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so confused!!!
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<blockquote data-quote="Keren" data-source="post: 454471" data-attributes="member: 3195"><p>Here are a few things I would think about doing:</p><p></p><p>1. Wean the calf. Give it good feed (eg. calf pellets 18% protein) and hay for 4 to 6 weeks. Then can be put back with the cow but watch that she doesnt try to start sucking again. </p><p></p><p>2. Get the vet to preg test your cow if you dont know whether she is bred, and give you a rough due date so you are prepared. </p><p></p><p>3. Make sure vaccinations and wormings are up to date for both of them. Maybe give a mineral supplement as well. </p><p></p><p>4. The cow should not need any grain/pellets over winter, just good hay, unless she is really thin. </p><p></p><p>I like to use good quality oaten hay, alternating with good lucerne. But I will also use pasture hay (but it varies greatly depending on whats in it), wheaten hay and canola hay. I tend to give hay ad lib and restrict grain to the amount eaten within 8 to 10 minutes. </p><p></p><p>If you are just beginning it will be easier for you to buy a good commercially prepared calf meal or pellet, and perhaps buy a maintenance feed for the cow as well (12 - 14% protein) in case she needs it. </p><p></p><p>Have lots of contact with them so that you know what is normal and out of character for them. Watch your cow and calf closely for any signs of sickness, such as scours, thick white snot, lethargy, not eating. </p><p></p><p>Try looking up on the internet pictures of body condition score of BCS. Using this you can tell what condition your cow is in and whether you need to increase or decrease her feed. Maybe someone else can tell you the ideal BCS for a cow to be in at weaning, joining and calving, because I'm pretty sure the American and Australian BCS are different and I dont want to confuse you. </p><p></p><p>Good luck, hope this helps and enjoy your cow and calf. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Keren, post: 454471, member: 3195"] Here are a few things I would think about doing: 1. Wean the calf. Give it good feed (eg. calf pellets 18% protein) and hay for 4 to 6 weeks. Then can be put back with the cow but watch that she doesnt try to start sucking again. 2. Get the vet to preg test your cow if you dont know whether she is bred, and give you a rough due date so you are prepared. 3. Make sure vaccinations and wormings are up to date for both of them. Maybe give a mineral supplement as well. 4. The cow should not need any grain/pellets over winter, just good hay, unless she is really thin. I like to use good quality oaten hay, alternating with good lucerne. But I will also use pasture hay (but it varies greatly depending on whats in it), wheaten hay and canola hay. I tend to give hay ad lib and restrict grain to the amount eaten within 8 to 10 minutes. If you are just beginning it will be easier for you to buy a good commercially prepared calf meal or pellet, and perhaps buy a maintenance feed for the cow as well (12 - 14% protein) in case she needs it. Have lots of contact with them so that you know what is normal and out of character for them. Watch your cow and calf closely for any signs of sickness, such as scours, thick white snot, lethargy, not eating. Try looking up on the internet pictures of body condition score of BCS. Using this you can tell what condition your cow is in and whether you need to increase or decrease her feed. Maybe someone else can tell you the ideal BCS for a cow to be in at weaning, joining and calving, because I'm pretty sure the American and Australian BCS are different and I dont want to confuse you. Good luck, hope this helps and enjoy your cow and calf. :) [/QUOTE]
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