Hostname: page-component-7f64f4797f-7vssv Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-11-04T10:24:38.277Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Rearing strategy and optimizing first-calving targets in dairy heifers: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2008

Y. Le Cozler ,
V. Lollivier ,
P. Lacasse  and
C. Disenhaus
Y. Le Cozler*
Affiliation:
INRA, Agrocampus Rennes, UMR1080, Dairy Production, F-35590 St Gilles, France
V. Lollivier
Affiliation:
INRA, Agrocampus Rennes, UMR1080, Dairy Production, F-35590 St Gilles, France
P. Lacasse
Affiliation:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, P.O Box 90 STN Lenoxville, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada J1 M 1Z3
C. Disenhaus
Affiliation:
INRA, Agrocampus Rennes, UMR1080, Dairy Production, F-35590 St Gilles, France
*
E-mail: yannick.lecozler@agrocampus-rennes.fr
Get access

Abstract

Much research has been carried out and published on dairy replacement management, in order to rear heifers as efficiently as possible, from both a technical and economical point of view. In most cases, the aim is to rear the heifers at the lowest cost possible without any deleterious effects on future performances. However, the importance of dairy heifer husbandry is not sufficiently well recognized and probably mishandled by most farmers. The present review aims to give an actual overview of rearing procedures in dairy heifers and possible ways to achieve optimal goals. For many years, it has been well known that rapid rearing lowers the age of sexual maturity and consequently may be an efficient way to reduce the non-producing period prior to conception. But this may impair mammary development and consequently future milk production, at least during first lactation. In addition, a growth rate that is too low may not only be costly but also result in animals that are too fat at first calving, creating problems such as calving difficulties, dystocia, etc. Genetic considerations must also be factored, i.e. frame, size, body weight, etc. have changed during the last 20 years and there are differences between breeds. As a result, some time-honoured recommendations may not be appropriate. The present paper reviews factors and management practices that may affect rearing and subsequent performance of dairy heifers.

Keywords

heiferrearing strategyperformanceslongevity

Information

Type
Full Paper
Information
animal , Volume 2 , Issue 9 , September 2008 , pp. 1393 - 1404
Copyright
Copyright © The Animal Consortium 2008

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable

References

Abeni, F, Calamari, L, Stefanini, L, Pirlo, G 2000. Effects of daily gain in pre- and postpubertal replacement dairy heifers on body condition score, body size, metabolic profile, and future milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 83, 1468–1478.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Adam, CL, Robinson, JJ 1994. The role of nutrition and photoperiod in the timing of puberty. Symposium on “Reproduction and fertility”. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 53, 89–102.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Akayezu, JM, Linn, JG, Otterby, DE, Hansen, WP, Johnson, DG 1994. Evaluation of calf starters containing different amounts of crude protein for growth of Holstein calves. Journal of Dairy Science 77, 1882–1889.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Amos, HE 1986. Influence of dietary protein degradability and energy concentration on growth of heifers and steers and intraruminal protein metabolism. Journal of Dairy Science 69, 2099–2110.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Augeard P, Bazin S and Disenhaus C 1986. Pathologie post partum dans des troupeaux à forte production de l’Ouest de la France. I – Hiérarchie et associations pathologiques. Intéractions entre pathologie, reproduction et production. Proceedings of the XIVth World Congress on diseases cattle, Dublin, pp. 1386–1391.Google Scholar
Bar-Peled, U, Robinzon, B, Maltz, E, Tagari, H, Folman, Y, Bruckental, I, Voet, H, Gacitua, H, Lehrer, AR 1997. Increased weight gain and effects on production parameters of Holstein heifer calves that were allowed to suckle from birth to six weeks of age. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 2523–2528.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Barbat, A, Druet, T, Bonaiti, B, Guillaume, F, Colleau, JJ, Boichard, D 2005. Bilan phénotypique de la fertilité à l’insémination artificielle dans les trois principales races laitières françaises. Rencontres Recherches Ruminants 12, 137–140.Google Scholar
Boichard, D, Barbat, A, Briend, M 1998. Evaluation génétique des caractères de fertilité femelle chez les bovins laitiers. Rencontres Recherches Ruminants 5, 103–106.Google Scholar
