Body weight of dairy heifers is positively associated with reproduction and stayability

• Published in: Journal of dairy science Vol. 103; no. 5; pp. 4466 - 4474
• Main Authors: Handcock, R.C., Lopez-Villalobos, N., McNaughton, L.R., Back, P.J., Edwards, G.R., Hickson, R.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2020
• Subjects: heifer; reproduction; survival; weight; weight; survival; heifer; reproduction

This study investigated the relationships between body weight (BW) and stayability, and BW and calving pattern, of 189,936 New Zealand dairy heifers. Heifers were classified into 5 breed groups: Holstein-Friesian (F), Holstein-Friesian crossbred (FX), Jersey (J), Jersey crossbred (JX), and Holstein-...