FMTP 028. Dairy Heifer Management (152-028-MC).

Students will discover the fine tuning management principles behind profitable dairy heifer management. We will examine the management notions which contribute to an efficient and profitable heifer enterprise. Weaning management, heifer health, nutritional requirements, housing alternatives, bovine estrous cycles, heat detection and synchronization, identifying the top replacement heifers, marketing alternatives, as well as breeding management will all be examined. We also will discuss the cost of raising heifers, management targets and newer alternative forms of heifer management. Farm visits will be additional exposure to the challenge of successful heifer management.