Byerley, DJ, Staigmiller, RB, Berardinelli, JG, Short, RE 1987. Pregnancy rates of beef heifers bred either on pubertal or third oestrus. Journal of Animal Science 65, 645–650.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Capuco, AV, Smith, JJ, Waldo, DR, Rexroad, CE Jr 1995. Influence of prepubertal dietary regimen on mammary growth of Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 78, 2709–2725.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Casper, DP, Scingoethe, DJ, Brouk, MJ, Maiga, HA 1994. Nonstructural carbohydrate and undegradable protein sources in the diet: growth responses of dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 77, 2595–2604.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Chebel, RC, Braga, FA, Dalton, JC 2007. Factors affecting reproductive performance of Holstein heifers. Animal Reproduction Science 101, 208–224.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Choi, YJ, Han, IK, Woo, JH, Lee, HJ, Jang, K, Myung, KH, Kim, YS 1997. Compensatory growth in dairy heifers: the effect of a compensatory growth pattern on growth rate and lactation performance. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 519–524.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Colburn, DJ, Deutscher, GH, Nielsen, MK, Adams, DC 1997. Effects of sire, dam traits, calf traits, and environment factors on dystocia and subsequent reproduction of two-year-old heifers. Journal of Animal Science 75, 1452–1460.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Collier, RJ, Dahl, GE, Van Baale, MJ 2006. Major advances associated with environmental effects on dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 1244–1253.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Cutullic E, Delaby L, Causeur D and Disenhaus C 2008. Hierarchy of factors affecting behavioural signs used for oestrus detection of Holstein and Normande dairy cows in a seasonal calving system. Animal Reproduction Science, submitted.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Daccarett, MG, Bortone, EJ, Isbell, DE, Morrill, JL, Feyerherm, AM 1993. Performance of Holstein heifers fed 100% or more of National Research Council Requirements. Journal of Dairy Science 76, 606–614.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
De Vliegher, S, Laevens, H, Barkema, HW, Dohoo, IR, Stryhn, H, Opsomer, H, de Kruif, A 2004. Management practices and heifer characteristics associated with early lactation somatic cells count of Belgian dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 87, 937–947.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
De Vries, A 2004. Economics of delayed replacement when cow performance is seasonal. Journal of Dairy Science 87, 2947–2958.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
D’hour, P, Coulon, JB, Petit, M, Garel, JP 1995. Caractérisation zootechnique des génisses de races Holstein, Montbéliardes et Tarentaise. Annales de Zootechnie 44, 217–227.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Disenhaus C, Bazin S and Augeard P 1986. Pathologie post partum dans des troupeaux à forte production de l’Ouest de la France. II Effets des états d’engraissement et de leurs évolutions sur la pathologie post-partum. Proceedings of the XIVth World Congress on diseases cattle, Dublin, pp. 1380–1385.Google Scholar
Disenhaus, C, Grimard, B, Trou, G, Delaby, L 2005. De la vache au système: s’adapter aux différents objectifs de reproduction en élevage laitier? Rencontres Recherches Ruminants 12, 125–135.Google Scholar
Donovan, GA, Bennet, FL, Springer, FS 2003. Factors associated with first service conception in artificially inseminated nulliparous Holstein heifers. Theriogenology 60, 67–75.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Enright, WJ, Zinn, SA, Reynolds, VS, Roche, JF 1995. The effect of supplementary light on winter performance of prepubertal and postpubertal Friesian heifers. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research 34, 107–113.Google Scholar
Erb, HN, Smith, RD, Oltenacu, PA, Guard, CL, Hillman, RB, Powers, PA, Smith, MC, White, ME 1985. Path model of reproductive disorders and performance, milk fever, mastitis, milk yield and culling in Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science 68, 3337–3349.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Ettema, JF, Santos, EP 2004. Impact of age at calving on lactation, reproduction, health, and income in first-parity Holsteins on commercial farms. Journal of Dairy Science 87, 2730–2742.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Faverdin, P, Leclerc, E, Rousselot, MC, Troccon, JL 1995. Evolution of intake capacity of dairy cows in early lactation. Annales de Zootechnie 44 (Suppl.), 265.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Foldager, J, Sejrsen, K, Larsen, JB 1978. Feed intake and growth in the rearing period as well as the milk production in the first lactation in heifers fed ad libitum with barley, food sugar beets and long barley straw. Journal of Dairy Science 61 (suppl.), 173.Google Scholar
