Calf table and castrating

[Brute 23]

Starting to look at a few calf tables for castrating. One thing I think I will need for sure is a self catch so I am able to do it by myself if need be. The one I found that I liked was $3200. Not saying we cant do that but that seemed high.

Any suggestions on good brands, likes and dislikes? I'll also take any tips.

We have a Priefert SO4 but I'm not sure how small of a calf I could catch in it.

Thanks

 

[greggy]

If too small for a head bale, just get them in a corner, or, in the pen leading to chute, band them, quick and easy.....

I do them often when eating or drinking milk, if not quiet, corner them in pen or use sheep race.

Should be able to catch any animal not easily man handled in your chute.

 

[kenny thomas]

Check out an immobilizer. Much easier and cheaper.

 

[Brute 23]

The calves will be in the 3 month age range when they get worked. They will be cut.

 

[bird dog]

Your SO4 will work fine. I have had week old calves in mine numerous times. Sometimes its best to just walk them in, hold them in place and shut the head gate. Its very simple for me but I band my calves by just letting down the side bar panels and bending over. It helps if you have someone to hold the tail up. Cutting calves that size would not be much different.

 

[Texas PaPaw]

After I bought Priefert S04 chute , I sold my filson calf table. Have worked a lot of 150 lb calves in the Priefert. Thought about hanging a removable 2x6 just inside chute at top of bottom door so could squeeze them a little better but never did it. I was banding instead of cutting. Maybe try a few thru the Priefert and see how it works for you. Could also try putting a wooden pallet inside chute on right side to make it squeeze better. Before I got adjustable alleyway, I lined 1 side with pallets to keep calves from turning around.

 

[Brute 23]

That would sure be nice to use what I have already.

 

[chaded]

I use the S04 for smaller calves but I don't use the headgate. Well, actually I did once. The calf wasn't really long enough so while his head was caught he was kind of stretched out and he had his legs caught trying to get out and it was a big mess for a couple minutes. Lol. It worked better just shutting the headgate and using the squeeze to hold them. I band though so I'm not really sure how well that would work cutting them.

 

[GoWyo]

These are awesome. Steel version of the Johnson calf table. Will be worth almost original money when you sell it.
https://www.cowcountry.net/index.php?page=calf-tables

 

[sstterry]

Check out an immobilizer. Much easier and cheaper.

That reminds me Kenny, I asked about the guy who invented the immobilizer. My friend did no know what happened. He was friends with his son but he was going to ask.

 

[kenny thomas]

Check out an immobilizer. Much easier and cheaper.

That reminds me Kenny, I asked about the guy who invented the immobilizer. My friend did no know what happened. He was friends with his son but he was going to ask.

Best money I ever spent in the cattle business and I have spent a lot

 

[Bigfoot]

This wont help you, but I bought a used priefert calf table. Think I gave $300 for it. We've had an exceptional year banding at birth (probably because were quarantined). Not looking like I'll have any to cut in it.

 

[Brute 23]

This wont help you, but I bought a used priefert calf table. Think I gave $300 for it. We've had an exceptional year banding at birth (probably because were quarantined). Not looking like I'll have any to cut in it.

For sale? I can do $300.

 

[Dave]

This wont help you, but I bought a used priefert calf table. Think I gave $300 for it. We've had an exceptional year banding at birth (probably because were quarantined). Not looking like I'll have any to cut in it.

For sale? I can do $300.

$300 that is what I paid for my used Powder River calf table. They are around.

 

[bird dog]

Closer than Kentucky

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/grd/d/burleson-calf-table-tilting-made-by-ww/7105296878.html

 

[C-Ranch]

These are awesome. Steel version of the Johnson calf table. Will be worth almost original money when you sell it.

Calf Tables | Cow Country Equipment

<table style=

www.cowcountry.net

I know this post is over a year old but was wondering if you have used this style of table? If so, Pros, Cons?

 

[GoWyo]

I have one and use it every year for branding and cutting. Pros are full access to the entire side of the calf and it holds them securely. Way better access than pretty much any other table available. Cons - none that I can think of except cost. Worth the investment. You do need a person pushing calves in and same person can hold legs for cutting. Two people can work calves pretty easily.

 

[mickroos65]

I have one and use it every year for branding and cutting. Pros are full access to the entire side of the calf and it holds them securely. Way better access than pretty much any other table available. Cons - none that I can think of except cost. Worth the investment. You do need a person pushing calves in and same person can hold legs for cutting. Two people can work calves pretty easily.

 

[mickroos65]

How large a calf can it handle?

 

[GoWyo]

Maybe 250#. Most of our calves are 60-90 days max when we work them and not many push the limit.