new cow

Bob, great looking crew you have there...You are hands down far more experienced then me...I have learned a lot from your replies, thanks for helping all of us.....TJ

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Madsaw, it was not my intent to omit or shun anyone nor did you come across in a bad light IMO. A shotgun approach is what I was attempting to prevent. too many inputs only create confusion with a person getting started. I know there is a lot of experience here. My history with these two gave me more insight as to their background overall and their willingness to assist.

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Agmantoo
If they can do it,
you know you can!

It is also very true that some people on this board will give you BAD advice. It pays to take some time to get to know the posters before you do every single thing they say.

I haven't been a member of this forum too long myself, and I certainly see that some folks have more experience than I do. I try to keep my posting to things I *think* I know something about, which does not include advice about which drugs to use (for example).

I find this board to be a fabulous resource and always look forward to reading what you will each advise. The thoughtful opinions of this board have helped ME in numerous situations.

I have raised a few calves in my day too, and I whole-heartedly agree that it is not like flushing a goldfish down the toilet when they die. Also, sometimes no matter who you are, how hard you try, how much money you spend, etc...they are just GONNA die. Usually the one you can least afford to lose too.

I can hardly blame anyone who comes into this forum with the idea of owning a cow, for getting really excited after they read other peoples stories. It is very satisfying to be around these animals and hard to keep out of, once you are hooked. Changes your life.

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Cows may not be smarter than People, but some cows are smarter than some people.

I appoligize for giving questionable advice. I'm not a vet, nor profess to be one. I use Micotil with success but as stated above, there are many other antibiotics available that are also effective.

There are definitely differences in milk replacers. You want a milk based replacer as opposed to a soy based replacer.
I have experience using Cow's Match Jersey MR and Land O' Lakes Nursing Formula. The second one being our choice here at home when they aren't being fed their dam's milk. I used the first over at the school farm the three years I worked there.
1 to 2 days old is really young, especially if this is your first time raising a calf. A bottle raised calf won't be hard to tame down, so even after weaning they are easily handled, generally.

We feed our calves twice a day (2 quart bottle full). With Jerseys you generally want to feed about 2/3rds the suggested feeding ratio for Holsteins. OUrs have Primer 1 (pelleted calf starter made by Land O' Lakes) available free choice from day 2 or so. It has roughage in it and is a complete feed, so we don't normally offer hay until they are close to 6 months old and ready to be transitioned to our heifer feed.
We go against the norm and do not offer water free choice. They get 5-6 pounds of liquid (MR/Milk/Water/whatever it takes) offered twice daily. After theya re on the bucket they get 6 pounds twice a day. At weaning (around 6-8 weeks old) they head outside to a larger run in shed where they have Primer free choice, as well as water free choice, at that point.
Admittedly, we are a smaller farm, only calving out around 20 head a year, if that, but we don't lose calves either. The last two calves we lost that were in the barn was four winters ago. We've literally "lost" a few out in the pastures when the dams hid them and we were unable to track them down. If it hits the ground alive, and makes it into the barn, we don't lose them. They aren't slouches in the health department either due to our not-so-run-of-the-mill raising style.
We don't deworm our cattle because of the way we run them. Calves are dry lotted until they hit about 12-15 months and then are out pasture.
Our heifers are vaccinated for Bangs and Black leg at 4-6 months old.

Lots of different ways of raising calves. If you know someone local who raises healthy calves and you can get their input that is the best since they live where you live and know about raising calves in that particular area.

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Roseanna
Morning Mist Herd
Journey's End Jerseys
Jerseys, Jersey/Norwegian Reds, Beef, Boers, Nubians & crossbreeds

Thank you,
Next time I am down in TN I will look you up. Hope to get back down there next spring. To late in the yr for a trip now. Got the wood boiler fired up, so
I stay close to home.
Bob

Bob, I'd enjoy meeting you...Be ready for my list of questions....I'm only 3 miles off I-40.
Come by anytime, lunch is on me...

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