Effect of Body Weight and Growth in Early Life on the Reproductive Performances of Holstein Heifers

In Italy most dairy cows produce milk for cheese manufacture and are farmed in intensive systems, with free stall barns, milking parlor or robotic milking, total mixed ration no (or limited) access to pasture. The main objective farmers is maximize farm income minimize costs by adopting strategies ‘best practices’ the early life of heifers. Monitoring body weight (BW) fertility young stock fundamental ensure good performances future enhance profit. this study BW (kg) average daily gain (ADG, kg/d) recorded at different stages 382 Holstein calves were used estimate associations traits. Data consisted birth (BW0), three BWs (BW1, BW2, BW3) phases calf’s life, ADG (ADGI, ADGII, ADGIII), entire period (ADGI-III), number services per pregnancy (NS), age first calving (AFC). As expected, four positively correlated each. general, heavier characterized better compared lighter calves. replacement heifers starting from recommended improve NS AFC level could be useful set up genetic improvement programs. Future studies will benefit addition milk-related traits increase sample size (number farms).