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DairyTalk 733: Raised but Never Milked: Why Too Many Heifers Fail to Reach First Calving - by Helmut Demmelhuber
This podcast episode is based on an article by Taylor Leach examining why a significant number of Holstein heifers leave dairy herds before producing their first kilogram of milk. Drawing on Michael Overton's analysis of records from 35 dairy herds in the western United States, the article identifies early mortality, respiratory disease, and reproductive failure as major contributors to pre-calving losses. Premature birth and low body weight can further compromise survival, development, and subsequent milk production, creating disadvantages that extend well beyond the calf-rearing period…
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