SAE: Raise dairy replacement heifers
Description:
Raising Dairy Replacement Heifers is a labor-intensive project that required knowledge of feeding, animal health, and management.  This project is best suited for the student who has considerable land area and general knowledge of dairy cattle.  Calves are normally raised on bottles that provide milk for their nutrition.  These calves can later be turned on to grass pastures with supplemental feed.  Dairy heifers offer a good financial return on investment.

 

 

Factors To Consider

Ranking:

1 = lowest

10 = highest

Time required

8

Investment 7
Equipment needed 7
Skills required 8
Facilities required 7
Land required 9
Labor Intensity 10
Potential for income 9
Transportation required 6
Expansion possibilities 10
Expertise needed 9
Advertising needed 5
Susceptible to disease 9
Susceptible to insects 9
Suitable for residential areas 1
  Other (specify)
Length of production cycle Fall to Spring
Regional Statewide
When to start project Fall

 

Notes:
This SAE is best suited for those experienced students that have strong farm backgrounds with excellent animal science skills.

 

 

Sources of Additional Information:
Regional Animal Science Area Teachers

-Local cattle producers

-UGA Cooperative Extension Service (Click on publication titled Animal Science)