I recently weaned some calves off their mamas. Now I see 2 of those cows nursing off of each other. Has anyone else out there everseen this & does it mean anything? How are they ever going to dry up at this rate?
dbloyd":h05ggkj5 said:I recently weaned some calves off their mamas. Now I see 2 of those cows nursing off of each other. Has anyone else out there everseen this & does it mean anything? How are they ever going to dry up at this rate?
mnmtranching":1akficrf said:Check out one of the threads on culling. Time to go.
dbloyd":1dmvv0x1 said:I recently weaned some calves off their mamas. Now I see 2 of those cows nursing off of each other. Has anyone else out there everseen this & does it mean anything? How are they ever going to dry up at this rate?
It could mean you weaned the calf too soon.does it mean anything?
Why are you concerned about them drying up? A cow doesn’t need to dry up to produce colostrum as it is triggered by giving birth.How are they ever going to dry up at this rate?
fourstates":2w0sqlok said:I agree you can cull them. But they are young cows and sucking is a comfort measure, if they are stressed by losing their calf, and their bag is hurting, they just figured out a way to feel better. I think this is a learned behaviour vs genetic, like thumb sucking in kids, some babies just inherit a stronger need to suck and figure out a way to met the need. That strong need to suck is something you want calves to have!
I think you could invest $5 in a big plastic weaning ring to keep in those cows noses. They do no harm and can stay in forever. Nursing will never be a problem again and they will not teach other cows and their calves the same behavior.
Sir Loin":2jc6oucw said:Why are you concerned about them drying up? A cow doesn’t need to dry up to produce colostrum as it is triggered by giving birth.
SL