Maximize Heifer Potential with Hassle-Free Weighing technology
Tuesday, 30 April, 2024
Dairy farmers can easily track the performance of their replacement heifers and ensure they reach their genetic potential with user-friendly weighing solutions, according to Gallagher Head of Animal Performance and Traceability Brian Rose.
Weighing technology can help farmers to meet crucial heifer liveweights at first mating and calving boosting in-calf rates and increasing milk production. New data from LIC shows that too many farmers are not weighing their heifers when they return from grazing – and are missing out on big genetic gains as a result.The data, collected from LIC’s MINDA software, showed that at 22 months, heifers on average are around 4-5% below MINDA guidelines. Best practice guidelines from DairyNZ suggest that at 22 months heifers should be at 90% of mature liveweight. LIC believes the impact on farms is huge, leading to poor heifer fertility and production. It means farmers are not maximising their return on investment from breeding the heifer and are risking her first-year production potential.
Brian says while the statistics are not ideal, there is simple technology available that can help. He says electronic identification (EID) and weighing solutions are now able to give farmers accurate information on whether their heifers are meeting the targets. Each animal's EID number is scanned using a portable hand-held tag reader or hands-free reader in the yards, which are connected to a compatible weigh scale to collect weights and other livestock records. With the Gallagher solution, the target heifer weights and dates can be imported from MINDA, which means the farmer can see in real time if each individual heifer is on track to meet her targets. If not, it presents an opportunity to adjust management practices accordingly.
“There is no reason for heifers to be falling behind,” says Brian. “Each time new data is recorded, it’s saved against that animal’s EID number. Farmers can build an entire history of that animal’s performance throughout its lifetime. It’s that simple, but it’s invaluable for helping farmers make data driven decisions. “A lot of farmers underutilise weighing because they think it’s a big job. The reality is the technology is so advanced now it’s simple. It can tell you immediately if an animal is thriving or if there’s something that’s hindering them.”
Other information including medical treatments and breeding data can also be recorded against the EID tag for year-round data driven herd management. Gallagher offers an entry level W-1 for farmers new to livestock weighing and the TW-3 or TWR-5 Weigh Scale for farmers wanting to monitor their young stock and achieve individual target weights in conjunction with their MINDA records. Farmers can couple it with an HR4 Hand-Held EID Tag Reader and Data Collector and sync the system to Gallagher's Animal Performance web and mobile app.
These systems empower farmers to monitor their entire herd and make informed management decisions effortlessly, says Brian.“It’s not just young stock management. This technology can help identify the top performers in your herd, drive breeding decisions and optimise animal health. “Farmers who prioritise regular weighing and embrace data-driven farm management are the ones who will see their herds reach their full genetic potential and increase the long-term profitability of their business.”