Time to inseminate?
Research shows that the ideal age at first calving for maximum milk production per day of life is between 22 and 26 months. For heifers calving earlier (21 months) or later (over 30 months), production per day of life decreases. For heifers calving earlier or later, production per day of life decreases.
Bringing the age forward at first calving also increases the probability of the heifer growing older in the herd (source Froidmont et al., in 2012).
The first insemination can therefore take place from the age of 13 months, provided the target weight for insemination has been reached. This target weight is at 60% of adult weight. Feed in the first year of life is crucial in this regard.
