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The Effects Of Different Organic Pastures On Dairy Heifer Growth And Development, Jacob A. Hadfield
The Effects Of Different Organic Pastures On Dairy Heifer Growth And Development, Jacob A. Hadfield
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023
Raising dairy heifers in a certified organic setting can be difficult for producers. Conventionally, heifers are raised in a confined setting, and fed a total mixed ration (TMR) that is balanced daily to contain all the needed nutrients for developing heifers. Organic producers can use a TMR in their operations, but due to high organic feed costs, many choose to raise their heifers in pasture-based systems. While pasture-based systems may lower costs, heifers on pasture commonly have lower rates of gain, which can be financially burdensome to producers. Grass-legume pastures may help improve rates of gain in heifers on pasture-based …