On the report of Heinrichs et al. the previous century has seen a vast enhancement in the research subjecting dairy heifers with more than twenty articles being published on an annual basis. Such research includes nutrition and management changes, growth rates and standards for body size and structure as well as nutrient management and heifer programs. While trying to refine the key economic strategies to be successful farms are becoming more progressive and adopting management...
On the report of Heinrichs et al. the previous century has seen a vast enhancement in the research subjecting dairy heifers with more than twenty articles being published on an annual basis. Such research includes nutrition and management changes, growth rates and standards for body size and structure as well as nutrient management and heifer programs. While trying to refine the key economic strategies to be successful farms are becoming more progressive and adopting management practices based on physiology and nutrient needs.
There are many studies carried out by Harper Adams and other known Universities in regards to feeding bulls and steers, especially those of dairy origin. Reported studies based on beef feeding heifers include that of the effects of ractopamine-hydrogen chloride, carcass traits when fed crude glycerine and the effects of somatotropin (growth hormone) treatment to abbreviate a few.
As claimed by Minson there are no published reports in regards to sodium (Na) response in non-lactating ruminants and animals that are not growing, he states that this is to be expected as the Na reserves within the rumen are sufficient to meet the Na requirement of the animal for many months with the possibility of more than a year. As a result of the large reserves available, this can lead to an underestimation of the Na concentration required in forages unless there are production studies of long durations.
