Weaning Calves

[kerley]

Hay is going to be hard to come by and expensive if we don't get much needed rain. I've thought it over and desided to sell my cows as they are older and still in good body condition. I will retain two 18 month old heifers, my Angus Bull and this years calf crop which consists of two heifer and one bull to become a steer for our meat supply.

The problem is my calves are four months old and still nursing. If I pull them off the cow will they survive. My plan is to place them into a smaller area and feed hay and mineral along with high protein grain until they can live off the pasture, which is getting short with no rain in sight.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you, Kerley

 

[randiliana]

That should work for you. We've pulled calves off our cull cows in late July(3-4 months old) for about the last 5 years so we could sell them on the higher market, rather than wait til Oct/Nov when the market has dropped. As long as they are getting enough protein they should grow out well enough.

 

[Hippie Rancher]

cows how old? generally in a drought it would be better to keep cows, cull thoroughly and and ship the calves early

cows are presumably bred and used to the environment - faster returns when conditions improve and in case they are on range, they know the country better than any purchased replacements will.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

He only has 3 cows that calved.
You should be fine with 4 month old calves on grain & hay.