When to breed

[FarmerIvan]

At what age would you breed a heifer? We have 2 Holstein heifers that are 11 months old and was wondering when would be a good time to get em bred? And do first time mothers have a bit trouble with delivering the calfs? Anything else I need to know about first time mothers?

[idigbeets]

16-20 months is when we turn a heifer out w/ the bull, depends on her size, growth, and which bull she goes in with (some are bigger etc).

[G. Seddon]

Informative on this subject:

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/dairyrepro/d...iryHeifers.pdf

[Bret]

Just my choice, bred to freshen when they are 24 months old, if they have the frame to pass a calf. I would not rush a heifer just to make the calendar. She will still be about 60 percent of her adult weight while making a calf and continuing to grow. She will need a little more in her diet to keep her developing, feeding a calf and getting ready to breed again. It's a lot for her in a short time.

[Lady89]

2 years old or 3/4th of full adult bodysize is the basic rule