Holstein Feeder Calf

rockinr · #1 02/15/12, 01:41 PM

I am going to buy a Holstein feeder calf this weekend, is $275.00 too much for one that is 4 weeks old on feed and hay, and has been vaccinated.

InvalidID · #2 02/15/12, 01:45 PM

I suppose it depends on where you live and all, but here in SW Washington I pay about $40 for a calf between 2 and 5 weeks old. Are you sure it isn't 4 months old?

rockinr · #3 02/15/12, 01:55 PM

No here in Northern Ohio 2 day old holstein feeders are going for $125.00

InvalidID · #4 02/15/12, 01:58 PM

Wow, I honestly don't know then. I think more than double the price for 4 weeks is a bit steep, but your market is WAY different than mine. Sorry I can't be more help.

JBarGFarmKeeper · #5 02/15/12, 02:38 PM

I always question ads from folks that sell "started" calves VACCINATED. It is absolutely worthless to vaccinate calves before 3 months. And the next question would be vaccinated with what? Some folks think a shot of penicillin is "vaccinated".

Is the calf still on milk? Four weeks is kinda early to wean.

kycrawler · #6 02/15/12, 02:50 PM

thats a 150$ calf $300 will buy you a 300-350 lb started steer

sammyd · #7 02/15/12, 03:07 PM

here in the land of cheese which usually has a surplus of dairy bull calves, you can buy them fresh out of the cute for a minimum of 125, top of the market is around 300.
The last 40 dollar bull calf I saw was hardly worth the 40 bucks to bring him home.
Choice holstein steers are going for 110 113 so the price of calves is up quite a bit.

kycrawler · #8 02/15/12, 03:09 PM

i bought 65-70 lb 3 day olds last tuesday for $35-40 each in northern indiana jerseys bull calves $5-15

Callieslamb · #9 02/15/12, 03:32 PM

You will still have to feed it milk replacer if it's only 4 weeks old...so no, I don't think it's a good deal at all. We sell weaned 3-4 months old for $200- 250.

mamahen · #10 02/15/12, 04:38 PM

We found a dairy that sells us holstein bull calves for 25 each, at least 2 weeks old, as many as we want. This is western pa.

allenslabs · #11 02/15/12, 05:45 PM

But bought 2 bull calves that were between 4 and 7 days old for $100 each holsteins. Jerseys are $70 for that age here. Also pd $140 for a 2 week old calf and another guy sells them for $150. Different prices in different places.

rockinr · #12 02/16/12, 06:33 AM

these calves are for a 4-H project. so I need them to be born in a certain time frame. I was told that they are completely weaned.

sammyd · #13 02/16/12, 07:18 AM

at 4 weeks?
I would question that

myersfarm · #14 02/16/12, 07:19 AM

a 4 week old weaned calf ..will never grow the first year and I mean never as in a 300 lb calf at a year old not a 4 H project for sure

topside1 · #15 02/16/12, 08:31 AM

Very fair price for both parties if the calf is 8 weeks old and weaned...

Lazy J · #16 02/16/12, 11:01 AM

This week in Western Ohio large groups of 90 # day old Holsteind bull calves are selling for $130 to $145 each.

rockinr · #17 02/17/12, 07:17 AM

I found out last night the calves are weaned from the bottle, but are still on milk and hay. I have a question on feeding the calves. I was planning on feeding hay and some sweet feed. I know if you feed mostly grain that they will fatten up faster, but I thinking more of the extra calf that will go into the freezer.

topside1 · #18 02/17/12, 07:32 AM

Referring to post #15, you are getting a fair price. Use only calf starter/grower if you are interested in growth. 16% protein minimum!!!
They need protein at this age for muscle development. Ask about this type feed at your feed store.....Now is not the time to be cutting costs with sweet feed....Topside

Allen W · #19 02/17/12, 08:15 AM

Listen to what topside1 just said.

topside1 · #20 02/17/12, 08:28 AM

Thanks Allen, enjoy your day...Topside