Growth characteristics of Holstein and Jersey calves?

[dcara]

Just trying to learn more about this. I see both drop calves and weaned calves (I'm talking Holsteins and Jerseys here) at the sale barn. The drop calves I believe are about 1 week old and still have to be bottle fed. The weaned calves I believe are about 10weeks old and weaned but I suspect they are/were on feed. I'm not interested in doing any bottle feeding but was thinking about getting some weaned ones. I'm looking for some insight on the what I can expect in terms of mortality, vetting protocols, and the best way to transition them to pasture for grow out to about 7cwt. Also, what ADG can I expect?

 

[chippie]

What are your goals for the calves?

 

[dun]

They'll need grain all the way to 7 cwt unless you want to pasture them for a loooong time. Weaned dairy calves are fed grain from the very beginning and to get the nutrition they need post weaning they'll still need grain. 1% of body weight, increased as the grow, of about 16% protein is called for.
Hit them with the max dose of a serious antibiotic as they get off the trailer, wait a week or so then vaccinate them for all of the normal things for your area. They can go straight to pasture, but the grain is still necesarry

 

[bigbull338]

weaned calves will need 5 to 6lbs of feed every day.even if they are on grass to keep them growing good.an they will need their normal shots.

 

[dcara]

Thanks folks