Grooming for milk

[lancemart]

Today I figured out how to get Dolly to feed our new bull-calf without kicking him. We groomed her for about 15 minutes, she was mesmerized and let him eat the whole time.

He walked away, so I assume he got enough milk.

Does anyone know how long they should eat at one time?

How many times should they feed off the mother each day?

He was eating Hay today--he is only one-week old.

 

[Victoria]

Glad you got him eating! 15 minutes was probably a pretty good feed but I don't want to answer in minutes. Different calves drink differently - some play, some get right down to business. If he walked away he was probably full. Feel his tummy when he's done if it feels full it is.

It can be a good idea to groom her or give her oats while he's feeding, try to make the whole thing a positive experience. Some cows love molasses. Maybe try giving her some oats mixed with molasses and then put some molasses on the calf. She may decide she wants to bath him after all. Then once you can get that bond going maybe you won't be needed anymore. Woth a shot anyway.