Look carefully for vene-
real diseases. This applies particularly in
respect of producers buying in replace-
ment heifers from time to time. Insist on
veterinary certification which confirms that
the animals tested negatively for current
venereal diseases.
Don't forget about the annual boost-
ers before the mating season. It is and
remains the best investment in building
resistance against disease.
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH CURVE
A number of studies have been done
regarding the growth rate of replacement
heifers and consequent reproduction per-
formance of the herd. We know that the
earlier a heifer calves for the first time, the
higher her productivity will be for the rest
of her life. However, it is closely correlated
with her feeding level, particularly during
the period before her first mating season.
Tests on three different breeds indicat-
ed that the heat observation percentage
of heifers growing at an average of 700g/
day, compared to heifers growing at an
average of 350g/day, was almost 25%
higher at 14 months. Weigh your heifers
regularly and follow a strategic supple-
ment programme in order to reach the
required target weights.
Take into account that environmen-
tal and breed variations do occur and
that any feeding programme has to be
adjusted accordingly. This will prevent,
inter alia, that animals are in an excessive
condition. Also remember that heifers
have to achieve their goal weight before
the commencement of the mating sea-
son - emphasis once again on proactive
management.
We often find that replacement heifers,
particularly in their first winter, receive the
same lick as the cow group (basic winter
sustenance lick), while her requirements
are more in the direction of a production
formulated lick (guard against energy
levels being too high). This is one of the
main reasons why heifers do not reach
their required target weights at the begin-
ning of the mating season. It emphasises
the point of view that replacement heifers
should not be incorporated with the rest of
the cow group too soon. Managing them
separately until after the second mating
season, leaves room for better feeding
managements.
CONCLUSION
Manage your replacement heifers as
the most important asset class on your
farm and regard the costs relating to an
effective health and feeding programme
as a long-term investment in the produc-
tivity of the heifer. Do not forget the role
of the bull in as far as the absence of
venereal diseases, mating skills and the
correct choice with regard to easy calving
are concerned.
Work closely with your veterinary sur-
geon in establishing a health programme
adjusted for your area, as well as with
your animal scientist regarding a supple-
mentary feeding programme and the man-
agement of your feed flow programme. It
will ensure the development of your ani-
mals at the correct growth curves.
There are no secrets or instant recipes
for success. Producers who manage to
replace heifers successful in their herds,
are producers keeping to the basic princi-
ples, who do not look for short-cuts.
SENWES SCENARIO | WINTER 2019
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