Sustainable Production Share

Sustainability in cattle production includes elements such as:
- Maximizing grass in the diet
- Improved genetic rating of the herd
- Managing the herd to achieve its genetic potential
- Ensuring animals remain healthy through appropriate herd health protocols
Sustainable dairy production must1:
- Be economically profitable
- Produce high-quality milk
- Maintain the optimal wellbeing of cows
- Consider the environment and consumers

The Environmental Impact of Replacement Dairy Heifers on Sustainability and Longevity
Target age at first calving (AFC) is 24 months because2:
- Heifers that first calve at 24 months produce more milk during their lifetime
- Have a shorter non-productive period
- Maintains a seasonal calving pattern
Cows that calve younger
have good fertility and survive longer to calve a second or third time3.
Nutrition and management:
In general, an average daily gain of around 0.80 kg is optimal for dairy heifers4.
- Lower rates delay puberty and raise the average first-calving age.
- Excessively high growth rates may be detrimental to fertility4.
- Late-calving heifers are also more likely to be overweight, which can cause problems during their first lactations.