DairyTalk 464: Pasture vs. Housing: How Heifer Rearing Shapes First-Lactation Performance - by Helmut Demmelhuber

This podcast episode examines a scientific study comparing
pasture-based and housed heifer rearing systems and their impact
on future dairy performance. The research found similar growth
rates between the two groups during development, while
pasture-reared animals benefited from substantially lower feed
costs. The most significant differences emerged during the first
lactation, where previously grazed heifers produced more milk and
milk protein, resulting in stronger income over feed costs. These
findings raise an important management question: are dairy farms
underestimating the long-term production benefits of
pasture-based heifer development? The study suggests that rearing
decisions made early in life may have a greater influence on
future productivity and profitability than commonly assumed.
Withcomments on a "Journal of Dairy Science"-article (6/2026) by
Carlos H. P. Camisa Nova, and others:
https://www.journalofdairyscience.org