Calf Replacer Help

Rocktown Gal · #1 04/01/11, 09:25 AM

Two of our new momma cow teats did not fill up with milk. The person who helps us take care of the cows says that we need to get milk replacer for the calf to make sure he is getting enough milk.

My question is do I have to bottle feed the calf or just mix it up and put it in a bucket for him. He is getting along great running around...kicking up his back legs etc.

Any help or suggestions appreciated.

TIA
Penny

randiliana · #2 04/01/11, 10:15 AM

Just because she only milks on 2 quarters doesn't mean that she doesn't have enough milk for the calf. If the calf is bouncing around and looks healthy and doesn't act hungry then he is probably just fine. If you're really concerned about how much she is milking you can separate them overnight and milk her in the morning. Then you can decide whether you think she is making enough milk for her calf.

If you did decide to feed him extra your best bet would be to either feed it in a bottle or one of those nipple buckets. Getting a calf to suck a bottle when he's been on a cow can be quite a challenge though.

Rocktown Gal · #3 04/01/11, 10:21 AM

Thanks! He is bouncing around quite nicely. He is very active.

bknthesdle · #4 04/01/11, 11:23 AM

I agree with the above. We have a cow with only 3 of the 4 quarters working and she is raising her calf just fine. Hubby was telling me he had a cow with only 2 quarters and she raised one of the biggest calves every year. Good luck. ps if you choose to suppliment them I would try a bottle. I supplemented twins last year for about a month until they went to pasture. They grew as well as all the other calves.