what to do with calves in the summer?

darbyfamily · #1 07/24/08, 08:48 AM

We're still watching for that calf to be born...and trying to decide what we'll do ... if its a heifer and we can get her disbudded (is that just a goat term?) or dehorned early, then we will keep her. If its a bull calf, again, we'd prefer to dehorn/disbud if we're going to band him, but our other option is to sell him as a bucket calf... the question is, can 4H'ers raise bucket calves from summer? or do they only want spring calves for the late summer fair?

I'd really like to keep him or her, either way, but if we need to sell to pay for breeding back, preferrably AI with mini jersey straw this time, then I might consider that too.

francismilker · #2 07/24/08, 11:11 AM

It depends on what your local show allows. Some counties have bucket calf shows in the fall and some are strictly market calves and part of the show performance is based upon "rate of gain". It's hard (maybe impossible) for a dairy breed animal to out perform a beef breed on rate of gain.
BTW, on cattle it's usually referred to as "dehorning".

darbyfamily · #3 07/24/08, 11:24 AM

so I wonder how a Dexter calf would compare to another breed?

dh is not sure if he wants to keep a steer for beef or not, just because he's afraid he'll still be too aggressive with the kids, but I think being Dexter AND being banded will make him sweet as a peach

michiganfarmer · #4 07/24/08, 12:50 PM

pasture the calf on grass, feed it for the winter, pasture it next summer then eat it next fall.

Pasture is cheap feed

JKB07 · #5 07/24/08, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francismilker

It depends on what your local show allows. Some counties have bucket calf shows in the fall and some are strictly market calves and part of the show performance is based upon "rate of gain". It's hard (maybe impossible) for a dairy breed animal to out perform a beef breed on rate of gain.
BTW, on cattle it's usually referred to as "dehorning".

Dexters are not classified as a dairy breed.

JKB

JKB07 · #6 07/24/08, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darbyfamily

so I wonder how a Dexter calf would compare to another breed?

dh is not sure if he wants to keep a steer for beef or not, just because he's afraid he'll still be too aggressive with the kids, but I think being Dexter AND being banded will make him sweet as a peach

More than likely there will be no use for the calf at the fair. Maybe if it was registered. Keeping the calf means A LOT less milk for you and the family. Def. dont keep him through the winter, it will cost you more to feed him than he is worth. As for dehorning. Use the paste at 2 weeks old, really works well....

JKB

Wags · #7 07/24/08, 04:51 PM

If calf is going to be on momma you can still use the paste if you put a duct tape wrap over it - like they demonstrate here.

darbyfamily · #8 07/24/08, 08:07 PM

Oh thank you!!! that looks easy and painless to do! we'll order some Dr Naylors tomorrow and dig out the duct tape!

darbyfamily · #9 07/24/08, 08:10 PM

I suppose feeding it through the winter, cost wise, depends on where you are and how much you pay for hay

we get our hay fairly reasonably priced and have plenty to graze on up until November probably. We're looking at 4-5 mths of hay, but can get round bales for around $35 delivered to the driveway, thats grassy alfalfa

copperhead46 · #10 07/24/08, 10:01 PM

I don't understand why feeding a calf through the winter makes it too expensive to keep for butchering. I keep my butcher calves through the winter, it's well worth it to me, I don't eat beef out of the store. I raise Dexters and usually don't butcher till they are past 24 months old. Still way cheaper than the price of beef, plus the added benefit of not having all the chemicals and hormones in the meat. I feed hay through the winter, grass in the summer, not that expensive.
Jennifer, I don't know where your husbands gets the idea that a steer is aggresive, but having raised many, many steers for butcher, I've never had any kind of aggresion from any breed. You should enjoy the added bonus you've been given from your cow, heifer or steer, it's a gift your weren't expecting, and will pay off either way you go.
P.J.

darbyfamily · #11 07/24/08, 10:09 PM

Believe me, P.J. I KNOW you're right

we're so excited at this extra blessing!

Hey, Cameron had nothing but good things to say about you when he came to get our calf, by the way

copperhead46 · #12 07/24/08, 10:13 PM

OH, how cool, did they buy a calf from you, "Autum" ?? They are the nicest people, I really enjoyed meeting them. the cow I sold them had a bull calf last week, he's was really proud. (Cameron, not the calf..haaaa)
P.J.

darbyfamily · #13 07/25/08, 06:18 AM

yes, they bought Autumn

I didnt get to meet his wife, he brought his sister and son with him. funny thing is, with the accent and all, three of my girls have family in Australia. My dhs exwife is from there, so the girls loved being able to tell him that they had a Poppy in Australia...though they have no clue that is where there mom is now too.

Sue Usry · #14 07/25/08, 09:06 AM

I have been offline for several days, and I was so glad to read that Spring is expecting! These great little cows are a surprise and joy each minute. Keep everyone updated on the arrival. We always keep our calves, as they are a lot cheaper to feed out and eat than buying meat. We have never had a problem with a steer being agressive.