266 ILLINOIS STATE DAIRYMEN'S ASSOCIATION 



heifer in a thrifty, growing condition, although there is no need 

 of fattening her. However, if she does become rather plump it 

 will not injure her dairy qualities. 



If fed so as to induce a thrifty growth yet not produce fat, 

 dairy heifers will gain on an average close to i pound daily from 

 the age of six months up to two years or calving time. 



Rations for Heifers from Six to Twelve Months Old. 



Ration I.^ — About 2 pounds daily of a mixture of 75 pounds 

 corn chop and 25 pounds bran; all the alfalfa hay the heifer will 

 eat. 



Ration II. — Six to 10 pounds silage; about 2 pounds daily 

 of a grain mixture of 40 pounds corn chop, 40 pounds Jinseed 

 meal or cottonseed meal, and 20 pounds bran ; all the alfalfa hay 

 the heifer will eat. 



Rations for Heifers One to Two Years Old. 



Ration I. — About 3 pounds of corn daily; all the alfalfa hay 

 the heifer will eat. 



Ration II. — Corn silage, 12 to 20 pounds; about 3 pounds 

 daily of a grain mixture of equal parts corn chop, bran, and lin- 

 seed meal or cottonseed meal ; all the alfalfa hay the heifer will 

 eat. 



Breeding. 



The proper age at which to breed a heifer will depend very 

 largely upon the size and thrift of the animal as well as upon 

 the breed. 



Jersey or Guernsey heifers mature more rapidly than Hol- 

 steins or Ayrshires and hence are ready for breeding at an earlier 

 age. The approved practice is to breed a Jersey or Guej^'nsey 

 heifer at the age of 13 to 17 months. A Holstein or Ayrshire 

 heifer if in good thrift may well be bred at the age of 17 to 2 v 

 months. 



