When to band bulls for optimum growth

[stanley]

I am raising Bottle calves for Beef when is the best time to Steer them I want maximum growth and ease of handling
Thanks

[Gravytrain]

For maximum growth, I would band/cut at a year old. For ease of handling, I would band at birth.

[msscamp]

I banded mine at around a month or 2 of age. Remember to vaccinate for tetanus.

[Ceilismom]

http://beefmagazine.com/health/0401-...-calves-timing

[woodsman14]

I used to clamp calves about 350# to 500#, that was a long time ago though.

[Lady89]

lol that is the question for the ages, every single cattle man/woman in the world will give you a different answer for that

[kycrawler]

I only band newborns I have a callicrate bander and only use it on horns for best growth I like to cut them at 3-500 lbs

[idigbeets]

The real question is do you have a good way to catch them if you wait to do it....

I band all the angus calves within 48 hours of them hitting the ground, easy to catch and restrain in the back of the truck. After that they get really quick lol.
Now you will see better growth by waiting... as long as you can do it safely. You aren't going to have it both ways most of the time... ease of handling, and maximum growth. especially at a year without a good corral setup

[Gravytrain]

I agree with idigbeets...The difference in growth rate isn't enough to counteract the stress, safety, and inconvenience of cutting at or after weaning IMO...

Then again, there ARE some safety issues involved with grabbing a newborn calf from its overly hormonal mama in order to band.

[idigbeets]

Gravytrain,

I guess you too have experienced a full grown cow trying to mount the side of the pickup to get after her calf and screaming DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE !!!

[Gravytrain]

Originally Posted by idigbeets

Gravytrain,

I guess you too have experienced a full grown cow trying to mount the side of the pickup to get after her calf and screaming DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE !!!

Hahaha...yeah, I've been involved in a few "pucker factor" incidents.