- high quality legume based silage (lucerne silage with 60 per cent dry matter)
- lucerne hay, 30 per cent grain and some soy protein or canola meal.
- lucerne pasture.
- high protein and energy calf or heifer rearer pellets.
How do you start feeding weaning calves?
Using the 1,2,3 rule:
- Use the first milk (colostrum) from the cow
- Feed the calf colostrum within the first two hours of birth
- Calves must be offered at least three litres of good quality colostrum
How much do you feed a weaned calf?
consume 1.5 to 2.5% of their body weight in dry matter the first week on feed. These are calves that were fed on the farm in which they were raised and typically had been creep feed. The only major stress on the calves was weaning, and death loss and sickness were minimal. Yearling
When should calves be weaned from their mothers?
The short answer: Some calves can be weaned as early as 60 - 90 days and still be quite successful. The long answer: A calf can be weaned from its mother any time after birth. Typically, calves perform best if left on the cow until a good percentage (80-90%) of the diet they consume each day is grass or hay.
What is the optimal feeding level for calves?
The following practices for raising calves can:
- Decrease the exposure of calves to disease.
- Improve calf health.
- Improve calf survival rates.
- Improve growth rates.
How many pounds of grain should a weaned calf eat?
2 poundsA good time to start the weaning process (cutting back on milk) is when calves are eating 2 pounds of grain a day.
What is a good feed for calves?
Most experts recommend mixing alfalfa with grass hay, rather than relying exclusively on alfalfa hay. Alfalfa hay is often recommended for dairy cattle, but may not be a good fit for beef cattle, since it can lead to bloat. Legume hay is another nutritious option for cattle, since it's high in protein.
How much grain should I feed my calves?
Calves will need 4 to 5 pounds of a grain-protein mixture per head daily to average 1.2 pounds daily on winter fescue pastures (Table 3). Forage sorghum, small grain and grass legume silages work well for wintering calves but are lower in energy than corn silage.
What do you feed a 5 month old calf?
From grouping to 6 months, feed 5 pounds of calf grower daily and free-choice, high-quality hay. You may substitute pasture when it is available. From 6 months to 1 year, feed 0-7 pounds of herd concentrate daily; limit fed-silage, greenchop, or free-choice hay. You may substitute pasture when it is available.
Do calves need salt block?
Calves need salt to help their body's to build strong bones. It also helps them to have regular heartbeats. Salt helps with blood clotting. It also helps with muscle movement.
What is the cheapest way to feed cattle?
“Corn residue is one of the lowest cost forages on a cost per pound of energy. That's why mixing a high energy and protein feed like distillers' grains with a low quality forage like corn stalks is so cost effective. Distillers' is often a low-cost source of both energy and protein.
What age can a calf eat grain?
In early weaning systems calves need to begin eating some grain by 2 weeks of age to allow enough rumen development to occur before weaning at 5 or 6 weeks of age. If we do a good job of managing grain intake, it is possible to wean calves at 6 weeks, even when milk feeding rates are high.
How do I fatten up my calves?
0:222:30Cattle Fattening Techniques - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey grow normally well when given the right feed adequate feeding is attained through grass pastureMoreThey grow normally well when given the right feed adequate feeding is attained through grass pasture grain and roughage is supplemented with protein minerals vitamins carbohydrates.
Should calves have hay?
Hay or roughage is needed in the diet of weaned calves. Our published research and recent research in Spain has shown the benefit of calves consuming 5 to 15% hay, depending upon hay quality, post-weaning. If the hay is low in fiber, more hay intake is needed than if the hay is high in fiber.
Is hay good for calves?
Calves tend to prefer hay over straw, however both improve rumen function. Calves prefer long versus chopped hay, whereas they show no significant preference between long versus chopped straw.
At what age do you wean beef calves?
around six months oldThough calves naturally wean themselves around ten months, on beef farms calves are weaned when they are around six months old; for dairy farms, this happens just 24 hours after they are born.
How do I fatten up my calves?
0:222:30Cattle Fattening Techniques - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey grow normally well when given the right feed adequate feeding is attained through grass pastureMoreThey grow normally well when given the right feed adequate feeding is attained through grass pasture grain and roughage is supplemented with protein minerals vitamins carbohydrates.
How can I gain weight in my calves fast?
5 Ways to Increase Cow WeightTips to Increase and Maintain Cattle Weight. Add Grain into Their Daily Diet. Prevent Illness and Parasites. Add a Weight Gain Supplement. Use Creep Feeders During Weaning. Prevent Cattle Shrink and Stress, Especially During Transport.Explore Farmco Creep Feeders. Meet Farmco Manufacturing.
How can I gain weight in my calves?
If good quality pasture or grazing land is provided to the cows and calves, beef calves gain sufficient weight. Alternately, quality hay such as alfalfa, grass or oat will provide adequate nutrition. Provide clean, fresh water, salt and mineral supplements in addition to the roughage.
Do calves Need grain?
Calves that are gaining at a moderate rate (2 to 3 lbs/day) need about 1.5% of their body weight as grains (800 lb calf = 12 lbs of grain), whereas calves gaining at a greater rate (+ 3 lbs/day) need more grain in their diet and should consume up to 2.0 to 2.25% of their body weight as grain (800 lb calf = 16 to 20 lbs ...
