Armed and Dangerous?

[dcara]

Got some RA bull calves at 5 months I'm thinking of either weaning now or putting them and their momas in another pasture. Though I have never had an accident, I know someone that says one of his 5 month old RA bulls bread one of his 5 month old heifers and he lost her in calving. I also read some research awhile back that said weaning at 5 months helped compensatory gain. What say ye?

 

[Susie David]

Sure sounds like a streach of the biology of the heifers....and the bulls. :roll:
I'd seperate them after weaning if you arn't sure about the gals. I don't worry until ten or so months but then up here the cold weather just mighn't keep them younger longer. :nod:
Only had one early bred and she came from another farm.
DMc

 

[ALX.]

Here's a link with charts and weights on puberty. It seems to link size/weight and scrotal circumfrence as much as age and indicates it would truly be a freak if your boys bred something.

That being said there is study after study showing the benefits of early weaning, especially if the cows are stressed at all ( drought etc.. )

With my luck I would move them to another pasture to seperate them and they would get hit by lightening. :lol:

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/liv ... tm#puberty

 

[Keren]

It can happen . . . but is rare. 98% of the time you should be fine whatever you choose.

 

[dcara]

Thanks for the insights. Good link ALX