Greater management before weaning improves first lactation performance

The preweaning period is the most important phase in the productive life of a dairy cow. The meta-analyses published recently by University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center and Pennsylvania State University's researchers determined the relationships between early-life parameters and the performance of first-lactation cow.
     The researchers found that average daily gain (ADG) during the first 8 weeks of calf life significantly improved 305-days milk yield in the first lactation: for every kg of ADG at 8 weeks, milk yield improved by 1.9 kg. per day.
     For the milk qualities, each additional 100g.of preweaning ADG, fat and protein contents during the first lactation increased.
     In order to take full advantage of the greater growth before weaning, an adequate feeding program should be implemented during the rest of the heifer period (from weaning until calving). Because of better early-life growth result in the greater performance of the first lactating cows.
     Credit:"Greater intake before weaning improves first lactation performance." 2018. International Dairy Topics, Volume 17, 1:29.