Pre-weaning period key to rearing sustainable replacement heifers

Achieving optimal efficiency in the pre-weaning period is key to reducing heifer rearing costs and improving herd sustainability

clock • 6 min read
Rearing replacement heifers represents 20% of the total production costs within a dairy enterprise.
Image:

Rearing replacement heifers represents 20% of the total production costs within a dairy enterprise.

At a recent open day held at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) Hillsborough site, dairy youngstock research scientist, Gillian Scoley, discussed making the most of the pre-weaning period to...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Dairy

Dairy markets update: Some milk price rises likely for May
Dairy

Dairy markets update: Some milk price rises likely for May

The markets have continued to improve markedly, and the first price increases since the autumn of last year are on the cards for May, for some but by no means all processors

Dairy Farmer
clock 20 March 2026 • 4 min read
The importance of living space for the housed cow
Dairy

The importance of living space for the housed cow

Studies have shown how providing cows with adequate living space can boost milk yields and reduce lameness prevalence

Katie Fallon
clock 20 March 2026 • 3 min read
Q&A with Rory Christie: milk markets and collaboration
Dairy

Q&A with Rory Christie: milk markets and collaboration

Rory Christie, dairy farmer and chair of the Association of Dairy Producer Organisations (ADPO) on what needs to happen as we approach the spring flush

Katie Jones
Katie Jones
clock 20 March 2026 • 2 min read