Start with liveweight as a guide
Liveweight is one of the clearest indicators of how a heifer is likely to perform once she joins the milking herd. As a guide, aim for around 90% of mature liveweight at 22 months, alongside a body condition score of about 5.5 pre-calving. Body condition reflects recent feeding, while liveweight shows how well the animal has been grown over time.
These targets aren’t about ticking boxes — they’re about setting heifers up to calve down smoothly, transition well into their first lactation and cycle again.
If heifers are tracking light, the return home period is a key opportunity to pick it up early, while there’s still time to respond before calving pressure builds.
Feed to support growth and future production
Although close to calving, heifers are still growing. Supporting that growth matters, because frame and condition at calving influence how much milk a heifer can produce — not just in her first season, but across her lifetime.
Consistent energy, protein and mineral intake helps protect growth through winter and supports a stronger transition into lactation. Regular weighing can be a useful sense check, particularly where feed quality or access varies, helping pinpoint animals that may need extra support.
Protecting growth now helps safeguard milk production later.
Prepare heifers for the milking environment
Preparation isn’t just about feed. Helping heifers get familiar with the yard and shed before calving can make a real difference once milking begins.
Reduced stress, better shed behaviour and faster learning all contribute to better milk let-down and easier early season management. Well prepared heifers tend to settle sooner, integrate better with the herd and place less pressure on people and systems during calving.
Calmer transitions support more consistent production in the weeks that matter most.
Manage the return home carefully
Coming back to the milking platform involves several changes at once — diet, environment and herd dynamics. How well these are managed can influence whether heifers hold condition and momentum heading into lactation.
Gradual feed transitions, calm handling and close observation all support a smoother adjustment. Some heifers may benefit from extra support early on to maintain intake and compete alongside older cows.
Avoiding small disruptions here helps protect early lactation milk and reduces the risk of longer-term impacts.
Why this reminder matters
How heifers perform at first calving often sets their trajectory as milking cows. Animals that reach weight targets, transition well and start lactation strongly are more likely to:
- produce consistently
- get back in calf quicker
- stay in the herd longer
Revisiting the basics as heifers return home is a practical way to protect herd productivity — and get the best return from the next generation of cows.
For more information visit DairyNZ.
