Define Feed Program Stages: Heifers
The heifers graph is divided into the General and Pregnant tabs.
Open Heifers tab to create a feed program specifically for heifers. The heifers life cycle includes the following stages:
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Weaning – during this stage AfiFeed does not have a feeding program.
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Yearling – calves begin eating solid feed. Feeding regime can be defined for this segment (not compulsory).
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Heifers Stage 1 – normally starts between 12-14 months, during this time, breeding begins. A new feeding regime is implemented.
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Heifers Stage 2 – provides option to create a feeding program for heifers nearing calving.
Note: Heifers Stage 1 can be defined until the first calving or divided into Stage 1 and Stage 2.
The pregnant heifer tab includes the following stages:
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Before PD – The time from insemination to confirmed pregnancy.
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Period 1 – The first days after successful insemintation.
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Period 2 – Has a minimum 7-day interval, and can begin at a maximum of 266 days. Adjust Period 2 on the timeline to lenghten/shorten the dry period.
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Close-up - The period of approximately 14 days before calving when the cow is in a dry pen – in order to accustom her to milking cow nutrition. Close-up begins any time from 273 to 287 days.