weighing new borns

[tuck]

I'm new to the registered cattle business and I will be getting first newborns in March. What I'm wondering is, do you weigh the calf as soon as possible or let the cow clean it off and dry?

 

[la4angus]

I'm new to the registered cattle business and I will be getting first newborns in March. What I'm wondering is, do you weigh the calf as soon as possible or let the cow clean it off and dry?

Let the mama clean it off and dry it first. Any time in the first 24 hr is good enough. You can't live with them 24/7 to have them weighed before the cow has cleaned and dried them off.

 

[jcarkie]

how do these people with 100's of cattle weigh everyone? or do they?

 

[MikeC]

how do these people with 100's of cattle weigh everyone? or do they?

I throw mine in the back of my mule, tie his feet with bungee cords and go to the barn. Throw him in the chute and weigh, tag him and back to mama he goes. The "Leg Hook" works pretty good for catching them.

Have a neighbor who uses the tape on the feet. Seems to work pretty good, after all, you are only trying to get a contemporary group and the tape will identify the larger and smaller ones.

 

[Victoria]

We let the cows clean them off and the calves have their first drink. Getting a BW is far less important than the calf having their colostrum. Then we attack them.

 

[Scotty]

Momma always gos with me to check calves. We let them dry off. Next a little cake never hurt her so feed her, not to much she is in full milk, then do your work. I can sling and weigh while my wife runs the gambet of protection. Works well. had my first spring reg. calve this AM. 70 lb heifer. Out of DCC Rito Platinum 3J4. 14575900


Scotty

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

We let the cows clean them off and the calves have their first drink. Getting a BW is far less important than the calf having their colostrum. Then we attack them.

That is absolutely correct. Let them get up & suck first - much more important.

 

[DD RANCH]

I have a scale that hangs on the tractor loader when I go to tag and give their first shot I hang'em and get a weight.I also have a scale in the barn for those that go to the barn.