Considerations for Replacement Heifer Housing

Abstract

The calves and heifers on a dairy farm represent the future of the milking herd. Beginning at birth, the replacement animals should be the best of the lot, genetically superior to the older animals. Accomplishing this is the result of a well-managed breeding program; taking advantage of the genetic superiority requires that nutrition, health and housing are part of the management program as well.

For healthy, potentially high producing replacement animals, the housing environment should provide adequate space for water, feed, resting and exercise. High humidities are especially detrimental to animal health requiring adequate ventilation to remove the moisture produced by the animals themselves. Adequate ventilation also removes other air pollutants so as to maintain suitable air quality.