Reducing the age at first calving

This practice abstract describes how reducing the age at first calving in dairy heifers can improve both environmental and economic performance on dairy farms.

Earlier calving reduces the number of non-productive animals in the herd, lowering enteric methane emissions and improving forage security. Successful implementation requires appropriate feeding strategies, growth monitoring, heat detection, and reproductive management.

Experience from the Trevarez demonstration farm showed that reducing the age at first calving from 27 to 25 months improved heifer development and reduced the duration of the non-productive period. Although concentrate use increased slightly, total forage requirements decreased, contributing to greater feed efficiency and farm sustainability.