New Prague, Minn. (October 19, 2023) – “Why heifer maturity matters. The Peter Pan problem.” headlines the Nov. 7 Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (DCHA) webinar. Gavin Staley, Diamond V technical service specialist, will lead the free, one-hour DCHA webinar that starts at 2 p.m. Central time (Chicago time).
To register for the webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/DVPeterPan. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to log in to participate.
During this webinar, Staley will address the economics of breeding heifers at various ages. A cost is incurred if heifers are not mature when they are bred. There is a strong correlation between the average annual herd milk production and week 10 of first lactation. Second- and third-lactation production are tightly linked to first lactation production. Age at freshening also influences second lactation performance and age at freshening influences third lactation performance. Staley will also discuss the main challenges facing heifer success and key solutions that can impact heifer maturity and lifetime productivity.
In 1984, Staley graduated from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, as a veterinarian. Later, he joined the same faculty of veterinary science as a senior lecturer in reproduction. During this time, Staley earned an advanced degree in theriogenology and qualified as a veterinary specialist in theriogenology. In 1993, he joined the largest dairy practice in South Africa as a partner and practicing veterinarian. Five years later, he emigrated to the United States and started working at a dairy practice in Door County, Wis. During this time, he qualified as a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. Next, he relocated to California’s Central Valley and has worked in the dairy industry for the past two decades.
DCHA received approval for one RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) credit through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards for this webinar. Contact JoDee Sattler (jodee@calfandheifer.org) for more information regarding RACE credits available through DCHA.
This webinar is sponsored by Diamond V. The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association does not support one product or company over another, and any mention is not an endorsement by DCHA.
If you are a DCHA member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar through DCHA’s online Member Center after Nov. 21. To access the webinar, DCHA members need to visit https://calfandheifer.org/login and enter their username and password.
For more information about DCHA’s webinars, e-mail Sue Schatz, DCHA member services director, at: sue@calfandheifer.org. Follow DCHA on social media or visit the DCHA website to learn about future webinars.
The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (www.calfandheifer.org) 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.