how often to feed a 6w old calf?

harvestgirl · #1 07/25/08, 06:49 PM

the barn where we board just got a bull calf for $50 ~ they plan to raise him for meat.

i was told they feed him (bottle/formula) 2x a day @ 8:30 am & again @ 8:30 pm.

is that all a 6w old baby needs?

granted, i have no cow knowledge... lol that just doesn't seem like much.

just curious ~ thanks.

topside1 · #2 07/25/08, 07:41 PM

A six week old calf needs, water of course, milk for another 2 week minimum, starter/grower grain, grass or hay. Feed the milk 2 qts. twice daily any time your want but at 12 hour intervals.

**gone-a-milkin** · #3 07/25/08, 07:58 PM

At 6 wks, we make sure they have some starter grain available to them at all times (and water), but it is important NOT to give them too much milk...bad diahrea called 'scours' can happen if you overfeed.

With calves the saying is "A hungry calf is a healthy calf."

Good luck with the new baby!

harvestgirl · #4 07/26/08, 08:20 AM

thanks

travlnusa · #5 07/26/08, 05:44 PM

Based on its body condition of course, I would have had it weaned off of milk replacer 1-2 weeks ago. It would had been 3% of it body weight at that time. It would now be in full grain/water/ loose minerals.

topside1 · #6 07/26/08, 06:44 PM

Travlnusa, based on body development you have weaned calves at 4 and 5 weeks old? Just wondering and learning....TJ

travlnusa · #7 07/26/08, 07:53 PM

Yes, my goal is to wean at 4 weeks. Of course I have some go more, some less.

When I feed calves, I am mixing for 10 at a time. When it is time to wean, I reduce the amount of milk replacer by 20% per day, keeping the warm water at the full amount.

After 5 days they are on water and feed.

The key here is getting them on grain. I can not wean until they are eating 3% or more of their body weight. I start them on grain at 48 hrs. Shove a handful of grain into their mouth after each feeding. Sooner or later they will figure out what it is.

ALWAYS have fresh water in front of them.

ALWAYS keep them dry. If you drop to your knee in their hutch and your jeans get wet, it is costing you money in lost gain.

If I see a calf is going to take more than 6 weeks on milk replacer, I will spend time considering if the return will be there on the investment

I am talking about holsteins steers by the way.

leefarms · #8 07/26/08, 08:16 PM

I do mine the same way. They are on jerseys until about 4 weeks and by then they are eating at least 3 pounds of feed a day. Then they go on full feed for 12 weeks and then they are turned out on pasture until 2 weeks before they go to a feedlot.

topside1 · #9 07/26/08, 09:06 PM

Thanks, Travlnusa