Preweaning daily weight gain of a calf has a significant impact on milk production in the first lactation

LifeStart first lactation

Preweaning daily weight gain of a calf has been shown to have a significant impact on heifer milk production during the first lactation. This effect on dairy heifer first lactation has been demonstrated via numerous trials in recent years. The effect on the preweaning daily gain of calves as well as the effect on milk production in the first lactation of heifers varied between these trials. A trial carried out at the Trouw Nutrition Ruminant Research Centre “Kempenshof” showed that a LifeStart feeding schedule during the first eight weeks of life resulted in a higher milk yield, a higher milk fat yield and a higher feed intake in heifers during their first lactation (See figures 1 to 3).

Figures 1 to 3: A LifeStart feeding schedule during the first 8 weeks of life resulted in a higher milk yield (see figure 1) and a higher milk fat yield (see figure 2). It was also shown that the higher level of production was related to a higher feed intake (see figure 3).

Figure 1

daily yield of fat and protein corrected milk in kg/day in cows that were fed according to a LifeStart high plane of nutrition during rearing (blue line) compared to calves fed a low plane of nutrition (red line) during their 1st lactation

  

Figure 2

Milk fat yield in g/day in cows that were fed according to a LifeStart high plane of nutrition during rearing (blue line) compared to calves fed a low plane of nutrition (red line) during their 1st lactation

Figure 3

Dry matter intake in kg/day in cows that were fed according to a LifeStart high plane of nutrition during rearing (blue line) compared to calves fed a low plane of nutrition (red line) during their 1st lactation

  

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LifeStart studies on first lactation

  • A LifeStart calf feeding schedule increases first lactation milk yield of Holstein dairy heifers by 400 litres

    An increase of ADG as a result of a LifeStart calf feeding schedule increases milk production in the first lactation by 400 litres

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  • Growth during the first 12 months has a positive impact on milk production

    Growth during the first 12 months of life has a positive correlation with milk production, but growth between 9 and 12 months has a negative correlation with milk production. The respiratory disease reduces growth.

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  • Elevated planes of nutrition result in increased milk production during the first lactation

    A meta-analysis of 12 studies shows feeding schedules with elevated planes of nutrition increase milk production in first lactation of dairy heifers.

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