We took him to a commerical scale. He weighed 689 lbs. If my math is right, he gained an average of 3.38 lbs a day. Since he is 5 months old, how will his weight gain change? Stay steady or go down a bit? Is it best to wean him or leave him on momma? She isn't rebred yet so condition isn't a problem. We want a change her to a fall calf rather than a summer one. What do you think he will weigh on March the 1st?
Weighted the Bull Calf
- Thread starter ffamom
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That is a very good weight for 5 months. I will keep him on the cow for another 2 months since you want the cow to calf later, nothing beats milk for growing out a calf. Feeding a lactating cow in winter might be a concern for you, I'm in SA and don't know your conditions, but if possible let him nurse till he is at least 7 months old.
He should easily continue to gain at 3lbs a day, possibly more. Just be carefull that he doesn't get so fat that lumps start appearing next to the tailhead as they are hard to get rid of. If he puts on too much condition reduce the energy in his feed.
From my experience if he remains a bull his growth spurt will really start at about 11 months (more or less puberty, he same growth spurt boys get around 15). If he is castrated that usually starts a bit later unless he gets an implant.
He should easily continue to gain at 3lbs a day, possibly more. Just be carefull that he doesn't get so fat that lumps start appearing next to the tailhead as they are hard to get rid of. If he puts on too much condition reduce the energy in his feed.
From my experience if he remains a bull his growth spurt will really start at about 11 months (more or less puberty, he same growth spurt boys get around 15). If he is castrated that usually starts a bit later unless he gets an implant.
