how much feed at weaning?

[mary,tx]

I am using a 32 oz yogurt cup for a measure, and have got the calves up to about 3/4 of that twice a day, each, at half creep feed and half Startena. I have enough milk to keep them on bottles for about another month, but am wondering how much feed y'all like to have them on at weaning?

They are currently 5 weeks old, and also taking about 2 quarts each of goat milk, twice a day.

thanks, mary

[travlnusa]

2 lbs of a good starter for three days in a row, then you can start to wean

[randiliana]

First off, you need to know how much your grain weighs. Fill your container and weigh it so you KNOW!!!

[mary,tx]

Okay, I can rephrase that. How many pounds of feed do you like to see a calf eating when you wean? And do you continue to increase that/how much over what period of time would you be thinking?

travlnusa, would that be 2 pounds twice a day?

[topside1]

Mary I'm just a common sense homesteader, making little money but eating darn good....I'd feed 2 pounds per day and gradually increase over time. My weaned calves right now are eating so much pasture they don't even finish their grain. Your setting and management styles will dictate the amount of grain per day...Right or wrong, when a calf has eaten 200# of calf starter/grower they are weaned from that feed, but that's just me speaking. Come winter they may receive more grain as a supplement to offset their hays quality. Usually 13% protein pelleted form of feed....Topside

[mary,tx]

Thanks, Topside. We are in our third year of drought here, so not an awful lot of grass in their field. They do have hay in front of them, but don't eat a lot of it. If Bessie doesn't tame down her butting, she may get weaned sooner rather than later. I'm pretty sure the neighbors heard me yell when she accidentally butted me in the side this morning.
mary

[tinknal]

It would help to know your long term plans. Are these breeding stock or butcher calves? If they are butcher calves, what age are you shooting for? Do you plan on grazing them next summer, or finishing them off quick? What breed are they?

[mary,tx]

They are auction calves, so I am not sure what breeds they are. You can look at them here if you are interested.
new pic of calves
I am kind of hoping they will eventually graduate to brood cows.

[tinknal]

I would give them free choice hay or graze, salt and mineral, and just enough grain to maintain body condition. There is no reason for them to get tick fat, just hold good condition and don't worry about putting on fat until you breed them.

[tinknal]

They are some very nice beef type calves. Very pretty girls. I agree with other posters that they have some Brahma in them, also Angus and the one has some Hereford or Simmental.

If you are going to breed them just give them enough grain so that you can't see their ribs. any more is a waste of feed.

[mary,tx]

Thanks!