How to Put Weight on a Heifer

Heifers, or young cows, that gain an appropriate amount of weight after weaning enter puberty earlier, and are able to breed sooner. They are healthier and more productive throughout their lives. Ranchers and farmers must exercise special care and attention to ensure their heifers gain weight on nutrient-dense feed.

Things You'll Need

  • High-quality pasture
  • Supplemental feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calculate the heifer's goal mature weight. At weaning, the heifer is approximately 45 percent of its mature weight -- generally over 450 pounds. For example, a 450-pound heifer should have an adult weight of 1,000 pounds. The heifer should be at 65 percent of its mature weight when it first breeds, so considerable weight gain must occur. Oregon State University recommends a healthy daily weight gain goal of 1 1/4 pounds, to 2 pounds.

    • 2

      Provide high-quality pasture for the heifer to graze. Any pasture with a quality index of 1.0 or higher, such as red clover or rye grass, will suffice. Most forage must still be supplemented to ensure proper weight gain.

    • 3

      Supplement with dry matter feed, a grain mixture consisting of your choice of barley, corn oats barley, soybean meal or other grains. According to North Dakota State University's Agriculture Department, heifers require an additional 9 to 20.3 pounds of dry matter feed daily, depending on the animal's weight. A 400-pound heifer needs 10 pounds of dry matter feed to gain 1 1/2 pounds daily. A 600-pound heifer needs 13.8 pounds of feed, and a 900-pound heifer needs 20 pounds.