How fat is TOO fat?

[Simmgal]

Well-fed heifers perform well in most show rings, but how much does the diet of a developing heifer help/hinder her milking ability as a cow? Is there a certain age that heifers can be fed heavily and later milk production will not be hindered, or is hard feeding at any age detrimental? Just curious, because recently I have been hearing varying opinions.

 

[SeannyT]

Its known that as a heifer is going through puberty and as she approaches her first calving, her mammary tissue is developing. A heifer getting fed a diet with way to much energy will get fat, but will also start laying down fat in the udder where mammary tissue should be developing. This will for sure affect her milking ability as a cow.

 

[cowman 52]

When you slap one on the rump and the ears wiggle,That's too fat (lol)

 

[knabe]

This painting used to be my avatar

http://www.art.com/products/p11784306-sa-i1421351/thomas-weaver-the-white-heifer-that-travelled-with-a-man-slicing-turnips-in-a-stable-yard-dated-1811.htm?sorig=crt&sorigid=35127&ui=373973d98bcd439186657dc5b9d7b382