Young Cows always in bad condition??

[charlie01]

We have a small group of 2nd time shorthorn calvers. We purchased them as they looked like and even healthy line of heifers. Ever since they have always seemed to be thin. They currently have calves on them at the moment, but also another mob in the paddock next to them have calves and they are in good condition. Im really confused as to what is wrong, could it be a lack of nutrition from the feed (going into spring so there is feed) or maybe they just need a drench?? any idea's as to what it could be??

Thanks

 

[Chris H]

I don't know Australian climate & pastures, but here in the USA we have wide variations in climate & pasture conditions. Animals acclimated to one climate and forage may take a couple years to acclimate to another climate & forage.
You could have a worm problem.
Were they grain fed as they were raised, and now they are not? A heifer grown on a heavy grain diet is going to look pretty, until they've got a calf on them and are expected to raise a calf, get rebred, and finish growing just on grass or hay.
Is the mob next to them also 3 year olds with 2nd calves? Were they raised on your place, or purchased?

 

[aprille218]

If they haven't been dewormed it's usually a good idea to go ahead and do so to.