New Jersey Heifer coming, What do I need to know?

deineria · #1 09/29/09, 10:16 AM

I currently raise Nubians, Pygmys and horses. We have purchased a 10 week old Reg. Jersey calf from a monastery in PA, and we are picking her up tomorrow in Morgantown, WV.

I've not had cattle as an adult, though we kept calves occassionally when I was a child.

What do I need to know about bringing in a young heifer? She has a clean bill of health and looks fantastic
http://lucasfarmwv.com/Jerseys.aspx
There are photos of her on my site above

Is keeping her in a stall with a fence on the end where she can socialize with our goats through it okay until I get outside fence and housing finished?

What feed to you recommend? The nuns are giving me information as to what they feed as well, but I just wanted opinions. As with horses, some people feed Sweet feed with success, and I never use the stuff. lol, and with goats, some people do not weven give goat feed - so I just want opinions on the highest quality feed program.

Also, would breeding a 18 months be okay?

Does anyone have experience with sexed semen? Have you ever ended up with a bull calf when using it instead of a heifer?

What is the overall cost when using AI and sexed semen?

Thanks! I am new to cows, as you can tell

Tinia

Callieslamb · #2 09/29/09, 11:21 AM

Oh my! Wish you would have asked BEFORE.....
If you can get some of the milk the calf was drinking before to help it switch over - I assume you will be using milk replacer? Buy the best you can - look for one without the plant stuff in it - get the real milk. Mine cost me $64/bag. Feed her the same amount she was fed before. If they were feeding 2qts/2x per day - feed that much.

I don't do sweet feed. Get some good calf grower grain from you local feed store. Give her a mouthful until she starts to eat it on her own.

Provide fresh water all the time. Yes the pen you have should be fine.
I plan on breeding at about 18 months - depending on when I want the calf to arrive. AI costs are going to be different from place to place, so call your vet and ask about prices. I plan on using sexed semen.

Good luck!

topside1 · #3 09/29/09, 11:40 AM

Stella sure is a looker. At 10 weeks old you can continue to feed milk replacer or just wean her, depends on your budget. AI in my area is under $50.

Mrs. Homesteader · #4 09/29/09, 12:09 PM

I saw "New Jersey" heifer. I wondered how you knew she was from there... maybe an accent when she mooed.

I couldn't get the link to work, but will come back later and check out her picture.

Cliff · #5 09/29/09, 12:23 PM

I wouldn't wean her immediately. The move by itself will be very stressful on her.

deineria · #6 09/29/09, 01:29 PM

lol - NEW Jersey heifer, yes, the accent would give it away.

I did not mean to imply I was planning on giving sweet feed to the calf, I meant that what people feed their animals vary so much, such as some people feeding horses sweet feed, some only non molasses based pelleted and then some mix their own, so I am sure what to given to dairy cows (meant for milk and breeding) varies, too.

She is already weaned. Is weaning at 10 weeks too young?

Here is the link directly to the farm site http://www.lucasfarmwv.com and look under the Jersey Cattle section for photos of Stella.

Thanks!

**gone-a-milkin** · #7 09/29/09, 01:55 PM

Oh she is beautiful. If she is already weaned then lucky you.

10 weeks is not too soon to wean.

Somewhere I read that using sexed semen was more successful (cost-wise) with older cows who had calved before, because they usually breed back sooner, rather than having to try 2 or 3 times w/$ straws. Haven't ever used sexed semen before, IRL. So I dont know.

She should be fine in a stall for a while. That gives you plenty of time to tame her down some and practice leading her around, etc.

Congratulations on your little star, Stella.

myersfarm · #8 09/29/09, 02:03 PM

Zoe SURE LOOKS like a MILK WAGON

sure she will pass some of that on to Stella

tjm

deineria · #9 09/29/09, 03:14 PM

They said she gives at least 8 gallons a day, and even with all the sisters there using it to make products, they don't know what to do with it all. I do not know if 8 gallons is average or above, but they said she'd always been a gentle and great milker for the monastery. They bred Zoe with sexed semen from a Jersey bull from Select Sires. . .

Mrs. Homesteader · #10 09/29/09, 05:41 PM

Stella is darling!!!

deineria · #11 09/29/09, 07:32 PM

I bought a 16% calf starter for her, and the sisters are bringing 10 days supply of what they have her own so I can transition her.

topside1 · #12 09/29/09, 08:52 PM

Sounds like you have things in order, good luck with your new diamond Stella.

deineria · #13 09/29/09, 09:26 PM

Is there anything I need to do as far as worming and vaccinations in the next few weeks. I will read up on it if there are no suggestions? She it UTD right now.

topside1 · #14 09/30/09, 07:37 AM

I worm my new calves around eight weeks old. Not really sure why, just cause I guess...It's inexpensive, can't hurt....I use a pour on down the backbone...Topside

haypoint · #15 09/30/09, 08:51 AM

Read up on scours and have supplies on hand to fight it. Scours comes on quick and death is not uncommon. There are "stickies" on calf care right here. Prepare yourself.

deineria · #16 09/30/09, 08:20 PM

They have her on a 22% medicated feed, and I cannot find any calf starter around that is medicated, but I can order it if need be, I would imagine, at the feedstore. She is 12 weeks old. They sent 10 days worth with her, and she weighs 140lbs. Do I need to continue with the medicated feed? I had bought 16% Calf Starter and Calf Manna, and I had thought I'd mix the two to come up with the higher protein balance.