Growth and economics of heifers raised on pasture compared to heifers raised in confinement

Authors: CAMISA NOVA, CARLOS - University Of Wisconsin; Kalscheur, Kenneth; Jaramillo, David

Submitted to: American Forage and Grassland Council Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/19/2024
Publication Date: 1/12/2025
Citation: Camisa Nova, C.H., Kalscheur, K., Jaramillo, D.M. 2025. Growth and economics of heifers raised on pasture compared to heifers raised in confinement. American Forage and Grassland Council Conference Proceedings. January 2025.

Interpretive Summary: Raising heifers on pasture in dairy farms is a tool for reducing costs associated with replacement heifers. A study was conducted at the US Dairy Forage Research Center to evaluate the performance of dairy heifers raised either on pasture or in confinement on potential long-term effects on lactation and on economic implications under both scenarios. In this study, 18 heifers each were raised on either cool-season grass pastures or in a free-stall barn fed a total mixed ration (TMR) diet. After the first calving, all animals were submitted to conventional management for lactating dairy cows. Age at calving was similar for both treatment groups, which averaged 24.3 months. Body weights were similar at calving; pasture-raised heifers were 1,310 lbs. and confinement-raised heifers were 1,355 lbs. Raising heifers on pasture during the first grazing season reduced costs by 27% compared with heifers raised in confinement (US$ 142.47 vs US$ 194.48). During the second grazing season, costs associated with raising heifers on pasture were reduced by 58% compared to heifers raised in confinement (US$ 97.43 vs US$ 234.18). During the first lactation, cows who were previously raised on pasture produced more milk than those previously raised in confinement (27,199 and 24,487 lbs., respectively). Consequently, a greater average income over feed costs was found for cows previously raised on pasture compared to those raised in confinement (US$ 12.80/d and US$ 11.04/d, respectively). Thus, economic advantages are evident when heifers are raised on pasture without deleterious effects on growth and performance.

Technical Abstract: Raising heifers on pasture in dairy farms is a tool for reducing costs associated with replacement heifers. A study was conducted at the US Dairy Forage Research Center to evaluate the performance of dairy heifers raised either on pasture or in confinement on potential long-term effects on lactation and on economic implications under both scenarios. In this study, 18 heifers each were raised on either cool-season grass pastures or in a free-stall barn fed a total mixed ration (TMR) diet. After the first calving, all animals were submitted to conventional management for lactating dairy cows. Age at calving was similar for both treatment groups, which averaged 24.3 months. Body weights were similar at calving; pasture-raised heifers were 1,310 lbs. and confinement-raised heifers were 1,355 lbs. Raising heifers on pasture during the first grazing season reduced costs by 27% compared with heifers raised in confinement (US$ 142.47 vs US$ 194.48). During the second grazing season, costs associated with raising heifers on pasture were reduced by 58% compared to heifers raised in confinement (US$ 97.43 vs US$ 234.18). During the first lactation, cows who were previously raised on pasture produced more milk than those previously raised in confinement (27,199 and 24,487 lbs., respectively). Consequently, a greater average income over feed costs was found for cows previously raised on pasture compared to those raised in confinement (US$ 12.80/d and US$ 11.04/d, respectively). Thus, economic advantages are evident when heifers are raised on pasture without deleterious effects on growth and performance.