Ford, JA, Park, CS 2001. Nutritionally directed compensatory growth enhances heifer development and lactation potential. Journal of Dairy Science 84, 1669–1678.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Fox, DG, Tylutki, TP 1998. Accounting for the effect of environment on the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 81, 3085–3095.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Frisch, RE 1984. Body fat, puberty and fertility. Biological Reviews 59, 161–188.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Garcia-Peniche, TB, Cassell, BG, Pearson, RE, Misztal, I 2005. Comparisons of Holsteins with Brown Swiss and Jersey cows on the same farm for age at first calving and first calving interval. Journal of Dairy Science 88, 790–796.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gardner, RW, Smith, LW, Park, RL 1988. Feeding and management of dairy heifers for optimal lifetime productivity. Journal of Dairy Science 71, 996–999.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gasser, CL, Behlke, EJ, Grum, DE, Day, ML 2006. Effect of timing of feeding a high-concentrate diet on growth and attainment of puberty in early-weaned heifers. Journal of Animal Science 84, 3118–3122.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Godden, SM, Fetrow, JP, Feirtag, JM, Green, LR, Wells, SJ 2005. Economic analysis of feeding pasteurized nonsaleable milk versus conventional milk replacer to dairy calves. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 226, 1547–1554.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Grimard, B, Disenhaus, C 2005. Les anomalies de reprise de la cyclicité après vêlage. Le Point Vétérinaire 36, 16–21. Numéro spécial: Reproduction des ruminants: maîtrise des cycles et pathologie.Google Scholar
Grummer, RR, Hoffman, PC, Luck, ML, Bertics, SJ 1995. Effect of prepartum and postpartum dietary energy on growth and lactation in primiparous cows. Journal of Dairy Science 78, 172–180.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gustafsson, H, Kindahl, H, Berglund, B 2007. Stillbirths in Holstein heifers – some results from Swedish research. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica 49 (Suppl. 1), S17.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hadley, GL, Wolf, CA, Harsh, SB 2006. Dairy cattle culling patterns, explanations, and implications. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 2286–2296.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hansen, PJ 1985. Seasonal modulation of puberty and the postpartum anestrus in cattle: a review. Livestock Production Science 12, 309–327.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Heinrichs, AJ, Rogers, GW, Cooper, B 1992. Predicting body weight and wither height in Holstein heifers using body measurements. Journal of Dairy Science 75, 3576–3581.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Heinrichs, AJ, Vazques-Anon, M 1993. Changes in first lactation dairy herd improvement records. Journal of Dairy Science 76, 671–675.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Heinrichs, AJ, Heinrichs, BS, Harel, O, Rogers, BW, Place, NT 2005. A prospective study of calf factors affecting age, body size, and body condition score at first calving of Holstein dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 88, 2828–2835.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Heins, BJ, Hansen, LB, Seykora, AJ 2006. Calving Difficulty and Stillbirths of Pure Holsteins versus Crossbreds of Holstein with Normande, Montbeliarde, and Scandinavian Red. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 2805–2810.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hoffman, PC, Brehm, NM, Price, SG, Prille-Adams, A 1996. Effect of accelerated postpubertal growth and early calving on lactation performances of primiparous Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 79, 2024–2031.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hoffman, PC 1997. Optimum body size of Holstein replacement heifers. Journal of Animal Science 75, 836–845.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hoffman, PC, Esser, NM, Bauman, LM, Denzine, SL, Engstrom, M, Chester-Jones, H 2001. Short communication: effect of dietary protein on growth and nitrogen balance of Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 84, 843–847.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hoffman, PC, Simson, CR, Wattiaux, M 2007. Limit feeding of gravid Holstein heifers: effect on growth, manure nutrient excretion, and subsequent early lactation performance. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 946–954.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Hohenboken, WD, Foldager, J, Jensen, J, Madsen, P, Andersen, BB 1995. Breed and nutritional effects and interactions on energy intake, production and efficiency of nutrient utilization in young bulls, heifers and lactating cows. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A – Animal Science 45, 92–98.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Holden, A, Coulon, JB, Faverdin, P 1988. Alimentation des vaches laitières. In Alimentation des bovins, ovins et caprins (ed. R Jarrige), pp. 135–158. INRA publications, Paris, France.Google Scholar
