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The Weekly Gazette
East Hartford, Hartford County, Connecticut
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Guidance for dairy farmers on avoiding premature breeding of heifers to prevent undersized animals and reduced milk yield, with specific age recommendations for breeds like Holsteins, Ayrshires, Guernseys, and Jerseys.
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Experienced dairymen who have been breeding dairy cattle for some time appreciate the damage that is done to heifers if they are bred too young. Premature breeding usually results in undersized animals which have a reduced capacity for milk production. Continued breeding at an early age tends to weaken the vitality and vigor of the herd.
The larger breeds of dairy cattle, like the larger breeds of chickens, require more time to mature than the smaller breeds. This means that Holsteins must be allowed more time to grow than Jerseys. Even the smaller breeds should not be allowed to produce calves before they are two years old if they are to give the best results.
It is generally agreed that Holsteins should be from nineteen to twenty-one months old when bred; Ayrshires should be from eighteen to twenty months; Guernseys from seventeen to nineteen months, and Jerseys from fifteen to seventeen months. This means that the heifers must not be allowed to run with the herd bull for they will often come in heat many months before this age is reached.
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Experienced dairymen advise against breeding heifers too young, as it results in undersized animals with reduced milk production and weakens herd vitality. Larger breeds like Holsteins need more time to mature than smaller ones like Jerseys. Recommended breeding ages: Holsteins 19-21 months, Ayrshires 18-20 months, Guernseys 17-19 months, Jerseys 15-17 months. Heifers should not run with the bull before reaching these ages.