There is a wealth of evidence that shows that calving your heifers at 24 months is more economically efficient than calving at 36 months. The major factors that contribute to this are:

• Yield - a 3 year old heifer produces more milk in her 1st lactation but a 2 year old heifer will already be starting her 2nd lactation so will quickly catch up
• Feed - a 3 year old heifer is fed for a whole 12 months without any return on investment
• Calving - more calving issues in 3 year old heifers resulting in higher loss of heifers in 1st lactation.

Read the full November newsletter here