The rearing of dairy heifers from weaning to first calving is a critical welfare investment period that shapes lifetime health and productivity.
Heifer welfare during rearing determines the trajectory of the entire animal's productive and welfare life. Respiratory disease during housing causes chronic lung pathology that impairs respiratory function permanently. Inadequate nutrition causes stunted growth that cannot be fully compensated later. Social housing promotes development of normal social behavior, reducing stress at mixing into adult herds. Parasitic gastroenteritis during first grazing season causes welfare compromise and growth checks. The welfare of heifers is often lower priority than lactating cows but represents a crucial investment. Targeted health planning, appropriate nutrition, and social management during rearing create resilient, healthier cows that suffer less disease across their productive lives.