Forage-Based Heifer Development Program for North Florida

Heifer development systems: dry-lot feeding compared with grazing dormant winter forage.

Two hundred ninety-nine Angus-based, nulliparous heifers (253 ± 2 kg initial BW) from 3 production years were utilized to compare traditional postweaning dry lot (DL) development with a more extensive winter grazing system utilizing a combination of corn residue and winter range (EXT). Heifers developed in the DL were offered a common diet after the weaning period for 208 d in yr 1, 194 d in yr...

Understanding Dietary Fiber: The Role of Forage Fiber in Rumen Development and Heifer Growth

Raising dairy heifers from birth to calving has been found to comprise the second largest expense on the dairy farm towards the production of milk (Heinrichs, 1993) and therefore require a reasonably high level of attention on a commercial dairy farm. The focus of this paper will be feedstuffs, in particular limiting forages for the development of the rumen in the neonate, as well as a possible...

Replacement Heifer Development

segment of the integrated management program in an efficient beef cow production system. The main objective should be to develop an adequate number of heifers to a point where they reach puberty and are cycling regularly at the start of the breeding season. In addition, they should have adequate pelvic area to deliver a reasonable size calf unassisted. Because of her increased nutritional needs...

Extensive Heifer Development Systems

Applied Biosolids (Municipal Sewage Sludge) on Forage Nutrient Concentrations over a Grazing Season in North Florida

Effects of applications of exceptional quality (low toxic minerals), high molybdenum (Mo)containing biosolids (sludge) to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures in successive years, or residual effects of applications the previous year, on minerals, crude protein (CP) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) status of forages in north Florida were studied in relation to beef cattle nut...