Calf Problem

[TxStateCowboy]

have a momma cow, longhorn/angus cross (don't laugh she's solid black and shows a sign of beef! lol)

Her baby, 3/4 angus, born about a month ago, stumbles and seems to have a crooked spine, his rear end flops side to side, real sad lookin'... - is this a case of the cow eating lupine during pregnancy? i heard it causes such problems.

either way, he may be my candidate for butchering. Despite his spinal problem he can run (it is quite sad but amusing) and definately gains weight, almost outgrowing the young'ns of the same age. With what should I feed him? What weight is best for butchering? any helpful comments on his condition and/or butchering for personal meat would be great. thanks- Will

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

You can harvest a calf at any time. If you aren't afraid he is going to die from his condition, why not let him stay on mom's milk for now. If you can seperate him & feed him a calf starter, and still stay on mom, he will start gowing faster, towards your goal of eating him.
Just depends on how big you want him before you eat him. You can wean him at normal age, and then put him on a feed ration, (starter, than finisher).

 

[milkmaid]

I had one like that - but he was worse. So bad he couldn't hardly stand. I may have a picture around if you're interested.

I ended up shooting him.