A. Yu. Lavrentyev1, M. S. Upinin2 , M. S. Upinin1 , R. N. Ivanova1
1 Chuvash State Agrarian University, Cheboksary, Russia
2 “Mustang Feeding Technologies” LLC, Moscow, Russia
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Volume 26 No. 2
Date of paper submission: 06.02.2025, date of review: 09.06.2025, date of acceptance: 10.12.2025.
Published: 02/28/2026
Abstract. According to modern standards for the cultivation of Holstein repair heifers, insemination is performed when they reach a live weight of 375–385 kg, and the sooner the animal reaches these parameters, the earlier its first calving will occur, and, consequently, the animal will enter the main milking herd and begin to make a profit. During insemination at the age of 13–14 months, repair heifers are introduced into the main herd at the age of 22–23 months. Obtaining such parameters becomes possible if detailed feeding standards for repair heifers are followed and special feed additives are used to ensure the consumption of the required amount of dry matter with the feed. At the same time, their growth and development at the age of up to 6 months, that is, during cultivation, is important. The purpose of our research is to influence the composition and quality of cow's milk during the breeding season and during lactation decline on the growth and development of repair heifers during the dairy growing season. Research methods. To conduct the research, we formed 2 groups of animals with 10 calves each. At the same time, the animals were selected using the method of analog groups. The calves were watered 2 times a day from special drinking buckets equipped with a nipple. During the entire experiment, the calves had constant access to water and mixed feed. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the growth and development of replacement calves during the rearing period was studied using milk from cows of different physiological groups, specifically from a group of cows during lactation decline and a group of cows during lactation decline. It was found that using milk from cows from the lactation decline group contributed to improved growth and development of replacement heifers. At the same time, the control group of repair heifers received milk milked from cows during the first 60 days of lactation, and the second group of calves consumed milk from cows in the lactation decline group. Experience has made it possible to identify patterns and draw appropriate conclusions that using milk from cows kept in the lactation decline group, it is possible to obtain an absolute increase in body weight over the dairy period of 875 g, due to the fact that, compared with milk obtained from dairy cows, it contains a greater amount of fat and protein
Keywords: milk, cow, drinking, repair young animals, cattle, nutritional value, calves, growing period, fat, protein, average daily growth
For citation: Lavrentyev A. Yu., Upinin M. S., Upinin M. S., Ivanova R. N. The effect of milk quality on the productivity of repair heifers during the dairy growing period. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (02): 297‒305. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-02-297-305 (In Russ.)
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