How to Make Heifers Increase Their Weight

"Feed a calf, it'll grow into a cow." There's no secret to increasing a heifer's weight: simply feed her. However, the way she is fed will determine how soon she'll gain enough weight for slaughter, milking or breeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Corral (dry lot or stockyard) Access to a truck or grain scale Feeding ration of the following: rolled corn, hay, silage, protein Salt Mineral Mixing wagon and loader tractor or 5-gallon buckets (depending on number of head) Water source and tank
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dry lot heifers in a smaller pen with no vegetation (i.e., not a pasture lot). Dry-lotting cattle ensures they eat their daily food rations. A smaller lot limits exercise and allows for more weight gain.

    • 2

      Determine the average weight of the heifers. Weight will be determined by calving date, quality of the cow, pre-weaning feed, etc. A good weaning weight is between 500 and 700 lbs. Experienced individuals can often determine a heifer's weight by sight alone. Otherwise, single out an average-sized heifer and weigh her on a truck or grain scale. Determine average herd weight from the weighed heifer.

    • 3

      Create a daily feeding ration. A feeding ration includes all supplements and nutrients the cattle will receive each day. Rations should include, but not be limited to, rolled corn (corn shells broken open are easier to digest), quality hay, silage and protein. Farm and ranch feed supply stores or feed mills can help create a feed ration.

    • 4

      Feed the heifers according to the ration. Depending on the size of the herd, use either a mixing wagon and tractor or 5-gallon buckets.

    • 5

      Monitor how the heifers eat: Do they finish all their feed quickly, leave some feed in the bunks, or take all day to eat everything? Change the ration accordingly. If the heifers finish quickly, slightly increase the amount. If they don't, slightly cut the ration. The goal to fattening heifers is to determine the greatest amount of feed they will consume and continuing the same amount. Monitor the heifers' intake and adjust for sickness, weather or stress.