Jalvingh, AW, Van Arendonk, JAM, Dijkhuizen, AA 1993. Dynamic probabilistic simulation of dairy herd management practices. I. Model description and outcome of different seasonal calving patterns. Livestock Production Science 37, 107–131.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jégou V, Porhiel JY and Brunschwig P 2006. Exploration de repères pour le pilotage de l’élevage des génisses laitières : l’exemple du tour de poitrine. Proceedings of the “Journée Bovine Nantaise”, 6th October, Nantes, France, pp. 157–158.Google Scholar
Kertz, AF, Barton, BA, Reutzel, LF 1998. Relative efficiencies of wither height and body weight increase from birth until first calving in dairy Holstein cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 81, 1479–1482.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kuhn, MT, Hutchinson, JL, Wiggans, GR 2006. Characterization of Holstein heifer fertility in the United States. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 4907–4920.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lacasse, P, Block, E, Guilbault, LA, Petitclerc, D 1993. Effect of plane of nutrition of dairy heifers before and during gestation on milk production, reproduction and health. Journal of Dairy Science 76, 3420–3427.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lammers, BP, Heinrichs, AJ, Kensinger, RS 1999. The effect of accelerated growth rates and estrogen implants in prepubertal Holstein heifers on estimates mammary development and subsequent reproduction and milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 82, 1753–1764.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lammers, BP, Heinrichs, AJ 2000. The response of altering the ratio of dietary protein to energy on growth, feed efficiency, and mammary development in rapidly growing prepubertal heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 83, 977–983.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Le Cozler, Y, Dagorn, J, Lindberg, JE, Aumaître, A, Dourmad, JY 1998. Effect of age at first farrowing and herd management on long term productivity of sows. Livestock Production Science 53, 135–142.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Le Cozler, Y, Ringmar-Cederberg, E, Johansen, S, Dourmad, JY, Neil, M, Stern, S 1999. Effect of feeding level during rearing and mating strategy on performance of Swedish Yorkshire sows. 1. Growth, puberty and conception rate. Animal Science 68, 355–363.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, AJ 1997. The interplay of feeding and genetics on heifer rearing and first lactation milk yield: a review. Journal of Animal Science 75, 846–851.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lin, CY, McAllister, AJ, Batra, TR, Lee, AJ, Roy, GL, Vesely, JA, Wauthy, JM, Winter, KA 1986. Production and reproduction of early and late bred dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 69, 760–768.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Lin, CJ, McAllister, CJ, Batra, TR, Lee, AJ, Roy, GL, Vesely, JA, Wauthy, JM, Winter, KA 1988. Effects of early and late breeding of heifers on multiple lactation performance of dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 71, 2735–2743.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Little, W, Kay, RM 1979. The effect of rapid growth and early calving on the subsequent performance of dairy heifers. Animal Production 29, 131–142.Google Scholar
Little, W, Mallison, CB, Gibbons, DN, Rowlands, GJ 1981. Effect of plane of nutrition and season of birth on the age and body weight at puberty of British Friesian heifers. Animal Production 33, 273–279.Google Scholar
Lopez-Gatius, F, Yániz, J, Madriles-Helm, D 2003. Effects of body condition score and score change on the reproductive performance of dairy cows: a meta-analysis. Theriogenology 59, 801–812.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Luchini, ND, Lane, SF, Combs, DK 1991. Evaluation of starter diet crude protein level and feeding regimen for calves weaned at 26 days of age. Journal of Dairy Science 74, 3949–3955.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Macdonald, KA, Penno, JW, Bryant, AM, Roche, JR 2005. Effect of feeding level pre- and post-puberty and body weight at first calving on growth, milk production, and fertility in grazing dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 88, 3363–3375.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Macdonald, KA, McNaughton, LR, Verberk, GA, Penno, JW, Burton, LJ, Berry, DP, Gore, PJS, Lancaster, JAS, Holmes, CW 2007. A comparison of three strains of Holstein-Friesian cows grazed on pasture: growth, development, and puberty. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 3993–4003.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
