ADVICE to farmers on how to get heifers to calve at two years comes from DairyCo.

It says heifers are the herd’s best and most fertile genetics but need quality management throughout their rearing period.

In well-fed heifers, sexual maturity happens at just under 12 months but under-feeding and other stressful events can delay it. Dairy Co advises that to get heifers in calf on time, farmers should pay more attention to their height, rather than their weight, to give them a better idea of the heifer’s frame.

Height was easier to measure than weight and could be done by a chalk mark on a wall, or measuring the height of the feed barrier as a guide.

Stress levels should be kept at a minimum and avoid overcrowding.

DairyCo is funded by milk producers via a statutory levy on milk sold off-farm at a rate of 0.06 per litre.

A graph showing the range of wither’s heights corresponding to weights for different breeds is available by calling Dairy Co on 01285 646510 or email publications@dairy co.org.uk.