A New Way of Thinking: Added Value for Your Heifers & Your Operation

A New Way of Thinking: Added Value for Your Heifers & Your Operation” headlines the May 5 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) webinar. 

Scheduled to start at 2 p.m (CT) Cathy Bandyk, AB Vista ruminant technical director, will serve as webinar presenter. During the one-hour webinar, Bandyk will discuss how replacement heifers are a dairy herd’s future foundation. “We can all agree that the main goal for managing heifers is to control costs while achieving daily gains,” said Bandyk. “Calves never get over a bad start – or a good one.” Bandyk will explain how heifer growth can create a “ceiling” for future production. “Data shows that the increase in milk yield between lactations one and two, and two and three are fairly static – regardless of starting point.” Consider this rule of thumb: 100 pounds less body weight at calving results in about 700 pounds less milk produced in the first lactation.

Furthermore, Bandyk will share research on how forage digestibly impacts heifer growth and a heifer grower’s/dairy producer’s return on investment. “Together, we’ll look at a new way of thinking when it comes to heifer management and how we can create more nutritional and economical value from fiber,” added Bandyk.

As the AB Vista ruminant technical director, Bandyk provides technical advice and information on ruminant products. A three-time Kansas State University graduate with a doctorate degree in ruminant nutrition, she has more than 20 years of industry experience. Previously, she owned and operated a crop and livestock farm. A former American Feed Industry Association Member of the Year, Bandyk contributes to several committees across the fields of feed, ruminant nutrition and education. Her professional network is wide ranging and encompasses participation in the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and American Society of Animal Science.

Register to attend here: https://bit.ly/3bIdvOl