Caught Steer Nursing an Expecting Heifer

[DenMacII]

We have a heifer that we expect to calve in the next week to 10 days. Her teats are filled in and her bag seems be filling in as well.

Tonight I caught a 2 year old steer nursing on her. How important is it that I separate him from her/the herd? I understand the importance of colostrum to the new born.

Not sure if this is an isolated incident, or if once started its his intention to keep getting the milk for free as they say...

Thanks for any advice you may have.

[opportunity]

The problem usually doesn't seem to "go away" You could use one of those things that causes the steer to poke the heifer when it tries to nurse we have had good luck with them and don't have to separate

[secuono]

Get the nose rings, teat bag or remove the steer. He will drink all the colostrum and you'll have issues with the new baby.

[Awnry Abe]

So, I don't want to hijack this, but I have a relevant question. We too had this happen the other day. We found it simpler to remove the soon-to-calf cows. But at what point is there damage done? We happened to catch the calf in the act with about 2 weeks due. She milked one whole side down pretty well. Just what exactly makes colostrum happen? Is it pregnancy hormones or something time related?.

[DenMacII]

Good question! Can there be other problems with the heifer if she is being milked by the steer prior to calving? Milk production triggered too soon? Little or no colostrum at calving?

[haypoint]

Do not use the thing that pokes the cow and is fastened to the steer. They work good in encouraging the cow to wean her calf, but I don't think you'd want this heifer to make that association right now. Just get her out of there.

[willow_girl]

Good question! Can there be other problems with the heifer if she is being milked by the steer prior to calving?

Yes. It can damage her udder and lead to mastitis or even a blind quarter upon freshening.

Get him outta there!

[Jennifer L.]

If he's two years old, sell him. You aren't losing anything by letting him go now.

[SpaceCadet12364]

If she will let another cow's calf nurse she is a good candidate for a nurse cow. Grafting other calves onto a definite keeper. But separate them now if he is 2 freezer camp.

[DenMacII]

Thanks for all the info. He's due for the freezer, and may find himself there sooner than expected.

[randiliana]

Colostrum starts to develop about 5 weeks before calving, and ends at calving, so you definitely don't want anything sucking them down, and especially not when they are fairly close to calving.

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/faq8021