New bottle calves--how much, how often?

[mary,tx]

DD and I came home from auction today with two little bottle calves. One obviously Holstein, the other black, probably a Holstein cross. They seem bright and healthy, and I am very optimistic about them.

How much milk, and how often do y'all recommend? I have put them on goats' milk, and have given them each three one quart bottles since I brought them home this afternoon. Of course, I am wanting to work them up to larger bottles, less often, but thought I'd start them out slow.

How do y'all do it?

thanks,
mary

[Jay]

Two quart bottle full...once in the morning and once in the evening (about 12 hours apart) for each of them.
Easier for you, only washing bottle or two twice a day and they'll learn they don't get a bottle just because they see you whenever you're out there.

[Valmai]

The rule of thumb is 10% of their body weight, I can't remember quarts pounds etc. But if they were say 40kgs then 4 litres per day would be about right. How old are they? Its a good thing you said you just bought them today or I would be telling you off. They are way too skinny! You should not be able to see their ribs. The black & white one is more likely a friesian, not enough white to be holstien. The black one looks to be angus, cant see any holstein in it at all.

[topside1]

Mary. Congrats on the calves. They look to be about one month old. Work up to one gallon of milk each calf per day. Skinny is normal, thin look will disappear in time. Don't overfeed, even at that age. Put calf starter grain in their mouths after feeding, just a bit to have them identify the taste and smell. Offer grain 24/7 if possible while they are young....Good luck and keep in touch...Topside

[UUmom2many]

can i ask how much they were? cows are one of the things we're interested in mainly for milk but i cannot fathom how much a cow costs! Also, why are they on goats milk (dont take it wrong i have NO idea about cows!) i just always thought baby cows = cows milk, is goat better for them?

[mary,tx]

Thanks for the replies!

mom2many, they are on goats' milk because I have goats.:baby04: Right now I am getting way more milk off the goats than we are using, and have been canning it. I bought the calves to use up some milk!

I'm kind of just learning this buying at auction business myself, and the prices seem to me to vary quite widely. I'd suggest you visit your local auction a few times and watch and listen. It took me a lot of times going to even be able to understand what was going on. (But then again, we Texans don't usually like to talk so fast.)

I think that I got a good deal on these. I paid $45 for the Holstein and $70 for the little black calf. But I saw other calves going for closer to $200. Of course, dairy calves sell cheaper than beef calves.

[NWMO]

There is a thread at the top of the page that provides lots of guidance and suggestions for bottle calves. It is very helpful.

[mary,tx]

Thanks. I did read through it, but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

[mary,tx]

Here are my one month pictures on these calves. Still showing ribs, but they seem to be thriving.

[mary,tx]

[Spinner]

They look very nice The black one looks very much like a registered black angus I once had. You might have gotten a very good deal when you bought him.

[copperhead46]

I love goats milk for raising baby calves, it's so much easier on their little systems. They look great.......P.J.