McFadden, TB, Daniel, TE, Akers, RM 1990. Effects of plane of nutrition, growth hormone and unsaturated fat on mammary growth in prepubertal lambs. Journal of Animal Science 68, 3171–3179.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mäntysaari, PE, Sniffen, CJ, Muscato, TV, Thonney, ML 1989. Performance of growing dairy heifers fed diets containing soybean meal or animal by-product meals. Journal of Dairy Science 72, 2107–2114.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Martin, JL, Vonnahme, KA, Adams, DC, Lardy, GP, Funston, RN 2007. Effects of dam nutrition on growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves. Journal of Animal Science 85, 841–847.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Meyer, MJ, Capuco, AV, Ross, DA, Lintault, LM, Van Amburgh, ME 2006a. Development and nutritional regulation of the prepubertal heifer mammary gland: I. Parenchyma and fat pad mass and composition. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 4289–4297.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Meyer, MJ, Capuco, AV, Ross, DA, Lintault, LM, Van Amburgh, ME 2006b. Development and nutritional regulation of the prepubertal heifer mammary gland: II. Epithelial Cell Proliferation, Parenchymal accretion rate and allometric growth. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 4298–4304.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Miyamoto-Tiaven, MJ, Hillyard, LA, Abraham, S 1981. Influence of dietary fat on the growth of mammary ducts in BALB/c mice. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 67, 179–188.Google ScholarPubMed
Mitlöhner, FM, Galyean, ML, Mc Glone, JJ 2002. Shade effects on performance, carcass traits, physiology, and behaviour of heat-stressed feedlot heifers. Journal of Animal Science 80, 2043–2050.Google ScholarPubMed
Mourits, MCM, Dijkhuizen, AA, Huirne, RBM, Galligan, DT 1997. Technical and economic models to support heifer management decision: basic concepts. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 1406–1415.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mourits, MCM, Huirne, RBM, Dijkhuizen, AA, Kristensen, AR, Galligan, DT 1999. Economic optimization of dairy heifer management decisions. Agricultural Systems 61, 17–31.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mourits, MCM, Galligan, DT, Dijkhuizen, AA, Huirne, RBM 2000. Optimization of dairy heifer management decisions based on production conditions of Pennsylvania. Journal of Dairy Science 83, 1989–1997.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Murphy, KD, Johnson, DG, Appleman, RD, Otterby, E 1991. Effects of rearing diet, age at freshening, and lactation feeding system on performance. Journal of Dairy Science 74, 2708–2717.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
National Research Council (NRC) 1989. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle, 6th revised edition. National Academic Press, Washington, DC, USA.Google Scholar
National Research Council (NRC) 2001. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle, 7th revised edition. National Academic Press, Washington, DC, USA.Google Scholar
Park, CS, Baik, MG, Keller, WL, Berg, IE, Erikson, GM 1989. Role of compensatory growth in lactation: a stair step nutrient regime modulates differentiation and lactation bovine mammary gland. Growth, development and Aging 53, 159–166.Google Scholar
Peri, I, Gertler, A, Bruckental, I, Barash, A 1993. The effect of manipulation in energy allowance during the rearing period of heifers on hormone concentrations and milk production in first lactation cows. Journal of Dairy Science 76, 742–751.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Petitclerc, D, Chapin, LT, Emery, RS, Tucker, HA 1983. Body growth, growth hormone, prolactine and puberty response to photoperiod and plane of nutrition in Holstein heifers. Journal of Animal Science 57, 892–898.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Petitclerc, D, Kineman, RD, Zinn, SA, Tucker, HA 1985. Mammary growth response of Holstein heifers to photoperiod. Journal of Dairy Science 68, 86–90.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Philipson, J 1976a. Studies in calving difficulty, stillbirth and associated factors in Swedish cattle breeds. IV. Relationship between calving performances, precalving body measurements and size of pelvic opening in Friesian heifers. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A – Animal Science 26, 221–226.Google Scholar
Philipson, J 1976b. Studies on calving difficulty, stillbirth and associated factors in Swedish cattle breeds. I. General introduction and breed averages. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A – Animal Science 26, 151–164.Google Scholar
