Weaning tomorrow

[torogmc81]

We are weaning spring calves tomorrow. My question is whether I should wean our June 22 heifer calf or wait to wean her. But the next calves to wean were born on Aug 25 and Aug 28. So she's just over four months old, born out of a first calf heifer that is still in good condition but doesn't have the best milk supply. We will be keeping this heifer calf to add to our herd. Any suggestions? BTW the weather looks like highs in the mid 70s for the next 10 days at least. Thanks in advance

Justin

 

[Rafter S]

Since she's on a first-calf heifer, I'd probably wean her. And you didn't ask for this opinion, but since her mother doesn't give much milk I probably wouldn't keep her. Why would you want another one like that?

 

[msscamp]

I would agree with Rafter S on everything except not keeping the heifer calf. It is a proven fact that first time heifers don't milk as well as they will the 2nd time around. I would not judge the heifer calf by the performance of her mother the first time around.

 

[Nesikep]

It's true that they don't make as much milk for their first calf, but I've had heifers wean off great looking animals before, and yes, second attempts were usually better, but if this calf isn't up to par I wouldn't keep it. I haven't kept a calf from a heifer in YEARS, just because the "genetic potential" is there, if the calf is stunted because of a lack of milk, it will affect it for the rest of it's life.

If you're certain you want to keep it, I'd keep her on the cow a while longer, and creep feed the calf if possible.

 

[torogmc81]

This first calf heifer went unassisted over night, great maternal and DOC that I want in my herd. Time will tell on the rest. Nesi this is the heifer I posted about that doesn't have a big bag but seems to still be producing enough milk, especially judging by how the calf looked at 6 weeks.

I'm going to see too what the vet says too about weaning today or waiting