NHIA 2008/09 National Herd Recording Statistics - Australian Jersey ...

Partner Project
Overall
These results show that most farms are not realising
the full potential for heifer milk production and, on
average, heifers are not calving before 26 months of
age. In most cases, the size of the heifers is the factor
likely to be limiting milk production.
In most dairying regions of Australia, heifers need to
be fed high-quality supplements for at least
six months of the year to achieve their target
weights: especially after weaning and when there
is a shortage of quality pasture. Table 2 shows the
heifer growth target weights.
The InCalf initiative Heifers: Big Girls XL provides
resources to farmers and advisers to help realise
the benefits of well-grown heifers. These can be
obtained from www.incalf.com.au.
Table 2: Heifer growth target weight (kg).
Age (months) Holstein-Friesians Jerseys
3 100 80
4 120 95
5 140 110
6 160 125
7 180 140
8 200 155
9 220 170
10 240 185
11 260 200
12 280 215
13 300 230
14 320 245
15 340 260
Heifers need high-quality supplements for at least six months of the year
14 Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Report 2009