bird dog
Well-known member
You said you weighed them on the way to the sale barn so I assume on the trailer. (not very accurate)
From my experience. They have already shrunk 3 to 4% from loading and transport.
Since you took them the day before the sale they will most likely shrink another 5 to 7% at the barn unless they were fed very well in small pens with water close by. If they were not weaned it would be much worse.
I have scales under my chute and have weighed many animals under different scenarios. Some calves don't have a setback at all at weaning if they have something to eat. Some calves back up, but regain their lost weight in a couple weeks. A few outliers lose a few lbs and barely get above their weaning weight in 45 days. Quite a few calves actually benefit from weaning if they come from old or sorry dams.
I would think that some more hay would be beneficial. Put out a cheap roll and let them munch on it all they want.
From my experience. They have already shrunk 3 to 4% from loading and transport.
Since you took them the day before the sale they will most likely shrink another 5 to 7% at the barn unless they were fed very well in small pens with water close by. If they were not weaned it would be much worse.
I have scales under my chute and have weighed many animals under different scenarios. Some calves don't have a setback at all at weaning if they have something to eat. Some calves back up, but regain their lost weight in a couple weeks. A few outliers lose a few lbs and barely get above their weaning weight in 45 days. Quite a few calves actually benefit from weaning if they come from old or sorry dams.
I would think that some more hay would be beneficial. Put out a cheap roll and let them munch on it all they want.