Abstract Fetal loss occurs in 4 to 13% of dairy cattle worldwide with a subsequent $487 $1900 economic per pregnancy. Previous studies have identified SNPs associated fetal loss, but few investigated haplotypes (DNA that segregates offspring together) loss. The objective this study was identify Holstein heifers and cows conceived the first insemination. This consisted 529 (470 maintained pregna...

This study examines a national survey of professional custom heifer growers. Sixty-five respondents from 23 states provided information on operation size and characteristics, management practices, and contract terms. Responding operation current heifer inventories ranged from 30 to 20,000 heifers and the average operation had more than 1200 heifers on-farm. The regional pattern of operation siz...

This review focuses on the nutritional effects from birth until age at first calving on growth, mammary developmental changes, and first-lactation milk yield in heifer calves. The advancement in the genetic potential and the nutritional requirements of the animals has hastened the growth rate. Genetic selection for high milk yield has suggested higher growth capacity and hence increasing nutrit...