Sneaky Calf

Hasbeen · May 7, 2007

All my calves are within a week of each other in age (about 10 weeks old). I have one bull calf that has figured out how to steal milk. He waits until one of the others is nursing then comes in from behind and nurses from between the cow's back legs. Sometimes he gets caught and butted away but most times he seems to get away with it. I don't know what to do about it and it doesn't seem to be causing any problems with the other calves. Anyone else have this problem?

Bez&gt; · May 7, 2007

Hasbeen":30llpw5e said:
All my calves are within a week of each other in age (about 10 weeks old). I have one bull calf that has figured out how to steal milk. He waits until one of the others is nursing then comes in from behind and nurses from between the cow's back legs. Sometimes he gets caught and butted away but most times he seems to get away with it. I don't know what to do about it and it doesn't seem to be causing any problems with the other calves. Anyone else have this problem?

This has been discussed on these boards many times. It is a common happening in many herds and does not necessarily indicate a cow with no milk - although it can.

Either way, if I chased down every calf that did this over the years, I would be a very tired and thin individual.

If you want, figure out who mom is - if she has milk - no probs.

If she has no milk - for now - no probs - the calf is solving the issue and it still has a mom for all the other requirements.

Sort out the rest later at weaning time. As far as I am personally concerned this is not a problem for the moment.

Regards,

Bez>

Little Cow · May 7, 2007

The rotten lil' milk thief!

Calf stealing milk-no problem.

Another, (dry), cow stealing milk-she goes for a ride! :shock: We have one that is doing that now. She has one more chance this week. If I see her doing it again, we'll be filling our freezer!

Hasbeen · May 7, 2007

Didn't think it was much of a problem. Momma is the boss cow and he just seems to have inherited her personallity. He nurses her also, so it doesn't seem to be seem to be a problem on that end either. I was just wondering if this was common and if it was something I should be cocerned about.

msscamp · May 7, 2007

Hasbeen":1tqgok8c said:
Anyone else have this problem?

Absolutely! As long as the little devil is not causing problems, let it go. Calves have been robbing since the day cattle were first discovered, and will still be doing it long after you and I are worm bait. ;-) :lol: