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February 9, 2026Journal of Dairy ScienceOpen Access

Associations of growth rates during the first 2 months of life with feeding behavior, development, and first-lactation performance in Holstein heifers

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Authors

KHK.J. HemmertUniversity of BonnCOC.S. OstendorfUniversity of BonnICI. CohrsJustus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

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Implication

This retrospective study investigates early growth rates' impact on feeding behavior and first-lactation performance in Holstein heifers, highlighting implications for management.

Key Points

  • This study aims to explore how growth rates in the first two months affect feeding behavior and first-lactation performance in Holstein heifers.
  • Retrospective analysis of 42 female Holstein calves based on average daily gain (ADG) during the first 2 months.
  • Heifers were grouped into maximum (MAX) and moderate (MOD) daily gain categories based on preweaning growth rates.
  • Feeding behavior was assessed through monitoring visits to milk replacer (MR) and concentrate stations.
  • MAX heifers had significantly higher preweaning MR intakes and 1.20-fold better feed efficiency compared to MOD.
  • At weaning, MAX calves were 16 kg heavier than MOD calves, with corresponding increases in concentrate intake.
  • MAX heifers reached 400 kg for first insemination 42 days earlier than MOD and produced 3.8 L/d more milk in lactation.

Cite This Study

Hemmert et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698978dff0ec2af6756e71e4https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2025-27925
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