Rearing heifers are a sizeable investment to a dairy enterprise, with rearing costs not being recouped until the cow reaches their second lactation. Studies carried out by AHDB show that on average 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before their second lactation (AHDB, 2023).
Rearing surplus lambs can be a difficult task during the lambing season, and the decision to foster onto a ewe or artificially rear the lambs will depend on their physical condition.
