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<blockquote data-quote="farmerjan" data-source="post: 1693840" data-attributes="member: 25884"><p>I think from the sounds of it your program with the calves is just fine. If the grass was real short/burnt up... or something else, then pulling early might not be a bad idea. If the cow is in good flesh, letting her do the feeding is the least cost scenario. If grass and all is good, and she is in good shape, pulling the calf earlier will do several things.... It will cost you money, and time....and decrease her doing the job that she was intended to do.... it will allow the cow more of a break... which can translate into her getting fat and then potentially having a problem at calving. The fetus will grow even bigger if she is getting fatter too.... It will cause her to possibly produce less milk in the future because her body will start shutting off the milk production sooner.... Have seen it often in dairy cows, that when dried off early for whatever reason, they tend to not come into as good a production the next lactation. And seem to slack off sooner....This is not proven, but have taken note and had some farmers mention it too. You will lose out on way more than you will gain.... and cost you in the process. </p><p></p><p>Stick with what is working for you. It sounds like your cows do a good job of producing good calves, weaning them at a good weight, and they don't need to sit around for extra months and get fat, while you are putting money and time into taking care of the calf she was perfectly able to do. </p><p></p><p>I also find that weaning later like that, that the calves are eating better and less dependent on the cow and the transition is smoother. </p><p></p><p>If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If the cows seem to be thin or have trouble getting in condition after you pull the calves at 6-7 months or older, then that would be time to reconsider....and that is often due to pastures being dry or overgrazed or something like that. Or a possible worm load ....</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="farmerjan, post: 1693840, member: 25884"] I think from the sounds of it your program with the calves is just fine. If the grass was real short/burnt up... or something else, then pulling early might not be a bad idea. If the cow is in good flesh, letting her do the feeding is the least cost scenario. If grass and all is good, and she is in good shape, pulling the calf earlier will do several things.... It will cost you money, and time....and decrease her doing the job that she was intended to do.... it will allow the cow more of a break... which can translate into her getting fat and then potentially having a problem at calving. The fetus will grow even bigger if she is getting fatter too.... It will cause her to possibly produce less milk in the future because her body will start shutting off the milk production sooner.... Have seen it often in dairy cows, that when dried off early for whatever reason, they tend to not come into as good a production the next lactation. And seem to slack off sooner....This is not proven, but have taken note and had some farmers mention it too. You will lose out on way more than you will gain.... and cost you in the process. Stick with what is working for you. It sounds like your cows do a good job of producing good calves, weaning them at a good weight, and they don't need to sit around for extra months and get fat, while you are putting money and time into taking care of the calf she was perfectly able to do. I also find that weaning later like that, that the calves are eating better and less dependent on the cow and the transition is smoother. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If the cows seem to be thin or have trouble getting in condition after you pull the calves at 6-7 months or older, then that would be time to reconsider....and that is often due to pastures being dry or overgrazed or something like that. Or a possible worm load .... [/QUOTE]
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