CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF HEIFERS.
1.Heifers are reared indoors,outdoors- 9-12 months.
2.Outdoors-protection from the adverse climatic condition ,rain,hot sun, snow, heavy winds biting flies , parasitic infestation.
3.Exotic breeds-Heifers performance is slow in tropical areas in the out doors.
4.Small breeds –Age at first breeding -15 months.Large breeds-18 months.
5.Adequate live weight would be 200-225 kg for smaller breeds and 275 kgs for the larger breeds.
6.Cross bred heifers show signs of heat as early as 10 months of age but none of them are mated until attain the body weight of 225/275 body weight or a minimum of 14 months age.
7.Age at first calving 25-28 months.
8.Feeding of Heifers.
A.Concentrate feed : a.3 months- 1 year b.Above one year c.Pregnant Heifers
B.Green Fodder
a. Leguminous fodder
b.Non Leguminous fodder C.Dry fodder
9.Vaccination Schedule. Brucell Strain 19 –to prevent Calf.
: 1 kg.
: 2 kg.
: 3-3.5 kg.
: 10 kg. : 25 kg. : 3 kg.
abortion due to Brucellosis-Vaccinated at the age of 4-6 months of
Other Contagious Disease Vaccination are done accordingly prior to the prevalence of disease and prior to rainy season
Foot and Mouth disease : Once in 4 months/9 months/12 months.
Rinderpest : 1-3 years.
Haemorraghic Septicaemia: 1 year.
Anthrax : 1 year.
Black Quarters : 1 year.
Housing : Already discussed in the housing Class.
a. Outdoor system / Grazing method b. Indoor method a. Reared chiefly of grazing
1. Care to be taken not to overstock on limited grazing land. 2. Rotational grazing.
3. Arrangement of shade and drinking water – pasture land
4. Concentrate feed is to be provided – Centrally located feed trough.
5. Protect from rain.
b. Indoors
1. Management in covered area.
2. Sufficient concentrate feed and fodder provided. 2. Steaming up of heifers.
Feeding grains to pregnant heifers prior calving at 1.5 Kg. per day. It helps in their growth, bear the stress of foetus. It produces more milk after calving and increases lactation length.
Training of heifers.
Heifers in early stage should be lead with halter to make them docile.
Pregnant Heifers are to be housed along with milking cows atleast a month prior to calving.
The udder should be washed warm water and mopped with cloth to accustom her to feel the hands in this place. Just few days prior to calving pulling teats slightly may be practiced so that heifer would not excited.
Control of Parasites – Dewormed periodically – 4 – 6 months intervals
Grooming is to be practiced to avoid ecto- parasites.
