DCHA webinar focuses on adding value to heifers - Cowsmo

DCHA webinar focuses on adding value to heifers

“A New Way of Thinking: Added Value for Your Heifers & Your Operation” headlines the May 5 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) webinar. Scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Central time, Cathy Bandyk, AB Vista ruminant technical director, will serve as the webinar presenter.

During the one-hour webinar, Bandyk will discuss how replacement heifers are a dairy herd’s future foundation. “We can all agree that the main goal for managing heifers is to control costs while achieving daily gains,” said Bandyk. “Calves never get over a bad start – or a good one.”

Bandyk will explain how heifer growth can create a “ceiling” for future production. “Data show that the increase in milk yield between lactations one and two, and two and three are fairly static – regardless of starting point.” Consider this rule of thumb: 100 pounds less body weight at calving results in about 700 pounds less milk produced in the first lactation.

Furthermore, Bandyk will share research on how forage digestibly impacts heifer growth and a heifer grower’s/dairy producer’s return on investment. “Together, we’ll look at new ways of thinking when it comes to heifer management and how we can create more nutritional and economical value from fiber,” added Bandyk.

As the AB Vista ruminant technical director, Bandyk provides technical advice and information on ruminant products. A three-time Kansas State University graduate with a doctorate degree in ruminant nutrition, she has more than 20 years of industry experience. Previously, she owned and operated a crop and livestock farm. A former American Feed Industry Association Member of the Year, Bandyk contributes to several committees across the fields of feed, ruminant nutrition and education. Her professional network is wide ranging and encompasses participation in the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and American Society of Animal Science.

To register for the webinar, go HERE and follow the prompts. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to log in to participate.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards granted one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for this DCHA webinar. This provides veterinarians with a convenient continuing education opportunity.

This webinar is brought to you by AB Vista.

If you are a DCHA member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar through DCHA’s online Member Center. This is a new DCHA member benefit. To access the webinar, DCHA members will need to visit HERE and enter their username and password.

For more information about DCHA’s webinars, e-mail Sue Schatz, DCHA member services director, at: [email protected]. Follow DCHA on social media or visit the DCHA website to learn about future webinars.

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association was founded in 1996 based on the mission to help dairy producers, calf managers and those professionally focused on the growth and management of dairy calves and heifers. With a national membership of producers, allied industries and research leaders, DCHA seeks to provide the industry’s standards for profitability, performance and leadership, serving as a catalyst to help members improve the vitality and viability of their individual efforts and that of their business.

Scroll to Top