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Heifer introduction

hbaarslag

Best practices for heifer introduction

For all the seasonal calving farmers in the community.

Introducing heifers to the milking herd is a important milestone for farmers and heifers. 

What are your tips and tops to have a smooth and successful introduction?

Parents
  • +1

    First thing — don’t just chuck the heifers in with the big girls on a Monday morning and hope for the best. That’s a fast road to chaos in the yard.

    A few golden rules I go by:

    1. Let ’em meet the neighbours first
      Stick the heifers in the paddock beside the main herd for a week or so. They get the smell and sight of each other, and the old girls get over the novelty before they share a feed face.
    2. Milk-parlour training
      Walk the heifers through the parlour a couple of times before they’re due to calve. Let them sniff around, hear the noise, maybe even run the cups on a dry teat just so they’re not spooked. Makes life a lot easier on day one.
    3. Small introductions
      If you can, add them to the herd in small batches. Less bullying, and the pecking order sorts itself out quicker.
    4. Feed space is king
      Make sure there’s plenty of feed space so they don’t get shouldered out. A hungry heifer won’t milk well.
    5. Watch them like a hawk
      First couple of weeks, keep an eye for sore teats, shy feeders, or anyone getting shoved around. Step in early if one’s struggling.
    6. Keep it calm
      No roaring, no banging gates — they’re nervous enough. A bit of patience at the start saves headaches all season.
Reply
  • +1

    First thing — don’t just chuck the heifers in with the big girls on a Monday morning and hope for the best. That’s a fast road to chaos in the yard.

    A few golden rules I go by:

    1. Let ’em meet the neighbours first
      Stick the heifers in the paddock beside the main herd for a week or so. They get the smell and sight of each other, and the old girls get over the novelty before they share a feed face.
    2. Milk-parlour training
      Walk the heifers through the parlour a couple of times before they’re due to calve. Let them sniff around, hear the noise, maybe even run the cups on a dry teat just so they’re not spooked. Makes life a lot easier on day one.
    3. Small introductions
      If you can, add them to the herd in small batches. Less bullying, and the pecking order sorts itself out quicker.
    4. Feed space is king
      Make sure there’s plenty of feed space so they don’t get shouldered out. A hungry heifer won’t milk well.
    5. Watch them like a hawk
      First couple of weeks, keep an eye for sore teats, shy feeders, or anyone getting shoved around. Step in early if one’s struggling.
    6. Keep it calm
      No roaring, no banging gates — they’re nervous enough. A bit of patience at the start saves headaches all season.
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