What would a newbie need to buy a healthy, 3mo Holstein calf

[hoofinitnorth]

(besides a vet or help to castrate him, lol)? There is one available here from someone I know a little about and he is not too expensive. I am sure it will cost quite a lot to raise him up to mature slaughter weight but I'm more concerned with quality meat.

If he doesn't have horns... could he be kept alone? Could he be kept with my horses (provided they have safe fences and are properly introduced)? At what size would you butcher him? I would want to handle him a LOT to keep him easy to manage as he grows but I'm wondering if he isn't already too big and then I have to wonder how many manners he's been taught before getting this big.

Not seriously considering him since my husband is just not ready for that now, but it is nice to have these discussions to learn. Specifics seem to help bring out good tips and warnings and advice vs. just saying "how do I get started with meat or dairy cattle"? :P

[jerzeygurl]

if he is the only bovine no need to castrate

we never do unless we are short on pens

we usually butcher at 18 months to 24 months

they arent nearly as agressive as jersey bulls

[topside1]

Feed, grass, hay, mineral block and water. Jersey Girl said it all....except I butcher @ one year and beyond....@ one year 900-1000 pounds....enjoy your Holstein

[gracie88]

As long as there is plenty of room, and your horses are ok with it. I knew a lady whose horses had never seen a cow 'til a couple broke into her field one day. She said as they came in one side, her horses went right out the other. Ours did fine together, but I would worry about horns in tight places.

[mtman]

not all horses will get along with cows and not all will flee from them.some will try to hurt a calf biting there neck to kill them

[farmergirl]

I agree that not all horses feel the same way about cows. But I am proud to say that my Dutch Warmblood who came to Texas terrified of cows is now an old pro when it comes to moving the heifers from one pen to another! Just don't push it when you introduce the horses to the calf. Make sure they spend some time just getting to know each other over the fence before you turn them out together.

[hoofinitnorth]

Can you have the horns removed/disbudded on a Holstein?? Is this ever done on young ones?

[topside1]

Heather I disbud my calves with a hot iron around the 4-6 weeks of age. If you can get an electric disbudding iron over the horn buds then go for it....You better move quickly because he's getting bigger and stronger each day. Why not ask a local in your area to do it, or at least take a looksee....TJ

[hoofinitnorth]

Yeah, I'm not buying this guy but I wondered if he could be disbudded. If he could, I bet his owner already did it since she does her goats too.