1. Use Cattle Lick Tubs When Weaning Calves
Cattle lick tubs can be used as a free-choice supplement in calf receiving pens. For operations using supplement tubs in the cow herd, calves will be familiar with the tub and more likely to start eating quickly.
2. Offer Palatable Calf Starter Feed
When calves search for feed, make sure there’s a palatable feed in the bunk.
3. Select a Feed That Supports the Immune System of Weaning Calves
It’s critical to support the immune system of weaning calves during high stress. Select a feed that addresses stressors and respiratory challenges head-on.
5. Prioritize Starter Feed Quality
Evaluate your feed quality and don’t settle for the least expensive option – it might be cheaper up front, but it could also be less palatable.
Water
Considering water intake heavily influences feed intake, calves should have unlimited access to clean water. Some calves have only drunk water from ponds or tanks, so they will not recognize automatic or ball waterers. Allow water to overflow or use an open waterer to promote water intake.
Feed Deliveries
Long stem, grass hay is a recognizable feedstuff to calves and should be placed in the bunks prior to arrival.
Diet Composition
Since intakes are relatively low during the receiving phase, the diet should be formulated with palatable, high-quality feedstuffs. Receiving diets should be low in starch and consist of highly digestible fiber sources. Avoid feeding cheap feeds or by-products that vary in composition.
Processing
With regards to transit time, allow calves to rest prior to processing. It is well known that vaccinating stressed calves results in a poor vaccine response. Practice low-stress cattle handling at all times and use working facilities that are appropriate for processing calves.
Conclusion
Developing a receiving protocol can help feedlot operations better prepare for incoming calves. Work closely with your nutritionist to ensure receiving diets meet the requirements of newly weaned calves.
Help Support CattleToday
This will be the first year to hold and feed out home raised calves, always bought 700-800lb steers to finish in past. What would be the best to feed the calves as they're being weaned and growing before I transition them to a finishing ration? My local feed store has a 12% stocker feed that is 12% protein, 2% fat, 28% fiber.
Winter cow herd feeding: Does hay or corn supplement best? - Farm and Dairy
You can research it - there have been lots of research on the subject. I have been feeding steers to finish and showing PB cattle for many years. My show string also gets WSC with pellets added. I do all right in the show circle.
Winter cow herd feeding: Does hay or corn supplement best? - Farm and Dairy
You can research it - there have been lots of research on the subject. I have been feeding steers to finish and showing PB cattle for many years. My show string also gets WSC with pellets added. I do all right in the show circle.
WEANING
Weaning is one of the most stressful times for calves, and it doesn’t help that it’s also the most common time to give vaccinations. No one wants to work their cattle more than necessary.
The WHEN of weaning
Generally, 6-8 months of age; though calves can be weaned as young as 3 months. As long as your cows have good body condition and you have ample feed, there is really no reason to wean early. In Maryland, the majority of farms wean in the fall: September through early November.
The HOW of weaning
There are 3 methods of weaning commonly used in the beef industry. Each method has pros and cons, the key is finding the best one that suits your farming operation and the cattle market in your region.
The WHY of Vaccines
In the beef industry, we operate on tight margins and while $3-10 per animal (depending on the vaccination program you choose) may seem like a lot, especially when you factor in the labor of catching your cattle and running them through the chute, it’s really not. Especially when a sick animal happens – and it will.
The HOW of vaccines
There are 3 types of vaccines commonly used in the beef industry. Each has pros and cons, the key is finding the best one that suits your farming operation. Again, always consult with your veterinarian when making decisions about vaccine use on your farm.
Water
Feed Deliveries
- Long stem, grass hay is a recognizable feedstuff to calves and should be placed in the bunks prior to arrival. Providing a mixed ration at approximately 0.75% of body weight on a dry matter basis for the first day’s feed delivery and progressively working up to 2.5% of body weight within 14 – 28 days is an effective strategy whether calves are fed ...
Diet Composition
- Since intakes are relatively low during the receiving phase, the diet should be formulated with palatable, high-quality feedstuffs. Receiving diets should be low in starch and consist of highly digestible fiber sources. Avoid feeding cheap feeds or by-products that vary in composition. Inclusion of silage in receiving diets should be limited as it is not a familiar feedstuff to calves a…
Processing
- With regards to transit time, allow calves to rest prior to processing. It is well known that vaccinating stressed calves results in a poor vaccine response. Practice low-stress cattle handling at all times and use working facilities that are appropriate for processing calves. Consider delaying administration of implants until calves are on a steady plane of nutrition.
Conclusion
- Developing a receiving protocol can help feedlot operations better prepare for incoming calves. Work closely with your nutritionist to ensure receiving diets meet the requirements of newly weaned calves. Not only is proper bunk management a key component for efficiently starting calves on feed but also maintaining target intakes throughout the feeding period. Management …
References
- Doye, D. and D. Lalman. 2008. Beef Cattle Manual. 6th ed. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. (E-913). pp 173 – 178. Blezinger, S. B. 2002. Starting new cattle on feed can be challenging. Cattle Today. https://cattletoday.com/archive/2002/March/CT193.shtml. Accessed 11 July 2018.