Graining Dexter

Mickey · #1 09/20/07, 07:41 PM

I have a Dexter cow that calved on Monday. She had a little bull and we call him "T-Bone". Anyway, I'm planning to milk her and am wondering how much I should be feeding her. She was quite wild when I got her back in May so I started giving her a 1 lb coffee can of grain every night to get her used to coming to the barn. Since she calved I increased the grain by about another half can dividing the feedings between morning and night. I'm also giving her the same size can of alfalfa cubes with each feeding as well. She is on pasture, but it's not the greatest, so I also give her a flake of hay in the evening. Can anyone tell me if I'm feeding her enough/too much? She looks to be in good condition, but I wonder if it's enough for her to supply both "T-Bone" and us.

My next question is at what age can I start separating him from his mom at night so I can get the morning milk?

Thank you for any advice you can give me.
Mickey

Mickey · #2 09/21/07, 05:15 PM

Anyone?
Mickey

myminifarm · #3 09/21/07, 07:46 PM

Mickey, I don't have an answer for your question, I've been checking back on your post because I was hoping someone posted an answer cause I'm looking for that info also.
-Jessica, NY

Dexter_Cattle · #4 09/21/07, 09:04 PM

I would love to answer your questions but I don't milk dexters. There are a couple people who do, it may take them awhile to post though.

Carol K · #5 09/22/07, 07:56 AM

Hi Mickey,
you can separate them anytime, I used to leave it a week, no particular reason for that, I've also left it 3 weeks. They may ball at eachother but it only takes a few days for the routine to settle in. Your cow may not like being milked by you though, so be prepared for some kicking, she wants to save her milk for her calf, stick with it though.
Regarding the grain, you don't really need it, mine did well on hay alone and some alfalfa cubes, but see how she is looking and if you feel you need to increase it then do so. Increase her hay though, give her all she can eat if you have no pasture.

good luck,

Carol

Mickey · #6 09/22/07, 03:13 PM

Thanks so much Carol. I can see this is going to be a slow process as this morning was the first time that I've been able to get her to come into the barn with the calf to have her feed.
Mickey