Posted by Dr. Steve Dudley on June 16 2005 10:02
Dairy Newsletter 2nd Quarter 2005
Special Considerations for First Calf Heifers
One challenge that every dairy farm deals with on a regular basis is bringing first lactation heifers into the herd. These heifers bring their own set of potential and challenges and every farm should have a plan in place on how to maximize the potential of these animals so they do not get culled out of the herd during the first lactation. This article is going to look at several areas of the dairy operation where paying extra attention to first calf heifers will pay off with big rewards.
Close Up Pens
Heifers, as well as mature cows need time on a transition diet to adapt their rumen to the higher energy diet that she will receive after she calves. It is important that the heifers are in this pen for at least 21 days. It’s also very important that the close up pen is not crowded especially when heifers are present, so they don’t have to compete for feed and water. Heifers are generally not familiar with the facilities, so extra time and patience will be required when handling them.
Milking Time
After the heifer calves, the next challenge is getting her into the parlor to harvest the colostrum. Since she has never been in the parlor, it’s best to try to have other cows in the parlor as the heifer will be less nervous if there are other animals present. It is important that you try to keep the heifers calm. The stress hormones and epinephrine that the heifer will release when she’s stressed or scared will inhibit oxytocin and milk letdown.
As you prep the heifer for milking, remember that heifers require more stimulation to properly let their milk down. Make sure that there is 20-30 seconds of stripping and stimulation of the teats and wait 90-120 seconds before unit attachment. This extra prep time will allow the oxytocin time to get to the udder to release milk from the secretory cells. Every heifer does not need to be given injectable oxytocin, but if the proper prep was conducted and there is no milk letdown, 1-2 cc of oxytocin can be given.
As the heifer is stripped out for the first time, be sure to check for mastitis. Up to 70% of heifers culture positive for bacteria when they freshen. Most of the bacteria is environmental; Staph and many of these infections clear up on their own. It is a good idea to CMT (California Mastitis Test) heifers on day 1 or 2 after they calve to pick up any early udder infections so they can be treated before they become a chronic problem. Also be sure not to over milk the heifer, because vacuum on teats when there is no milk coming out can cause teat lesions and it is uncomfortable for the animal.