Calf Health and Feed?

asparkie · #1 02/07/12, 10:13 AM

I now have a 130# calf that I was told is weaned already. I started feeding it forage hay (with some grass) and calf starter grain. The calf is taking to it great and eats quickly what ever i give it. Does it need some more nutrients like milk replacer? Also, the calf appears very healthy but has a slight cough. It's real minor. Should i give it some kind of anti-biotic feed or is this cough common. Any feed back will be much appreciated.

Karin L · #2 02/07/12, 10:26 AM

How old is the calf, and what breed is it? It's counter productive to feed a weaned calf milk replacer because you're just putting it back on milk again after taking it off. The hay and calf starter is just fine for the calf.

Only treat the calf if he's showing any other symptoms besides a slight cough. Snotty nose, listlessness, and laboured breathing are other symptoms to look for before giving it antibiotics. Coughing shouldn't be common, but if it's something that is continuous then it may be considered to give it something for it. If the calf's got snotty or runny nose along with the cough, then it should be considered, yes.

asparkie · #3 02/07/12, 10:35 AM

Thank you for your post. The calf is a red angus bull calf and is almost 3 months old.

Karin L · #4 02/07/12, 05:32 PM

Well then I definitely wouldn't be feeding milk replacer. Also get that calf cut or banded ASAP if all you're feeding him up for is for the freezer. What kind of hay are you giving him and how much calf-starter are you giving him? I'd also like to see a picture of him if you can get one.

tinknal · #5 02/07/12, 06:30 PM

As far as the hay, he should be getting it free choice. If you have high powered alfalfa just give a little, and get some grass hay to feed free choice.

asparkie · #6 02/08/12, 07:28 PM

asparkie · #7 02/08/12, 09:58 PM

I"m having problems uploading pics. I'm free feeding him forage and a grass hay. The Calf starter is like a sweet feed with a malasis base. He's getting about 2 to 3 lbs a day right now. He seems to eat right through it without stopping and probably would eat 10lbs if i let him. his still pretty skinny, should i give him more. Also, as far as vacinations go, should i vacinate him now and if so which vacines do calves get. Thank again for the help.

asparkie · #8 02/08/12, 10:46 PM

sammyd · #9 02/09/12, 05:42 AM

I would at least double the amount of grain and allow free choice hay of good quality.
We do not vaccinate our steers for anything around here.

myersfarm · #10 02/09/12, 08:27 AM

needs wormed it has manure sticking to its tail...that need to be broke apart and kept off.....when you break it up you will find worms in the chunk

Allen W · #11 02/09/12, 08:40 AM

Calf looks like he came off an old cow and never seen much milk. I would keep doing what your doing, just make sure he is getting good quality hay. By spring he will be ready for grass. One day you will look at him and realize how far he has come.

G. Seddon · #12 02/09/12, 08:54 AM

I would definitely make loose minerals available to this calf. As to vaccinations and dewormer, please consult your vet...vaccines will somewhat depend on your region of the country, but I would agree that he needs to be dewormed and you vet is the best person to recommend what is needed. While you're at it, you might get a fecal sample checked (sometimes that clumped up manure on the tail can indicate previous diarrhea which could be due to coccidia).

Good luck with this little guy!

asparkie · #13 02/09/12, 10:15 AM

Thanks all! Yes, he has been dewormed and this was an old picture from when we first got him. I cleaned his tail and his droppings are now solid and staying off. I will check with vet on vaccines and his minor cough is still here, no other signs of sickness. Seems healthy. With the cough should he be seperated from the other cows? also, is banding better than cutting him. We band our goats but with bulls it seems like the who;e process goes faster if you cut them? Thanks