Heifer rearing is often one of the weakest links in livestock production. The main reason is not a lack of feed, but rather feed quality and improper feeding techniques, which often fail to meet the basic physiological needs of each category according to their growth and development.

The aim of feeding heifers is to create a large body frame with a well-developed, voluminous digestive tract capable of maximising the utilisation of roughage. Ration and feeding of heifers should be directed taking into account the basic requirements, which include:

1. to ensure intensive growth of heifers determined by the breeding task, which is a necessary condition for their timely inclusion in the reproductive cycle;
2. to promote the formation of a type of dairy cows capable of taking in a high amount of dry matter of roughage and efficient utilisation of ration nutrients;
3. control the productivity of the ration through regular monitoring and adjust the ration in accordance with the normative requirement in nutrients;
4. create conditions for the development of genetic potential for future milk production through adequate nutrition;
5. promote optimal health of growing heifers through systematic correct feeding as a basis for their longevity.