DairyTalk 317: Heifer Growth Management: How Growth Rate Shapes Future Milk Production - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode draws on a professional article examining
the relationship between heifer growth management and future milk
production. Particular attention is given to the period between
three and nine months of age, when mammary tissue develops most
intensively and nutritional management becomes especially
critical. Research discussed in the article indicates that daily
gains of roughly 1.8 to 1.9 pounds support optimal development,
whereas excessively rapid growth may reduce later milk yield. The
concept of compensatory growth is also explored, showing how
targeted high-energy diets can help animals recover from earlier
nutritional deficits. Overall, the analysis highlights the need
to align feeding strategies with genetic potential to reach key
weight targets before first calving without compromising mammary
development. With comments on a "Hoards´ Dairyman"-article
(February 2026) by Jud Heinrichs: https://www.thebullvine.com