Hungry, Hungry Heifer

I have a Jersey heifer that is now about 10 months old. I’ve had her for only 2 months. How much ration do you suggest I feed her? I am giving about 2.5 to 3 lbs. per day now along with a few flakes of hay (split into two feedings), but she wants to knock me down trying to get to the bucket when I bring it in. Is this because she has no manners and just wants the food? Or do you think she is starving? I give her several flakes of hay twice a day after the ration. Also, she has a salt/mineral block by her water, and I toss in some dry powder minerals (organic) with her feed. How much mineral do you recommend? She doesn’t seem to be growing…..

I am new to this and need all the advice I can get! Thanks!

Becky

Your 10-month-old Jersey heifer should weigh in the range of 350lbs-500lbs. At this age, she should be roughly 45% of her adult body weight. You are feeding roughly2.5 lbs dry matter-grain. She should be eating 4% of her body weight daily. So she should be getting 17.5 lbs of hay. I would say that she will calm down if you feed her more. Personally I feed 6lbs grain, 3lbs 2x daily, and as much dry hay as she will eat. I assume that you plan to breed her and milk her in the future. Try to get her to 600lbs by 14 months old,that is 2/3 of her adult body weight, before breeding. I also recommend 1-2oz of 2:1 dairy minera lin the feed, along with 1oz salt, and have both available to her free choice.That way  if she needs more she can get it.

Good Day,

Wayne the Dairy Dude