Calf nursing two Heifers

[jgibson]

I have two heifers that have calved. One we purchased skinny from a drought stricken area. We thought we had more time to get some weight on her and then surprise she calved. Now, both calves are nursing the heifer that had good body condition. What can we do? They are only a couple of weeks old, but I know a heifer cannot nurse two calves. Any advice?

 

[Mat Man]

Seperate them and feed the poor one more.

 

[aprille218]

Leave them together as long as the calves suck from both moms. Just feed them all more. We have quite a few cows that share calves. As long as they get enough food the cows are fine and the calves always look great!

 

[bird dog]

I think I would also leave them alone at least for a couple more weeks. Some heifers don't put out much milk anyway so add a poor body condition and she may not be putting out enough for the little fellow. I would think for sure that you would need to wean this calf early and let mom recover. She also will probably not come back in heat when she should. Good luck.