Weighing heifers key to improving dairy outcomes
A Teagasc advisor stresses the importance of weighing heifers this autumn to secure better production and fertility in future years. Around 40% of farms have significant weight shortfalls among weanlings, risking poorer milking performance and longevity in the herd.
John McCabe, an advisor with the Teagasc-Aurivo Joint Programme, highlights the critical role of weighing heifers during the autumn months for dairy farmers aiming to improve long-term herd performance.
In 2024, McCabe conducted a study involving approximately 50 farmers who weighed their weanling heifers. The findings revealed that a quarter of these animals were over 20kg below their target weight at six months. Notably, about 40% of farms had a substantial number of underweight heifers, while the remainder had only a few or none behind target. These weight deficits can lead to reduced conception rates the following spring and, if uncorrected, result in lighter first-calving heifers that produce less milk and have shorter productive lifespans.
Farmers are encouraged to utilise available resources such as weighing contractors or co-operative scales, often rentable for around €50 per day. The ICBF Herdplus platform offers tools to compare each heifer's current weight against expected targets, helping identify those needing intervention. Early action through dietary supplements, improved grazing management, adequate space, and parasite control can help lighter heifers catch up, safeguarding future productivity and herd health.