msscamp":1gjxyv21 said:
Running Arrow Bill":1gjxyv21 said:
Finally, don't add to your problems by buying any calf that has not been weaned...5 to 7 months old... ;-)
I'm curious as to why buying truck weaned calves would 'add to your problems'? Granted - vigilance is required to avoid death due to illness, but the same thing can happen with 'home-grown' calves. I, personally, would not purchase a lot of calves and immediately throw them in with my raised calves either but, with the proper management, salebarn calves of this age can be successfully raised for a profit. Would you please clarify? Thanks!
Ok...to clarify ;-)
IMO based on many stories I've heard about a "baby" early weaned calf is always a risk. True, some are in excellent health; however, some are marginal...caveat emptor! Yes, you can realize a profit with proper purchases, care, and luck.
The only time we have bought a baby calf is when he/she was "at side" with his dam we bought, from a very reputable breeder...thus, no health problems.
Our program is "obsessive" with quality preventive health care (vaccination program, de-worming, quality hay & minerals, and pasture management). Thus, we've had no problems. We're also a TAHC TB Accredited and Brucellosis Certified disease free herd. We have never had any sickness, illness problems with any of our Longhorns, much less having to give "corrective" medications for those problems; and, have never lost a calf that was born and shortly after nursed.
Of course, everyone's goals and programs are different...
In a nutshell, ANY treatment of a calf (or adult) for sickness (whether do-it-yourself or from a Vet) costs $$ and subtracts from your bottom-line.
And, as you noted, quarantine of ANY new herd additions is most prudent to monitor the new arrivals for any problems (and correcting) before integrating into your existing herd.
