What was I thinking??

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nocows

nocows

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Sep 8, 2017
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MO
For no reason what so ever I bought a bottle calf today, like I really need another chore to do morning and evening :lol:

All I can do is laugh about it I am not really sure why I even bought it, price was right and it's close to home so I just couldn't resist.

Really hoping my 6 year old son will take to raising it, maybe give him some responsibility. It was a twin to a heifer and the cow wouldn't take both, she did get colostrum and seems healthy. She's a little on the small side I figure if nothing else I can blend it in with our calves that are due end of February/March when it's time to sell.

https://postimg.cc/G8qWDtmf
 
Great way to give your son an incentive. Does he like your cattle anyway? Tell him, that she is his if he helps to feed it and take care of it. Yes you will be footing the bill, but a good way to teach kids to think about the welfare of an animal that is relying on him to eat. When it gets older, give him the option of selling it along with yours and he will have some money to put in the bank, and some he can actually spend a little, or keep her and raise up and see if she will be a good cow for him to start his own herd.
Both twins were heifers right? So no problems with her being a possible free martin.
If he really likes the cows and this gives him a start, then if nothing else, it can help him build a college fund. And if there is a 4-h club, I think they have to be 7 to maybe show? Give him something to try too. I was never into showing cattle, but some of the kids really get into it and some do it and it's just okay. If he doesn't really get into helping, then it's something you tried. They have showmanship type classes so the animals don't have to be purebred....
 
Thanks for the input lots of very good ideas there, we went and picked her up tonight and he was excited.

I already know I’ll be doing the morning feeding as it’ll be too early for him but he’ll be able to feed her in the afternoons.

She is a twin but the other calf was also a heifer.

The cow was red angus and the bull was black angus. The twins were one of each color that that was kind of neat.

Not sure what to expect as far as growth she’s pretty small, guessing 50lbs or so either way this will be a good start for him.

The 4-H age limit is 7 so he’ll have to wait but hope this will be a good experience for him.

Did have a question about the milk replacer, I’ve always bought or used the medicated milk replacer. Was planning on getting the suckle pro but it was non medicated ended up buying the Purina it’s 24% protein and 16% fat... has anyone used this before?
 
Medicated milk replacer has basically gone the way of VFD. Don't know the type of Purina you got as I use a brand my local mill has when I need it. Just make sure it is ALL MILK protein. NOT SOY BASED. Most that I use are 20% protein and 20% fat. I have a feeling that the one you got has soy, as that usually ups the protein. The calves do not utilize the soy well, and it will not help this one being a twin. You can utilize it when she gets old by mixing it with the all milk, but she really needs all milk. Whey is a byproduct of milk so is fine if that is listed.
 

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