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Dairy-heifer management in the Netherlands
M C Mourits1, H J Van der Fels-Klerx, R B Huirne
1Department of Economics and Management, Farm Management Group, Wageningen University, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, The Netherlands. monique.mourits@alg.abe.wau.nl
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
|July 29, 2000
Summary
Dutch dairy heifer rearing performance shows room for improvement. Many farmers lack target-based monitoring, leading to suboptimal performance indices for age and weight, indicating a need for enhanced management systems.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Dairy Cattle Management
- Agricultural Economics
Background:
- Effective dairy heifer rearing is crucial for herd productivity and profitability.
- Current Dutch heifer rearing practices and their alignment with performance targets are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe Dutch dairy heifer rearing performance using key indices at weaning, breeding, and calving.
- To assess the utilization of pre-set rearing targets and data monitoring by farmers.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide questionnaire survey distributed to 3000 dairy cattle farmers.
- Analysis of returned questionnaires (n=959) detailing heifer rearing practices and performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in age at first calving (29% ≤24 months, 51% 25-27 months, 20% ≥27 months).
- Average post-calving weight (525-550 kg), wither height (141-145 cm), and body condition score (3-3.5) reported.
- Weaning age varied (29% ≤8 weeks, 35% 9-10 weeks, 36% ≥11 weeks); 81% initiated breeding ≥15 months.
- Limited use of performance goals and monitoring, with many indices falling outside recommended ranges.
Conclusions:
- The current Dutch dairy heifer rearing management system has considerable potential for improvement.
- Implementing structured performance monitoring and adhering to target values can enhance heifer rearing outcomes.