Pirlo, G, Capelleti, M, Marchetto, G 1997. Effects of energy and protein allowances in the diets of prepubertal heifers on growth and milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 730–739.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Pryce, JE, Royal, MD, Garnsworthy, PC, Mao, IL 2004. Fertility in the high-producing dairy cow. Livestock Production Science 86, 125–135.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ptak, E, Horst, HS, Schaeffer, LR 1993. Interaction of age and month of calving with year of calving and production traits of Ontario Holsteins. Journal of Dairy Science 76, 3792–3798.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Radcliff, RP, Vandehaar, MJ, Skidmore, AL, Chapin, LT, Radke, BR, Lloyd, JW, Stanisiewski, EP, Tucker, HA 1997. Effects of diet and bovine somatotropin on heifer growth and mammary development. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 1996–2003.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Radcliff, RP, Vandehaar, MJ, Chapin, LT, Pilbeam, TE, Beede, DK, Stanisiewski, EP, Tucker, HA 2000. Effects of diet and injection of bovine somatotropin on prepubertal growth and first-lactation milk yields of Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science 83, 23–29.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Raheja, KL, Burnside, EB, Schaeffer, LR 1989. Heifer fertility and its relationship with cow fertility and production traits in Holstein dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 72, 2665–2669.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rastani, RR, Andrew, SM, Zinn, SA, Sniffen, CJ 2001. Body composition and estimated tissue energy balance in Jersey and Holstein cows during early lactation. Journal of Dairy Science 84, 1201–1209.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rhind, SM, Rae, MT, Brooks, N 2001. Effects of nutrition and environmental factors on fetal programming of the reproductive axis. Reproduction 122, 205–214.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Ringuet, H, Petitclerc, D, Sorenson, M, Gaudreau, P, Pelletier, G, Morisset, J, Couture, Y, Brazeau, P 1989. Effect of human growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) and photoperiods on dairy heifer carcass parameters and mammary gland development. Journal of Dairy Science 72, 2928–2935.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rius, AG, Dahl, GE 2006. Exposure to long-day photoperiod prepubertally may increase milk yield in first-lactation cows. Journal of Dairy Science 89, 2080–2083.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Robelin, J 1986. Bases physiologiques de la production de viande : croissance et développement des bovins. In Production de viande bovine (ed. D Micol), pp. 35–60. INRA publications, Paris, France.Google Scholar
Robinson, JJ 1990. Nutrition in the reproduction of farm animals. Nutrition Research Reviews 3, 253–276.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Roche, JF 2006. The effect of nutritional management of the dairy cow on reproductive efficiency. Animal Reproduction Science 96, 282–296.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Schillo, KK, Hall, JB, Hilemen, SM 1992. Effect of nutrition and season on the onset of puberty in the beef heifer. Journal of Animal Science 70, 3994–4005.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Seegers H, Malher X and Beaudeau F 1990. Disposal and replacement policies in dairy herds. Proceedings of the 41st Annual Meeting of the European Association of Animal Production, 9th–12th July, Toulouse, France, p. 410.Google Scholar
Sejrsen, K 1994. Relationship between nutrition, puberty and mammary development in dairy cattle. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 53, 103–111.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sejrsen, K, Purup, S 1997. Influence of prepubertal feeding level on milk yield potential of dairy heifers: a review. Journal of Animal Science 75, 828–835.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Sejrsen, K, Purup, S, Vestergaard, M, Foldager, J 2000. High body weight gain and reduced bovine mammary growth: Physiological basis and implications for milk yield potential. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 19, 93–104.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Shamay, A, Wermer, D, Moallem, U, Barassh, H, Bruckental, I 2005. Effect of nursing management and skeletal size at weaning on puberty, skeletal growth rate, milk production during first lactation of dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 88, 1460–1469.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Silva, LFP, Van de Haar, MJ, Whitlock, BK, Radcliff, RP, Tucker, HA 2002. Short communication: relationship between body growth and mammary development in dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 85, 2600–2602.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Silva del Rio, N, Stewart, S, Rapnicki, P, Chang, YM, Fricke, PM 2007. An observational analysis of twin births, calf sex ratio, and calf mortality in Holstein dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 90, 1255–1264.