How much does it cost to raise a dairy heifer?

How much does it cost to raise a dairy heifer?

The average cost for raising a dairy heifer from weaning to freshening (or returned to the dairy by custom grower) was $1,863 per heifer or $3.04 per day (range was $2.57 to $3.20 per heifer per day).

How much is a dairy heifer worth?

As compared to bred cows, heifers are cheaper, they cost around $500 and $1,000. The cost of lactating dairy cows is around $1,500 and $2,100.

What is a heifer barn?

The perfect heifer barn promotes animal health, growth and comfort, with proper ventilation to reduce respiratory disease and plenty of access to fresh feed, water and places to rest. It also prepares these future cows for life in the milking herd by introducing them to freestalls, lockups and footbaths.

What is a milk barn?

Milk Barn aims to improve the dairy industry one pound of milk at a time with integrity-driven resources, installations, and services, delivered by people working together with accountability and purpose for the dairy farmers we serve! Printable Contact Page.

How much does a baby Holstein calf cost?

Holstein bull calves, which fetched between $500-$600 per head in 2014, are now selling for less than $100 – in some cases dramatically lower. Typically, contracted Holstein steers have run at a $7 to $10 per cwt discount to beef breed steers.

How much does it cost to feed a cow for a year?

If the average producer feeds hay from 120 to 160 days, we are talking about an additional cost of from $90.00 to $240.00 per cow per year. All due to harvested feed cost.

How often should calf bedding be changed?

Replenish the calf bedding with a fresh layer daily.

Why are heifer barns important to the dairy industry?

Heifer barns are the backbone of the dairy operation because the comfort of the heifers influences their development and, ultimately, the productivity of the dairy herd. Because we realize that every operation has different requirements, we can custom design a layout that will work for every situation.

What to look for in a dairy barn?

Dairy cattle barns Choose a barn that does more than just house your dairy cattle. More dairy farmers are choosing steel-framed fabric-covered buildings for their farming operations to increase their efficiency. The wide-open floor plan creates the opportunity to house cattle, feed, equipment and machinery all under one roof.

Why do dairy farmers need fabric covered barns?

More dairy farmers are choosing steel-framed fabric-covered buildings for their farming operations to increase their efficiency. The wide-open floor plan creates the opportunity to house cattle, feed, equipment and machinery all under one roof. Britespan’s dairy barns are a perfect solution for the modern dairy farmer.

What to look for in a heifer barn?

Heifers, from post-weaning to springing, deserve a well-designed building too. The perfect heifer barn promotes animal health, growth and comfort, with proper ventilation to reduce respiratory disease and plenty of access to fresh feed, water and places to rest.