Mike Whyte
Member
I have a 4-year old Beef heifer who has just calved for first time. Having trouble (but not given up yet) getting her to succle calf and vice versa. If calf ends-up being bottle/bucket reared and cow is not milked or succled (so allowed to dry-up), will there be any ill effects on the cow, now or in future years when she calves again?
I should add I am a smallholder and she is a highland cow (who mature slower than commercial breeds) and don't normally calf till 3 anyway. Also a good highlander should live till 20 and give up to 15 calves in her life. So ease up on the blasting you commercial guys!
I should add I am a smallholder and she is a highland cow (who mature slower than commercial breeds) and don't normally calf till 3 anyway. Also a good highlander should live till 20 and give up to 15 calves in her life. So ease up on the blasting you commercial guys!