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Calf and heifer rearing

Growing strong from day one

Dry period
Calf/heifer rearing
Lactation
Next stage
Main target in this stage
Robust heifer which calves within 22-24 months
Calf and heifer rearing is the foundation of the future dairy herd. Healthy calves grow into productive cows. Good hygiene, good nutrition and careful daily management are essential from the first day of life. Keep your calves healthy with colostrum, calf milk replacers, vaccinations and a clean environment. Proper feeding helps them grow quickly, while ensuring they develop a strong immune system.

How can I protect the health of my dairy calves?

Newborn calves are very sensitive to disease. Clean housing, clean feeding equipment and good colostrum management are crucial. Colostrum given shortly after birth helps build a strong immune system and supports healthy growth. Dirty housing or feeding equipment increases the risk of diarrhea and infections.
Learn more about colostrum management

Can I influence milk production during calf rearing?

Early calf rearing significantly impacts future milk production. Studies show that each additional 100g of daily weight gain before weaning can increase first-lactation milk yield by 250 liters. Achieving this requires high-quality colostrum, strict hygiene and proper nutrition.
Check out the feeding tables for optimal calf rearing

What are the optimal calf and heifer feeds?

Optimal calf rearing begins with colostrum for immunity, followed by milk replacers for growth. Starter feed helps the rumen develop, while good quality roughage supports healthy digestion as calves grow. Rations must be carefully calculated, considering roughage quality, especially since they will no longer receive concentrated feed in their second year.
Check out our young stock pellet

Frequently Asked Questions

Key questions in the calf and heifer stage

Good management, alongside proper nutrition, is essential for a high fertility rate and a smooth transition towards optimal milk production.  Minimize stress by providing a clean, comfortable environment, socialize and handle calves gently.  Carefully monitor and manage body condition and avoid sudden changes in diet or housing. For the best results you treat your heifers carefully up to their first calving towards 22-24 months.   

Want to reach your targets? Talk to your specialist

As calves become heifers, roughage quality becomes even more important. Always check silage or hay for mould, smell and structure. Poor quality roughage slows growth and weakens animals.    

Submit your roughage for quality check with your sales advisor

Our feed

The best feed for your dairy cows

Talk to our beef experts

Need support to optimize the calf and heifer rearing stage? Our specialists are here to help you tackle challenges and achieve top performance at every life stage.