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Once the targets have been set a feed plan can be made to achieve the targets. A number of different options are outlined below. They are based on recent practical trial work on farm in Northern Ireland in conjunction with the research institute at Hillsborough (AFBI). Forage analysis and the use of the Mole Valley Feed Solutions heifer rationing programme enable individual farm plans to be constructed.
| Age (months) | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 24 |
| Height (cm) | 90 | 102 | 114 | 121 | 125 | 132 | 135 | 138 |
| Weight (cm) | 100 | 170 | 240 | 300 | 370 | 430 | 500 | 570 |
| Autumn born Aug-Nov |
Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
Grass + 1kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
Grass Only | ||||
| Winter born Dec-Feb |
Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
Grass + 1.5kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
Grass + 1.5kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
Silage + 2kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
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|
Housed System - straw |
Ad-lib straw + 3kg Lifetime Rearer |
Ad-lib straw + 4kg Lifetime Rearer |
Ad-lib straw + 5kg Lifetime Rearer |
Grass + 2kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer |
||||
| Housed System - silage | Silage + 2kg Lifetime Rearer | Grass + 2kg Lifetime Heifer Rearer | ||||||
There are some farmers who are looking to feed heifers with a total TMR ration and have one ration for all sizes of heifers. This is possible to do by formulating the diet to the average middle size of heifer (around 300kg) and then feed for fewer
animals to the smaller ones and more for the larger animals. However, always keep the ration ingredients in proportion. Around this basic principle there may still need to be additional concentrate fed to younger 3-6 month heifers and for heifers at bulling to ensure performance targets are met. All TMR diets can be specifically formulated using the Mole Valley Feed Solutions heifer rationing programme and the latest straights or blends and mineral prices. Contact your local feed sales specialist for assistance.
TMR Rations
|
Heifer TMR |
Nutrients |
||
|
Grass Silage |
680kg |
ME (MJ/kgDM) |
10.6 |
|
Maize Silage |
210kg |
CP (%DM) |
13.8 |
|
Straw |
21kg |
Starch (%DM) |
10.2 |
|
Heifer blend |
85kg |
|
|
|
Nutri-LINK Cattle IF |
4kg |
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