First calf heifers milk production.

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kidsandkows

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Dec 30, 2010
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Does first calf heifers milk production get better? For example if she calved for the first time this year and her milk was ok, but not great is there a chance of it getting better next year?
 

kidsandkows

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Dec 30, 2010
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172
not bad. I just have these heifers out of an angus bull that was supposed to be pretty maternally bred and real good for milk, but I am not overly impressed. They are okay nothing is wrong but I was just wondering it is not something I remember paying attention to in years past so I thought I would ask.

One is not out of this bull mentioned above ( I dont know much about her sire) and she lost her calf, but she never quite seemed to have much milk so I am wondering about keeping her.

And then there is always the possibility of environmental conditions, but the older cows are doing okay.
 

Till-Hill

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Sep 14, 2010
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Waterville, Iowa
I try to shoot for just enough milk to grow the calf. Too much milk yes you will get a huge calf but it takes alot of feed and if you don't have the feed you end up with a skinny cow and most the time an open one at that. If she is in decent shape and the calf looks about like your others next year she will do a little better I am sure.
 

CAB

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Mar 5, 2007
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Corning,Iowa
kidsandkows said:
not bad. I just have these heifers out of an angus bull that was supposed to be pretty maternally bred and real good for milk, but I am not overly impressed. They are okay nothing is wrong but I was just wondering it is not something I remember paying attention to in years past so I thought I would ask.

One is not out of this bull mentioned above ( I dont know much about her sire) and she lost her calf, but she never quite seemed to have much milk so I am wondering about keeping her.

And then there is always the possibility of environmental conditions, but the older cows are doing okay.

According to the data a cow will increase milk production, & does up until her 3rd calf. 5 to 10 years old in general are their peak years of milk production. There are exceptions to the rules. About your heifer that lost her calf, with the prices as they are right now, I would sell her and either move on with the money in your hand or try to buy an older cow that has a calf on her so that you have something to sell come fall. With feed costs verses what the heifer will bring, this  year more than ever, sell her. JMO.
 
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