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<blockquote data-quote="Hitch" data-source="post: 454903" data-attributes="member: 6106"><p>There is always something to learn so don't worry too much. Be a good listener and choose your 'advisors' with care - just like anything else in life. My opinions regarding a calf: Weaning around age 2 months may be a generally good target date if the calf is thriving. Personally, I like to introduce the calf (while it contiues to nurse) to good pasture or hay at about two weeks or age - if the calf seems healthy, stable, and growing well. Remember, free access to fresh water daily is critical too. I am a small scale operator and maybe the 'real' cattlemen would not agree with my way of doin' things. Ask folks that clearly are succeeding, and have good looking cattle, for opinions. At weaning time, I like to see the calf already eating a bit of grass/hay and a couple of cups of grain daily. Your local feed store can help you pick the right grain/feed (a growing ration). I personally don't buy feed with any antibiotics or hormones already mixed in. As the calf grows, talk to the feed store, and others, about what/when changes to the feed mixture should take place. Make any changes in feed gradual. When good pasture is available you may consider no grain - I just like to have the cows and calves 'trained' to come to the barn each day for a small grain treat (if the budget can handle the cost of feed). It's easy to spot any worrisome changes early and gives you and the cattle a chance to interact. Regarding hay: I think a mix of good grass and legumes is good for beef. Hopefully, the legumes didn't go to seed before the hay was put up. My opinion is pure clover or alfalfa hay is a bit rich for beef cows (too high in protein and too low in carbs) and beef cattle may not be able to generate all the body heat they need for winter stress. It would be a pretty good choice for a dairy cow that's milking though (better milk production). A general rule of thumb - lots of valid reasons to vary though - is a typical 1,000 - 1,200 lb. beef cow will munch through a ton to ton-and-a half of hay over a 5 -6 month winter feeding period. Again, talk to successful neighbors and don't forget to be on good terms with your county extension agent. Make sure plenty of fresh water is available daily. Make sure the cows have protection from wind and that they can stay dry. A covered three sided shelter may be all you need; probably a good idea if the open side faces south. Good luck and keep learning.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Hitch, post: 454903, member: 6106"] There is always something to learn so don't worry too much. Be a good listener and choose your 'advisors' with care - just like anything else in life. My opinions regarding a calf: Weaning around age 2 months may be a generally good target date if the calf is thriving. Personally, I like to introduce the calf (while it contiues to nurse) to good pasture or hay at about two weeks or age - if the calf seems healthy, stable, and growing well. Remember, free access to fresh water daily is critical too. I am a small scale operator and maybe the 'real' cattlemen would not agree with my way of doin' things. Ask folks that clearly are succeeding, and have good looking cattle, for opinions. At weaning time, I like to see the calf already eating a bit of grass/hay and a couple of cups of grain daily. Your local feed store can help you pick the right grain/feed (a growing ration). I personally don't buy feed with any antibiotics or hormones already mixed in. As the calf grows, talk to the feed store, and others, about what/when changes to the feed mixture should take place. Make any changes in feed gradual. When good pasture is available you may consider no grain - I just like to have the cows and calves 'trained' to come to the barn each day for a small grain treat (if the budget can handle the cost of feed). It's easy to spot any worrisome changes early and gives you and the cattle a chance to interact. Regarding hay: I think a mix of good grass and legumes is good for beef. Hopefully, the legumes didn't go to seed before the hay was put up. My opinion is pure clover or alfalfa hay is a bit rich for beef cows (too high in protein and too low in carbs) and beef cattle may not be able to generate all the body heat they need for winter stress. It would be a pretty good choice for a dairy cow that's milking though (better milk production). A general rule of thumb - lots of valid reasons to vary though - is a typical 1,000 - 1,200 lb. beef cow will munch through a ton to ton-and-a half of hay over a 5 -6 month winter feeding period. Again, talk to successful neighbors and don't forget to be on good terms with your county extension agent. Make sure plenty of fresh water is available daily. Make sure the cows have protection from wind and that they can stay dry. A covered three sided shelter may be all you need; probably a good idea if the open side faces south. Good luck and keep learning. [/QUOTE]
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