Breeding Heifers and Calves Birthweight

[Big Cheese]

This picture does not do him justice. I was up in the cab of our tractor when I took this while feeding hay.

 

[cowgirl8]

We're getting calves now from new heifer bulls. They are the spunkiest calves. Had one plopped out on ice, it was up in a few minutes and nursing. The rest of the day he was running around..

 

[strihafarms]

Another thing that I think makes a lot of difference in calving heifers is how much exercise they are getting before calving. If the are stuck in a small lot for extended periods they seem to have far more calving problems than if they are active and walking a lot until right before calving. And personally I would rather see that first calf be tiny and born easy than big and hard on momma. The heifers have their whole life ahead of them and I prefer to give them every advantage to breed back even if it means smaller, scrubbier calves the first time around. Just my dumb guy opinion.

 

[Supa Dexta]

Studies show that's only really the case in a tie stall situation. Where they are confined to one spot. Even if they are in a small yard, no difference was noted on calving compared to more extensive exercise.