The evaluation carried out through Reading University found that 17% of milking heifers exit the herd before calving down for a second time.
Poor cow health and fertility contributed to the figures, however the reasons varied from farm to farm.
Dr Jenny Gibbons, AHDB senior animal health and welfare scientist said: "At a time when dairy farms are under increasing cost pressures, it's worrying that so many first lactation heifers are exiting the herd before their rearing costs are recouped."
Decisions around fertility, feed, health, housing and grouping are known to have a big impact on a heifer's longevity with the herd.
They eat more slowly, ruminate less, are lower in the pecking order, can be easily chased away from feed space or lying areas so need time to adjust to life in the milking herd.
In-calf heifers also require extra care since the soft tissues of the sole inside the hoof are thinnest in younger animals, as well as at calving, thus increasing the risk of sole bruising and ulcers.
Dr Gibbons said: "Improving rearing management on farm not only offers a huge opportunity to increase a heifer's herd longevity, but also reduce costs, help the environmental impact and influence consumer perception of dairy farms."
AHDB are running a series of meetings across GB during March and May to help dairy farmers achieve a successful 2nd calving, which can be booked via: ahdb.org.uk/events
Meeting dates and locations: Date | Time | Location | 21 March | 10.45 – 14.00 | Cross Keys Inn, Church Lane, Whitechapel, Preston, Lancashire PR3 2ER | 21 March | 19.00 – 21.00 | Oriel Hotel, Upper Denbigh Road, Saint Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0LW | 22 March | 10.45 – 14.00 | Siddington Village Hall, Congleton Road, Siddington, Macclesfield, Cheshire East SK11 9JR | 22 March | 10.45 – 14.00 | Maisemore Village Hall, Church Road, Maisemore, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL2 8JE | 22 March | 19.00 – 21.00 | The Merry Harriers, Westcott, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1SA | 22 March | 19.00 – 21.00 | The President's Suite, Staffordshire County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire ST18 0BD | 23 March | 10.45 – 14.00 | Albright Hussey Hotel Ltd, Broad Oak, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 3AF | 23 March | 10.45 – 14.00 | Trethorne Leisure, Kennards House, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8QE | 16th May | 19:00 – 21:00 | Matlock Meadows, Snitterton Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 2JG | 22nd May | 10:45 – 14:00 | Sysonby Knoll, Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE13 0HP | 22nd May | 19:00 – 21:00 | Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle, Golf Course Road, Bath BA2 6JG | 23rd May | 10:45 – 14:00 | Yeovil Rugby Club, Church Ln, Yeovil BA22 9TR | 23rd May | 10:45 – 14:00 | Northallerton Rugby Club, Brompton Lodge, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL6 2PZ | 23rd May | 18:30 – 21:00 | Cottage Wood Centre - Methodist Church, Cottage Wood Centre, Calthwaite, Penrith CA11 9PL | 24th May | 19:00 – 21:00 | Haverfordwest Golf Club, Arnolds Down, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2XQ | 25th May | 10:45 – 14:00 | Caffi Emlyn, Tan-y-groes, Cardigan SA43 2JE | 30th May | 10:45 – 14:00 | Wigtownshire Rugby Football Club, Ladies Walk, Stranraer DG9 8BN | 30th May | 18:30 – 21:00 | Ernespie Farm Centre, Old Military Road, Castle Douglas DG7 3JG | 31st May | 18:30 – 21:00 | The Coo Shed, South Corton Farm, Ayr KA6 6BX |
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