Jersey Bull Calf

[farmmaid]

The farmer who is right next to us is expecting 3 Jersey calfs in 3 weeks. Jersey bull calfs are so cheap now, getting only $5-$10 each at the auction. He would sell them to us, if bulls, for that price at 4 days old. My question is...after steering at the appropiate age, fed 1/2 goat milk and 1/2 calf replacer mixed for 8 weeks and good hay/pasture with calf grain 24/7, would it be worth the $ to raise him for 6-7 months and then butcher before the heart of winter sets in? Does anyone have a ball-park figure what it would cost to raise one to that point? We have a nice barn to raise him in for starters and a calf hutch/pasture later...Joan

[topside1]

Good quick guess would be $130. Jersey meat is outstanding, however you shouldn't butcher a Jersey steer @ 6 months of age he may only weigh 300-350 pounds by then....Not saying you can't, just saying I wouldn't...

[jerzeygurl]

leave him a bull if possible and plan on eating at apx 18 months

[Middle River]

why do you reccomend keeping them bulls ? Will the meat be off tasing at all or better ? Will them become hard to handle and bully by 18 months ? I'm just curious as i'm raising my first two calves for the freezer ( Ayrshires ) and due to a few hold ups on my end they haven't been banded yet ( they are a month old ) - what are the pros and cons of leaving them intact vs. banding them ? Thanks !!!

[SHELBY]

I think the is, is that they gain more weight faster as bulls than as steers?
I think that's how is goes anyway.

[topside1]

Castrated animal is a more docile animal. Doesn't make him grow quicker, just make him more manageable. If you neighbors have cows well that's another good reason to band bulls, if not you'll be repairing your fences from time to time.

[animalfarmer]

Hi Farmmaid,I sent you a P.M. It may be of intrest.Best of luck.

[saramark]

we just had a jersey bull calf born last week and we plan to butcher for veal in 3 months or so. how much meat should we expect?

mark

[JulieLou42]

The elastrated 1/2JerseyX3/8GuernseyX1/8Angus I had for 10.5 months was 850# and had gained about 2.5# per day for that length of time when he was processed. I'd not call him easy to manage. That he stayed with his mama all that time may have something to do with that.

Only have eaten some hamburger so far, and it was excellent...tender and tasty. He was dry aged for only about 8.5 days.