Economics of Heifers Raised on Pasture or In Confinement with David Jaramillo

Описание: In this video, Dr. David Jaramillo, USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center research animal scientist, shares results from a multi-year study comparing the economics and performance of dairy heifers raised on pasture versus in confinement. The research followed heifers from birth through their first lactation, measuring growth, feed costs, and later milk production.

Findings showed that while growth rates were similar between systems by calving, pasture‑raised heifers produced more milk during their first lactation—over 2,700 pounds more—and had higher dry matter intake. Pasture systems also dramatically reduced feed costs during the rearing period, even in drought years. Dr. Jaramillo highlights how pasture‑based heifer development can improve profitability and discusses ongoing research to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these performance differences.

Resources:

USDA-ARS Dairy Forage Research Center: https://www.ars.usda.gov/midwest-area...
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