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Steen, TM, Quigley, JD, Heitmann, RN, Gesham, JD 1992. Effects of lasalocid and undegraded protein on growth and body composition of Holstein Heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 75, 2517–2526.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Steinbock, L, Näsholm, A, Berglund, B, Johansson, K, Philipsson, J 2003. Genetic Effects on Stillbirth and Calving Difficulty in Swedish Holsteins at First and Second Calving. Journal of Dairy Science 86, 2228–2235.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Stobo, IJ, Roy, JH, Gaston, HJ 1966a. Rumen development in the calf. 1. The effect of diets containing different proportions of concentrates to hay on rumen development. British Journal of Nutrition 20, 171–188.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Stobo, IJ, Roy, JH, Gaston, HJ 1966b. Rumen development in the calf. 2. The effect of diets containing different proportions of concentrates to hay on digestive efficiency. British Journal of Nutrition 20, 189–215.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Thibault, C, Petitclerc, D, Spratt, R, Léonard, M, Sejrsen, K, Lacasse, P 2003. Effect of feeding prepubertal heifers with a high oil diet on mammary development and milk production. Journal of Dairy Science 86, 2320–2326.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Tomlinson, DJ, James, RE, Mc Gillard, ML 1990. Effect of ration protein undegradability on intake, daily gain, feed efficiency and body condition of Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 73 (Suppl. 1), 169.Google Scholar
Tozer, PR, Heinrichs, AJ 2001. What affects the costs of raising replacement heifers: a multiple-component analysis? Journal of Dairy Science 84, 1836–1844.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Troccon, JL, Petit, M 1989. Croissance des génisses de renouvellement et performances ultérieures. INRA Productions Animales 2, 55–64.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Troccon, JL 1993a. Elevage des génisses laitières avec ou sans pâturage. Annales de Zootechnie 42, 271–288.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Troccon, JL 1993b. Effect of winter feeding during the rearing period on performance and longevity in dairy cattle. Livestock Production Science 36, 157–176.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Troccon, JL 1996. Elevage des génisses laitières et performances ultérieures. Rencontres Recherches Ruminants 3, 201–210.Google Scholar
Troccon, JL, Muller, A, Peccatte, JR, Fergetton, M 1997. Effet du niveau d’alimentation énergétique de génisses laitières de races Holstein et Normande jusqu’à l’âge de 14 mois sur les performances durant les périodes d’élevage et de lactation. Annales de Zootechnie 46, 27–41.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Van Amburgh, ME, Fox, DG, Galton, DM, Bauman, DE, Chase, LE 1998a. Evaluation of National Research Council and Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein systems for predicting requirements of Holstein heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 81, 509–526.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Van Amburgh, ME, Galton, DM, Bauman, DE, Everett, RW, Fox, DG, Chase, LE, Erb, HN 1998b. Effects of three prepubertal body growth rates on performance of Holstein heifers during first lactation. Journal of Dairy Science 81, 527–538.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Vargas, B, Van der Lende, T, Baaijen, M, Van Arendonk, JAM 1998. Event-time analysis of reproductive traits of dairy heifers. Journal of Dairy Science 81, 2881–2889.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Waldo, DR, Tyrrel, HF, Capuco, AV, Rexroad, CE Jr 1997. Components of growth in Holstein heifers fed either alfalfa or corn silage diets to produce two daily gains. Journal of Dairy Science 80, 1674–1684.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Waldo, DR, Capuco, AV, Rexroad, CE Jr 1998. Milk production of Holstein heifers fed either alfalfa or corn silage diets at two rates of daily gain. Journal of Dairy Science 81, 756–764.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Waltner, SS, McNamara, JP, Hillers, JK 1993. Relationship of body condition score to production variables in high producing Holstein dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science 76, 3410–3419.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Wattiaux, M 1997. Essentiels laitiers : Elevage des génisses—du sevrage au vêlage. 2 Le taux de croissance. Institut Babcock, Madison, WI, USA. Retrieved July 3, 2007, from http://babcock.cals.wisc.edu/downloads/de/34.fr.pdf.Google Scholar
Zanton, GI, Heinrichs, AJ 2005. Meta-analysis to assess effect of prepubertal average daily gain of Holstein heifers on first-lactation production. Journal of Dairy Science 88, 3860–3867.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed