Is this ok, and how much?

[fcnubian]

Well I haven't owned calves in years and when I did my dad took care of the feeding side of things. I just got to play with them. :lol: Anywho. I got this orphaned calf I guessed her to be around a week or 2 old. She was dehydrated and extremely skinny. I bottle fed her and she's approx 3 months old. I went to the elevator and they had some calf feed they recommanded so we got that. The calf, Maple...( I name everything...) LOVES the stuff.

It is called Active Starter 18DQ.

Is this the right stuff for her? If so how much do I feed her? We currently dont have hardly any pasture so she's getting hay, free choice.

If that isnt the correct feed, what is?

Here's a picture of my calf. We believe she's either full Angus or Angus cross. Its not a recent pic.

Thanks in advance!

 

[randiliana]

Well, I have never heard of the stuff, but that doesn't mean anything. Odds are if they recommended it for baby calves it is the right stuff. What is the protien content of the feed. That is the big thing with feeding orphan/bottle calves. I would suggest that whatever you're feeding should contain AT LEAST 18% protein, and higher doesn't hurt. Also, give her a bit of good quality hay, so her rumen develops well, and make sure she has free access to water.

 

[fcnubian]

It's proten is 18%. I checked the bag.

Maple gets free choice hay.

 

[randiliana]

It's proten is 18%. I checked the bag.

Maple gets free choice hay.

How much are you feeding her, She should be getting about 2- 3 lbs of grain a day, and you can slowly increase the amount.

 

[fcnubian]

I have been feeding her 1lb in the morning and 1lb at night. I wasnt sure if that was too much or not enough...


thanks

 

[randiliana]

I have been feeding her 1lb in the morning and 1lb at night. I wasnt sure if that was too much or not enough...


thanks

You could probably increase the amount you are feeding up a pound or so. Do it fairly slowly, over a week or so.

We have 6 orphans/bottle calves and at the moment they are getting 20 lbs between them or a little more than 3 lbs each. They are 3-4 months old right now.

 

[Bez>]

If you are really concerned why not go to the source.

If these folks made up the feed - then they obviously had a feed specialist involved.

Ask them. I bet they are truly happy to help.

Bez>

 

[fcnubian]

Thanks

So thats 3lbs a day correct?

 

[randiliana]

Thanks

So thats 3lbs a day correct?

Yep, and as Bez suggested talk to your feed rep. They will have a really good idea of how much to feed.