Feeding Bred Heifers with Cows...Not a Good Idea!

by Dr. James I. Sprague, Livestock Nutritionist

Reader’s suggestion
The management of bred yearling heifer coming with their first calf is important according to a reader of Feed-Lot Magazine, Dr. W. Mark Hilton, veterinarian at Purdue University. He explained that he has encounter problems with bred heifers if they were not fed adequately and managed properly during the last part of the gestation period.

The February 2004 issue of Feed-Lot Magazine reported the importance of feeding the young cows compared to the yearling bred heifer, because the yearling heifers usually are “fleshier” than the young cows. Yet, the management and nutrition of bred heifers is different than cows and they probably should be handled separately from the average cow.
Competition from older cows

Dr. Hilton cautioned that if the bred heifers are fed with older cows, the older aggressive animals may get more of their portion of the feed. For operations where a complete ration, such in a feedlot, adequate bunk space is needed or the hay scattered out in order for the animals to get their requirement for their final growth and adequate reserves for their first lactation.

He suggested it is a good practice to keep the yearling coming two’s separate from the main group of cows. He also stressed the importance of protein, minerals and vitamin A to produce a healthy calf.
Condition of the bred heifers a factor

Bred heifers haven’t had the stress of a calf nursing at their side compared to the wet cows, therefore will usually carry more fatness and condition. But if the pastures are short on quality and the winter hay is of poor quality, these bred heifers will need extra energy before they calve.
Wintering young bred heifers in the feedlot

Feeding controlled rations for these young bred heifers is an opportunity for feedlot operators. Programmed ration for controlled intake and estimated gain can be developed by livestock nutritionist if the energy of the rations can be estimated. ©

Questions or comments concerning this or any article by Dr. Sprague can be addressed to him at 625 Granview, Newton, KS 67114, or call him at (316) 283-8692.