Healthy calves

From birth to full ruminant

Abstract

Raising dairy replacement heifers or steers to enter the beef market can be an important economic center for the dairy, but can also be a financial drain. A study done in Wisconsin in 2007 estimated the cost of raising a Holstein heifer to the point of its first drop of milk was in the range of $1600 to $2900. In recent years, the cost of purchasing a bred heifer has often been less than the cost of raising one on the dairy. However, many dairies were still able to raise a quality heifer on the farm and manage costs. Many factors contribute to this variability, and every dairy should have a firm grasp on their costs.